Don't knock insurance - its an excellent industry to be in right now. I made the switch from manufacturing and have not looked back since. I spent a number of years as a risk surveyor, which were probably the most interesting years of my life, and the experience gained has put me in good stead. I have moved on to a different role now, and I can assure you that my marketability and salary would not be where it is today had I remained a manufacturing engineer. Go for it!