But an increasing number of engineers who have been caught in the down-market squeeze have no choice but to change careers. Our local paper ran a story last week about a laid-off engineer who has bought a restaurant with his neighbor, who is a chef. They are working long hours but they love it. Being an entrepreneur does something to the human spirit.

Another former engineer finally gave up trying to land another job and started a handyman business. Turns out he has always been a master at building and fixing. Based on the current demand for his services, he will soon have a full plate and he loves what he is doing. His spouse has been very supportive and is delighted at how energized her husband has become. Having a supportive, adventuresome spouse makes the journey even more enjoyable. Nice.

One of my colleagues got laid off last November. With job prospects next to nil, he's started a dry wall biz and works out of his home. When I called him last week to see how he was doing, he explained he wasn't real busy yet so he's spending mucho time with his three- and five-year-old sons. Then he paused:

"My father died when I was seven. I can't tell you what a pleasure it has been being with my boys." A silver lining indeed.

Many of the engineers who read this paper have colleagues who have become new entrepreneurs, either because they have decided to pursue a lifelong dream or because their backs are against the wall and they have no choice. Either way, I'd like to hear from them. Life is beautiful.

When ex-IBM engineer Frank isn't cheering on the new entrepreneurs, he can be reached at fburge@cmp.com.