my company uses Mantis BugTracker (www.mantisbt.org) as a bugtracker/helpdesk ticket tracking tool. It's pretty simple to use, and is very customizable if you're willing to dig into the code.

This is the reason I submitted this to Slashdot - the community never fails to thoroughly answer a question that is asked of it! Thanks for all the advice and tips, and even the couple of job offers that were posted! I'm currently located in south Georgia (Valdosta, GA) and looking for something in the Atlanta, GA area (preferably north metro area), so if anyone has something to offer in that area, email me at ultimatemonty[at]gmail[dot]com

What I got out of all this is either start out with a small company where I can use my full skillset, or specialize and look at larger companies. I think I prefer small companies. Working at a mid-size university (12,000 students, ~5,000 employees) the past 7 years has taught me that I definitely can't stand dealing with the politics and bureaucratic BS of mid-size and larger firms. Unfortunately, I also know that I'll have to deal with it to some degree no matter where I end up, but a smaller shop seems more manageable and generally seems to be more relaxed, which I love. My current boss doesn't care what time I show up to work or what I wear, as long as what needs to get done, gets done. I doubt I find something even remotely close to this out in corporate America, but I can always hope =)

Thanks again for all the feedback!

--Monty