[rmathew]

Jamie Zawinski[0] gave up professional programming[1] to manage a lounge[2].

0. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_Zawinski

1. www.jwz.org/gruntle/nomo.html

2. www.dnalounge.com/backstage/log/1998-1999.html

Edit: jwz hates HN; made the links non-clickable. Thanks @Jtsummers.

[Jtsummers]

Be aware, jwz.org used to (accidentally verified a month ago) have a rather NSFW image that it would redirect you to if you were linked to the site from HN. Copy/paste that link, don't click on it.

[rmathew]

Another example: Paul Lutus (of Apple Writer fame and @lutusp on HN), gave it up for solo circumnavigation of the world in a small boat and photographing bears, among other things[0].

0. http://arachnoid.com/administration/