Today, I did something I have done before, but have not done in over three years. Something that takes a lot of thought, a lot of planning - and a lot of guts. Something that could literally change the course of a person's life for better or for worse - and something I am already thankful I did - I quit my job.

I have worked for the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission since January of 2002, and since my first day, I have seen it all. From protests to press conferences, from ribbon cuttings to rate increases - and from celebrities to criminals - the two years I spent at the TLC could rival some people's entire careers.

And now - it's all over.

My last day at work was today, which was our - I mean their - Individual Medallion Sale bid opening. When I woke up this morning, it didn't feel like today would be my last day at the TLC - until I arrived at the Tischman Auditorium, the site of the bid opening. From the moment I arrived, all of my friends that I work with were already saying their good-byes. And as the time I was supposed to leave drew ever closer, I realized that this would indeed be the last time I would work with any of those people, people I have spent years working with side by side almost every day.

The reason I chose to quit my job is a simple one - I want to move onward and upward. I have spent two years working for the TLC and a total of five years working for City government in three different agencies - the Department of Buildings, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Taxi & Limousine Commission. From amusement park accidents, to taxi fires - to the horror of September 11th - I have done my bit for King and Country - and now I would like to do something for myself.

Don't get me wrong, working for the government is exhilarating, enlightening - and rewarding. As a City official, you are given a sense of "immortality" that comes with the job in the form of authority, access - and respect. You are also given many of life's amenities that one would normally have to acquire and pay for on their own - such as a cell phone, laptop, and car. And the benefits are incredible, from full medical coverage that includes dental and eye care - to a deferred compensation account that in only three years time has earned me over $15,000.

But despite all that - I choose a mortal life.

Despite the wonderful "perks" that come with a government job - there are also some drawbacks. For example, when my book, I've Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway was published, I was unable to appear on any television or radio programs to promote it, because a City official cannot do such things. Also, as much as I would loved to have this column published in a newspaper, that would be a conflict of interest, despite the fact that several papers offered me the opportunity to do so. And, as part of my job, I was on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week, which saw my Nextel go off at let's just say some rather "inopportune" times.

So with five years of serving the people of my City in three different agencies under my belt, I felt it was time to hang up my badge - and return to the private sector.

With many ideas and opportunities ahead of me, as well as a nice chunk of change to start me off, I am ready to begin the next chapter of my life. I am hungry to spend some time doing public relations for myself for a change - and I eagerly await whatever lies ahead of me.

Bring it on!