The only time I've worked "9-5" was when I was an hourly guy at the deli or Radio Shack during summer break.

That being said, I've left corporate life twice - once because I wouldn't relocate my family to work for a man I didn't respect and the last time to purse a dream. Both times I took some dedicated time off to play. Granted, I was quite fortunate to have worked very hard and accumulated a little cash, so taking time off was an option.

So long story short, I stepped off a highly lucrative corporate fast track to work in a field that I truly love. I consult to pay some bills, but between investing in our business and making sure my family does not unreasonably experience a material change in lifestyle, I'm doing a fine job of digging into our savings. But that is what working hard and saving is for - for options, to take a chance. If it all does not work out, well, I can always get another job. I'm still a relatively young man. For now, I'm trying to balance enjoying life while my kids are still at home and trying to build a business that will endure in an industry that provides lifestyle benefits that I really value. It's about enjoying life today, rather than simply toiling away to accumulate enough money to finally do the things you want to do when you are older. Because frankly, you just don't know what the future holds, so if you can, do what you want to do today.

This path is not for everyone. For lots of people, a steady paycheck to support a lifestyle and interests is enough. I don't think this is about not wanting to "work for the man", but to do something that you are more in control of your own destiny.

This is why America is the land of opportunity. If you can dream it, work hard, you have an above average chance of succeeding. And if you fail (which I have before), you can pick yourself up off the floor and try again.

Someone once said, "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." I think that is the real recipe for true success.

Caveat Emptor...

Very Nicely Put !!

I am going to quit sniviling now.