I feel depressed sometimes when I think about the fact that I've been working in corporate America for almost 21 years (I co-owned a business first, so I didn't "sell out" until I was 28) and still have a solid 22 to go if I want to make it to 70. Blech. At any rate, I understand your concerns. It's been more than a decade since I let my husband walk away from his full-time job with a nonprofit to solely focus on his artistic pursuits. I pretty much constantly feel some combination of jealousy and admiration, but I do my best to keep it to myself. I hope your husband enjoys his retirement and that you keep sharing your words with us (and eventually get paid what you're worth for them).