I started to write this post yesterday and then deleted it, so please take it in the spirit it is intended. I like my job. Not crazy about the company and I hate the politics, but overall I really like what I do. As we are preparing to full-time, we are going back and forth between a model where I consult (basically doing what I love and on my terms) versus workkamping. The problem withe the consulting is although it is very appealing from a financial stability standpoint and the feeling of satisfaction form the work done, it will mean serious sacrifices in where we go and how long we stay. On the one hand, consulting feels like I might simply be replacing my life today for a similar life on wheels and to some extent be missing the point. On the other hand I have worked very hard the last 10 years to put myself in a situatio where I could do some things professionally I have always wanted to do and I woould hate to give that completely up. We are 100% committed to full-timing but whether we follow the consulting route or the workkamping route or a hybrid is very much up in the air. Anyone have any experience with making these choices. Btw I am 47 and no where near the place where we can live off investments. Would love any thoughts.
Thanks so much,
Trace
The Bear II said
11:00 PM Nov 18, 2013
I had a dream of selling stuff at swap meets, fairs, car and RV shows plus other events. We gave it a try for about three years just as the economy (due to Enron and internet bubble burst) crashed. I was averaging about 32 hours of work during a weekend and nearly 8 hours per day during the week preparing for the next weekend, travel to the next show, setting up future shows plus working at a second home based business we were running... we were just getting by.
I decided one day I was tired of working so many hours without much pay. It was time to go back to the corporate world.
I spent two more years looking for a corporate job and finally landed one. I've been there for about 10 years now and have been happy. I would like to travel more and plan to do so once I officially retire in the next 6-10 years.
What I like about the corporate job includes - definite paycheck every two weeks, benefits, 40 hour work week most weeks, ability to get out of the office to do field work....
What I didn't like about the selling at swapmeets- Long hours, uncertain profits, lots of money tied up in inventory and advanced booth fees (some required money at least 6 months in advance), setting up and tearing down the booth daily at some shows....
jrzygrl64 said
11:18 PM Nov 18, 2013
hi! I am going to start by saying that I have spent most of my adult life raising my kids and only working part-time, so I am not a "career woman" at all. My husband, however, has been the main bread-winner, has worked hard to get to where he is now in his career, and is very good at it. If he were in your shoes (in a job that could translate into doing it on the road), he would do it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, being a plant manager at a beverage manufacturing plant cannot be done from the road. One of our struggles with going full-time is giving up the steady paycheck. We are in our late 40's and our investments are not enough for us to fully live off, however with some supplementing from workamping we should be fine. I wish one of us had something we could do like that on the road, it would ease the only real drawback, if you can call it that. I do not mean to dismiss your concerns about consulting and limiting your ability to go exactly where you want when you want, but I think it is worth a try. If you don't like it, you can always stop doing it, right?
I know you were looking for help from someone experienced, who's been in your shoes, but I thought the perspective from someone who wishes they were in your shoes could help too.
Good luck in your decision!
Technomadia said
11:46 PM Nov 18, 2013
Greetings and welcome... and great question.
Before we hit the road, I had run a software company for about 15 years. And my sweetie Chris had a high-tech Silicon Valley career. We both had a lot invested in our careers and reputations, and thoroughly love what we do in general. Taking our lives on the road meant finding ways to adapt our skillsets and backgrounds to be 'location independent'. We now work 95% remotely by producing products of our own and continuing to do various consulting for clients. Rarely do we need to be in person to conduct business... Skype, e-mail and other digital connections help out vastly with this.
We have had contracts and opportunities that have crossed our desks that we've turned down as they did put a damper on the lifestyle we want. And I did just migrate a major client to another provider, and feel a lot of relief of no longer being on call for critical support. So I definitely get what you're saying about the trade-offs. Our life on the road is far from an extended vacation or early retirement, but that wasn't the point for us.
We also integrate in workamping when it makes sense. But so many of the workamping positions require longer term commitments for several months, which we're just not willing to make. So we only do it when it fits in - like earlier this fall we were volunteer interpretive hosts at a lighthouse in Oregon. Only a month long commitment of 17 hours a week in an amazing location, which left plenty of flexibility and time to get 'work' done.
Life is about finding your balance :) Personally, we enjoy that we're able to be working in our professional field and be mobile. Some weeks we work very long hours, and some not many at all.
