Guys i am 40 years old, with a 2 year old and another on the way this year. I am exhausted of the grid. Thinking about quitting without a job offer. Tell me your stories if you have anything to share, how long it took for you to find a job, were to able to get the same pay or better pay, was it in the same Field? or tell me i am stupid for even thinking about this in this Market

Don’t do it, the job market is really bad right now. 200+ applications per opening. I was looking around myself just to see what is out there and it’s very competitive. If you have a nice nest egg that could get you through the next 6-7 months while you look that could work but having 2 kids with no job seems more stressful than grinding current job while looking for a new one. I also just had my 2nd in September so I feel the exhaustion with you. Just keep grinding!

Stay until the baby is born and you can take parental leave.

Make a decision on whether to return during the parental leave.

Deloitte is rolling out 25 weeks of short term disability at 100% pay from next year. Goto a shrink, get diagnosed with some XYZ mental issue and take some time off. You could also take sabbaticals and tell your manager that you want to invest in your growth (rest is also growth)

I am 39 and have 3 kids ranging from ages 10 to 5. Balancing work and family is hard and can be overwhelming, especially when they’re that young, but I promise you that things will get better.

You have other people depending on you, so you have to consider their needs and not just what you want. Hang in there.

It wouldn’t be wise to make a big move without a solid plan in place, especially if you don’t have other income to fall back on. Your industry demands constant grind, and that reality matters. Please put your family’s needs at the center of whatever you decide next.

It can’t be that bad. Hang on until you found something else. It’s very tough right now and with a family to consider, it’s not good timing. Maybe there are other roles within your company that might be a better fit for you. If you are the sole earner, it makes the decision easier, don’t give up the income unless. Even if you have some savings, you don’t want to dip into your retirement funds right now.

Cannot stress the difference of looking for jobs while you're employed vs unemployed. The whole vibe is different and not providing for one's young family is one of the most depressing things I've ever experienced. It's the reason I'm way more strategic about my moves now. Even a decade later it still haunts me

I think most of the comments are from people living above their means !

Look for another job outside consulting. There are tons out there especially in the tech infrastructure space - data centers, power utilities, water, MEP sectors.

The market is under pressure right now. There have been significant federal workforce reductions over the past year, and AI-driven automation has displaced additional workers across multiple sectors over the last one to two years.

I understand how demanding this phase of life can be. I raised three children at similar ages. It is exhausting. However, it is manageable. Previous generations have navigated similar challenges successfully, and you can as well.

It is also important to keep long-term financial planning in perspective. With two children, future college costs are projected to rise substantially. While the “one and a half trillion dollars” figure is clearly hyperbolic, the underlying point remains valid: education costs are increasing, and early, disciplined planning is essential if you intend to fund a significant portion of their expenses by 2045.

Try to cruise as much as possible and then take your full parental leave asap. If people give you hard time for taking all the leave or pressure you to come back soon…who cares? You are going to leave anyways. Job hunt on your leave. It’s very tough out there right now at all levels but especially director level.

are you the pregnant parent?

The job market is rough right now. There’s a bowl for job seekers.
Unless your partner has access to health insurance, be aware that cobra costs $3K+ a month.
I would stick it out. The other comment about LOA sounds like a great idea if you’re at the end of your rope. Your EAP program may have resources for you as well.
Unsolicited advice, but have you mentioned this to your doctor? You could have a vitamin deficiency or other issue.

Don’t quit a job until you have another job to work lined up

Market is trash at the moment. Benefits and steady pay is the responsible thing to do. Look for a job while employed or take a formal leave of absence.

1st - you have responsibilities that MUST be taken care of. You are no longer free to quit a job without having something else lined up. Don't you dare put those children at risk because you are tired.

2nd - I really feel ya about the grind. Seems like it is getting harder. I was laid off March '25. Lots of interviews, employers were being VERY picky. Through a past coworker, I picked up a short contract role covering 3 months starting in July. When that ended, I had one month unemployed then started another 5 month contract role that is still running. Rates were $150 an hour and $95 an hour on 1099. Not bad, but also not long term. The 2nd role was also sourced through my network of past coworkers.

Bottom line, work your network hard. Get your finances in order so you can afford the uncertainty of a job change. But the needs of those kids come before your own needs. You must not let them down.

Best wishes on your search.

I am 39 years old, I have a two year old too. I work in an economic consulting company. The market is really not the best right now. We are trying for a second kid, and planning on moving to another city that is less expensive. Hopefully, I can go part-time. Do you have the part-time option?

Hi,
I don't know about your field but most of the sectors in Canada are "closed". There is very little job and high competition. Forget about bargaining for higher salary in a new job. You will wish for a job.

Do not quit without having something lined up. It will only make the stress you feel today 10x worse...

I‘ve done it and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. People on this thread sound like typical Americana working 60+ hrs a week with zero life balance. I say if you can afford it, DO IT!

Unless you want to end up homeless I would advise against that.

See if you could get an internal role, opposed to client facing, for some time. It worked for me.