I work in technology in a very niche speciality. If you had asked me earlier this month what I thought of my job, I would have told you that while I loved my co-workers, I hated my boss and my (relatively) low pay, and wanted to leave.

Two weeks ago, I was informed that upper management has decided to shut down our local office in July. Most employees, myself included, were given the choice of moving to the other side of the country or being laid off. Relocation was not an option for me (for personal reasons), and finding a local job in my niche was a fool's errand.

Two frantic weeks of job searching, and I found a new one. Local to me. In my speciality. With a huge (50%+) pay raise. With the leading company in my field. It turns out they have a new customer in my city, and they needed local talent fast.

The last two weeks have been a crazy emotional roller coaster for me. After I put in my resignation yesterday, I sat in stunned silence for half an hour. I'm simultaneously relieved for myself, and sad for all my co-workers who are going to be laid off or forced to move. And I can't believe my good fortune.

Be careful what you wish for. Sometimes, you might actually get it.