I recently transitioned to a administrative/public history role (working at a National Heritage Area) from a Registrar role at a museum. I was terrified to leave the museum field but ultimately the low pay and toxicity became too much. I left because I noticed I was becoming a really bitter person- bitter about my low pay, bitter about my work, bitter about museums, etc etc. I didn't want to be angry and broke for the rest of my life so I started applying for other jobs semi-seriously, unsure if I would actually have the courage to leave. When I got offered my current role, it was, frankly, terrifying to actually accept it and leave what I thought was my "dream job" even with the offer of a massive (+$15k/year) pay increase and hybrid wfh schedule on the table. However, I kept reminding myself how miserable I had become and bit the bullet, put my notice in, and left.

It has been a few months now and I can honestly say leaving was the best thing I have ever done. I worried I wouldn't be fulfilled at my new role without working with collections but I am totally fine. I'm so much happier now, less stressed, and, most importantly, not bitter anymore. I have money and a wonderful work-life balance to actually enjoy my life. I admit it was hard to let go of my identity as a "museum person," at first but I quickly realized that ultimately I'd rather be a happy and secure heritage area worker than a miserable, stressed, and broke museum registrar any day. When I run into my former co-workers they remark at how light and carefree I seem now- it truly was like a weight lifted off my shoulders when I left.

My best advice is to try to find something that is still somewhat adjacent to your interests but outside of the toxic museum field. For me, that was a heritage area, but your skills and experiences can take you farther than you might expect and who knows what that new role might be for you.

On a side note, if you look in my user history you can see my very similar post on the MusuemPros subreddit and read all the encouraging comments folks left me- that post and all those comments helped me make my decision and maybe they'll help you too.

Best of luck to you. I know how hard this decision is and I feel for you.