I said, "You're thinking about this just way too early." But the point isthat what happens once you start kind of quietly leaning back? Everyone who'sbeen through this — and I'm here to tell you, once you have a child at home,your job better be really good to go back, because it's hard to leave that kidat home. Your job needs to be challenging. It needs to be rewarding. You need tofeel like you're making a difference. And if two years ago you didn't take apromotion and some guy next to you did, if three years ago you stopped lookingfor new opportunities,you're going to be bored because you should have kept yourfoot on the gas pedal. Don't leave before you leave. Stay in. Keep your foot onthe gas pedal, until the very day you need to leave to take a break for a child— and then make your decisions. Don't make decisions too far in advance,particularly ones you're not even conscious you're making.
