<prompt> Human: I had a high paying job as a chemical engineer, but hated everything about it. I was competent and accurate in everything I did, and I was good at it. But I hated everything about the job, what it did to me mentally, physically, and emotionally, and just couldnt do it anymore. I quit on a whim and now Im a janitor at a grocery store, but Im happier than Ive ever been. The loss in salary is a pretty heavy hit, but Im trying to find the positive in what I did. Please, tell me Im not stupid in doing what I did. Or if it was a stupid move, tell me that. Im trying to make sense of my impulsive decision. Edit: Thanks for all the support and debate everyone! First, I didnt necessarily quit on a whim. There was a good two or three month period that I debated quitting, and one night I got yet another email from yet another person that couldnt do their job, and I made up my mind right then and there. I had a good amount saved, so quitting wasnt going to cripple me financially. I gave up very good health care and benefits, but now that I sleep during regular human hours, and Im not emotionally drained after twelve hour shifts, I dont need the awesome health care plan as much. As for everyone that believes Im an idiot, I dont really give a shit what you think to be honest I do. I totally care, but Im trying to sound tough. Im going to culinary school, Im passionate about creating awesome food. Yes, I worked hard for the job I had, but whats the point of spending 60 of my life sitting at a desk, and another 30 sleeping? Id like more than 10 of my life to myself. Im a different person after the decision. Im happy for once, and I honestly didnt think that was a possibility. As for the other financial info, here goes: I have a 7k loan out for a car. Thats it. I have rent to pay and food to buy. I have the savings to go back to school and not think about running my car into the freeway median every time I go to and from work. I realize this is personal finance, and this post may not be about the actual money side of things, but this subreddit has given me good advice in the past, and why I wouldnt I want to hear from the toughest critics? EDIT 2: Yes, I definitely posted this in the wrong sub. I wasnt sure which sub would be best, but at the time I was writing it out, it was a personal finance concern. Assistant: Did you hate being a chemical engineer or did you hate the company you were working for? High stress, fast pace, etc. are properties of the company rather than the position.You enjoy being a janitor great. Have you considered seeking a job somewhere between the two jobs? A low-stress cleaning related job but with the salary you had as a chemical engineer? Consider applying to companies that create cleaning products they require testing or a city service like watersewage treatment.Finally, some locations such as nuclear facilities or some medical labs require a very high education for janitors due to emergency training requirements. The salary is high due to the education requirements, which you must have, but its standard low stress janitorial work 99.9 of the time.Human: There honestly wasnt an aspect of the job that I enjoyed. The company, the hours, the people, the culture. I was good at what I did, but there was absolutely no passion there at all. I became I time card punching, keyboard pecking zombie. I dont ever want to do anything in that field of work again, it took years of my life from me that ill never get back.  <response>: Honestly, youre going to run into this as a chef, but likely worse. The kitchens are often abusive, and you have to spend years paying your dues before anyone takes you seriously. 