Everything happens for a reason...so you almost lost your job...
You have decided your job is more important than drinking....and that you need "some space" from your friends...your so right it doesn't have to be forever...you are putting yourself and your sobriety first and it is so important for us to do that if we are to be succesful and have fullfilling lives.
I promise you because I have had long term sobriety....if you put sobriety first and work on yourself for a little while...you WILL become strong enough to even hang with those old friends again if that is what you want in the future.
You should be proud of yourself for making good choices for yourself.
Yes, my evening is good...I'm sober and resting....and pretty OK with it.