I made a choice a month ago, that got me all sorts of reactions from the outside world. I decided to quit my job to spend more time with my family. This, on its own, is something we have all heard and approve of, given the inherent failure of the current corporate structure to reconcile the careers and family life for women. I, however, do not have children, and therefore, the mixed reactions.

I decided to quit my 70-hour week, Silicon Valley startup job, because I wanted to spend more time with my husband (when I was not stressed out and actually paying attention to what happened in _his_ day), with my sister (who lives half way across the world and comes to visit for a month every year and a half), and with my friends (who, in the absence of immediate family here, have taken on the roles of guides, confidants, and fellow bitches).

What was amazing to me was the additional steps I had to take as a non-mother to justify my decision. Yes, I could hack it, and yes, I liked the job, and yes, I still do intend to further my career. Just decided to go about it on my terms. And boy, it feels good.