I think it's important for non-traditional students to have fun hobbies (hobbies OUTSIDE of school...) The main reason this is important is that sometimes you need to get your mind off of school. Taking a break for a convention (this is the famous Kentucky Concave convention) is healthy. You can take a break and then come back to school or work refreshed.
Do you have a hobby? Can you take a break and perhaps attend a convention once in awhile? I think once a year is the minimum for attending this kind of event. Some people do this a lot.
Want to see some more photos of Concave? They are on my other blog, which is here.