[dex]

First, I want to sincerely thank you all for your replies – they were very insightful. I have a lot more to think about before I make any decision.
The depression aspect is one that I have thought about and will explore further. But thinking about my past, my perceptions and actions have not really changed over the years. Is it possible to be depressed all your life?
The passion/mission one is another idea I have given great thought about. Again, I have never been able to identify it. Why? I grew up in a poor family and the focus was getting an education and get a good job. It was not an environment where you explored options or developed interests in art or hobbies. You didn’t explore ideas of what would make you happy. I was raised to work. I’ve been working full time since I was about 15 (I forged my working papers). Isn’t 34 years of work enough – I’m tired of it! Now I have the option not to work. It is a bit like training to climb a mountain, climbing it, reaching the top and saying now what? Is that all there is?
Mikey – Thanks for your insights about depression. I did some research after reading your post and I may have found a therapist. Isn’t it a bit ironic that we live in the wealthiest – materially – country in the world and there is so much depression? I think it is because our social fabric is so poor.
Steve – Thanks for the Buddha Nature comment – I read Zen early in my life. One of my favorite saying is “When the student is ready, the teacher will come.” I think I’m ready. I need to hear/listen to the lesson.
Salaryguru – Thanks for that insight about people being the happiest in retirement when work was getting in the way of the things they valued doing most.
Telly – Thanks for the honesty on quitting the job. I don’t think happiness is partying and I won’t force this decision. I think I will take the next year to explore my options.