I'm considering a major career shift,

[darkstar3]

and if anyone has anything to say about it I would welcome your input.

Six years ago I graduated from a major university with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. At the time, however, I was working for the university in their IT department, and was recruited directly out of college to run their helpdesk. Since then, with a couple of changes in employment, I've made quite a lot of progress in the field, obtaining several certifications and rising to the level of Senior Administrator.

The reason I am posting here is because I am once again in the market for a new job. The business I just resigned from was a toxic environment and was slowly draining me of my sanity. As I look for a new job, I wonder about leaving the field of IT behind and going back to what I actually studied in college. It's something I've considered more than once in the past, but this time, I'm actually going to take action.

As soon as I can, I plan to visit the career center at my alma mater, and inquire about possibilities with regard to my BSME. My fear: That a man six years out of college with no related experience will meet major resistance in any attempt to rejoin the field.

Am I crazy? Is it really even a remotely good idea in this economy to leave behind a field I've been advancing in and try to get a job in the field in which I was educated?

[daggahead]

1. Have you considered ...

... trying to blend your IT experience with mechanical engineering? I can see how both could be used in testing applications for things like product safety.

[Nikia]

2. I would go ahead and apply for jobs

While 6 years is a while, I don't think that it makes your education obsolete. Your computer experience might be seen as a plus in some companies. It's not like you have been stocking shelves for the past 6 years(apologies to anyone in that situation).
I don't know if pay is a big concern. It might be harder to get a job where you make more than your current career. You probably will eventually catch up in pay though after a few years.

[Vincardog]

3. You might try to roll your own. I am waiting on some money to buy a Gold mine.