It can get tedious, what about a change to a different area, there's different challenges to automotive, aerospace, using different sensor types (probing, laser, optical etc). High accuracy Vs mass production etc.
They say a change is as good as a break, but all the knowledge you've accumulated isn't wasted, you've just got to learn to apply it in different situations.
I've been working in mfg for about 45+ years but almost all of it has been in a quality related position with the exception of a couple of supervisory roles on the production floor. I enjoy what I do and when I leave where I am at it will be for retirement but I don't plan on complete retirement.
I grew up in Illinois and lived there until i was30. I worked for Hexagon as a Applications Engineer stationed at Caterpillar Engine facility for about 8 years. It was a dream job really. When the Engine facility relocated... Hex bounced me to Wisconsin and shut down what the metrology service division and I was basically going to end up being a traveling AE.... my kids were young then and I couldn't see me being a part time father. I've spent the last 12 years bouncing around looking for a home..."Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, Michigan, Iowa and now Mississippi. Ive worked in every industry... medical, Automotive, Aerospace/ defense. Most places just seem to treat you like a goon/wiping boy...
I'm right there with you. Started my first job as a quality inspector in a foundry in May 1973 after my Army service. I plan to retire next March and will be open to doing contract work from time to time.
Manufacturing ( especially quality ) is a thankless soul sucking endeavor. Manufacturing is always right, your CMM is checking it wrong. Quality guy is an idiot and doesnt understand CNC's ( even though I have 10 years implantable medical manufacturing on CNC's previos to being in quality ) , my company tries to put quality in parts after the fact, never upfront. Quality costs, doesnt pay.... I could go on and on.... I need a drink...
IT may have drained the very life from my soul. 
