Wow. Thanks everyone. I mean it. This is some great input. I have more questions now and better questions to ask of them. And as far as following my current path, this job isnt what I want to do. There isnt anywhere to go. I am a planner and there is no position to move onto. It is what it is.
Im going to hit them with a bunch of questions and see what they see. The wife is fully supportive of whatever decision I make. That is as long as she is back full time and has the insurance. She knows how passionate I am about brewing. And I hear you about a job being a job. Thats another hesitation I have. Right now nothing makes me happier than brewing. Im afraid that could change. But at the same time this is something I have wanted to give a shot for years. If I dont like it, at least I will know. I will certainly keep everyone posted. Going to sit down Friday and have a few beers with the owner. His idea. And we will see what comes of it. Could be a turning point in my life. More excited than scarred.
Just quick personal experience that may or may not apply so take it as you like:
I have been a photographer since I was in the 3rd grade, developing my own negatives and prints at that point and technically I have "the eye" along with the ability to meter on the fly. With a wide variety of interests I started taking photos for myself and friends while competing in events and on fun runs, I would post these pics online and share away...it was fulfilling and I enjoyed it as a hobby.
From these postings I was contacted by a magazine that was starting up to be on the photography team with travel and expenses paid, good image useage, rights, pay and advertising options...couldn't be a better option for someone like me right?
So I signed up and for about 8 years I travelled...a lot, averaging 48 weekends a year travelling to events and runs. Reimbursement on expenses was a little slow but was acceptable, hours on the computer editing a couple thousand images for delivery on deadline was tiring but I got efficient and loved being friends with peoople in the industry doing what I loved and getting paid for it.
Then the first mag went down, got optioned to another and a couple years later it started flaking out on pay and reimbursement, then they had internal issues and I left to be picked up by a third magazine which folded while on my first assignment.
I haven't picked up a camera more than a dozen times in the last 6 years because of this. In fact only in the last month have I started doing small shoots for a friends freestyle team based on a trade deal.
Whats the point of this small rant, well I guess it is that your passion for a hobby doesn't always translate well into a dream job so look at every angle possible and make sure everything is sealed up in contracts before you rush in head first.
Now I must go back to my brewing (it's my day job)