Okay yes this is another “should I quit my job” post, but hear me out.
I’m 38, single, no kids. I’m renting, living alone. Canada. I’ve had a 12 year career at an insane tech company. I’m deeply unhappy with the industry/corporate life as it exists today. I have money. I want to take some time off to figure out my life, even if that doesn’t mean making a bunch of money anymore.
Let’s say you had 100k. Your living expenses for a year are around 50k (padded). You still have 50k, and a secret other 100k but you really don’t want to touch it (investments). You could live for minimum a year. Maximum 2-3 years. You don’t have kids, or anyone depending on you.
You do have an elderly dog you want to spend more time with. Parents that are getting older. Friends you’ve lost touch with due to burn out.
You really don’t want to live the way you are, the person you are. Your goal is ultimately finding some sort of happiness through hobbies, community, volunteering, figuring out who you are as a person. Trying new things like starting a business, working at a coffee shop.
My job and life has become unbearable. I’ve become unbearable. Also yes I have a therapist and on meds that help. It’s been 3-5 years of nonstop job stress. I did take a 3 month leave at some point which didnt help long term.
Is it still a terrible idea? Am I going to end up unemployed and homeless forever? Will the world ever get better? I have a real fear that my job is going to cause long lasting mental problems from chronic stress, leading me incapable of working either way.
What would you do in my sitch? Also let’s say you quit, what would you spend your time doing to help you understand long term wants/goals?