Hello ~jr,
you don't have to throw everything away. You could choose to learn the tools, and the patterns, and what can make the patterns visible. You can invest time in things like lightbeam (plugin for firefox; there is another project like this, but I forgot the name). In other words "know your enemy". I believe it is allowed to pursue something in quest for a better jumping point.
I have once upon a time decided to not pursue an academic career any further. And I found out, that the number of possibilities just increased from there on. However, I am grateful and a little proud, that I finished that last degree rather than giving up. Allthough times were dark and pessimistic for several long months.
Cheers,
don't give up. Telling the Midnighters about it is not a bad move.
~ew
~bartender? How about some herbs in the form of tea? Maybe something to infuse some sunlight into the poor soul at the counter? Yes? That would be so nice!