Hi Katebcca,
Your story sounds like a carbon copy of mine. I'm from Vancouver. After working 10 years in finance (60 hours per week +), I thought it is either the money or my health (or sanity). I had tried recruiting two years ago which I liked but the company I worked for had this goal to become the top company in the world so their agenda was not my agenda. I went back to finance. Now I'm burned out again. I just joined the cruise ship consulting industry here in Vancouver. I'd say any job where you get paid commission will only work if you are full-on committed and you really know your stuff. There are a dime a dozen consultants out there in both industries and I think one can only succeed if really good at it. I am willing to give it a shot. If it does not work, I can always go back (heaven forbid!!). However, I am a bit flexible on finances for a bit. But if you are going to do either part-time, you can see if you like it. I did the recruiting for six months and knew that that particular scenario was not for me. I did not regret that decision but know I have to do something (for the next 15 years)...unfortunately too young and not rich enough to retire....
Hope all goes well. These are really hard decisions to make... it is like jumping off a cliff. I just did it and we'll see how it goes. Being optimistic and working hard is a good start to anything.
Good luck.
SH