I have a day job. It covers the rent and provides valuable benefits.
One of those benefits is a lot of PTO every year, since I’m a long-term employee at my company. This comes in handy for the pottery job.
I took a week off from the day job this month, and spent it in the studio instead. I do this from time to time, usually a couple of days here and there or a long weekend to do a large art show. Each time it becomes a little more apparent how easy it could be to walk away from the day job. I had far less anxiety working in the studio, and it was better for my body than sitting in front of a computer all day. Art is also far more engaging than the day job, so there are brain benefits, too.
I’m not yet at retirement age, and I don’t have enough 401(k) to actually retire. But if something should happen… well I’m not saying that I won’t retire from corporateland early, in order to work at the better job.