Thanks for replies on the post.
JJ: Funny post.. I have a 328 (no convertible tho ;( ) and a cute girlfriend 4 years my younger. I've seen a small part of the world (India/SE. Asia -- really enjoyed it), but it is hard with only 2weeks vacation and buying all those intl. plane tickets.
Clue32: Thanks for welcome. Just to say a bit more, I am basically staying within the same company (I work for the parent corp). Been doing relatively same work for 5 years, and am getting that itch. [Think it's in pilots for that need to explore]. Think same about fatalist mentality, though I'm sure hostile environments aren't lowering the chances. Think also it's going to be definitely a big adjustment.
rickair777: Agreed on the shift. I'm already entrenched on the engineering side, I am hopeful that UAV operations experience could lead down the road to a Business Development type, if not State/cia, position. The main impetus though is to get away from the cubicles.