CB,
Hats off - you've just managed to order and clarify the swirling cloud of career-confusion I've been playing with for a while. I guess the frustration comes from the fact that a lot of guys give their heart and soul to the job for a lot of years (because it's feking great), and expect something in return. In reality, the return comes in the form of the irreplacable times you have and the mates you share experiences with. As a very talented old-and-bold recently told me, his resignation was a huge anti-climax; where was the brass band after 20 years of sweat?
Great post.