this is a tough one slick- one that I just went through myself. I had a high paying job at an investment bank doing graphic design for the last 3 years... the money was great but the work was not creative or rewarding..nearly 3 hours of commuting too. and similar to you I spent alot of time on "strategy" and "looking busy". Plenty of time to learn if you could disguise it as real work. I realised that the money didnt make me happy and I need to be creating things. I recently went back to the job I had since 1993, and while it pays a fraction of what the other job did, I am a whole lot happier. I draw everyday from 9-6 and learn Maya at night. However, I wouldnt quit unless you are confident you will have plenty of clients to support your freelance endevors. but I understand your feeling of "time is short" as I will be 34, 9 days from now.

Good luck with your decision, you are a lucky man to have such a supportive wife

(side note: the toshiba Lappy is working out just fine for me!)