I had a similar transformation during the pandemic. I ended up getting laid off, but used that time to start a consulting business. Now I'm in control of how much I work, where I work and how much work dominates my life. Do I miss the steady salary? Yes (especially right now during the summer slowdown). But my overall happiness working this way is worth it

Good point re. not being super accommodating. I'm also a fan of not prolonging the process. Once you've made the decision to leave, do so as quickly as you can. Put the experience in the past and move on to something better. Don't let revenge-quitting fantasies live rent-free in your mind. There's a reason those moments exist as entertainment

Thanks so much! The more we share, the better off we all become

Lol, there's always hope!

Any time I hear a friend or family member covet someone else's bigger house or more expensive toy, I always ask them "but how did that person pay for it? Are they really making more than you, or are they leveraged up to their tits?" That usually brings the compare and despair portion of the conversation to a halt.