From the archive

You're defending it because you've already spent five years on it

Leaving costs money and effort too. Sometimes you first need to settle obligations, find income, reach an agreement, prepare a handover. You can leave gradually. Keep what works and drop what's been dragging you down. You don't have to spectacularly burn everything to prove you're free now. But it helps to stop calling the wait for a miracle that vindicates your old choice a plan.