Sure, I think it's a common enough cycle. Of course, most people don't work a job where they can make six figures working part time--if they had the option, I'm

Sure, I think it's a common enough cycle. Of course, most people don't work a job where they can make six figures working part time--if they had the option, I'm sure they'd LOVE to live that lifestyle. You are really lucky to have that option. But you already strive for continued education and to improve your skills, so luck is only part of it. My point is--enjoy the good times. That said, it depends on what you want. If you do a bit of freelance consulting work and sell it right, you can be pretty financially independent without a big commitment. If you want to start a "real" business, it requires a lot of commitment and a pretty high tolerance for abuse (although maybe that's just me!) I guess I compress your cycle more--I do something until I feel myself getting overloaded, then I take a break and come back later. But after a couple days, I'm usually ready to get back to it--it helps to really enjoy and believe in what you do. So again, you've got to make the decision yourself, but fwiw, you might try to compress each cycle--maintaining momentum is important too.