Chasing the dream vs Paying the bills

My husband is very fortunate. He is a scientist. It is absolutely what he loves. His passion and his work are one and the same. Sure, he loves sports, is a certified mixologist and recently started home brewing, but he's totally happy in science and seems quite content to leave the sports and booze for play time. And when he's finally finished with school, his job will more than support his hobbies.

I however, very much view my career as a means to an end. I have two degrees in business. I've worked in my field here and there and was hoping to earn enough capital to buy that farm I keep mentioning. I was a victim of bad timing, the economy and some unforeseen circumstances. I ended up in a job where I was continuously looking for something else. I was over-worked and under-paid (who isn't?). My husband and I decided my happiness was significantly more important than the money I was making in my "real job". I quit that job in January.

Now I'm making a go at being a full time professional horse person. I've been doing this long enough to know there's not a lot of money in it. At least not the way I'm doing it now. In order to make the big bucks, you have to take some risks and spend some money. I'm in a new state, trying to re-establish the network I had developed at home. It's also a very seasonal business which makes it difficult during the cold months.

I get to spend time with my horse now. I get to spend more time with my dog. My apartment stays much cleaner. I get to see my husband on occasion. I'm a much happier person in general. I just have to keep reminding myself that being happy and having time to enjoy life is what I got in exchange for giving up bigger paychecks. Maybe when I'm working hard this summer with summer camp/shows/lessons and making a bit more, I won't have to keep reminding myself.

Just as today's reminder, here are some pictures of why I am happier now.