When I was growing up someone told me you'll never make any money if you aren't filing a Schedule C. ( Have your own business) I may do blue colar work, but a business background and education helps me get the most out of it.

I love guns and love to play around with them and reload etc. I have two rifles and two handguns I "actually use". I make it a rule to have only one toy, gun of the year I call them, at a time. After I've played with it, I sell it and buy a new one. (The gun of the year weapons are also bought used and often absued and I've actually made a few bucks on occation.)

House paid for, cars paid for, next safari half paid for with 18 months to go.

My grandmother lived to be 96 and told me repeatedly, " You know, I never think about work, or the jobs I held over the years, but I never forget the trips your grandfather and I took and I think about them every day."

No one on their deathbed says "Damn, I wish I'd spent more time at that job I hated...."

quote:

Originally posted by Marc_Stokeld:
Personally, instead of hearing folks say how they can get by on less, I like to hear people talk about how they are doing things to make more money and have true financial freedom. Unfortunately, thise stories are very, very rare.

Mac,

While I agree everyone should strive to be the best what ever they wish to be, not everyone is motivated by money and I like to think that I’m one of those people. A big bank account or a roll of hundreds in my pocket means very little to me. Sure, I’ve got some money put away for a rainy day and I’m always saving for a hunting trip but I rarely have over $50 in my pocket. The reason I work is to do what I want to do in life. That’s not to say I’m not a motivated person, I started at the very bottom of this company as a survey rodman and have worked my way up to a survey manager as a licensed professional land surveyor (PLS). I get more satisfaction out of a job well done and knowing that I’ve done something I’m proud of that money. Some of the best projects I’ve ever done, as a company, we broke even on but those clients are now some of our best and keep calling us when they need work done. As a PLS I could open my own business anytime but another reason I like working here is I have 20 vacation days a year and for the most part can use them as I please. The owner of this company and for that matter the owners of most survey companies that I know of rarely take time off, which leaves little time for hunting.

quote:

Originally posted by mark65x55:
.... The reason I work is to do what I want to do in life. ........

Only way to live life ie do what you want. Money is not everything.


Drink more red wine.

quote:

Originally posted by mark65x55:

quote:

Originally posted by Marc_Stokeld:
Personally, instead of hearing folks say how they can get by on less, I like to hear people talk about how they are doing things to make more money and have true financial freedom. Unfortunately, thise stories are very, very rare.

MAC????? While I agree everyone should strive to be the best what ever they wish to be, not everyone is motivated by money .

I BELIEVE YOU MEANT "MARC" NOT MAC, I'm with you on this one! What does BLUE COLLAR mean anyway? M16's statement that he doesn't understand why anyone would want to stay BLUE COLLAR,sounds a little elitest to me. I know several so-called Blue Collar workers who easily knock down over $150K per year, so salery is not it,because there are a lot of PHDs who don't make half that amount. The reason is the pride in a job well done. I don't think a BLUE COLLAR man like a fine gunsmith, or stock maker, or a ranch hand, for that matter, that is good at his chosen profession, would want to do anything else. I agree money is secondary to me as well. Keeping up with the Jones, is a fools task, IMO!

I'm a "blue Collar' smart enough to have finally married a "white collar' woman whom is happy to give me hunt money.
she always says "if you can find a woman out in those wilds that pays for your trips...have fun and good luck "

Yes Mac I meant Marc.

quote:

What does BLUE COLLAR mean anyway? M16's statement that he doesn't understand why anyone would want to stay BLUE COLLAR,sounds a little elitest to me.

Damn if I know. What does being rich mean? It's all relative. I guess I could have used better terminology. What I was trying to get across is that if you are stuck in a deadend job why not do something else. Nothing wrong with pinching pennies but it's real nice to have a ton of them to pinch. So my suggestion is if money is short (1) get a better job or start your own business or (2) get a second or third job (3) pay off your bills and get out of debt (4) save some money (5)use the money you save to make more money (6) eventually your money will work for you instead of you working for your money. I think Dave Ramsey came up with #6. Sacrifice for a couple of years and then go on safari or whatever floats your boat every year for the rest of your life. And you are correct. I have several "blue collars" working for me that earn over 150k a year. They are good at what they do and work damn hard to earn it.

