Yes, my parents were the same. I think that Gen X (my generation) was the last one to be brought up with the insane idea that the key to a good life was to go to school, get a 9-5 with the government or a big company, stay there for 40 years, get a gold watch and a pension and then die. Uggg!

I too hated the 40 hour work week in an office setting. I'm glad you had the courage to go for what you wanted to do. it's not always easy to do that.