- Cherie
Camper Chronicles said
01:27 AM Nov 19, 2013
Thanks to all for your thoughts. Kelly your insight is just as valid as whatever I decide will impact my husband. I completely appreciate the different perspectives. Bear thanks for reminding me that if it all goes horribly wrong I could renter the corporate world and Cherie and Chris for providing a living example that the hybrid can work :) Mainly it's nice to feel supported.
Trace
sdman said
01:54 AM Nov 19, 2013
I retired from a career I spent 34 years in and I do miss it. However, I do not miss it enough to start back doing it. For me, I did most everything I wanted to do in my career and I just got tired of the stress. I also receive enough in a pension to not need to work unless I want too. I started full time RVing at the age of 55 and retired from my career. The reason I am telling you this is that I think you may be selling yourself short if you don't fully utilize your self in you profession before you stop working in it. If you like your work, I believe you will miss it and if you feel you have not yet fulfilled your expectations in that profession I suggest that you seriously consider doing that. If that means consulting then great, do it. If not you may just always wonder what if.
Just my thoughts sir.
SnowGypsy said
02:30 AM Nov 19, 2013
I missed the paycheck when I left my good job to homeschool our son with DS years ago. I never really identified with any job and it was always nothing more than a paycheck. I always got great reviews and made good money in Federal Civil Service but when I went out the door, out of sight was out of mind for me. I would nearly die if I had to stay one minute past quitting time.
PIEERE said
02:56 AM Nov 19, 2013
I would say; If you like what your doing keep doing it! I held so many different types of blue collar employ probably won't be of much help.
I worked for some employers where I enjoyed my job; but not them and vice-versa. What I enjoyed most was when I worked for myself and could choose what I wanted to do; Guess that's every one. It never paid much though unless you were willing to commit to 12-16 hr days at least 6 days a week.
I thought I'd jump in; To me it's all in what you would be willing to give up to pursue what truly floats your boat!
bigredoes said
05:36 AM Nov 19, 2013
I absolutely do not miss one minute of it......
Lucky Mike said
02:45 PM Nov 19, 2013
Busy Work!!!!!!
When I first came out on the road I brought my work with me. It didnt take to long before I had several contacts in my travel area and had more work than when I used to sit in the office...I only add to my savings and live off of money made on the road...depending on how much you need to work there is plenty out here , once you pull out of the driveway and start moving around you notice how large the potential customer base is!!!!
I'm 53 and try not to work , there are alot of ways to make to make a very good living out here......all you have to do is look at the over all geographics and pic a couple areas that you could do it in and away you go!!!
Dog Folks said
03:43 PM Nov 19, 2013
I will pass on the advice my dear departed mother did when I was thinking about selling my small business.
She said:"Is there anything you would really rather do than run this business?"
If yes, sell. If no, don't sell.
The Restless Youngs said
04:47 PM Nov 19, 2013
Trace, we're about the same age as you and are asking similiar questions. Our goal is to hit the road in mid-2015...maybe sooner and our "work" plan right now is to see if we can have the best of both worlds. Thinking that I could find a couple consulting gigs throughout the year that could help supplement the dream and keep me in the game (at my terms) for a bit. Sometimes these opportunities may require me to be onsite and depending on the location, could either fly in or park there for the time that I needed to be there. We'll also look for some workkamping opportunities to assist with cutting costs, etc. Hubby is very handy and has a solar background, so he's hoping to translate that skill into the RV world. I would like to keep one toe (even if it's the pinky toe) dipped in the water so in case we decide we want to settle back into stationary life (doubtful), that we're not starting over from scratch. We'll see how that plays out....and will adjust as needed. And who knows what doors may open up when we're on the road!! Flexibility is key!!
NWescapee said
05:03 PM Nov 19, 2013
Our decision to go on the road was to allow us to travel between art shows for my husband's business and not have to take care of a house. We're finding art shows in parts of the country where / when we want to travel which does mean we're planning our travels 6-8 months in advance and finding this lifestyle takes a lot more logistical planning than we ever expected.
I've worked from home in a "corporate job" for the last several years with occasional travel for client meetings. I like my job, my colleagues are still trying to figure out how I can do this and there's a running joke on many of my conference calls as everyone wants to know where I am at any given moment.
We've been on the road full time for only 4 months and are enjoying the freedom.
cherylbrv said
08:22 PM Nov 19, 2013
I'm not out there yet, but also thinking about how we'll support ourselves while on the road. I'm hoping to further build my client base (I can have a location independent business,as can hubby, although neither one will be full time steady work). My only concern is how much we can really rely on workkamping as a means of support. From what I hear, most jobs don't pay and those that do, the rate is nowhere near corporate America! Most places provide a free space and often free hookups, but (of course, depending on the types of places you choose to stay), how much of an overall savings is that, really? Maybe a few hundred $ a month? Is that enough to pay for food, gas and insurance, as well as have a little left over for discretionary income?