Please carefully read my posts without any preconcieved ideas. You will see that I am talking about achieving what you want in life. I say to think about it, write it down aon a piece of paper, and then do it. If you read that as make money fo rmoney's sake, then that is purely a bias you brought into the discussion.

I iwll restate what I originally said: spend quality time figuring out what you want in life and then go out and get it. What you want, and what leagel and ethical means you use to get it is of no improtnace to me. Label it blue collar, white collar whatever, just go out an ddo it. Again-what I wrote was figure otu what you want and go get it! People need to read that more often.

Something that really chaps my ass every time i hear it is "I don't care about moeny." That is th ebiggest BS i hhav eever heard in my life and I hear it several times a week. If you EVER say "I wish I could..." then indirectly you need more moeny (and likely the time that the money affords you). So while money may not be the end you want, you have to have it to get what you want. SO if you have ever sai di wish I could hunt "x" this year, then you need more money. AT least be honest with yourself if with no one else.

THe only reason I am writing this is because I grew up with almost nothing and now have what most people would consider a "good job". THis is the result of a lot of hard work and smart decisions, coupled with a lot of risk taking. I am in the process of moving to the next level and it is a plcae I never even knew existed when I was growing up, or even after I graduated form college. Maybe just one person will read this and think of what they want out of life and then make a plan to go get it. Hopefully it will open their minds and they will achieve more than they knew existed.

Unfortunately, most people are too lazy and too scared to do anything. It is much easier to maintain the status quo and bitch about what they don't have and how they wish things were and hwo they wish they had this or that. And then in the next breath say they don't care about money and insinuate that it is noble to be poor.

quote:

Originally posted by Marc_Stokeld:
Please carefully read my posts without any preconcieved ideas. You will see that I am talking about achieving what you want in life. I say to think about it, write it down aon a piece of paper, and then do it. If you read that as make money fo rmoney's sake, then that is purely a bias you brought into the discussion.

I iwll restate what I originally said: spend quality time figuring out what you want in life and then go out and get it. What you want, and what leagel and ethical means you use to get it is of no improtnace to me. Label it blue collar, white collar whatever, just go out an ddo it. Again-what I wrote was figure otu what you want and go get it! People need to read that more often.

Something that really chaps my ass every time i hear it is "I don't care about moeny." That is th ebiggest BS i hhav eever heard in my life and I hear it several times a week. If you EVER say "I wish I could..." then indirectly you need more moeny (and likely the time that the money affords you). So while money may not be the end you want, you have to have it to get what you want. SO if you have ever sai di wish I could hunt "x" this year, then you need more money. AT least be honest with yourself if with no one else.

THe only reason I am writing this is because I grew up with almost nothing and now have what most people would consider a "good job". THis is the result of a lot of hard work and smart decisions, coupled with a lot of risk taking. I am in the process of moving to the next level and it is a plcae I never even knew existed when I was growing up, or even after I graduated form college. Maybe just one person will read this and think of what they want out of life and then make a plan to go get it. Hopefully it will open their minds and they will achieve more than they knew existed.

Unfortunately, most people are too lazy and too scared to do anything. It is much easier to maintain the status quo and bitch about what they don't have and how they wish things were and hwo they wish they had this or that. And then in the next breath say they don't care about money and insinuate that it is noble to be poor.

I reposted what you wrote so YOU could re-read it! Your last sentence is the real tell-tale, you think if a person isn't a millionair, he is poor. That is not the case, I think we all, here, live quite comfortably!

