OT - Anyone have any advice for a career change?

I want to be a gentleman farmer, living off the grid (except for internet! ). Will have to wait a while until finances allow... unless I win the lottery first.

I'm seriously debating it as well. I'm completely burned out on what I'm doing. Honestly if I make it to January with out putting in my notice it'll be a miracle.

same place my whole life, i must like banging my head on my desk. today im banging it because a papermill digester vessel i sent to columbia a few months back is stuck in customs because they think its a warship, i should not of used the word "vessel", "tank" probably would not fly either.

If you don't like what you're doing ... then change!  It's scary to contemplate changing.  But, if you're unhappy now, it's not as scary as the thought of doing the same thing for the same company for the rest of your working career with an increasing sense of frustration.  You need to change how you think about your present job/career, or change your job/career.

I changed my career field and went back to school for two years before heading off to work in a job that I loved.  Two years with no income and no guaranteed job at the end.  One of the best decisions we/I made.

I apologize if it sounds like preaching ... not meant to be that way.

I hear you and understand your frustration, but here's some sage advice I received years ago from an old man...remember the key rule for aerobatic stunt men...never let go of one wing until you have a good hold of the other wing. 

I want to be a scientist and get a grant studying VOCs from charcoal as burned from the bottom of the pile versus the top of the pile. After I figure that out, I'll study the difference between soaking and not soaking smoke wood. After that maybe the mysteries of fat side up or down.

Now, where to send my resume....hmmm.

Couple of things you said seem really important:

"I have no sick days as I don't even get them."

&

" I don't want to imagine what the landscape of my industry looks like in 30 years."

Seems like you can read the handwriting on the wall. Time to move.

Do you even have health benefits of any kind? If you do, hold on to the job for as long as practicable. #1 cause of bankruptcy in US is medical bills.

When I was about 35 yrs., I had a friend who was a job counselor. I was seriously considering a big change. She asked about my "network." Essentially, contact all business associates, friends and family.

Back then, it took about 6 mo's to find something new, and relocate. I had the $s to do that. From what I know, today, its can be more like 18 mos.

I don't know that you can consider finding something completely different than what you are doing. You are young enough, and from what you say have enough evidence of good work, that if you have some relevant skill in a new job, you might look for a position above bottom rung.

Do understand that the costs of self employment are quite high. As far as I know, you must put aside money for unemployment benefits if you fire yourself.

I did it 5 years ago. Was a pretty bumpy ride but turned out awesome. I was in the same job for 15 yrs. It was a great job (work from home, made lots of $ and had total freedom to work when I wanted for the most part). I knew it was going to come to an end soon (and it did) but was still riding the wave. One day I got recruited to go to a new company doing something else. I talked with them for several months and one day I just said "F-it" and I took it. It was a shock to the system but it's been 100% for the better after the dust all settled. I knew I needed to branch out but was really comfortable so I wasn't putting a lot of effort in to it. The recruiter was just the nudge I needed to take the plunge. I left some serious coin on the table for the first 3 years but it's all balanced out now. I really don't even give that a 2nd thought. I've learned so much and bolstered my value miles beyond where I ever would have been had I stayed. I get recruited all the time now- options are a good thing. I'm happy where I am, but if the day comes that I'm not, I have many more options than I ever would have if I had done one thing my while career..

O.K. ...now you're in my wheelhouse.

Determine what it is you'd like to do.
The first order of business is to make a plan (those that fail to plan, plan to fail).
Then show your plan to people whose opinion you value/trust (therefore you shouldn't post it here!)
Next write down a "map" on how to achieve your goal. (People spend much more time planning a 2 week vacation than they do their career paths)
Constantly refer to your plan/map to access if conditions or your desires have changed do to circumstances. Revise it if necessary.

For example... lets say you're 35, got a high school GED and work at Walmart, but you realllllly want to be a world famous brain surgeon.  Practical? not really. Easy? nope. Could it happen? really long odds against...  maybe you should step back and revise your plan.  Perhaps being an X-ray tech in a hospital surgery ward would be fulfilling...
Once you've firmed up what you want to do (being totally honest with yourself) THEN map out how to get there.  ...and make milestones. (in 6 months I need to be here, having accomplished that, and preparing this to get me to my next milestone... in 12 months I need to be... etc.  You get the picture)
If you're honest with yourself, do your research (Gee I'd like to start my own restaurant..but I really don't want to work 18 hour days and all holidays), revise, as necessary and then stick to your plan, you'll have a much better chance at success.

Thus endeth the sermon/lesson for today...