Did you quit a high-stress “career” job to opt for a more laid-back lifestyle?

I quit a teaching job four years ago. Even with all the vacation time, teaching is a very stressful career. Since I left it, I am thankful every day that I was able to escape the stress. At one point an “opportunity” came up and I took a contract again. The deadlines, nonsense paperwork and hypocrisy made me feel like so dead and miserable. It was a great relief when it ended. How do people do this? Now I’m getting by doing low-pay work, hard work, but somehow I am more able to enjoy life. Being single and having no dependents makes it possible... probably a lot of people would “drop out” if they could. Being poor sucks, but I think I’d rather be dead than have to play those games every day. Do you have a similar story? Are there many of us? Can you recommend any books for people like us? Please, no sarcastic responses. Looking for sincere communication.