[blisterpeanuts]

Just to represent the "other side", a perk of having a child (and spouse) is that you have an emotional support system at home. My daughter has brought us joy for almost her entire 18 years of life (aside from a few glitches in the Matrix which happen to every kid along the way).

Having left a job of 12 years, I am gradually working up my next phase -- new job, my own company, side gigs... it's both exciting to contemplate and stressful in these increasingly difficult times.

But coming home and dealing with family stuff, both good and bad, is a welcome distraction, usually. YMMV, of course!