Roadie Gal, I have a friend in AZ who did exactly what you are doing. Of course, there was a personal cost (divorce), because he went to CA to initially do the computer stuff, but now he is back in AZ, consulting with docs about the technology stuff and seeing patients 2 days a week. He started this back in the 90s, so he got in right at the beginning.
I was lucky in that I waited to do what I want until DH could support me in the style to which I'm accustomed to! But the loss of my income was still hard for me to take, psychologically. I've always said money is power, whether you like that or not, and it felt like loss of power. But, I am going to finally be able to marry my 2 interests (counselng and wellness), fairly soon. Once I get my license, I am going to do an ACSM course in wellness counseling. It's on line, so it won't matter where I am working... my goal is to get a clinical job 2 days a week, where I see people in an office/clinic, I can ride my bike to work, and I have more free time. Eventually I will start seeing wellness clients privately. No insurance, give me the cash...