Tab,
Sorry to hear that you have to give up. I have mixed emotions on the subject and mixed results, as I was a contractor for years, then left it to work in engineering and architecture as an inspector and administrator, and most recently, as a certified construction specifier. Contracting is tough, and its even tougher if you want to have a stellar reputation. People have no idea how hard it is to do the right thing at every turn in contracting, because it's the conscientious guy who pays the price to get things right. If it helps at all, many, many buisinesses are closing up. Its not that you can't keep up, it's just that there is not enough business to keep you going. Nearly all of us have spent our reserves and borrowed all we can while Washington rewards their cronies with cash. As a contractor you can, to some extent, dictate your existence.
Having said that, since moving into the status of "employee" I left behind a lot of stress and a lot of headaches, but believe it or not, I left behind security as well. Since becoming an employee I am on my second layoff in five years- so far this one has lasted five months. When I was a contractor I could always find SOMETHING to do.
Keeping your tools is a good idea, and I might suggest a different approach. Depending on the state requirements, you could go "handyman" or something- picking up small stuff for people who are accustomed to paying their bills.
I've seen excellent contractors, architects, engineers, and specifiers go down in this depression, and its not going to change until we can build new and remodel again. Construction drives our economy, and construction has disappeared.
I hope you find a way to make some dough in the interim, but remember that it's not your lack of skills that have caused this. I hope you find a comfortable way to deal with this and move forward.
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