And The Fat Lady Sings

[Dix]

Steve, I left a job after 25 years, and moved on to a new one. Man, was I scared But it needed to be done !

But, I learned a few things quickly, once I got over being scared (It takes a few months....well maybe not for you, because I'm sharing this )

New jobs mean new rules, adapt quickly. And hide the shock.

You're better than you think you are *ties into scared*

Always follow your gut. It'll save ya !

You're usually better than the 1st new job, but at least it got you out of where you were.

I always wanted to do set design.... keep at it !!

 

[osagebow]

If you put half the passion and dedication that you obviously gave to the Met into your next gig, you'll do fantastic.
Best of luck Steve, keep us posted on your journey.

 

[jharkin]

Steve,
I can imagine its not been an easy decision but congrats on having the guts to go for it.

My wife and I have talked for years how we would love to just quit the rate race (meaning me quit it) get out of the corporate world and buy a farm. I know Id feel a lot more fulfilled in life if I actually did it but still cant get over the fears of how would we finance it, how would we make ends meet, take care of the kids pay the bills etc. Hopefully someday Ill get the same courage you have to go for it.

 

[Flatbedford]

I'm not really quitting the rat race. Just racing on a different track with (hopefully) a little more flexibility. Kinda like moving from circle track racing to road course racing.

I wonder what would happen to agri business if all of us who want to buy farms actually did one day.

 

[jharkin]

I wonder what would happen to agri business if all of us who want to buy farms actually did one day.

Wonder how many of us there are on here that want to... Hearth.com group farm?

Oh wait that sounds like some 70s hippie cult....

 

[BrotherBart]

I'm not really quitting the rat race. Just racing on a different track with (hopefully) a little more flexibility. Kinda like moving fro circle track racing to road course racing.

I wonder what would happen to agri business if all of us who want to buy farms actually did one day.

Not much. The majority of farms still are family operations.

 

[Ashful]

I've watched all of my family's farms get sold off, since I was a kid. One had been in continuous operation since 1692 (not a typo), and others since the 1700's. All were run by my grandparent's generation (b.1910's). None of my parents generation (b.1940's) wanted to stay in the farming business. I often wish we still had them, as I enjoy the work, but not the pay.

Most of the local Amish are getting out of farming, too. They just can't afford to buy farms around here, for what they make on them.

On a loosely related note, I got a promotion today. I guess I won't be pulling a "Flatbed," anytime soon.

 

[Flatbedford]

My first two days of "unemployment" were quite productive. I cut some nice Black Locust on Sunday. Today I was up just after 5am to take Mrs. Flatbedford to the hospital for what should be the last surgery for her breast cancer treatment. We got home at around noon. I tended to her and then patched that hole in the drywall that I have been meaning to do for about 5 years. I also replaced the doorbell button that stopped working years ago. Boy, you retired folks have got some life!

 

[BrotherBart]

Yeah, I kept getting up at five. For a while.

 

[Jags]

Wonder how many of us there are on here that want to... Hearth.com group farm?

Oh wait that sounds like some 70s hippie cult....

I think Craig just tripped over his bell bottoms running your way.

 

[Flatbedford]

Yeah, I kept getting up at five. For a while.

While I rarely sleep later than 6:30 or 7, yesterday's 5:00 am was only to get to the hospital by 7.

 

[jharkin]

I've watched all of my family's farms get sold off, since I was a kid. One had been in continuous operation since 1692 (not a typo), and others since the 1700's. All were run by my grandparent's generation (b.1910's). None of my parents generation (b.1940's) wanted to stay in the farming business. I often wish we still had them, as I enjoy the work, but not the pay.

Most of the local Amish are getting out of farming, too. They just can't afford to buy farms around here, for what they make on them.

On a loosely related note, I got a promotion today. I guess I won't be pulling a "Flatbed," anytime soon.

My wifes great grandparents where dairy farmers. Her grandfather enlisted in the army in WWII, was trained as a radio operator, did a tour in Germany during the occupation and then spent 50 years working as an engineer at GE... never went back to the farm. The farm is still in the family but parcels have been sold off over the years and now they are down to I forget... maybe 10 acres? and all they do is hay it now. Her cousin lives in the farm house, which is really cool, its circa 1750 with a barn of nearly the same vintage.

congrats on the promotion. no promotion here but Im so spoiled with flex hours/telecommuting and accrued long term benefits (vacation, non salary incentives) its hard to thing of moving on also.

 

[begreen]

While I rarely sleep later than 6:30 or 7, yesterday's 5:00 am was only to get to the hospital by 7.

Likewise, though I am creeping up toward 8am now on some mornings.

 

[Ashful]

Pets, mostly dogs, have a way of keeping you on an early schedule... self-employed, unemployed, or otherwise.

 

[jharkin]

Pets, mostly dogs, have a way of keeping you on an early schedule... self-employed, unemployed, or otherwise.

young children have a similar effect

 

[velvetfoot]

So does an achey back.

 

[Flatbedford]

Well, its been almost two months since the "fat lady sang". I have spent some time at home taking care of the family and raising our new puppy. I took and passed an exam for an industry certification. I c/s/s about 1 1/2 cord of firewood. I tore apart and replaced the closets in our master bedroom. I built a staircase off my deck and did a bunch of other chores at home. When I have wanted it, work has been pretty easy to find so far. I have been working on the shoot crew for a television show for a guy I met 20+ years ago, but haven't worked for in about 15 years. I have worked in few different theatres and made some new connections. All but one job paid better than my old gig at the Met. It looks like the Met is going to lock out everybody next week too! http://www.npr.org/blogs/deceptivec...labor-conflict-may-lock-out-met-opera-workers
One thing I have noticed is that being a little more busy at work has really cut into my internet time. I hate to piss away my own time on the internet.

 

[BrotherBart]

I saw an article about the lock out today and thought of you and wondered what you were up to. Thanks for the update.

 

[begreen]

Good to hear that things are working out for you Steve.

 

[Jags]

Sounds like you had good solid foresight. Congrats on the new life.

 

[Bobbin]

It sounds as though you made a good move. I worked for Boss for just shy of 14 yrs. and most of those years were pretty good, so no major complaints. But the last 2 were pretty tough hoein'; heavy, dirty, grunt-work that did nothing to challenge/peak my experience/creativity, and a steady dose of TDC (thinly disguised contempt). I spent those last 2 yrs. putting the final touches on my own shop and setting aside my usual "nut" so I'd have a solid year + half of expenses covered.

First year on my own was a squeaker, but I'm still upright and this year has been a really good one. Word is out that there's quality marine/slipcover/window treatment work available through my shop and I'm no longer freaked out by a silent phone.

(I did a lot of things around the house, too! thises and thats that needed doin' for a too long. Feels great, huh?)

 

[Flatbedford]

I have been working as a grip on the tv show Person of Interest. The boss is an old friend of mine and he has been keeping me busy for 2 or 3 days a week so I can keep the cash flow up AND spend more time at home.
Here's a shot we did earlier this week.

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[velvetfoot]

Cool! And it's fire related!

 

[Beer Belly]

I have been working as a grip on the tv show Person of Interest. The boss is an old friend of mine and he has been keeping me busy for 2 or 3 days a week so I can keep the cash flow up AND spend more time at home.
Here's a shot we did earlier this week.

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Person of Interest.....one of my favorite shows

 

[Flatbedford]

Person of Interest.....one of my favorite shows

Mine too! It is the only show on TV that my wife and I make sure to see every episode. It was very weird to be on set the first time. The first time I saw the cast I felt like I was seeing old friends.