Ten years ago, I quit a permanent Project Manager position in a software localization company to start a freelance career, with the hope of being able to devote more time to pursue other interests. I don't mind working long hours on my own projects, but a workaholic life was definitely not for me (although, occasionally, I still eat a 'late night pizza' in remembrance of the good ol' karoshi-candidate days.)
I have not fully achieved the downshifting I planned originally, but at least my work-life balance is quite better, and I ended up living a peaceful life close to the beach, in Cambrils, a nice Mediterranean village. That's something to celebrate... Today I will let my wife defeat me again at the tennis court.
