Ask HN for a career advice

Here's where I'm at:

  * 1993: Graduated with a degree in Mech Eng (middle east). Worked in plant maintenance management & coordination (around 5 years).
  * 1998: M.Sc. Mech Eng (London, UK)
  * 2000: Developed a passion for software.
  * 2003: M.Sc. Info Sys (Boston, MA). Worked in mid-east as software developer leveraging my plant maintenance experience.
  * 2007: Moved to Canada. Worked in developing web-apps for end-user, B2B, enterprise.

I'm currently contracting for The Man (read: lucrative but soul sucking), and will soon be outsourced (primarily to save office space). I've tried launching a product but failed post-implementation (partner quit).

I'm at a career cross-roads. I'm starting a service company, but being drained out of motivation and ideas. I have a family of four and minimal social support.

<personal_observations> I'm getting old. The IT industry is pitiful (bad clientele, outsourcing, non-involvement, ...). It's not as easy as other professions to make money (although not too difficult either). Indicators are not in favor of the industry (bubble, economy, ...). My choice of technology isn't aligned with The Norm (further difficulties in landing a 'job'). I'm not being part of something BIG. </>

I've been advised to move back to Engineering, and try finding a job. I've thought of 'merging' the two careers, but totally lack ideas.

I've always appreciated the insights of HN community and would like to hear what you have to say.

[sorry for lots of 'I's]