<prompt> Human: Ive been lurking with my regular account, learning a lot from all of you, enough that I made a throwaway to share personal details anonymously.Im a 52 year old IT manager, Ive been thinking of leaving after 15 years at a major financial institution. The projects Im associated with are about to take a new direction and they have told me they want my role to evolve in a way very different from the career path Im comfortable with. Ive tried to generate an interest for the past four months - I just have none.I make 170k and have 700k in retirement, 100k savings, I have 250k equity in a house I owe around 340k on. Ill get another 50k when I leave between bonus and vacation payout. I own both my cars outright and have no other debt. Livening in Los Angeles.In 15 years, Ive never been able to make a dent in personal projects for myself. My plan is to take on two projects - one is illustration Im a former art major and the other is to finish my house and sell it. I want to focus on these for a year, and possibly incorporate some consulting along the way. I want to see who I am if I give myself the chance to chill out and organically discover it.I dont mind doing something unconventional. I have no dependents, Ive always been comfortable with risk. I think the bigger risk for me would be to stay another 5 years and be disappointed that I did. The market for people with my skills is strong right now, particularly in Los Angeles, but I really dont want to get tied down right away.Of course there is my monthly mortgage at 3k and I know insurance will be one of my bigger expenses. Im worried Ive become used to a cush lifestyle but Ive lived in a tiny studio before and feel like belt-tightening and a more thoughtful approach to spending would be healthy.What am I forgetting, not giving enough consideration to?  <response>: I suggest staying with your high paying job and doing your projects on the side, perhaps on weekends. Maybe you need to take a vacation to recharge your batteries, enjoy a few days of break from work and collect your thoughts.Your plans have a lot of ifs about it. You cannot really say if they could work, a new job may have new problems etc. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. And perhaps the projects at your current work may in future lead to interesting directions that you may like. You never know.And how about working for a few more years, saving and investing as much as you can, and working towards an early retirement FIRE ? 