[elisabeth]

Thanks ueberinquisitive: wise words to keep in mind! That's exactly what I've been thinking. And also, if not now, when?

I seem to have a window of opportunity here during which I can pull this off, and the time is right now. So while I feel a bit panicked, I feel even more exhilarated (thanks Angela!).

I've been doing some writing exercises too, and carefully observed my feelings.

When I write "stay, stay, stay..." I get that sinking feeling in my stomach, and when I write "leave, free, free to go" etc., I feel much happier.

Dave:

As to my skills... well, sure I could use my skills where I am right now, but for years, they haven't been rewarded the way they should have been (i.e., with a fair and equitable salary), and that would not change in the foreseeable future (I checked). So I'll take me and my skills, combine them with new ones I've acquired in the meantime, and take them out into the big wild world to see where they will take me. Wheee!

Just watching myself as I'm writing stuff online, bursting with ideas, being happy as a clam... I really want to give myself a chance to see where this can take me.

Just got yet another idea on how to "monetize" my skills on the Warrior Board.

Thanks.