re: Any OTer decided they were fed up with shift work and changed careers?

These are my experiences for what it's worth. I've never worked shift work, but here's what I have done and my 2 cents.

9 to 5 (actually 8:30 to 5:00 or later) working for myself, weekends off and vacation whenever I wanted to or could afford it. Pretty nice, but stressful work and I've actually made more money at my last 3 jobs.

24 hr. call. Absolutely sucked, although I made the most money. Spent about half the year away from home on deepwater rigs, but made good money. When I was home, never knew when I was going to work or how long I'd be gone. Could be 3 days, could be 3 weeks. I'd rather be broke.

7&7 and 14&14. 14 days is too long to be gone from home for me, even though I don't have kids. 7&7 seems perfect. The week at work away from home can drag on, and the week at home flies by, but I think it's the best balance. I work half the year and make more than many people who work all year with 2 weeks vacation.