I left a higher paying job (approx 70k) in HR for PDT. I've commuted 2-3 legs to work for almost 4 years. I still love what I do. I've since upgraded and the honeymoon continues! To me it is worth the time away from home and my family is extremely supportive of my career. The wife loves meeting me on overnights and we make an adventure out of it. I would never want to go back to what I was doing before or do anything else. When I am at work it never feels like work and it's unfortunate some folks can't appreciate it fully. I do understand all situations are unique however.