in my circle of friends, I am referred to as a Star Fish - when a starfish loses a leg it simply grows a new one. The economic changes of the last five years hit me full force so I have learned to grow "legs"

Not to rain on the career changing ideas as I went from being a Social Worker into many careers related to the real estate world. What I discovered is going back to the world of social services (at least in Idaho) has not panned out for me - I am 56. I have not "worked" for someone other than myself and my DH since 2008.

On a positive note, I love my "job". We scaled down our lives dramatically and live above our little bike shop. Our business model is such that we can take long weekends to do what we want, and we should be able to "work" for many, many years to come.
On the down side, we did have to kick the kids to the curb and they have way more school debt than we intended but when life throws lemons I do my best to make lemonade.

Good Luck Dogmama, go where your heart takes you and vow for no more careers that leave you sobbing in the parking lot.