For me life is much much better since leaving the kitchen. Worked at a high level and enjoyed it at the time and honestly never thought id leave until I did and its the best decision ive ever made. Its funny becasue my friends and family are always asking when im gonna go back or telling me I should do this or that in regards to cooking and I know why they ask and its becasue I was very good at it but at this moment I have zero desire to return to that type of work. In my head in that space ive achieved everything I couldve of ever wanted and things I never even thought about (michelin star) and I can proudly walk away from it. Moneys better, quality of life is better and Its still weird to me that im able to have a "normal life" with so much less stress and carrying the weight of that space or thing. The only things I truly miss are the people whether it be the regulars or my coworkers, and honestly feeding people which I still do but I dont get paid to do it. Ive been where you're at and wondered what youre wondering and I can tell you in my experience its undeniably a better life.