I have been keeping bees for over 20 years, following an introduction course I attended. My first hive I kept in my garden. A year later this increased to 2, then 4.
As my colonies grew I looked for suitable out apiaries.
An allotment, a garden nearby, a field with horses in, an orchard, a farm, and an open field.
By the time I reached 24 hives I realised I wasn’t enjoying it anymore.
My beekeeping had turned into another job.
I already worked 40 hours a week as a staff nurse, so spending my days off working as a beekeeper was too much.
So I stopped. I gave away nearly all my colonies to new Beekeepers and passes the apiaries onto other Beekeepers.
I kept 2 sites for myself where I keep a total of 3 colonies.
The work disappeared and the joy of beekeeping returned.