I like Halloween, but I love October 31st.
It was exactly five years ago, on a Friday like this, that I worked my final day at my last day job. Five years of cartooning more or less full time, and being a stay-at-home dad full time and then some. Five years of diapers, ink, coffee, and immeasurable fun.
I remember agonizing over whether or not to give my boss two weeks notice. It was the kind of place where they very possibly would ask you to gather up your things and leave then and there. My friend in HR assured me that I was well-liked, and she was sure they'd keep me on. She was right and I worked on "special projects" for the next 10 business days.
Just in case, I had dreamed up a scenario where my costume would be me, looking disheveled, dressed in rumpled sweats, with a diaper stuck to my shoulder. When asked "what are you supposed to be?" I would answer "A stay-at-home dad. Can we talk in your office?" I'm glad it didn't go that way, both for my peace of mind, and our pocketbook.
It hasn't always been easy. Keeping a close eye on the kids, the budget, and the calendar occasionally leads to some very early mornings (I'm writing this at 5 AM about a week and half early to fit it in) but I wouldn't trade it for anything!
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Congratulations, my inky pal! Cartoonworld is a better place for you being in it, although, I do think your son may well be on his way to being funnier than you.
Thanks!
And that's why the boy is going to that military academy. Gonna march the funny right outa him!
I'm still looking forward to the day that I myself will quit my day job to go full time. That day seems very far though. (sigh)
Congratulations brother!! It's been fun watching you succeed and find happiness all the way around !!
Oh……I forgot……Loved that you posted Grandpa Ivyl on your website. He was the strongest, smartest and most loved guy. I miss him and Grandma Phyllis too. They were outstanding people!!
Congrats!
Congrats Mark!
Congratulations, Mark! Five years is a big chunk of time and it looks like you made every second count. Funny guy.
Hey Mark, I might be a couple days late, but a HUGE congrats on your five year anniversary! I hope the next five are just as nice, if not better.