I too have put rockets in space, (and in the south pacific ocean, opps, I have also put rockets in SSB(N)s. I've also left the profession to teach and found teaching more rewarding but paying less. Many engineers went out of their way to tell me that they thought they would be good at teaching when I left. This is a second career opportunity for most engineers, math and science teachers are in high demand today.
I went back to engineering and with a BSEE, MSEE, MBA, and CSP I was still laid off twice. Engineers need to be willing to change locations as the job requires. More engineers work in the field than behind a desk and board ..er..computer. When I retired I was told I would be missed and have been offered consulting jobs back at the rocket factory. Retirement is working for me however and the young engineers need the openings. (If left to their own devices my firm wanted to keep a few of us old timers while converting the majority of the work force to younger & lower salary engineers. Thats what is happening.