A tough spot to be in (Score 1)

I wonder how many people have NOT been through a similar crisis. Weighing your responsibilities and current ability to pay for them against a well-paying but unpleasant job is a tough position to be in but one you share with many folks these days. I've been there, took the management route with some technical challenges along the way and sought out positions in which I could make the most of what I enjoyed. Not perfect but as good as I could make it. Going to extremes, how badly are you disillusioned? How much are you willing to give up in terms of style of living? Would you be willing to give up your family? Will your wife stick with you if your income drops significantly? How likely is it that you can make a living at the things you love? If you truly love something else, are willing to commit to it, and there is a market for it, you can have the best of all worlds. You will love your work, you'll bring that home and your joy will spread to your family as well. You will be even better at that job than you are now, simply because of your attitude. On the other hand, if there is no market or the pay scales in the area you love are dismally low, there may not be enough love to get through not being able to pay bills. It is time for introspection, open but hopeful communication with your family, and market research. You may find the career of your dreams, learn to make do with less, or realize that the easiest thing to change is your perspective on IT. None are easy and I wish you the best in your search.