Just more things to consider...
Lucky Mike said
09:37 PM Nov 19, 2013
I hope I dont get to far off thread.......Workamping is a means to lower the total expenditures while out here , it in no way can totally support you completely out here.
I workamp on occasion in areas that I intended to stay a little longer....a couple hours a day or 2 days a week gets a site and hook-ups or I can reach in my pocket and hand the park 100 to 200 for a week or more........if you can do it and the math , its a no -Brainer and the money stays in your pocket.
there are Markets , Fairs festivals.........My favorite is roadside and campground sales with a Flea market thrown in here and there.
Nothing will change when you get out here , Some means of support is mandatory whether its interest & dividends......SSI...... private pensions ..... you run your own business or you work for it.
the only thing different than a stick and brick out here is your freedom to move about and discover.......as far as financial situations nothing changes......you can lower your cost of living out here but you cant avoid the cost of living
cherylbrv said
09:51 PM Nov 19, 2013
Very well said, Mike! Thanks.
SnowGypsy said
10:45 PM Nov 19, 2013
I guess one would need to define "real job". I'm thinking OP was talking more about being in the one location with one job, "current job". There are still management opportunities in workamping environments not to mention the ability to see another job that suits you more when living in an RV and be ready, willing and able to go to it. We've missed a few good opportunities because relocating was too much of a risk at the time. I watch www.coolworks.com and see a lot of "real jobs", not just cleaning/maintenance either. What is it? "Nothing ventured, nothing gained"? It is matter of priorities.
RunsWithScissors said
02:28 PM Nov 20, 2013
I had a career that I loved. That said, when my husband suggested I retire early, I was ready to hand off the responsibility of being the "lead dog" in my organization to someone else.
The biggest adjustment to volunteering, as opposed to working, is that we now do most everything together. I don't need a lot of personal time, but when I do, it can be hard to come by when you share a 390 sq. ft. living space with the same person you do everything else with. This particular challenge is not unique to RV living, but it does require some creative thinking to resolve.
Hope this helps.
Sally
azrving said
06:23 AM Nov 21, 2013
"Anyone miss having a "real" job"
NO! By the way, any job you do to earn money, no matter how menial is a real job. You don't have to be pulling down six figures or more, working 8-10 hours a day, and tied to a desk for it to be a "real Job."
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."Confucius
My wife and I left our jobs in April of this year and we have never looked back. We didn't hate our jobs (didn't love the work either) but we got tired of the rat race. It seems that many of us have built our own financial or medical prison for ourselves. Some are working (at jobs they love or hate) to top off their investments, 401K, pensions, affordable medical coverage, pay off all the things society has pressured us into thinking we need to be successful/complete, etc. I tell my children all the time not to fall into the same trap as their mom & dad, don't let your job define you. Find and do something you love, if it pays the bills, then that's great, live within your means, be happy. I get so tired of reading & hearing "we have to work X number of years before we can get full retirement, Medicaid, social security, medical benefits, pay off all our stuff, etc., and then we will be able to realize our dream of full-timing or whatever it is you want to do." None of us is promised tomorrow, none of us will regret not working more when we are on our deathbed, live your life!
I read a bunch of Full-Time RV blogs and the thing I hear the most is "I wish we had done this sooner" or "we waited too long and now we won't be able to fulfill our dream of full-timing."
"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored."Earl Nightingale
TXRVr said
05:13 PM Nov 21, 2013
I retired a decade earlier than most from a nice job that I considered more play than work. Those are rare, at best. I have not had a "job" since that day. Now I have nothing on the daily schedule and usually do not finish any of it by the end of the day. But, I do a lot of volunteering which is exceedingly rewarding. I would not give up this second "career" for anything....well, maybe for lottery style money.
You said you were no where near the place where we can live off investments. Perhaps that, and supplemental job income, would be a solution to work on.
Camper Chronicles said
05:15 PM Nov 21, 2013
I completely agree and actually have this quote "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." printed out and hanging at my desk. I want to thank everyone for such thoughtful responses. I was hesitant about posting the topic because I didn't want to offend in any way but this is one of the major mental struggles I am dealing with on our journey to FT. For my husband it is a complete non-issue as he would trade any job he's ever had for the beautiful view, but I am struggling. It's also difficult because I can't actually talk to many folks about it. I need to keep my job until we are debt free so my normal mentors for work issues are off limits. Thanks again for the support...much appreciated.
