The worst thing to happen to me was also the best. Back in 2006 I put in my 2 week notice after 5 exemplary years at the company. With 3 days to go I was fired for a frivolous reason (my boss was a vindictive type of guy). I was supposed to continue working part time for the company but getting fired put an end to that, that's why he did it. That motivated me to take a year off and prepare for a career change. The new career was software engineering, and now I make four times what I did back then, and I work fewer hours and have less stress. Funny how life works out sometimes.