Resigned from Zend
As my family and a few close friends already know, I have quit Zend. While unfortunate, it was necessary.
My sister Amy once told me that, sometimes, "people don't quit their jobs, they quit their managers" and that is definitely the case here. The people I worked with are some of the best I've ever known (Mike, Matthew, Lucas, and everyone else). The work itself was great; although I got to develop some portions of the new Zend Framework, most of my work was internal-only, and I'm happy I was able to be of service to them. Unfortunately, my manager and I just did not work well together. I thought I could adapt myself to his style, but after three months of back-and-forth it wasn't happening. In the end, there was no reasonable solution other than to tender my resignation, which I did last Tuesday, and my last full day was last Wednesday.
So what's next? I've got enough saved to live on comfortably for the next few months, longer if I go into austerity measures. I think I'm going to take some "me" time for the next few weeks. I can catch up on my reading, work on bringing the core of Solar to a full stable release, drive around and see some friends and family, even start blogging more. After that I can start looking for work again; I think I've earned a bit of vacation time. :-)
Update (next day) ... I don't know what to say; the flood of support and good will from everyone has been amazing. I had no idea. I think I've replied personally to everyone who posted a comment or sent an email; if I have not, please accept my apologies, and my thanks for your good wishes. Thank you all so much. :-)