SNORGY, thanks for the tips and information.
I have some good things going on with my company, if I can lead them into positive cash flow. I'm going to stay the course awhile and see what happens. I'm working diligently towards some goals. I was laid up this week but will be hard at it tomorrow.
Half of my brother-in-law's family is from Winterpeg. As much as I love them, I decline their offers to live there. They seem to love me in return and want me nearby. This has been an ongoing discussion for about the last 17 years. My sister's in-laws treat me as they do my sister, i.e., like part of the family. When Mother died, her mother-in-law and a brother-in-law flew down to help us out. We've spent holidays and vacations together but Canadian winters are bitterly cold for my Southern blood. Four or five days in Winterpeg for Christmas is about all I can do. Brrrr!...!!...!!!!
There are better controls and instrument people than me. Somehow, there has been room for me, too, and I am very grateful. There is room for you, too, Jack-of-all-Trades-Master-of-None.
From my perspective, an ME who is a good generalist would be an asset. Many engineers become myopic in focus thus loose their ability to do much beyond citing codes, rotating equipment, relief valves, or something else. To have an ME that has remained broad in application is rare. That may not apply in large numbers but it's been true of my observations. Some of the best MEs I've worked with had a range of abilities and they made excellent discipline engineers and project managers. Those MEs used their engineering experience a lot to keep the project moving forward and moving forward smoothly. If you go solo, you never know what work will come your way.
If you go it alone and can find partners who are like-minded, that's probably the best way to do it.
Whatever you do, the first thing you need to do is get rid of that defeated way of thinking. You're educated, experienced and obviously not intimidated by work, challenges, or others. You certainly don't lack intellect. That is a lot to be grateful for and to offer others. You have a good sense of humor, too, which is priceless in many situations.
Three things pushed me in this direction: a layoff and two subsequent resignations, almost back-to-back, over ethics issues. Doing this was something planned for retirement not now. My plans didn't seem to take root...
Be sure going solo is what you want to do. It isn't easy and it is expensive. I am using my own money to finance it. I can't get a loan from the bank. It is unnerving initially but it gets easier over the months. Most have little patience or stomach for this and, granted, they do have more responsibility. I am single, no kids, and have no life so it's easier for me. If I become homeless, I can live under a bridge until I get on my feet again. I am a backpacker so grunge in small doses is tolerable. ;-) That is harder to do with a wife and kids.
I think I still have some worksheets to use as an evaluation for your tolerance for getting out on your own. They include your wife's input, too. If you want them, let me know. I'll be glad to send them to you, if I still have them.
Mostly this is between the Lord and me. With my raunchy childhood, I don't know how to trust Him. This is an exercise in learning how to trust Him with everything. My dad was not a loyal dad in any way so trust is a big issue with me. I am accustomed to having to do it all and not rely on
others for
anything. This is so overwhelming I cannot do it all. I know I need help and the only help I have is God. He's got to show up or I continue not knowing how to trust Him with all things in my life. It's a huge leap of faith for me. This is part of faith at which I stinketh. I either swim or sink.
That probably doesn't apply to you and most others here. I reveal it to help you understand my mindset and events leading to this point in my life. Your life, I hope, has been much, much better than mine in all ways.
Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC
