I dunno...but I am in my early 30 and in a mid-level mangement position and I can advise you only from that POV.
However my experience tought me a couple of things: When you feel like shit at work you have to find out why you do so.
There are a couple of things that you have to find out: is it you that is whining around or is it clearly an external influence that makes you suffer. If it is you, well chances are big that you u and up in the same shit again. Be honest to yourself! Don't blame others (i.e your employer) for your situation!
If it is not you, but something external: Find out if it is your job OR your company! This is very important to know! If your manager is a prick, but the company is doing well and other people are happy...well then my friend it's time to increase pressure. Find peers, listen around, network talk to HR, demand a new position. Don't be shy in this games: Advertise your talents, show them that your a not only a slighty obese nerd in the dark corner..but a brilliant mind. Of course shaving, suitable clothing and a haircut helps. Go for the quick wins!!!! No stupid unrealitic goals like: yeah when I lost 25 pounds I will start with it. NO - start tomorrow - Hairdresser and shopping on Saturday.
Tell them that you are ready for the next challenge. BTW don't do these things behind the back of your priick boss...be open and tell him that you love the company, but you need a new challenge.
Well if it doens't work because they ignore you, or you decide that the whole company is not for you then I would say: Yes quit. Because once your savings are gone you will be forced to move your a.s.s.
You are right in one thing: If you are full of negative enrgy, it will be hard to find a job. However the longer you accumulate that enregy the worse it is gonna be. SO rather take the emergency exit! Use the spare time in a meaning full way. Do something that you love...a trip to the country of your dreams, doing sports, do an MBA whatever. But be aware that your next employer will ask what you did in that time!
When I hire people for my team, I have no problem in taking someone telling me that he was tired and needed a break. However be aware that telling your possible employer that u used that year to make into GM of SC2 will not impress them. A trip around the world will impress them...clichees I know, but that's how it works :-)..lol it would impress them if you tell them that you organized an international SC2 tournament with a prize pool of 60.000 Euro sponsored by a local ISP.
Good luck!