And I'm not talking about long-lastability either. But the control to back off my favorite hobby as I change gears in life (career, where money is less available and personal world, where time is also less plentiful).

I've always been able to steer my life-path with my own will...but this hobby is a doosey. I do not expect, nor really desire to give it up in toto since I enjoy it too much. Can you offer any sage counsel for some one that needs a little help in re-gaining a little discipline in this so deliciously addictive past-time...?  

Dear DeenoMartini,

Without much knowledge of your personal situation, it might be difficult to provide specific advice. One fun "intervention" would be to take the money you'd otherwise spend on each call, and deposit it into a special "hobby account" whenever you feel the urge coming on. In other words, instead of lifting up that phone or hitting those keystrokes on the computer to make an appointment, take the cash and deposit into a freshly made bank account. Yes, make sure it's totally separate from your other checking or savings accounts, to make it really "special." Keep at it for a couple of months or so, and see how you do. And after that...either give the money to a worthwhile charity of your choice, or make yourself the beneficiary [less noble, alas, but more tempting, of course] and blow it on something you've wished for lately.

See if it works,
the Love Goddess

Quality, not quantity.

I have been in similar circumstances and this works well for me.

I have been hobbying less and enjoying it more of late.

A friend used this approach as part of her regimen in giving up smoking.  Within a year, she had enough money saved up for a week in Hawaii with her S.O.

of encounters with providers.  For example if you tend to play once per week then try to go to twice per month.  If you play a couple of times per month max then try to make it once a month.

I try to do the latter so that I can simultaneously enjoy my playtime in the hobby while keeping my participation controlled so that my financial and time investments are kept at bay.