That's really heavy, eternaldamnation. I can't imagine how that would feel.
I don't know where to begin: I guess I must commend you on your care for your kids. That's a truly admirable respect for your children's well-being there. If only more parents gave as much of a damn.
I'm not going to try and pretend I can tell you what to do. I'm only just 21, what do I know right? I just feel the urge to discuss this with you, it feels like you need to vent this.
All I will say is this:
Children are not only extremely absorbent of situations around them, but they often reflect their upbringing in their own lives. I grew up watching my father abuse my mother (aswell as myself but not my brother as he was of different paternity) and cheat on her then fuck off when I was 10.
This undoubtedly skewered my view of relationships, given that I haven't had a proper relationship ever.
My misanthropic stance on relationships (all are doomed to failure) is viewed by some as unnecessarily bleak, but that's how I feel.
How much of this I learned from what I witnessed is up for debate.
What I'm getting at is your children undoubtedly are aware of the coldness and lack of love between you and your wife.
This could potentially be more harmful than just executing a cordial and harmonious breakup.
How much of this have you discussed with your wife? I imagine that you haven't really told her in depth all of how you feel. Is there some way she could stay in that house, perhaps with your Custody payment?
The only thing I can really say is have a sit down with your wife. How would you feel if she fulfilled her desire elsewhere? You said you two are happy to be room-mates. Would you let her date other men in order to see her happy? This could prove toxic to the development of your children you may worry, however they are at a fairly mature age to handle such things and they may even prefer it. I know my brother prefer's my mother's new husband and was happier with the split of my parents. They are almost finished school anyway, it wouldn't be such a massive blow if you two split.
If there are no options whatsoever other than to stay with your wife, then at least it's an extremely short while, but tbh mate, you've put up with misery and now that your youngest is 16, I feel that it's time you GAVE YOURSELF HAPPINESS NOW.
My personal dogmatic view on this is that you should sit the wife down first and explain that you are absolutely miserable, perhaps show her your posts here. Try and work something out with regards to keeping the kids in school for the remaining very short time.
Then sit the family down and explain that it's for the best. Tell them that you stayed with them for as long as you felt necessary for their development and stability, but it's for the best if you moved on, you won't stop loving them and will always be there for them because they are your kids.
Be open, honest and communicate.
THAT IS MERELY MY OPINION. I am not telling you to split up with your family, as it's really not my place to do that. Just stating what I would do if you have made up your mind.
I wish you all the best in this tricky situation. But remember, no matter what option you choose (leave now or stick it out another couple years) that YOU WILL BE FREE AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE. When I am stuck in a horrible situation (such as in a radioactive bear-trap or hanging off a cliff-edge by my fingertips or being chased by hungry lions whilst naked in the centre of the city and everyone laughing at me) then I always say : "Just think, that at some point, any point, in the near future, I will be past this and things will be ok. It may be nasty now, but THIS WILL PASS. THAT IS FACT."
For you, whether that is in 4 more years or 4 more weeks, it will come to you and you will once again find happiness.
All the best,
Cam