tell me stories

 I don't think I have ever quit a real (meaning not short-term and understood that people will stay awhile) job for reasons other than relocating or serious conflict. Have you? 

If so, tell me about it. How did you handle making the break? How did your colleagues handle it? It you gave notice, what was the lame duck period like? How did you feel about the decision before and after?

I think the administrators at work are being absolute freaks about my leaving, but I don't know what's normal. Give me a basis for comparison?