I started to write this post yesterday and then deleted it, so please take it in the spirit it is intended. I like my job. Not crazy about the company and I hate the politics, but overall I really like what I do. As we are preparing to full-time, we are going back and forth between a model where I consult (basically doing what I love and on my terms) versus workkamping. The problem withe the consulting is although it is very appealing from a financial stability standpoint and the feeling of satisfaction form the work done, it will mean serious sacrifices in where we go and how long we stay. On the one hand, consulting feels like I might simply be replacing my life today for a similar life on wheels and to some extent be missing the point. On the other hand I have worked very hard the last 10 years to put myself in a situatio where I could do some things professionally I have always wanted to do and I woould hate to give that completely up. We are 100% committed to full-timing but whether we follow the consulting route or the workkamping route or a hybrid is very much up in the air. Anyone have any experience with making these choices. Btw I am 47 and no where near the place where we can live off investments. Would love any thoughts.
Thanks so much,
Trace
I decided one day I was tired of working so many hours without much pay. It was time to go back to the corporate world.
I spent two more years looking for a corporate job and finally landed one. I've been there for about 10 years now and have been happy. I would like to travel more and plan to do so once I officially retire in the next 6-10 years.
What I like about the corporate job includes - definite paycheck every two weeks, benefits, 40 hour work week most weeks, ability to get out of the office to do field work....
What I didn't like about the selling at swapmeets- Long hours, uncertain profits, lots of money tied up in inventory and advanced booth fees (some required money at least 6 months in advance), setting up and tearing down the booth daily at some shows....
hi! I am going to start by saying that I have spent most of my adult life raising my kids and only working part-time, so I am not a "career woman" at all. My husband, however, has been the main bread-winner, has worked hard to get to where he is now in his career, and is very good at it. If he were in your shoes (in a job that could translate into doing it on the road), he would do it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, being a plant manager at a beverage manufacturing plant cannot be done from the road. One of our struggles with going full-time is giving up the steady paycheck. We are in our late 40's and our investments are not enough for us to fully live off, however with some supplementing from workamping we should be fine. I wish one of us had something we could do like that on the road, it would ease the only real drawback, if you can call it that. I do not mean to dismiss your concerns about consulting and limiting your ability to go exactly where you want when you want, but I think it is worth a try. If you don't like it, you can always stop doing it, right?
I know you were looking for help from someone experienced, who's been in your shoes, but I thought the perspective from someone who wishes they were in your shoes could help too.
Good luck in your decision!
Before we hit the road, I had run a software company for about 15 years. And my sweetie Chris had a high-tech Silicon Valley career. We both had a lot invested in our careers and reputations, and thoroughly love what we do in general. Taking our lives on the road meant finding ways to adapt our skillsets and backgrounds to be 'location independent'. We now work 95% remotely by producing products of our own and continuing to do various consulting for clients. Rarely do we need to be in person to conduct business... Skype, e-mail and other digital connections help out vastly with this.
We have had contracts and opportunities that have crossed our desks that we've turned down as they did put a damper on the lifestyle we want. And I did just migrate a major client to another provider, and feel a lot of relief of no longer being on call for critical support. So I definitely get what you're saying about the trade-offs. Our life on the road is far from an extended vacation or early retirement, but that wasn't the point for us.
We also integrate in workamping when it makes sense. But so many of the workamping positions require longer term commitments for several months, which we're just not willing to make. So we only do it when it fits in - like earlier this fall we were volunteer interpretive hosts at a lighthouse in Oregon. Only a month long commitment of 17 hours a week in an amazing location, which left plenty of flexibility and time to get 'work' done.
Life is about finding your balance :) Personally, we enjoy that we're able to be working in our professional field and be mobile. Some weeks we work very long hours, and some not many at all.
- Cherie
Trace
I retired from a career I spent 34 years in and I do miss it. However, I do not miss it enough to start back doing it. For me, I did most everything I wanted to do in my career and I just got tired of the stress. I also receive enough in a pension to not need to work unless I want too. I started full time RVing at the age of 55 and retired from my career. The reason I am telling you this is that I think you may be selling yourself short if you don't fully utilize your self in you profession before you stop working in it. If you like your work, I believe you will miss it and if you feel you have not yet fulfilled your expectations in that profession I suggest that you seriously consider doing that. If that means consulting then great, do it. If not you may just always wonder what if.
