I'd have a hard time believing there aren't a plethora of available better paying engineering jobs in your area. Maybe take another job in the meantime until you figure out the move?
There are some but I'd be locked into staying here another year because of the lease on my house. Can't do month-to-month, yearly contract only. Talking to my dad about it he recommends just making the jump and relocating which he's done multiple times to get a better job. He's willing to help with expenses and I'm making sure to apply for jobs that have relocation assistance, if I can. And as whiny as it probably sounds... 6 years single and alone is taking its toll I'm not trying to go yet another year like this.
Or work two jobs/ weekends/nights like I did for over the first 40 years
Owing a home, paying it off, money in the bank, living debt free should be the first and foremost priority
Hobby's come a distant second
I guess I'm weak in this sense but I already feel burnt-out at the end of the work week, the absolute last thing I want to do is go to work at another job. I also have a hard time functioning if I can't get out and do something fun once every week or two. I have friends who work multiple jobs and I have massive respect for them but I can't see myself doing that and being a good employee at either job. Might be different if I had someone to come home to besides my cat who could also help out with some of the small responsibilities but, I don't.
I've got my resume mostly sorted out, hopefully this evening I'll send out my first application to Bell-Textron in Fort Worth (they're a military contractor btw).