Brain-too-full-to-retain-Syndrome

Several years ago, the restaurant I was managing closed down.  I had the option of transferring or taking a very nice severance package.  I took the latter.  During that time I sincerely looked into career changes and was mesmerized (or so I thought) with the business of online trading.  While I didn't know much about the different types of options available, I studied a little with a company online and learned about stocks, bonds,  CDs and different ways to set up a portfolio.  I took notes and was sure that Stock Trading would be for me.  I love to crunch numbers and figured this would get me a more normal work schedule and set me up for family life.  It didn't work out.

I found that studying and taking notes was fine.  I did well with the online tests after each chapter, but I retained NOTHING.  I seriously would go back a week later and it was like I had never read or studied any of it.  It was the wierdest thing.  Either I was too wrapped up in the not-working-and-still-getting-paid aspect of my severance, or I just really didn't get it, although I did, and just couldn't retain it.  So, the online Broker job was out and I went back, for another 4 years, to the restaurant business.

Ever have anything like that happen to you?  Brain-too-full-to-retain syndrome?