Until recently I lived in a small resort community with huge seasonal fluctuations of work. In my "youth" (mid-20's) I could ride the tide, work food service jobs during high seasons and afford the twice-yearly 6 week lay-offs. Plenty of time for recreating, I was livin' the high life.

Then I had a baby. I couldn't afford those 6-week lay-offs anymore. In this town of 2000 residents finding a full-time, year-round, inside job is something of a coup. I got one. I started as "Office Assistant" and became "Office Manager". Not something I ever, ever, ever imagined myself doing. Ever. In a million years. And in an industry that I didn't have much respect for. But I wound up respecting, and befriending, my employers (mom & pop biz). She is one of my very closest friends now. The work never really turned me on, but the team we developed kept me coming back. And I found my inspiration and intellectual stimulation in places outside my work. I was content with the whole package, not just looking to my work to fulfill my need for challenges and learning opportunities. The whole town is full of under-employed people who will rate their quality of life HIGH on the scale b/c there is such awesome skiing, mtbing, arts programs, hiking, etc. to fill their off-work hours. Plenty of waitstaff, ski instructors, bus drivers, all with BAs or higher, livin' the dream.

I guess this is just my anecdotal weigh-in on the work/life balance.

On the more practical end, the general unpredictability of life, have you and BF discussed your financial future? Life insurance? Savings? Investments? Disability insurance? Having a plan and a budget for these items may help settle your mind. Knowing there's something there in case tragedy should befall you or him could help you feel less vulnerable (insert grinning smiley here).