I think we can all read what you are saying, though it is hard to read what you write! and you need to read what we are saying as well! I have never made a lot of money, but I have hunted on four continents, and several countries, and half of the states, while raising four kids to the age of 42 for the youngest!

I too started with rags for pants, and what I've done I MADE happen, with what I had to work with. You may think it is BS that money doesn't mean anything to some folks, but it is true. There are many ways to make things happen other than a lot of money! If money is your GOD then so be it, but there is no need to call BS when the other guy finds money not so important. All the things found in Africa, and anyplace else can be had on what ever you make for a salery, you just have to be staisfied with less of it, than a rich man. The fact is, if you spend all your time trying to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, you will have precious little time for liveing.

Marc, I'm 68 yrs old, and was born on a scrabble rance in the North end of the Texas Hill country. An area that was still reeling from the great depression, and to be able to do what I want I went to work for One of the largest airlines in the world, so the cost of travel would be affordable to me, leaving money to pay for hunting Cape Buffalo, and such. I didn't make more money, I used what I had to better advantage, instead of working night, and day, to get the big bucks. That left time to hunt, something I had been doing daily since I can remember. Others where I worked put in 80 or 90 hours a week to make money, while I hunted 20 hours a week, for 50 years. Which of us do you think was better off. If I died today, I have missed nothing, for I've been to "SEE THE ELEPHANT"so to speak! You put those hours in son, and at the end of the trail, see what you missed while you were makeing all that money!

The choice is your's, but it is a little self-centered to say others are stupid, or talking BS, because they don't have the same opinion as you. It seems with all your collage "LERNIN", you never learned respect, for the opinions of others. Some folks start out poor, and if they make all the money in the world will always be poor, because they think they have never made it high enough! I fear you are in that group, and I feel sorry for you! This is, after all, only my opinion, and mine is no better than your's, I'm sorry you don't feel the same way!

I'm signing off on this topic now. Sure did not intend for this to get started-my intentions were strictly honorable!(please believe me) I just hope some one is now looking beyond their original sphere of knowledge and dreaming big. I wish I had been in a situation when I was younger to be exposed to such things-I would be much farther now. So aim high every one, and good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by Marc_Stokeld:

Something that really chaps my ass every time i hear it is "I don't care about moeny." That is th ebiggest BS i hhav eever heard in my life and I hear it several times a week. If you EVER say "I wish I could..." then indirectly you need more moeny (and likely the time that the money affords you).

You may not have been directing the above to me specifically, perhaps generally commenting but as for my comment I quit a much better income (edited:lifestyle) which could have bought me an annual African safari. But what is the good when you haven't been on a single hunting trip (back then) in five years because you have no time and will be dead at 50? Took instead a lifestyle which is far more enjoyable and rewarding. Money isn't everything.

Also you need to understand cultural differences between countries. In the USA the pursuit of money is a much more important motive and class indicator than many other places.

(edited: started this post an hour ago, but only just posted it. Two more posts slipped in, in the meantime)

Well in my case,its my outfitter putting an unofficial lid on it..Hes not setting an actual amount. He's just asking that its kept real..His explanation is as follows...The trip cost the same to everybody,up until the tip.If the cost gets out of control its cause the tip took it there,and I dont ever want ANYBODY,regardless of income to call me and tell me they cant afford a trip because of that..If its airfare,etc fine. But if its something that a few elitests have driven over the top,and he finds out his ph suggested a high tip in any way,he'hh be getting a new ph,theres lots of good ones willing to work for pay+realistic gravy.Thats why I chose this guy,realistic about everything

NITROX
That would put me and you in aggreement !!!!!
They were paying me a large number of $'s in trade for my life.In your case you were smart.In my case,I got away,but not in time.Theres a 90-95% chance that in 2 years from now they'll be getting mine. I shouldnt be telling this,but a couple board members already know. So its important that I let it out now so that maybe one person will listen to what nitrox is saying. you cant hold a gun,or anything with earth on you .Used to think $'s were a big thing. Now I hold my 16 year old daughter like she was 16 months old,and I'm taking a safari...YEEHAA

quote:

Used to think $'s were a big thing. Now I hold my 16 year old daughter like she was 16 months old,and I'm taking a safari...

