Serious Dilemma

[Gato 0]

Hello again, my commers -

I'm at a crossroads in my life, and I'm looking for perspectives other than my own. I'm not going to be too specific with locations, just in the interest of privacy.

I'm 44, currently filling out paperwork for my divorce, with a separation since September of 2009 (yeah, I know.) I was laid off a very well-paying job last November, and have been keeping myself afloat playing private parties (musician,) and unemployment has run out. My lease is up on my apartment at the end of October, so I've been looking at my limited options, and at the moment, there are two readily-available options:

1.) Move to the DZ, live in a trailer or bunkhouse, and work in a convenience store to pay for food, gas, etc. (Maybe $40 per month for electricity.) I live in a Midwestern state, by the way, so our season definitely ends around the first of December, if not sooner.

2.) Move back home to East Texas and live on my family's farm...with my parents. They are both enthusiastic about this, despite my age (they are both in their 60's), but I don't know. The plan would be to help my mother get her antique business off the ground, but that would be the only source of work immediately available to me, and the parents aren't rich.

(Fyi, all of my family is in Texas - where I live, I have a lot of friends, but the REALLY good ones are the only ones that stick around during the worst times of your life, so my list has been whittled down somewhat.)

Maybe I'm just pissing and moaning - I don't know.

Your thoughts?

Attached is a photo of the Butler-style "barn" my Dad built about 4 years ago - packed with antiques. My mom is a great inventory specialist (READ: Packrat,) but she sucks when it comes to sales. LOL

Edited to add photo.

T.I.N.S.

[skymama 37]

I think the family business has more potential. My cousin supports himself by selling antiques on Ebay. He has a house in Germany and in Spain, so he's doing quite well for himself.

Your parents aren't getting any younger, this would be a great opportunity for you to spend more time with them and look out for them.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[Gato 0]

Always the voice of reason, you are, Skymama.

T.I.N.S.

[wmw999 2,447]

If you move back to the family farm (which really doesn't sound that bad), consider building your own place there where you can have some privacy.

Even a trailer on the farm, or something else that you build yourself. You'll learn something from the building, as well as remain a separate adult to your parents, rather than their little boy moved back home.

Cost of living is cheap in E. Texas.

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Gato 0]

Well, interestingly enough, they own another plot of land (7 or 8 acres) that has another house on it. It needs a lot of work, but it could be livable with a few grand in repairs.

This is about the long-term in life/quality of life - I am tired of being a slave to the job market, and there is potential for the business.

T.I.N.S.

[hcsvader 1]

I think quality of life sounds much better on the farm Is there a DZ near by? if there is it should be an easy choice.

Have you seen my pants?
it"s a rough life, Livin' the dream
>:)

[grimmie 186]

Start your own DZ at the family farm.

[Gato 0]

Skydive Dallas is about 71 miles from the farm.

(Already spoke to Ernie about possibly joining staff there!! lol)

T.I.N.S.

[hcsvader 1]

So go hang out with Mom and Dad and Jump in Dallas Spend time with your family and enjoy life.

It doesn't sound like you are too stressed out about your options and are happy to do what you have to do to pay the bills.

Remember winter is coming, Dallas sounds like a nice place to be that time of year.

Have you seen my pants?
it"s a rough life, Livin' the dream
>:)

[diablopilot 2]

Quote

Always the voice of reason, you are, Skymama.

What she said. Family can be just the support you need while you're putting it back together.

----------------------------------------------
You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

How well do you get along with your folks?

If you can have an adult, good qualtiy relationship with them, then I say move down there.

Better weather for the coming winter (including jumping).

Lower costs because you are living with them.

An opportunity to get in on the "ground floor" of a potentially decent busines without having to make a huge investment yourself.

And (most imprtantly) an opportunity to spend some time with your folks before it's too late.

And I"m pretty sure your mom won't feed you Ramen Noodles too.

You can always give it a try and if it doesn't work out, move elsewhere.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[squirrel 0]

Being that I just lost my mom, I would say take some time and be with family. Even if it is just for a short while.

________________________________
Where is Darwin when you need him?

[BillyVance 34]

Quote

I think the family business has more potential. My cousin supports himself by selling antiques on Ebay. He has a house in Germany and in Spain, so he's doing quite well for himself.

Your parents aren't getting any younger, this would be a great opportunity for you to spend more time with them and look out for them.

Absolutely right. It's a reason why although my job prospects would be better somewhere else, I've dug in my heels where I am because my folks are going to need me at some point, and my brother lives on Kauai, Hawaii. AND my folks' house is loaded to the rafters in antiques passed down through the family. It's going to be interesting cleaning the house out when the time comes.

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban