This is what did it for me. The hours were too much and I was getting burned out. I was in IT consulting (fortune 100 companies) but on the finance side. The company was also pulling me over to join the consulting team but I knew that I needed more than a different role, I needed a different lifestyle. I took a pay cut and now work for small businesses handling webdev and internal tools. This allowed me to stretch some creative legs and navigate into a bit of advertising as well. Beyond that, I now get to spend more time with my wife, learning new skills, and growing in ways that I am more passionate about.

The transition doesn't come without heartache though, there are risks including job security and potential growth. No one has a crystal ball. I made a choice that felt more fulfilling in the present. Whether that was a smart choice or not 50 years from now - you'll have to ask me then.