I am also in that process. I am fed up with the uncertainty of software development today, even as an employee. I have 6 mouths to feed, so I need constancy. I also am a bit of a diva, when it comes to my work (whatever that work is). I love the creation side of programming, and I'm really good at it. I love making stuff, whether it's a webapp or bread. Unfortunately for me, the only stuff I can do right now that's creative is webapps, cause that what (almost) pays enough to pay the bills while allowing me to live in central/western Ohio (stepchildren). If I could be a teacher or an artist and still support my family, I would.

So, I started putting my feelers out for consulting. Right now, I have one semi-regular tech support gig for a local Remax agent. I occasionally do some contract development, though I have no gigs in that right now. But, until it takes off, I pay the bills.

I hate the politics and the rat-race. My wife wants me to change careers more than I do (which is impressive), but it can't happen ... right now.

I'm 28. You're 25. We have 60+ years, at least 40-50 of which will be productive. (Some guy at 104 finally retired ... think about that.) You've been working for 3-5 years, I've been working for about 8. Together, we've consumed some 14% of our total career time. We have plenty of time to work it out. Really. And, spending another year or two paying the bills until you have a solid gig to move to ... that's ok. That's really ok. Spend that time writing your book, learning an instrument, meditating, training for the Boston Marathon ... whatever you want to do! It doesn't matter, just so long as you enjoy it. Me? I'm happily raising a family and enjoying the first 2 years of my marriage. I'm starting to go back to exercising (hah!) and pretending I'll eventually write my book and start to meditate. But, I'm happy(ish). Would I be happier as a best-selling author working from home? Sure. Am I happier than someone who puts doors on Hondas? What do you think?