[red911sc]

With all of the posts about working I decided to spill my guts as this has been bothering me for a while.

Personal background; 43 year old white male, 3 boys – 19, 9 & 6. My wife is a paralegal. Not much savings and in debt (my fault) but recently developed plan to be debt free in about 6 years. This does not include upgrading vehicles which will have to happen as current daily drivers are aging so this will extend the “debt free” date. No college degree but have taken some courses, also attended many seminars.

Professional background; I am a “jack of all trades” from machine shop/fabrication background (since age of 16), I have operated manual machines, programmed and operated CNC’s, also worked in many areas of sheet metal fab, jumped to engineering, designed dies, fixtures, etc., now jumped to sales and am Sales and Customer Service Manager of a $10 million/year firm. I am good with my hands and good at problem solving. I handle myself well in the sales arena but am, by nature, introverted. Some days I loathe dealing with the issues/people.

Dream; I have always wanted my own business and actually own some machinery (older CNC knee mill, small manual horizontal mill, surface grinder, press brake and a few other small items)and keep it at a friend’s shop (he is a struggling welder/fab guy, one man show). We have discussed joining forces and having our own place but I struggle with this decision due to financial concerns. I need to make 65k/year + to live currently.

So… I am trying to decide what to do with my life. I can’t believe I am in this position at the age of 43, looking back over my career I have not managed my life very well. I have always allowed myself to follow the easiest path to more money. I think I am going through a period of depression. Any advice? (I am open to career changes)