I was nervous going into the meeting today- not sure how my news would be received. I left the meeting feeling as high as a kite.

In a nutshell (probably won't be a nutshell- it'll be a novel, I'll betcha), she said, "I'm sure you know why you're here- [director of training] and I want you to be a part of our team". I told her that I hated disappointing her, but I wouldn't be moving to her team and outlined my reasons.

I further told her that this was an extremely difficult decision for me, and that I'd spent many hours going over it in my head. I also told her that training is something I love and it's going to be very difficult for me to give it up.

We talked for a while, and she showed me where I would have been on the org chart. I had no idea it was such a senior level position, which of course would have meant more money. But you know what? I wouldn't have liked it. It was managing people who do what I wanted to do; and we all know that it's my goal to never manage people again.

Kids, I dodged a bullet.

In the end, she told me that the thought I'd put into this and the reasons I'd given made her 'love' me even more and she told me that if I *EVER* change my mind or get buyers remorse or laid off- she will *MAKE* a job for me. She said that this was going to break [director of training]'s heart, so I told her that I'd tell him myself. I do adore the guy and would love to work with him again.

We'd never met in person before but really *understood* each other. She seemed a kindred spirit. I know that's weird, right? But she must have felt the same thing because she asked me if she could hug me at the end of the interview.

Well, of course! I love getting my hugs!

I'm SO glad that I ran into that guy on the bus this morning because I know he was placed there for a reason. If I wasn't so sure of this, I probably would have waffled and taken the job- for all the wrong reasons.

I know I did the right thing for me. She told me that I could be an 'honorary' corporate trainer and that she was going to put me on her org chart in white font. That made me laugh and I told her I'd be honored.

So, there we are kids. The hard part is over.

The best part (as if all of this wasn't good enough), is that she said it'll be a long time before they'll be able to take my stuff on- so I'll get to continue doing the things I love. Who knows, maybe I'll never have to give it up.

I feel blessed today, as I do most days, and that's a wonderful thing.