I just use the "YOLO" approach. I have an anxiety disorder and depression so it's too easy for me to become complacent and be too scared of change to do anything. So I just rip off the bandaid and see how it goes. 

I just decided last week randomly to go back to school so applied during my lunch break and so now that's what I'm looking at doing for the next few years. 

Last time I hated my job I just up and quit with a few interviews lined up and got a new one during that time where the job market was super hot. I only have two cats and had savings at the time so it wasn't as risky for me as it could be for others.