I just made the leap to a different job. It's still sales but I'll be selling software. I took all things into consideration and asked my new employer all the questions I needed answers too. I loved where I was at but the new job offered double what I'm bringing home now. Easy decision for me.

I am going to second healthcare. Almost 30 years ago I was doing HVAC and knew I wouldn't/couldn't do it another 30 years. Got an Associates in Science Degree in Nursing ... essentially a 2 year RN although it is 12 required more hours of college credit. I had a job before I graduated working in the hospital. I also did night classes for pre-reqs while working at my AC job. It sucked. There was an acute shortage of RN's when I started and that continues today. As Ronnie stated there is plenty of OT too. I work 12 hour shifts, 3 one week, 4 the next but the extra day I work is optional. You can do MANY different things with a 4 year RN (BSN) in nursing. I have made myself valuable by become quasi expert in Neuro Critical Care. Pick a field, get good, make some bucks.

I have a fishing buddy whose wife is a VERY good hemodialysis nurse and contracts her skill set out for over $75/hour and makes 6 figures easily.

Once you get experience you are in demand and can go to work almost anywhere you want. In the mid 90's I went thru a divorce and was courting my now wife. She had taken a job in Maine right after we started seeing each other. She went thru with her obligation and after a month I decided to go up there myself. I flew up, walked into the regional hospital's HR dept and got a job right there, but I had 5 years of criticare experience. This place (Bangor, Me.)had a stable job market too.

Last thing I want to say though, you gotta have a heart for caring for people or you'll burn out quick! I get a lot of non-financial rewards in my day to day work.

Healthcare is definitely a good field. People will always get sick. If you're not into direct patient care, there are opportunities in related fields like medical equipment installation and maintenance or even equipment sales.

I went from being a cop to a Paramedic and ER Nurse. Spent 18 years loving every minute of it. Pays well, you work is always exciting and the jobs are plentiful.

I always wanted to get into law enforcement, but figured I couldn't live on a cop's pay (and I was right). At 33 I realized that although I was making decent money I hated going to work. I chucked it all, took the pay cut, and got into LE. Had some tough times for while, but the bride stood with me and I've never regretted it. If you really want it, go for it.

Thanks for all the advice guys. I ended up taking a job with all the perks that my current one doesn't have. I'm taking a cut in pay but it will be worth it to be away from the worse company I've ever worked for. And it looks like there's going to be more time to fish with this new job too. Win win.

RedRanger being a pro bass fisherman is definitely my end game. 😉

Glad to hear this news! Hope it all works out. You also got some good ideas from this thread. Medical Field, Law Enforcement, Sales, etc. The worst mistake I made in my life was staying too long at a horrible job.

I really appreciate all the advice and words of encouragement. You guys are great!

I was trying to get in to medical sales but every opening that I applied for required 1+ years of experience which I don't have. I ended up taking a sales job in the commercial HVAC industry. I figured that being in a Houston and with the start of the busy season upon us, my commissions should pick up nicely.

Raybob what did you not like about the HVAC industry?

The work! I didn't do an office job. Not something I could do my whole life.

Medical sales is dominated by hot nurses that get in with companies. If you have a sales personality you can do well. In the surgical areas company reps go into surgery with new equipment to teach the surgeons how to install or use it.

I'm looking hard at going the healthcare route. May start this summer. I love parts of this profession, but I have a hard time seeing myself do it for another 30 years the way things are going.

I would say if you have been in sales try to find a job in sales or get a MBA in finance or whatever you choose. I had a biology degree and now completing a MBA in finance then heading to med school in the fall so its never to late to find a job you're really passionate about!

To the OP, You should look into to becoming a professional internet poster. I am talking about twitter and facebook as well as the TFF/ OT where the most knowledgeable minds gather and solve problems just like yours everyday.