I feel you. I'm in a similar position pay wise (my benefits kind of suck though, especially family health insurance). At least know this, and possibly use it

I feel you. I'm in a similar position pay wise (my benefits kind of suck though, especially family health insurance). At least know this, and possibly use it for encouragement: I'm going down the road of re-learning all the data structures and algorithm stuff, aiming at a FAANG job, at this age. It's possibly an easier jump (emotionally) for me, given that I know my earning potential is higher elsewhere, and benefits in my case will be many times better. Nonetheless, it is a challenge, and someone in your age group (older, really) has rightly or wrongly decided to undertake it, so anything potentially is possible :)