Thanks for the advice and opinions from everyone.
Deep down, I know it is not the actual work that I can not stand anymore, but rather the effects on me that it will have on me and my body down the road that has me thinking the way that I am. I have worked at 4 shops in my 12 yrs of doing this line of work, and have worked with too many 50+yr old body men who are some of the most broke down, grumpiest, most bitter old men (both physically and mentally) you would ever care to meet. I absolutely DO NOT want to be that person. Truth be told I still do enjoy and take pride in the fact that I work in a skilled trade that not anyone off the street could come in and do well. Also, while working, I used to wake up every morining coughing and hacking for a few minutes every morning. In the time that I was off work, after a week or so, I didn't cough one time. Now, having been back to work for less than a week I have already started the coughing and hacking again when I wake up in the morning. Just goes to show how breathing in bondo dust and paint fumes isnt good for you. I just know that I still want to be able to get around good to be able to enjoy my children as they get older, and one day my grand children as well. I realize that we all have to get old at some point, but if I can do anything to prolong that process than I am all for it.
One of my biggest issues right now is that I really have no clue as to what the heck else I would like to do with my life. I worked a data entry job for about 6 months out of high school and that already convinced me that I am not going to be happy riding a desk job anywhere. I have already looked at going into the bodyshop estimator or insurance adjuster side line of work, as I would obviously have the skills for that. I actually had a job offer with an ins. company two years ago as an adjuster, but they started off paying 1/2 of what I made this last year, and that just wont cut it. I am going to look into more oppurtunities along those lines and see what I can come up with.I have had discussions with my mngmt about taking a front office estimating position where I am at now. And While I like the idea of that kind of work, I dont want to do it where I am at now. I like everyone I work with, but I work at a corporate dealership and there are too many office politics that go on in the front office side of my job. If I were to go into the shop estimating side of my business, I believe I would have to move on to another shop. And I told my boss this same thing yesterday. I told him within one year, that while I do not know what I will be doing, I know I will not be doing the same thing that I am now.
For the time being until I get it all figured out I guess I will just try and make the best of it and take the Dr's advice. Haha!!
