I know your question is directed at somebody else, but I've also made that transition. Previously, I asked many that same question and I'm sure many others would like a one sentence answer for it. Unfortunately, there is no universal answer to it. I struggled with it for a long time. Some on here have done it in months, some in years. Some say the length of time you stand is an indication of your love and character, but I never really bought into that cookie cutter observation because each situation is so unique.
Although the answer is probably different for each, I would venture to say 90% of them would tell you that it was never a feeling of hopelessness that drove them to that decision so don't assume that is a obvious reason or even should be. "Hopelessness" is such a self defeating emotion, I don't even think it's a proper word to use in context to our situations. There are a lot of personal issues you will face yourself that need to be resolved before your ready. It's really important to learn something about yourself from this experience. It's part healing and part learning that eventually gets you to the point of "moving on", not hopelessness. You come out a stronger and wiser person in the end and I don't consider that the result of "hopelessness".
"It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare." -Mark Twain
