Forced to put dream on hold

[skybytch 273]

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I live in a log cabin on the east coast. I live my life to the fullest in my own way and it doesn't consist of having to degrade myself to bum status.

You'll likely be happier if you find another sport to WANT to do, as this one is full of people who, judging by your choice of words, you consider to be beneath you, no better than the homeless guy on the corner. Despite the fact that they'll still be able to outfly you when you have 1000 jumps.

What I find funny is that if you do spend the money to learn to skydive, buy gear, maintain that gear, etc., eventually you're going to figure out that most of that money is going to support a bunch of bums. And then what are you going to do with your attitude of superiority?

[SkyHigh04 0]

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I live in a log cabin on the east coast. I live my life to the fullest in my own way and it doesn't consist of having to degrade myself to bum status.

You'll likely be happier if you find another sport to WANT to do, as this one is full of people who, judging by your choice of words, you consider to be beneath you, no better than the homeless guy on the corner. Despite the fact that they'll still be able to outfly you when you have 1000 jumps.

What I find funny is that if you do spend the money to learn to skydive, buy gear, maintain that gear, etc., eventually you're going to figure out that most of that money is going to support a bunch of bums. And then what are you going to do with your attitude of superiority?

I think anyone with half a brain can figure out what you just said there is complete bullshit. Your name fits you well. I don't care if people will be able to "outfly" me, this isn't a competition. I have nothing but total respect for those who give up everything to live their dream of skydiving. However, the manner in which they do it is not the same way I want to do it and that is ok. Stop trying to act tough behind your computer, for the millionth time, you don't know me, and thank god for that. Pull the stick out of your ass and maybe you will learn that showing a little kindness can go a long way instead of being a bitch to me all the time.

"...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

[lurch 0]

Viewing it as "degrade" is the nature of your problem. You think those "dz bums" consider themselves "degraded" for living in a tent?
They are the freest men who have ever lived. Those tents are palaces. They are living the dream. 30 years from now I doubt even one of them will tell you they regretted it.
Personally I held on to a nightmare job 12 hours on my feet per shift in some hellhole factory and I clung to that job tooth and nail because it paid my way through AFF and beyond, all the way to wingsuit bigways and invitationals.
If you want it bad enough you will allow nothing to stop you. If it means picking up a rake, do it. Do whatever you have to. Spend mass amounts of time at the DZ and people will notice your dedication and help will come to you from places you don't expect.
In this sport, dedication will get you everywhere.
-B

Live and learn... or die, and teach by example.

[NickDG 23]

In defense of the Perris Ghetto, I don't like the term Bums. I lived in there for years and still have a trailer I occasionally use.

There is an ebb and flow to the amount of "culture" there, but it's always been that way. And I don't know how many know this, but the Perris Ghetto is actually the original Lake Elsinore Ghetto. When the first big Elsinore floods came the entire Elsinore Ghetto loaded up and moved to Perris. And it was quite the sight when all those wobbly trailers were making the trek over the hill.

Sure, there are a few people in Ghetto that are on their way down the drain, just like everywhere else. Some just can't handle the freedom, but those types are everywhere. I've seen more than a few move into the Ghetto to "pursue the dream" and they had everything going for themselves. But six months later the "weakness" had reduced them to shells of their former selves. It's like living and working in Las Vegas. You either learn to avoid the crap tables or you die.

Plus there is a heritage to the Ghetto if you know where to look for it. Some of the original trailers are history books of past and now deceased jumpers. The walls are inscribed and decorated by hundreds of scribblings and drawings. If we ever spawn skydiving archaeologists, the Perris Ghetto, is were they will begin digging.

So yes, the Perris ghetto is still a pretty cool place for those who can handle it - now pass me that jug of wine, will ya . . . ?

NickD

[SkyHigh04 0]

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In defense of the Perris Ghetto, I don't like the term Bums. I lived in there for years and still have a trailer I occasionally use.

