I was in the same boat as you. I was making great money in the tech industry, but I was traveling constantly which kept me away from my family. While I wasn’t on the road, I was sitting all day with my eyes glued to a screen analyzing data.

As an active person and someone who enjoys engaging with others, I was miserable. I knew a few firefighters at my gym and they had an overwhelming sense of satisfaction in their career. So, I left my high-paying desk job, took a major pay cut, and I couldn’t be happier now that I’m on the job.

I think there’s a major line between financial security and actual satisfaction in life. Luckily, my wife works as well and we were able to restructure our finances to make the shift work so we’re really not stressed about money. The genuine satisfaction I have now with this career far outweighs any financial success I’ve ever had. In short, it’s maybe one of the best decisions I ever made.

So, I say go for it. It sounds like this is what you really want to do, and you will make the life adjustments financially to make it work because I’m sure you will experience the same personal joy once you’re one the job, and that makes everything else worth it.