Thanks for the encouragement folks. I've spoken to several guys this week who have made the plunge into the currently very muddy waters. The gist of their advice was; it doesn't get any better until you are deep into the majors, and even then the shadows of the economy always loom nearby. Lots of Pan-Am and Easterns out there. The O4 retirement will at least pay the rent on a double-wide, but the real test will be how long we can hold our breath before the majors/box companies hire. Two to three years of poverty wages until the thaw and then 5-8 as a junior bidder IF I can get on when the time comes. CINCHOUSE is having her doubts about that when the kids hit college at the same time.... No good options, just options.