Addy

I boast about quitting that corporate job because it was a clean break, although my boss caught me walking out the door. There was no arguing, no crying, no pleading to stay that would turn into it being my fault for leaving. When I told him sternly I was going home, he asked if I was coming back - asked if I wanted to talk about it. I calmly told him "no," then turned my back and walked out. I never spoke with him again.

Oooooh, I was so proud of myself. Fear struck when I realized future interviews would be difficult, especially if they were able to contact my boss directly. He would have also instructed their Human Resources to say something nasty. I had references from two senior vice presidents, but they both walked out too - one went back to California, the other to Wisconsin.

I decided to take my chances and be honest. I said the same thing you said. I couldn't support him yelling at everyone - it's inexcusable. I couldn't support him taking out his anger on his employees to feed his power trip - they did nothing to deserve his ridicule. I couldn't put myself in their place, because financial wealth shouldn't be the only goal in life - or a reason to sacrifice life.

I got right back into the hospital where I used to work, working in Administration. They could have easily looked up my previous work record. Some of them knew me, but the people I interviewed with didn't know me from Eve - so I hope it wasn't clout that got me back in.

The woman I worked for had a heart of gold, and it was an honor to work for her. Even stressful days were good days because we were on the same page where it counts.

I'm not sure what type of government job you're going for, but I don't see how your reason for leaving is bad - unless their looking for the heartless-greedy-gambler type. If they were to get wind of you taking a stress break, it would only show you're more than ready to move on and work for them.

Thought I'd just toss in my bid for the day.