I Need Some Insight.

[AllHoppedUp]

Very sorry to hear of your misfortune DB.

For what it's worth, Oregeon State University has a brewery science program. (Wish I would have gone that route in hindsight). Corvallis, where it's located, is very cheap. And the Pacific Northwest is home to more microbreweries than you could shake a racking cane at.

AHU

 

[DeRoux's Broux]

thanks AHU.

it's been consistently getting worse since that damn hurricane hit, and can't seem to catch a break or get out of this rut.

it's amazing how your life can do a 180 so fast. 3 years ago, happily married to my high school sweetheart (dated 8 yrs, married 8 yrs), she was a financial advisor, i had a GM job for an environmental company, bought a home on the street i grew up on, had an awesome harley, traveled, couldn't have been better. then WA-POW! kicked in the gut. she files for divorce, have to sell the home, work goes downhill........sucks. i'm a good guy too, Christian, don't lie, don't steal, don't cheat, etc. then get re-married and it hasn't been the same since. don't have anything to lose, 'cause i lost it all in the 1st divorce. got the dog and my brew gear though!!!

sorry. don't need to me ramblin' about my troubles. we all have them and just need to deal with them.

 

[Baron von BeeGee]

sorry. don't need to me ramblin' about my troubles. we all have them and just need to deal with them.

Getting them out there seems to help, though. At least for me.

 

[Chairman Cheyco]

You gotta look at this as a second chance. If you are really ready to go back to school, do it! When I was in engineering there were a few 'mature students' who worked really hard and got awesome grades because they knew what they wanted and why they were there. Meanwhile, I was hungover and flunking (another story.) The point is now is your chance to really apply yourself to something you really want to do. (Even if it means being the old guy sitting at the front of the class blowing the grade curve)

 

[BlightyBrewer]

DB, I am also sorry to hear about your troubles, and I hope that you turn a more positive corner in the near future.

I think you have a good range of advice here. As Walker said, it is easy to dispense advice when you are not in the same situation. However, the majority of that advice is leaning towards the "move and take a chance" option. I can honestly say, if I was in your situation, I would indeed take a chance and move. Living with your parents whilst going through a divorce and hunting for a job that is ever elusive is only going to damage your morale, and probably effect your relationship with your parents. A clean break will revitalise you, give your self esteem a boost, and you never know, may be the best thing you ever did. Do you think you would be happy living in TX and wondering what might have been? You seem to me to be a very resourceful, knowledgable, and confident person...you have survived past troubles, and no doubt you will survive anything the future throws at you. If you have worked out that you can survive in CO financially, then that's the logical box ticked.

I took a chance a year ago and left a very cushy career in academia to give industry a try. Now I can honestly say that it hasn't worked out as I had hoped, and I sometimes wish I was back in academia...but I never regret making the move because it gave me a fresh outlook, new experiences, and will probably serve me well in the long run, particularly if I decide to go back to academia. I will never know the "what if" scenario because "I did"!

Try a different road DB, all the signs are pointing that way.

 

[Rhoobarb]

I agree that this is a second chance for you. Nothing's holding you back, so do what you really want to do. If you follow your heart and fall flat on your face - so what?! How would that be any different than where you're at now? And there's nothing wrong with going back to school at 33, if that's what you decide to do. You probably won't be the only one. And some young college chicks dig the older guy!

I decided once to completely change directions, location, etc. It didn't work out, but it was beneficial b/c I learned a lot about myself and what I really wanted to do in this world. I wouldn't trade that time for anything. I personally believe everybody goes through three distinct changes in there life - involving their career, emotions, finances, homelife - all those things rolled into one big ball o' wax!

Now is your chance. Take it. Good luck!

 

[Beer Snob]

When I got laid off from IT 6 months after 9/11 I thought I could find work. I looked.. hard.... wish I spent the time golfing.. and brewing.. would have been better spent I tell you. I tried the school route. I felt old... and tired... and frustrated that I had to deal with the school sh*t after owing soo much to the government already. I think if this is your chance to actually start over again clean... then take it as a gift. Do it. Not many people can do this easily.

 

[AllHoppedUp]

I personally believe everybody goes through three distinct changes in there life - involving their career, emotions, finances, homelife - all those things rolled into one big ball o' wax!

And those three distinct changes are?

AHU

 

[DeRoux's Broux]

well, i'm kicking myself in the rear too. redhook had called me for a cellar spot in Portsmouth, NH a week or so ago, and i didn't call back because my wife and i were just "seperated" and i didn't know what she was going to do (damn it!).

i sent an e-mail back, maybe they'll call back. said it had good benefits, work 45 hrs week on 4 day shifts, 1 weekend coverage a month. not in the brewhaus, but could lead to that. plus, NH looks cool!

thanks for all the kind words guy's. i really want to take the leap too.....

 

[Darth Konvel]

Sorry to hear you're in a tough spot. Here's hoping things turn out in your favor. There will always be folks that have it better, and folks that have it far worse, so just do your best. The road you take in life is always under construction