Aibu to want a less demanding job

[Kayakqueen]

I am a single parent to 3 dc and currently work 35 hours a week in a job that I find really stressful, for which I don’t get particularly well paid (29k). I retrained as a mature student and have been in the sector for about 3 years so there is still plenty of room for me to progress and the expectation in my company is that I will progress quickly, however I have realised I don’t want a senior role in this industry due to the demands it would place on me.

I am particularly sensitive to stress both at home and at work and I am constantly on edge and worrying mostly about work and childcare for work. I go though phases of depression usually triggered by work or financial worries. I don’t sleep well and I often don't parent well either because of how I feel.

I have just had 2 weeks of leave and I am so stressed about the thought going back to work. It’s got me thinking about whether I want to continue working in my current job or find a less challenging job that means I can just live my life without carrying work stress around all the time.

AIBU to consider giving up a “career” to go and work in a less mentally demanding role? Has anyone done this and found it improved their lives or did you regret it?

I can completely understand the temptation, but I wonder if actually progressing with a career type job might make your life less stressful, not more.
Otten the lowest rung of the ladder does the worst job, with the most micro management, the least autonomy, the worst pay, the least flexibility etc
So by stepping aside from a career you might leave yourself locked in that cycle forever. Whereas it could be a temporary hell and you move through and out the other side by progressing

Lone parent for many years here. Now is the time to push through this. You need to progress, earn more, then you can throw money at some of these issues like childcare and maybe some therapy to help you reframe work so you don’t get anxious about it.