Went through a similar change at a similar age. One job I realized I just wasn't going to make enough money and I was underutilizing skills that I knew I had. My next job I absolutely loathed like you and needed to get out before I went insane.

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For those who have changed career fields, how did you determine what career path to go down?

I always liked business and finance and I knew I was decent at it, so that's the route I took. I didn't really have a specific career in mind, but knew at the very least I would be marketable.

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How did you leverage the need for additional schooling/training to get the new career you wanted vs the financial need to support yourself now?

This is the tricky part. I was lucky and able to go back and get my MBA with a tuition waiver because I worked at the institution. I know that's unreasonable for most, so it'll probably be your biggest hurdle financially.

Also, going back to school when you're working full time is tough. They cater programs now to people like us, but it's still stressful and time consuming. That 3 years really pushed me to the brink in most aspects of life honestly.

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How did that pivot work for you in your sense of personal satisfaction, work/life balance, etc?

Absolutely worth it. Better job. Better life balance. New scenery. I get sick sometimes when I think about where I would be right now if I didn't take those steps.

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Did you have to relocate to a different part of the country, and if so, how did the change of scenery impact your life going forward?

Yes, across the country. Again, totally worth it. You're at that age where if you don't make the jump now, you probably won't. And while LA will always be home and I'm sure I'll end up back there eventually, getting out was a blessing.