Over the last 5 years, I have been spending my time completing my college degree, then securing myself in my career. My career is not a typical 8 to 5, I am on call 24/7 with limited days off. I am so close to being able to place in a 100 x 100 arena in the back of my property, but with each day my frustration builds that I have not ridden even a dozen times in the last two years. I am so close to making things to where I want them and where I need them... I am also so close to throwing the towel in and selling everything. I know I need to set boundaries with my job but I am not sure I don't know how to let my job go even for a few days. Has anyone else struggled with balancing this kind of career with your love of horses? Any help? 

There are other jobs in this world that are not as demanding. 30 years from now what are your thoughts going to be when you remember back on your life and you are going to ask yourself. Did the company really appreciate me or did they just use me and I was just a number.  We only get one round in life and you better enjoy some of your time while you have your health and youth.  My parents milked cows their whole life and never left the farm for a vacation.  My dad's biggest regret when he got old was that they never travelled and got to see anything in this big world.

So what I am saying is your job needs to have boundries and not consume your whole life as when they are done with you they will throw you away just like they do with all their other workers.

Life is short - believe me. I also believe everything involves a choice.  You may need to choose a career that is less demanding but less money, so you can enjoy your horses.  In the end, it's all up to you (and God).  If you are the praying kind, I'd start there.  

Funny you posted this because I’m in a similar situation. I was actually planning on posting a thread lol. Here are my thoughts, for the past 6 years I’ve had my career. I make GREAT money, insurance, benefits, pension, 457 etc. However, I work four 10-hour shifts, great right? But, I work Friday-Monday, midnight shift. Which I have worked since I started. I didn’t ride for about two years. Honestly, I got so caught up in making money that I lost myself.

I finally started getting back out there and entering NBHA’s and jackpots…But I have to use vacation time to go. (So worth it!) As life happens, I met someone from out of state. For the past 8 months we’ve been planning for me to move out there. After much thought, I told him that when I move out there, I’m changing careers. I will have a life, I will enjoy my horses, him, and be back in church. Fast forward to when I regained consciousness after seeing the pay cut I will take, I started to get excited. This is a decision only you can make. I’ve been planning and praying about this move for about 8 months.. Now, I’m so excited I can hardly focus on anything else! I saw this quote that truly spoke to me. It read “Don’t trade away your happiness now to earn money in hopes that you’ll be able to buy it back later. You can’t”

Good Luck!!

At least you're close LOL.  I'll be paying off my debts forever.   I could have sold all my horses and really committed to getting everything paid off as soon as possible, but I will be completely honest. If I had to give up my personal horses in order to be an equine vet, I would not be very good at my job and I would definitely burn out. So, I'm making it work.