@allsumnull not to be flippant in any way, but ikr?

Hard truths (and maybe TMI): in 2020 it was clear that the small business I ran wasn't going to get consistent business with the large consultancies offering (terrible) service design and UX. And of course, COVID.

We weren't getting bought, either, with bigger studios either not needing us or not matching our carefully crafted ethical and service model. I was approaching despondent and no longer loved the client context of the work. My mental health was not good (for me). @natcbr can attest to the absolute roller coaster we rode at times.

With some work changes for my partner, we ended up in the fortunate position of being able to pay out our mortgage and other debt and seriously consider the “what if" of moving bush and establishing a B&B. That was a “one day, maybe" thing of about 10 years at the time.

When we made the decision to do it, and that I would run the property, I was able to consider a gradual close down of the business. We did that over the first 18 months after moving here.

To quote someone else here (I think), “I gave up a lucrative career for a sustainable life.” It's likely not for everyone, and 10 years ago, I couldn't have imagined running acreage and labouring on a farm in my mid-50s. But here we are. Happy and healthy.