Pax, for the same reason I am thinking about what I will call "vocational" training--that is, not college. I've spent many years just using brain skills. As time goes on (and I tire of the corporate environment and all of its expectations), I am leaning toward something that requires brain AND what I call "hand skills". I think that combination will be better for my soul, which has been sucked dry.

I know I'd take a huge salary hit, and one of my big concerns is how this would affect my hubby, who is the best guy in the world, and our lifestyle. It would take some creative accounting in the beginning, to be sure, but I could certainly adjust. I have a lot to think about, and it's good to hear about others' experiences.

FWIW, I tried to leave my current industry once and it was a dramatic failure (mostly because of finances, but I also did not have a good plan).