Nica-sauce-rex's journey

I’m currently in a challenging situation at my job in real estate, where I’ve been for the past five years. I’m a 40-year-old woman in a senior role making six figures, but my boss has become increasingly difficult to work with, and I feel it’s time to move on for my own sanity. I’ve been job searching for about six months now, and it’s been quite a rollercoaster. I’ve been the runner-up for five different positions, going through thirty interviews, completing two case studies, and even traveling out of state for an interview, only to be told I was a strong candidate but ultimately passed over for someone else. It’s been frustrating, to say the least. Now, I’m in the running for a role I’m really excited about, and I’ve had two interviews already. They want me to meet the CEO, but first, they’ve asked me to complete an extensive case study that will take several hours of my time. I’m feeling overwhelmed because my current job is demanding, and I have family responsibilities. I want this new position, which offers a 25% pay raise and a better title, but I’m sick of investing time into opportunities that lead nowhere. I’m seriously considering withdrawing my candidacy, as I don’t want to waste my time on what feels like unpaid work. I’m torn about whether to communicate my frustrations to the recruiter or just step back. What would you do in my situation?