I think i’ve completely lost perspective so would appreciate some advice ....
I’m a specialist in a company for over thirty years. I hate it - a 50 year old dinosaur in a world of bright, swishy, sales-y people who are half my age, full of energy and working 18-hour days to climb the career ladder. My friends have moved on over the years and it’s hard to make new ones when social stuff is in the evenings. Managers have come and gone and my career has stalled, I’m now managed by the people I trained up 5-10 years ago. I can’t move jobs in my area of expertise as the company acquired its only competitor a while back.
What’s keeping me is that I’m paid very well. The job has great flexibility. And I like the work (but hate the company).
I tell myself that I should be grateful for what I have and this is my choice. I chose a specialist area which narrowed my job prospects. I leave at 6pm to see the kids rather than work late with managers or going out to a bar. I didn’t opt in to the career game and pander to the right people, instead I took significant leave when the kids were younger etc etc
But I feel crap. I’m demoralised, miserable and alone at work. I think about quitting every day but then the thought of starting over again and re-skilling at 50 makes me want to cry. We can afford me not working with some serious cost cutting but then I don’t know what I’d do every day as I’ve worked since I was 16.
AIBU to leave even if it means not working again?