I apologize in advance for how long my response is. I think, as a country, we are approaching a precarious position. I have seen the writing on the wall for quite some time, and I have been working on a plan to weather the storm. Unfortunately, life keeps throwing curveballs.
Right before the 2008 downturn, I was forced to walkway from the small construction business I built when I broke my back in a car accident. I struggled to find a new career, eventually working my way up into middle management roles in the technology sector. All that has become apparent is I am not a good fit for big corporate life.
I was in another car accident last summer, where I hit the left side of my head on the side roll bar, the base of my neck on the top of the headrest, and the top of my head on the soundbar. Needless to say, I suffered a concussion, but based on the minimal damage to my Jeep went undiagnosed; I have had a constant headache for the last ten months. After six months of trying to cope with the headache and continue a mentally demanding job, putting in 60+ hour work weeks, my doctor placed me on medical leave. My recovery has been better since I have been allowed to heal; however, I still have a ways to go before I improve. Under the guise of a company-wide downsize, I was "laid off" at the end of February.
An opportunity looks to have become available that aligns with a passion I have had for about 35 years. The challenge is the current financial conditions are causing banks to retract. At the same time, I am knowledgeable and passionate about the industry and have solid business acumen; I lack work experience in said industry. I have spoken to three banks that said they have frozen funding new commercial loans.