Olin says that, since he and his wife Anna have had children (Jack and Noah, three months), being able to spend more time with them is a massive benefit.
"I don't have to travel to work each day which means I get to spend a lot more time with the kids. Taking a break from the farm and having lunch together is a real treat. Anna and I also believe it's important to sit down together as a family every night for dinner."
When it comes to his mini future farmer, Olin says Jack loves everything to do with farming.
"Farming instils a good work ethic into you and your children. Safety comes first though and children can only go on the farm if they are 100per cent supervised. We really focus on achieving a good work-life balance. We want the children to see that. We don't want them to be put off farming in the future because we were always working long hours during their childhood."
Olin says as a dairy farmer, he has the ability to tinker at so many different things.
"I love that every day presents a different challenge. I'm never bored and I've become knowledgeable in many areas."
Becoming a dairy training tutor for farmers studying towards Primary ITO qualifications is another role Olin is relished, while love for the outdoors and animals were other major drawcards.
"These benefits don't change with the milk price. I still love what I do every day." The road to success has its ups and downs, says Olin.
"To get through a dip we focus on our goals. We know if we keep steering in the right direction, we will come out the other side. Knowing what we're aiming for, that's what keeps us going." For Olin and Anna, the end goal is becoming part-owners in a farm.
Moving to New Zealand from Ireland in 2001, the visible progression was one of the things that enticed Olin to stay.
"Our medium-term goal was a 50:50 sharemilking position, which we're using as a vehicle to achieve farm ownership. Money and success are also motivating factors. A lot of our goals involve us being in the top 10 per cent."
Olin acknowledges the need to be flexible along the way.
"You can't get too rigid or it will get you down. Regularly reassess where you're at. A dip may put you back a year or two, but keeping that end goal in sight is a great motivator."
A slightly larger herd (480 cows) than their previous sharemilking position has given the couple the ability to step back from the coalface.
"With staff on-farm, it's a lot easier to have a holiday. I've had to work on my ability to delegate and accept that others might not do something exactly how I would. We want to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. I'm not going to work ridiculous hours and not see my family."
One way Olin and Anna achieve this is having discipline around their lives.
"As a family, every Sunday night we have a meeting and plan the week ahead. We factor in how we will fit in other commitments - it's not just work. It helps us achieve balance."
Team Greenan
Olin credits his strong relationship with Anna as being at the heart of all their achievements.
"If the core of your relationship is strong, everything else is easier. Prioritise what's most important to you."
As a trained dietitian, Anna adds a valuable outside perspective for Olin when he is immersed in the day to day running of the business.
"We approach things as a team and specialise in our own areas," he says. "Anna is really interested in looking after employees and health and safety. She recently completed the Primary ITO Human Resources module of the Diploma in Agribusiness Management - that's her specialty in the business. Coming from another industry she brings an added dimension of skills and experience."
Support networks are a major credit to the industry, says Olin.
"New Zealand dairying has a big emphasis on professional development and knowledge sharing. With networks such as Young Farmers, Federated Farmers, Dairy Industry Awards, Dairy Connect mentoring and DairyNZ groups, there are a lot of experienced and established farmers keen to mentor young ones."
Olin is part of DairyNZ's Dairy Connect programme which links a farmer looking for information or support with another farmer who has experience or knowledge.