my recomendations are DONT DO IT DONT DO IT DONT DO IT DONT DO IT DONT DO IT DONT DO IT DONT DO IT DONT DO IT DONT DO IT.
If you aren't sure, DONT DO IT.
I did it, and although I have reached pay and responsibility levels that I would have perhaps not done otherwise, it has been at the expense of my self estheem. The worst of what the posts above have state is true, and job have security is the tool that is held over us all. Once you enter the business, your skills specialise to the business, and are less than useless anywhere else. Once ensconsed, your employment can leave you but you can't leave your employment. Recent developments have seen opportunities in the industry diminish, legal peril increase, wages decrease, and constant pressure on governments to reduce the level of qualification required to enter (become a LAME) in answer to commercial pressure.
Oh Yes there is money to be had, but at what cost? Peace of mind is it. It is not a business that you can leave behind when the hangar doors are closed.
To echo remarks of others....IT is the go. At least there, a small mistake (like eroneous paperwork) won't mean potential (Federal) criminal cahrges!!
Here's to Licenced Aircraft Engineers, the least expensive legal advice that money can buy!!
[This message has been edited by prunehead (edited 30 May 2001).]