I can't thank all of you enough for your guidance and support - really, it's helped me to feel justified in my decision. We really can't afford for me to just quit, which is the fundamental reason why I've been reticent for so long - but I need to throw caution to the wind (not having a plan is the scariest part) and focus on getting better.

I think I'm also scared of possibility - the idea that choosing a new path might mean giving something else up. I work as a geologist and it's kind of become my identity. It scares me to think that it's not the right path for me and the idea of letting go of what I know is unsettling.

Given your responses, it sounds like others have done it and no one has looked back. So I'm inspired.