I think to quit the rat race and not go into a swamp you have to join something else ... not be outside looking in at the rat race. I guess you have to join the kiwi race or somehting :-) Or maybe join the rat co-op instead of race?

I hadn't thought of it, but ... bicycling was an important thing that gave me a chance to channel my energies into something when I was out of the loop. the other thing I did was build a website (I'm a pretty serious introvert, gregarious as I am) about learning disabilities, put together some book-type stuff and stay active on discussion groups. I"m not sure, but I think the bicycle really helped enable me to stay productive and not just put things off.

Of course, you can end up wallowing online for ... [heading off now to prevent that...]