I'm sorry I missed this when you first posted. My friend is having the same exact problem only her kitty is much younger, about a year old I think. I'm forwarding all the great advice everyone posted to her. I've been lucky that Calisto is such a good kitty over her litter box, but we did have a problem with one of my other cats. He was a rescue from a multi-cat home and we had to rehome him because he was having seperation anxiety. Our vet told us to get another cat (loved that idea), but our landlord told us to find a new place to live (didn't like that so much). He's much happier now, still get updates from time to time. To get rid of the smell, try sprinkling the area with baking soda pet odor and let it sit for about 15mins. Then vaccuum it up, that should take care of it.
Anywho... I know exactly how you feel about your job. It will all work out. I did the same thing in Feb. I'm 29 with two little ones and can't afford to just quit, but my job was making my family miserable too. Things happen for a reason, now I work from home and make better money. Hang in there, we're pulling for you!