I recently shifted my occupation. I went from a full-time Pre-school teacher to a part-time Naturalist. I still work with children, only my surroundings have changed dramatically.
Now, instead of being limited to a four wall classroom and postage stamp playground... I lead local school groups along beautiful mile long trails.
Rather than florescent light bulbs, I am able to enjoy filtered Sunlight.
Instead of reciting the days of the week, I am able to teach students about the local Flora...
...and Fauna
We even offer an Aquatics Program where we are able to go out on the lake and study water quality and fish for plankton.
After their programs the schools often bring sack lunches and the students enjoy dinning in our outdoor cafeteria. When they finish I am able to teach them about composting and recycling.
While the reduction in salary does not afford me the ability to purchase everything my mind might desire, it does allow me the extra time and energy to devote to those things nearest and dearest to my heart ...like enjoying hikes with my favorite little blond headed student.
And for me, it is a very good trade:-) ~Rhonda