We’ve all had jobs that we hated. You vividly remember the ones: The wretched boss. The crappy hours. The slave wages. The idiotic co-workers. And who could ever forget the customers.

Many months ago, my wife landed a much-needed full-time job. Her previous job had drastically cut back her hours and it was tough going, with my being entirely out of work. That job was a salvation but came with a price: Her happiness.

Having spent many years working for bosses who drag your down, instead of help build you up, I saw the warning signs right off the bat. I jokingly told her, “Wow, that’s exactly like my old boss ______.” But in reality, I was worried about her. See, Keli’s not like me because she’s an eternal optimist.

She always looks at the good and hopes the bad just moves out-of-the-way. I knew that after not too much time, working for such a person would start to drain her of that vivacious personality that makes her so amazing. Things started to get kind of bleak and she wasn’t her usual self.

Until yesterday when she got a call-back about a job offer that she really wanted. This was an opportunity for a better company, better pay, and a better work environment that just came out of nowhere and fell into her lap.

I couldn’t be happier for her and this new opportunity!

On the flip side, it’s odd being on this side of things. Keli’s stood by me as new career opportunities came my way with complete support. It’s sort of disorienting for me to be on the sidelines, cheering her on instead of being the one being cheered on.

I guess what it all comes down to is this: We’re a team and when one of us is a happier person with a job they don’t loathe, that makes the entire team happier.