To just quit and take a year out

[SwishSwishBisch]

I am 40 and I have hated my job for a long time. I have procrastinated & over-thought changing career for years but I’ve only recently started exploring it properly, but just now I don’t have any firm idea what I might be able to do instead.
I’d like to just leave and figure the rest out after a proper reset. I have enough in savings to take a year out at a similar level of ‘income’ and also to keep some invested longer term. I am mortgage free. I am single, I don’t have kids.
But I am worried about what the next year(s) might bring about in terms of the job market, financial markets and all that stuff. Would I be completely mad to just quit and take the year to figure my shit out?
YANBU = go for it
YABU = don’t quit
(Also, feel free to share any inspiring stories/cautionary tales if you’ve done anything remotely similar!)

Glad you're going for it, OP. I'm excited for you.

Best of luck on your journey.
You're making the right decision, going to a job you hate every day is soul crushing.

I think that you should have a bit more of a plan. Could you take a month off then do something to gain experience in your new field of work. If you’re planning to move into a new industry how will you finance your retraining? I would also consider that although you’re in a great position with savings if you worked a different job during your time out then you’ll be able to take longer out.
Have you considered working part time in the same industry? Just taking more time for yourself might be enough.
I have retrained and started my career again and it’s not as easy as it seems. I’m not saying don’t go for it but don’t fritter away your savings with no plan.
I’d personally ask for a sabbatical if your industry does that type of a thing then try to shadow someone doing the job you’d like to make sure the reality measures up to your expectations.
Most of all best of luck!

@Hunderland

Can you take a sabbatical? Give yourself some time away from work, travel but look for another job before quitting this one.

I was about to suggest this.

How will this effect your pension. Not saying that this should override anything but at least crunch the numbers just so you know.

I'm excited for you too !

It sounds as if you're in the perfect position to do this so GO FOR IT!!!

A sabbatical is not going to get her away from a job she hates.

I had people telling me not to do it too, and I listened to them for far too long. It worked out great for me, and others I know who have done something similar.