Was in tech for 15 years, I was feeling burned out and started a beverage company out of my kitchen. It really took off and now its my full time gig. I have a small staff and work 3-4 days a week. Work-life balance is way better, however I'm missing the challenges and smart individuals that come with working on tech products.
Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire - captures the beauty and importance of our natural world. Reminds us we can live simply and the idiocracy of trashing our own planet. (often compared Thoreau's Walden - also a must read)