Over Thanksgiving dinner, I was given something to be thankful for -- a way out.

Apparently, Mom and Dad have been discussing my situation (surprise, surprise) and took into account Dad's worrisome predictions that the economy will take at least 6 months to a year if not more to turn around, plus the fact that the industry that I'm in right now is exceptionally slaved to the economy's condition -- meaning that in a few years if we go into another recession, I'd again be a prime candidate for layoffs.

As such, they proposed this: they will pay my bills for everything but incidentals, and they will also put me through school for me to become a CAT scan or MRI operator/technician. They seem to think that it's a very stable, well-paying field where people are always in demand, and while I may not love it to pieces, I won't actively dislike it. In exchange, I'll have to get a part-time job to pay my own incidentals and I also have to make a distinct effort to succeed at this. If, in a few years, I decide I want out, I'll at least have this to fall back on if I ever fall into hard times again.

While it's incredibly generous of them and I greatly appreciate their offer, I'm still a little apprehensive about it, and I also really wanted to work this out on my own without help. I'm not sure about the commitment, because if the economy picks up in two months and the Dream Job in L.A. opens up, what do I do? Also, I have no knowledge of the field whatsoever -- I'd love some information in terms of hours, pay, where I can get schooled on this, how hard it is, how long schooling takes, and how much demand the field really has. If there's anyone out there with info or knows where I can look, I'd love if you could drop me a line.

Thoughts? Opinions? The King of Pop is neither a king nor pop. Discuss.