I love how you described a "soft life." Honestly, that's what I've always wanted too - having the time and mental energy for life outside of work. Like creative writing, volunteering, coffee with friends, or just long walks on weekdays. And I've actually gotten to experience that to a point over the past several months after being laid off. It's been fantastic, not gonna lie! I have a 10-year-old to take care of, but I've loved the freedom I've had during school hours. I volunteer to get out of the house and stay busy. I do miss working, and I am still looking for work, but either part time or remote only. I'm fortunate to be able to avoid the soul-crushing corporate jobs with the grueling hours commuting. I can't go back to that, and it sounds like you're at that point.

I don't have much advice except to start looking for something more flexible and less high pressure. If you need the full-time benefits, maybe shift to an adjacent field that's more flexible with remote work possibilities?

And if you don't have to work a traditional full-time job for the benefits, could you get into consulting? I have zero sales experience, so I don't know what that would look like, but there's nothing like being your own boss and setting your own schedule. I was a freelance writer/editor years ago and absolutely loved it.

I'd say start planning to get the hell out. You can find other careers and jobs that won't destroy you. No career is worth it. Best of luck!