When did you turn into a sissy? Man up. Take those leaps. Why not? you've got the skills, the talent, the experience, the passion for what you do. Also sounds like it'll get easier and easier to leave your current place. With so many people moving on, maybe it's your turn to do so as well.

Hmmm....

It can be annoying when your younger brother is right, can't it?

"What makes a Hottentot so hot? Whatta they got that I ain't got?" The lion in "The Wizard of Oz"

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered with failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

OK, you are much like me, and I fully understand the trepidation- you like part of what you're doing, but the job itself is a dead-end. You have responsibilities- the insurance and the other benefits are important to providing for your family. But the job is also sucking your soul, and the lack of professional respect, financial reward, and learing experience is starting to be a detriment.

I was once told that any gig should offer at least two of three things- fun, contacts, or money. Seems your work ain't doing any of those any more. Like I told Geoff, there are only two lasting beequests we can give our children. One is roots, the other is wings.

Spread your wings again, son.

Love,
Dad
Note: edited to remove company information. --sean