Sundance, it strikes me that you are actually speaking about 2 things, right livlehood and the way we attach our worth to our jobs. My identity is so tied up in my work it's scarey. I know it is a big therapy issue. I have major financial concerns as it is never mind if i lost my job of over 15 years. I think you are on the right track with your thinking and are in a place to make real healthy decisions for yourself. I am not sure that is how I got where I am. You go with your gut girl and it won't fail you. If you end up working with animals you have to promise to tell me all of the stories because my critters are one of my few sources of true joy. You are solid girl, stick to it.