Just my thoughts sir.
I worked for some employers where I enjoyed my job; but not them and vice-versa. What I enjoyed most was when I worked for myself and could choose what I wanted to do; Guess that's every one. It never paid much though unless you were willing to commit to 12-16 hr days at least 6 days a week.
I thought I'd jump in; To me it's all in what you would be willing to give up to pursue what truly floats your boat!
When I first came out on the road I brought my work with me. It didnt take to long before I had several contacts in my travel area and had more work than when I used to sit in the office...I only add to my savings and live off of money made on the road...depending on how much you need to work there is plenty out here , once you pull out of the driveway and start moving around you notice how large the potential customer base is!!!!
I'm 53 and try not to work , there are alot of ways to make to make a very good living out here......all you have to do is look at the over all geographics and pic a couple areas that you could do it in and away you go!!!
She said:"Is there anything you would really rather do than run this business?"
If yes, sell. If no, don't sell.
I've worked from home in a "corporate job" for the last several years with occasional travel for client meetings. I like my job, my colleagues are still trying to figure out how I can do this and there's a running joke on many of my conference calls as everyone wants to know where I am at any given moment.
We've been on the road full time for only 4 months and are enjoying the freedom.
Just more things to consider...
I workamp on occasion in areas that I intended to stay a little longer....a couple hours a day or 2 days a week gets a site and hook-ups or I can reach in my pocket and hand the park 100 to 200 for a week or more........if you can do it and the math , its a no -Brainer and the money stays in your pocket.
there are Markets , Fairs festivals.........My favorite is roadside and campground sales with a Flea market thrown in here and there.
Nothing will change when you get out here , Some means of support is mandatory whether its interest & dividends......SSI...... private pensions ..... you run your own business or you work for it.
the only thing different than a stick and brick out here is your freedom to move about and discover.......as far as financial situations nothing changes......you can lower your cost of living out here but you cant avoid the cost of living
The biggest adjustment to volunteering, as opposed to working, is that we now do most everything together. I don't need a lot of personal time, but when I do, it can be hard to come by when you share a 390 sq. ft. living space with the same person you do everything else with. This particular challenge is not unique to RV living, but it does require some creative thinking to resolve.
Hope this helps.
Sally
"Anyone miss having a "real" job"
NO!
By the way, any job you do to earn money, no matter how menial is a real job. You don't have to be pulling down six figures or more, working 8-10 hours a day, and tied to a desk for it to be a "real Job."
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Confucius
My wife and I left our jobs in April of this year and we have never looked back. We didn't hate our jobs (didn't love the work either) but we got tired of the rat race. It seems that many of us have built our own financial or medical prison for ourselves. Some are working (at jobs they love or hate) to top off their investments, 401K, pensions, affordable medical coverage, pay off all the things society has pressured us into thinking we need to be successful/complete, etc. I tell my children all the time not to fall into the same trap as their mom & dad, don't let your job define you. Find and do something you love, if it pays the bills, then that's great, live within your means, be happy. I get so tired of reading & hearing "we have to work X number of years before we can get full retirement, Medicaid, social security, medical benefits, pay off all our stuff, etc., and then we will be able to realize our dream of full-timing or whatever it is you want to do." None of us is promised tomorrow, none of us will regret not working more when we are on our deathbed, live your life!
I read a bunch of Full-Time RV blogs and the thing I hear the most is "I wish we had done this sooner" or "we waited too long and now we won't be able to fulfill our dream of full-timing."
"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." Earl Nightingale
I retired a decade earlier than most from a nice job that I considered more play than work. Those are rare, at best. I have not had a "job" since that day. Now I have nothing on the daily schedule and usually do not finish any of it by the end of the day. But, I do a lot of volunteering which is exceedingly rewarding. I would not give up this second "career" for anything....well, maybe for lottery style money.
You said you were no where near the place where we can live off investments. Perhaps that, and supplemental job income, would be a solution to work on.
I completely agree and actually have this quote "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." printed out and hanging at my desk. I want to thank everyone for such thoughtful responses. I was hesitant about posting the topic because I didn't want to offend in any way but this is one of the major mental struggles I am dealing with on our journey to FT. For my husband it is a complete non-issue as he would trade any job he's ever had for the beautiful view, but I am struggling. It's also difficult because I can't actually talk to many folks about it. I need to keep my job until we are debt free so my normal mentors for work issues are off limits. Thanks again for the support...much appreciated.