Full upvotes for you, just because you have bigger nads than me to pursue the dream, and damn the consequences.
Everything you say I've thought at some point (sans anything related to kids, since I do not have them), but I've lamented all the best years of my life spent doing what I should, working like I should, doing my job, earning my paycheck.
Nobody cares. Nobody cares about your sacrifice and your work ethic and your late nights and your lost years.
Do what you want now, do it because it makes you happy, do it because your wife supports you, do it for the kids. Whatever. But as long as you do it on your own terms, you'll see it through, and deal with the consequences as a brand new adventure.
Best of luck on the journey, @johnkingwriter.
Thanks, Neg. I am beginning to believe that it's all about the journey.