For some context I have worked either two jobs at a time and/or over 60 hrs a week from age 14… Till now (20+ years later). I was about to say “oh I quit doing that in 2019” when I finally started to have boundaries and briefly tried to work only 40 hrs (which didn't happen most of the time) but in 2021 I took on a second freelance job after hours.
I will say I have clawed my way up with little help (not that I am entirely without some privileges), and now I make a really good salary… And I only do the freelance to pay off my home (which I bought in 2019 only because my mortgage was cheaper than rent in my area at the time) early, so that I have less in bills and can take this break. I keep my finances very tight and my bills very low, so not having to pay for or worry about housing will be a huge relief.
But because of the state of the world I feel so guilty at the idea of taking 6 months and doing nothing… And then ideally changing my field entirely. I just don't want to work this hard or be this stressed anymore. I just can't do it. I'd also love to do work that's more meaningful.
I guess I just need a little help to ease my conscience.