This is something I think about often,I figured I'd put this out there and see just how crazy (or awesome? Yes. awesome) I am in comparison to most of you.
I started LTS 1.5 years ago, it was a once a week commitment, that turned into private lessons 2x's a week, with some sporadic practice time here and there. Now it's an almost daily activity, and it's both time consuming and expensive. I absolutely love it, and have no intention of giving it up, but I do find that I'm basing so many life decisions around skating, it almost feels irrational.
For example - I've been at a crossroads in my career; I started freelancing 2.5 years ago (maybe even 3? I don't remember). Initially it was just a short break from full time work, which then became an extended break as I needed to take care of my sick grandmother. I took up skating shortly after she passed and now I can't fathom going back to full time work, simply because it would interfere so much with my skating schedule.
In the back of my mind, I've been toying with the idea of going back to school - I'm a web designer, but I've always been drawn to the health sciences, and have considered and re-considered nursing school several times. I'm back to considering it, but this time around, I keep thinking that would mean cutting back on, or giving up skating altogether for a few years, at least.
Do any of you factor skating this strongly into your life? Would you move somewhere with no ice, for example, if there were other strong reasons for such a move? I know many people have taken breaks, but I'm kind of stuck on this idea that if I took a break, eventually 'real life' would take over and I'd be left with some really basic skills and an unfinished dream.
On the other hand...I don't know if I want to wake up in 5 years and find that the only thing I've really accomplished in life is that I'm a great adult skater...
How much of a priority do you make skating? Have you found that you can always work into your life no matter what? (obviously discounting time taken off to have kids, or health factors that prevent you from skating altogether)...