I think it makes sense to take a wait-and-see approach to the worldwide financial armageddon happens. However, 6 months of savings with a family seems just like

I think it makes sense to take a wait-and-see approach to the worldwide financial armageddon happens. However, 6 months of savings with a family seems just like the bare minimum. It doesn't give you a full 6 months of time to try the freelance thing; if you were to go 4 months with no income, you will by necessity start looking for traditional employment again. You could try to leave BigCo on amicable terms, such that they would hire you back if the freelance thing doesn't work out. Finally, before you strike out, have the first client lined up. You should be able to manage it such that your start date for the new client more or less coincides with your end date at BigCo. You don't want to spend the first days of freelancing life looking for work. Good luck!