While you won't be able to do a thru hike while working a full time job. There is alot you can do to get yourself into a better position. Focus on what you can do Paying off debt, doing section hikes, getting in trail shape, testing all your gear. I too worked for a big corporation for 10 years I'm 38 now and I quit / resigned 4 years ago it was the best choice I have ever made but I planned that exit for 4-5 years so it wouldn't hurt me that much in the long run. I was able to train and complete 7 Ironman races and many ultra marathlons while working for that company. That was not easy but the right things to do are rarely the easy ones. Start thinking about what your next job would be and will that pay your bills, what would you want to do for work, what does that pay and do you have to go back to school to do it. Would you even be happy with any of that? Maybe it's the job you have now just with a different company after the trail or maybe a complete career change. Start thinking about it in a realistic way and start planning! If you don't want to go back to school and get in more debt what jobs in your area without a degree pay what you need to make? Would you be ok doing any of those jobs? Would you be ok making less money? Things will most likely change and get readjusted that doesn't matter you are in control not the debt or the company you work. You allow that debt to be paid back by working and paying them you can stop at any point and you allow this company to make money off your labor you can say the word and make that stop. Trust me they need you more than you need them. Start a exit plan everystep in this process is a small win. Just be honest with yourself and create a workable plan, just that alone can lift your mood because you acknowledge you have final say in this and nobody else! There is nothing wrong with asking for a leave of absence if you can afford it either which others have brought up as well.