What to do......

I've been working in the housing industry now for almost 3 years and one thing that I've come up with is, it's not very stable. When I got started, there was more work than there was people to do the work. Now, everything is so slow. The only thing keeping us afloat is remodels. It seams that people are willing to stick endless amounts of money into their existing houses, but when it comes to moving or building a new house, it's not happening.

That fact has got me thinking. What am I going to do next? I love the work that I do but the job security isn't really there and the job itself, is really taking its toll on my body. I've got a stiff back all the time, my knees hurt constantly. I've even got tendinitis in one of my knees. As age 30 approaches I find myself thinking more and more about what I could do next. I'd like to stay in this industry but in order to make any money you need to be in a trade long enough to be able to "prove" yourself. I've done that with my current trade. My company knows that I do good work and they recognize that by not cutting me when there is no work, and by giving me raises when there "isn't any money to be given." I'd like to stay with the company and maybe move into a sales position but I don't see the two current salesmen moving on anytime soon. In all actuality I don't see anyone above me moving on anytime soon. Therefore, I'm kind of stuck.

My brother tried having his own business but unfortunately he had to sell it off because it wasn't a steady enough "paycheck" to make it worth it. It makes me sad because I would have liked to see him succeed with it and it would have given me "hope" that maybe I could have gone off on my own, but I don't see that as an option now.

I do have faith, though, that an opportunity will present itself and I'll be able to move on and remain happy with my career choice. I am open to suggestions, too.