Hiya Chox, well done, if you are happy, you have found the answer to life the universe and everything..
I realised many years ago that, instead of 42, it was simple - be happy.

So, nice one.

As for running away etc.. it really does take all kinds to make a world as they say.. thank gawd we are NOT all the same.
I think many do run away - but not in the sense of being unable to cope, quite the opposite..
you are born into a pre dictated path to a certain degree.. onw which society tends to control. Some, are not prepared to live in that specific society. me included. its having the bottle to get out of perceived security and try something new. many people find that all they wanted was to get away from social control and standards - advertising, accumulating and inevitable debt.

This life offers that for many.. for some, it doesnt. Personally, I NEVER had a 'normal' land based job I could honestly say I enjoyed.. yes, I had moments of fullfillment.. as a Paramedic for 14 years in earlier life it was mostly dealing with dross and brothheads, but occasionaly you felt you had made a difference.. saving a life is a most rewarding experience, unfortunately, it doesnt happen often.. I hate kids lol, but, assisting in a difficult birth is a memory to treasure.
Round peg sqaure hole is a good analogy for many.
I also suppose it can be 'in your blood' and that can be a very powerful stimulant.
I was lucky enough to be born into a lifeboatman family - Spurn Head 1957 - dad was crew on the humber lifeboat and we lived in the lifeboat cottages.. was playing in the sea as a tot.. after attempts at normal life mom n dad moved to the Isles of Scilly in 1968 where I spend my teens, and again spent most days on the sea.. ie - at 14 years old going out before school to check dad's lobster pots and long lines - same after school.
That certainly gives you a love of the sea that never left me.. even onto fishing out of Newlyn in the winter and working the island boats in the summer.. then the Navy etc..
After many years of 'normal life' I knew what I liked and didnt.. so here we are.. happy as larry.. The thought of going back to bricks n mortar and all the ties is simply not in the equation

Many thanks to all the respondents on this thread.. thak you for the openess and honesty shown. Hopefully it will help many if they want to do this.. or at least give food for thought.

Joe Jayne and Molly..
Capt'n S. Master under god of the good ship Ruddles.