A good comment. I've found out a few years ago that spending more time with my wife (and now also our baby daughter) is more important than climbing a career ladder, or making big bucks. At least IMO.

You might die tommorow, and having a nice car, drinking champagne, or whatever, will never replace lost time that rather could have been spent with the ones you love.

This is indeed true. Not that all of us would not like to be splendidly affluent, but, alas, it won't happen to all of us. Some have the inclination, initiative and risk acceptance necessary to pursue dreams of getting their own company. Power to them, I wish them all the success in the world, and above all I wish they may come out the other end of their endeavour thinking it was worth it. Some will, others won't.

But there are many ways of dealing with life and its challenges - not least: how to pay for your next (African) hunting trip . If somebody chooses to go a different way, or if somebody chooses to spend time on things other than pursuit of riches, that is also fine. There is a price for most anything you do in life. Only once you take the price into consideration, can you really decide which path you'd like to pursue...

Btw, all this business of blue vs. white collar guys in here. I know that most of us don't get to go to Africa nearly as often as we'd like to. But it seems that most people in here either get to, or at least work towards fulfilling their dreams. I guess that means we can't be that poorly off...

- mike

When I worked for big companies, I worked my ass off. I work even harder today now that I am self employed. But there is a big difference. When I want to go shooting in the desert on a Monday morning, I can go. When a last minute cancellation comes up, I can go. And if I want to book a hunt, I don't have to worry about vacation. I just go.

And if I want to post on AR during working hours, I can do it without worrying about getting fired.

quote:

Btw, all this business of blue vs. white collar guys in here. I know that most of us don't get to go to Africa nearly as often as we'd like to. But it seems that most people in here either get to, or at least work towards fulfilling their dreams. I guess that means we can't be that poorly off...

When you get up and breath your better off than lots. Dont take it for granted. IT ISNT GARAUNTEED !!!!!!

AZ, I couldn't agree with you more. Self-employment is the best route to go if you want enough time and freedom to hunt. A couple of days ago one of my long-time trusted outfitter friends called and told me about a new elk hunting property for trophy bulls he's taking on in New Mexico. I wasn't planning on another hunt this year, but when I heard about this development I just had to make plans to take advantage of the opportunity. This would have been tough to do if I had to try somehow come up with more vacation time.......

AD

I used to work 12 hours a day for somebody else, now I work 14 hours a day for myself!!!!!!!!!!

After reading this thread I'm sort of embarrassed to drive a nice vehicle when I've never been to Africa.

self employment...no way , not for me! I like my paid health bennys, pension,etc....besides I think everyone should marry into $$

I went to the bank and borrowed $30,000 for my first Safari, that was a bunch back then. Had to put up my home, guns, eveything, then I shot over my bank limit ...I sold about 20 rifles when I got home, keeping only a precious few....

Had to become a booking agent to get out of debt, along with a full time job I might add, and that added up to 16 to 18 hours a day and weekends, Sold one or two hunts that first year and finally paid it off...It was hell I assure you, but it was one of Gods hidden gifts, because today I am still a booking agent, make a good living at it, and thank the Lord each day for that gift, I do, in my life, what most folks would kill for. Its been a heck of a dance, and I wouldn't change a thing.

I have been very fortunate in my professional endeavors...I have very few skills but some silly people find them useful...

When I went to take my last safari my boss at the time...a six foot beautiful blonde by the way...said..."Do you have 3 weeks vavcation left?" I said "ya know...I have no idea...if I don't just don't pay me...but I am leaving in two weeks from today for Africa"

Seems that in conversation how many toys you have pales in comparison to how many adventures you have shared.