There is an ebb and flow to the amount of "culture" there, but it's always been that way. And I don't know how many know this, but the Perris Ghetto is actually the original Lake Elsinore Ghetto. When the first big Elsinore floods came the entire Elsinore Ghetto loaded up and moved to Perris. And it was quite the sight when all those wobbly trailers were making the trek over the hill.

Sure, there are a few people in Ghetto that are on their way down the drain, just like everywhere else. Some just can't handle the freedom, but those types are everywhere. I've seen more than a few move into the Ghetto to "pursue the dream" and they had everything going for themselves. But six months later the "weakness" had reduced them to shells of their former selves. It's like living and working in Las Vegas. You either learn to avoid the crap tables or you die.

Plus there is a heritage to the Ghetto if you know where to look for it. Some of the original trailers are history books of past and now deceased jumpers. The walls are inscribed and decorated by hundreds of scribblings and drawings. If we ever spawn skydiving archaeologists, the Perris Ghetto, is were they will begin digging.

So yes, the Perris ghetto is still a pretty cool place for those who can handle it - now pass me that jug of wine, will ya . . . ?

NickD

lol?

"...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

[skybytch 273]

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Your name fits you well.

If you're gonna try to insult me, at least be original about it.

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Stop trying to act tough behind your computer, for the millionth time, you don't know me, and thank god for that. Pull the stick out of your ass and maybe you will learn that showing a little kindness can go a long way instead of being a bitch to me all the time.

Hey, thanks for the personal attack. You have a nice ban... err I mean day.

[chrismgtis 0]

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I don't work at Walmart slick...

What's wrong with working at Walmart? It's a job, isn't it?

It's a job if you don't like skydiving, enjoy a one bedroom apartment, eating ramen noodles and no cable.

Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033
Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

[grannyinthesky 0]

I sseldom post in this part of the forums, but I really feel the need to here. I think you are missing a big point. Skydiving is about a lot more than just throwing your body out the door of an airplane. The community that envolopes skydiving is incredible in itself. In the short time I have been involved in this sport, I have found wonderful new friends. We come from all walks of life, but we have a bond that is truly wonderful. You are well on your way to alienating yourself from much of that community. Think about what you are doing when you post your negative comments. I live in rural Idaho, but my friends in the skydiving community are from all over the world. It's a tight knit bunch and you are risking cutting yourself off before you even get started.

"safety first... and What the hell.....
safety second, Too!!! " ~~jmy

POPS #10490

[SkyHigh04 0]

yeah because the mods can't see that you were harping on me from the beginning and that it's true that you should show people respect....Why is it that EVERYONE besides about 2 or 3 of you, understood my point? Billvon gets it. Others get it. Skybytch I don't know why you dont.

"The "Golden Rule" is in effect for discussions on Dropzone.com: Treat others as you would wish to be treated. We ask that you be professional and polite and respect our intention to create a friendly and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to participate..." You obviously can't follow that...

I've gotten along with every skydiver I've ever met in person, they are some of the coolest people in the world. However, it doesn't say much for the community as a whole, when a select few have to bash me and be disrespectful for no reason. I have nothing negative to say unless it's brought on to me first. I love the skydiving community and everything about it.

"...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

[skybytch 273]

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that it's true that you should show people respect...

Respect is earned. I respect people who do the things they say they want to do. I have far less respect for those who say they want to do things but find excuses for why they can't do them and/or aren't willing to put out any effort to make them happen.

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I have nothing negative to say unless it's brought on to me first.

Calling those who've chosen to live in trailers to chase their dreams bums is negative.

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I love the skydiving community and everything about it.

If you say so...

[SkyHigh04 0]

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that it's true that you should show people respect...

Respect is earned. I respect people who do the things they say they want to do. I have far less respect for those who say they want to do things but find excuses for why they can't do them and/or aren't willing to put out any effort to make them happen.

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I have nothing negative to say unless it's brought on to me first.

Calling those who've chosen to live in trailers to chase their dreams bums is negative.

