Leaving film to pursue a trade?

I’m curious if anyone here has ever left the industry to pursue a trade or other career paths. I’m 33 and have been working in the film/media industry for 6 years but I have not found a secure position in where I’m regularly finding stable work. I’m considering going back to college for a trades certification but I wanted to hear if any of you guys ever left the industry. Did you find a new passion? Did you come back to the industry? Or did you find an alternative way to keep going?

For context: Where I live in Canada, it is looking pretty grim; old heads keep to their clicks when hiring, competition is getting harder, and the project lists are growing further apart as we approach the summer. As I’m writing this, I have had a 4 month hiatus since my last call (though I understand winter is a cruel mistress).

Before film I came from a trades background. I wanted to pursue a film career because, ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to make movies as a career. But now I’m coming up in my years and I am running out of my youth faster than it seems I’ll find my footing in this industry.

There’s a tech school close to where I live where I can get the tickets and diplomas I need to get into mechanics or any other trade within the next three years. I’m a very smart guy and a great student so I’m confident I will build a successful path to graduation but it hurts my pride a little contemplating leaving the arts.

I’m sure it wouldn’t be forever and I will most definitely still make my own movies as a hobby but I really want to build a stable life for myself and secure my retirement. (Preferably well before I’m 90)