Is The Grass Always Greener? - I Think Not

I took off work early today. I had won this contest at work that allowed me to take 2 hours off early and receive no new files. So I promptly packed by bag and left work a couple hours early and raced home...eager to enjoy my extra 2 hours. I went home and rested and then went to the gym. Not wanting to run, I had to force myself to go the 3.5 miles before looking in the mirror to see myself as the walking ball of sweat I was. I came home, showered, and traveled to Starbucks to relax. It had been a while since I just sat back and listened to music and completely enjoyed an evening by myself.

The last few weeks have been non stop for me...at least in my mind they have been. My work had driven me to the breaking point. I had no strength left to give to my work. I had received 4 calls from recruiters at other jobs wanting to set up telephone interviews, in-person interviews, etc. Then last week, my job assignment at work changed...for the better. I am handling different cases now which tend to be a bit less stressful. So the number of cases I am currently handling has dropped dramatically. I decided not to pursue any of the other potential job offers.

Truth of the matter is that I actually love the company I work for. My company has been good to me...no...not just good to me. It has been great to me. I make good money for what I do, and there is not a single person in my office that I do not get along with. The have good benefits and a great profit sharing and pension program for my future. At this point in my life, these benefits outweigh the negatives that rise to the surface every now and then.

I have invested the last 5 years of my life into my current company, and it is strange but I feel a sense of loyalty to the company. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence..especially in my industry. I quit my company once before and re-hired with them. The decision to quit was for a very good reason, but it was not completely thought through. The decision to re-hire with them was an even better decision. The next time I make any career move, every possible outcome will be considered.