Ask HN: Has anyone switched from a professional job to a more manual one?

I'm considering a big career change. Early 30s, male, Physics degree and I have a good job in sales in finance in the UK. Earn 100k GBP in a good year and I had a startup before were a more a good cash lump sum.

I think like many people I find more work uninspiring, pointless and eroding. However, it's well paid, high status and hard to break into.

I have an interview next week for a coffee engineer role which pays around a third of what I currently earn and would involve being on the road four out of five days.

Has anyone else made a change like this? How did you find it? Did you miss the money and status?

I know that office work is desirable for a reason (people like to sit down!!) but I think there might be something inspiring and rewarding about working with me hands. Am I being naïve because I've never really had to work with my hand?

Thanks for your help and honest feedback.

W