I left the corporate world and a nicer paycheck because I could no longer handle the Los Angeles commute. As traffic worsened over the years, a 1-hour trip turned into a 1-1/2 trip, which became a 2-hour trip. If I had to cover a game (I worked in sports media) it would mean an additional 90 minutes to travel 15 miles to the stadium. I found myself filling up my gas tank every three days and spending 15-18 hours a week stuck in traffic. I was miserable, frustrated and exhausted. No amount of money was worth that!
Now, I work at home, and although I don't make nearly as much as I used to I couldn't be happier with my decision. My off-time is my own again!