The decision: to stay in my current position as a community organizer/canvasser/field manager (meaning not only do I do the work, but I teach other people how also), or to take a job a friend offered? It came down to an essential conflict:

work I believe in, and a possible/likely promotion in a couple months

vs.

fewer hours and better, more stable pay -- allowing me time and energy for artistic and literary pursuits I've been neglecting

Neither is a career for me in and of itself; both positions are a means to an end. So, it's come down to a matter of priorities, of what I value more. The first, I'm sure, would look better on a resumé, but then, so would the expanded portfolio of work from the second. The second would also allow me the luxury of relative solitude, though the work itself wouldn't be as interesting. Granted, I've never had a problem keeping myself entertained.

As I thought and jotted down more pros and cons, the more I found myself putting time-related things on the "Pro" side for this new job; my current work -- well, it's nonprofit work, long hours with lots of energy put in. There is no way to reduce these hours and keep the position, since I'm not in school presently. I've realized that at this point in my life, time is very important to me. I live alone and have no responsibilities to a spouse, children, or even a pet; at what other time in my life will I be more primed to reduce my time commitment to work and keep my expenses low for the sake of making art?

I won't bore you with the other factors; what I gave you was the crux of it. The decision is made -- I made the decision: I am quitting my job, a job I always appreciate and often love; I am quitting it to buy myself some time (and energy), to reinvest in the things that I love more, things that I've been letting slide in the past nine months of this work. And, wonder of wonders in this economy, I am quitting it to take another job.

Wish me luck.