CSU,
If you can handle controlling, I would definately go that route over dispatching. The pay that you will see as a controller will far exceed that of a dispatcher (at any airline), and multiply much faster as well. Even at a small relaxed airport in Iowa, you are likely to make more money. (I know of several controllers that have 4-5 years experience and make upwards of 80K once all of the overtime and special pay is added in).
That said, if you do decide to get away from the ATC system, I would imagine that your experience probably could land you a job with just about any airline (assuming that you get your dispatch lic). Most companies employ ATC "coordinators" in their dispatch centers- These are the people that coordinate through FAA system control on the airlines behalf~ I think that you would be well suited for one of these positions.