[Desdemona]

You say that work related stuff just isn’t important to you. I would argue that it is, otherwise, you would not have gone into business for yourself and you would not have the honesty and integrity to turn down potential business. You just value your time, are not a workaholic, recognize futility when you see it (and act on it, which some of us wish we could do in our own jobs) and want to keep a balance. Absolutely nothing wrong with that.

There is a danger in many businesses/organizations right now that seem to demand blood, sweat, tears and even your soul for the “privilege” of working for them. You recognize it. Some of us are caught in that and have to claw our way into having any sort of balance in life (and will walk away when we can). If advancing in the world financially means giving up what makes life worth living – the arts, baseball, gardening, cooking and moral living – then I’ll stay where I am, thank you.

The question is, what of passions that take time or that have chances of a lifetime? There are such fields. I happen to be a singer. I have more than once taken off for a few weeks to sing overseas in choral and operatic programs – one in a VERY cool, completely historic place – which, for me, were chances of a lifetime. It wasn’t a business venture and spent my own money to go, but it was still the chance of a lifetime. At the same time, it is quite well recognized that music is one of the most selfish professions (for me it’s more of an avocation) on this earth. But, that doesn’t mean that it comes before anything else. I’d give it up in a heartbeat for family.

It’s all a matter of perspective, I guess. We all have our own. I’m seeking someone who understands passions like mine and who understands that staying home on a Friday night with an itchy throat and aches in some not so good places is a prudent move. (Too many performances coming up to risk it.)

At any rate, the best of luck to you.

[HitmanLV]

Yea, I agree. One of the reasons I went into biz for myself was that I wanted to make great money and also have free time and flexibility. My dad was a career civil servant, came home every night at 5:30 to be with his family. We had dinner together every night and he was interested in his children, schooling, and fun things.

That was worth more to him than going out for drinks after work to network, working crazy overtime, etc. He never made more than $35k a year, I think.

Anyway, I put the cards on the table and realized I wanted to make great money AND be the kind of dad he was (and is). I could have sweat blood at some of the law firms I worked with, as you say, and be expected to be grateful to my masters. Not for me. I don't like my livelihood in the hands of people I don't trust. So I had to do it on my own. So far, so good. :-)

I agree there are some passions that might be rewarding, but I do think in the overwhelming majority of cases that's not the case. I talk with people all the time and within 5 minutes of them telling me that they have a very fulfilling career, more often than not they are telling me how much it sucks and how it's playing holy hell with their personal life.

"So quit the F'n job," is my response.

They can't do it. Too fulfilling, I guess. I think they are crazy. They think I'm crazy. There's no middle ground - no happy place where we can have a meeting of the minds. It's best I stay in my world, and they in theirs. :-)