Are you not supposed to play after the end of Fallout3? I guess I'm spoiled on the Elder Scrolls series, but I think that's so dumb!

I was disapointed too. I usually finish the main story and go for the rest after. I unknowingly stepped into Fallout's jaws of doom. Now I'm having trouble playing it again.

I liked the ending (although I was disappointed with the MQ in general) and it didn't bother me that I can't carry on playing. I was ready to start a new character anyway.

Luckily I knew it was the case and made a "point of no return" save so I can go back and mess with my character if I want. But I was ready to play a new char anyway; the game is waaaaaaay too easy with small guns.

Then save the game before you run off to do Take it Back!