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I love the skydiving community and everything about it.

If you say so...

That's funny, where I come from, we respect everyone regardless because it's common courtesy. I never once said that those who live in trailers to chase their dreams are bums so you pulled that out of no where. You don't know how I define bum because you don't know me or anything about me therefore your statement "I have far less respect for those who say they want to do things but find excuses for why they can't do them and/or aren't willing to put out any effort to make them happen. " is complete BS because 1-Family and bills are NEVER an excuse, if they are, then God help you and 2-How do you know how much effort I've put in to make things happen when you don't even know me?? I haven't attacked you. I haven't questioned your reasons for doing things. Why can't you just let me be and accept that we are who we are and nothing is going to change that. Life is too damn short for this kind of BS fighting over the dumbest stuff, seriously. I say we let bygons be bygons (spelling?) and start with a fresh clean slate. I apologize for anything I may have said to anger you or make you resent me because it was not my intention. The sky will always be there and when I'm ready, I'll get there.

"...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

[anthonyfellows 0]

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Your name fits you well.

If you're gonna try to insult me, at least be original about it.


I love bytches :)

Serious relationships turn into work after a few weeks and I already got a fucking job :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
H.A.F. = Hard As Fuck ... Goddamn Amateurs

[billvon 3,070]

Your one warning. No personal attacks, for any reason.

[anthonyfellows 0]

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Your one warning. No personal attacks, for any reason.

Mine? I actually meant that in an endearing sense ... I mean, hello? It is her name :)

Serious relationships turn into work after a few weeks and I already got a fucking job :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
H.A.F. = Hard As Fuck ... Goddamn Amateurs

[SkyHigh04 0]

"The "Golden Rule" is in effect for discussions on Dropzone.com: Treat others as you would wish to be treated. We ask that you be professional and polite and respect our intention to create a friendly and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to participate..."

Should try to enforce that ^^^ too

"...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

[NovaTTT 2]

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Just because I'm not jumping all over getting my license ASAP doesn't make me any less of a person.

There are some who would disagree.

I wonder, however, what is the point of the OP? You said in your original post "Skydiving is my goal, my dream, and something I want to work hard at", and "I was offered to just come to the DZ on weekends anyways and maybe learn manifest, for less than minimum wage. I'm sorry but my time is better put to doing things like yardwork, fixing up my house, spending time with my family and friends, etc"

Through this thread, it sounds like you are complaining about not having the money to jump but wanting to do so. It also sounds like you passed up on some opportunities to work and learn and are getting upset that others are pointing this out to you.

If your OP is only to find "Has anyone else had to put their dream of skydiving on hold due to finances? " the answer is yes. People have put their skydiving dream (and actual skydiving) on hold for a number of reasons, including finances, work, family, injury, etc. etc.

Your question has an obvious answer. If that's the only purpose of your OP, there it is.

If the purpose was to get advice on how to manage life, money and skydiving, then read back through the posts and you will see a lot of good information that will help you find balance. The best advice (combined) is to do what many of us did: Get off your ass, go to the DZ and work. Work like you remember the goal-dream you want to reach is obtained through the work. You'll make money and friends, learn about the sport and grow in ways that you don't now see as possible.

You may not want to make skydiving your life, or the center of your life, but if you want to reach your goal-dream, you need to make it a big part of your life. In your OP, you said, "I feel like I get pressured to make skydiving my total life, and nothing else but that's not reality for me, maybe for others, but not me. I want to maintain a balance between work, life, and my dream/hobby/sport of skydiving"

Your desire to be a skydiver and your perceived need to minimize it's presence in your life appear to be mutually exclusive objectives. If you want to become a proficient skydiver you are going to have to put in the time - and the effort - and the money. Until you reach a point of skill and proficiency that allows you, as a low-currency jumper, to choose and maintain a balance between safe skydiving and the other important parts of your life, you will find that you will dedicate much or most of your leisure time to the sport.

There are several ways to interpret the old expression: Shut up and jump.

.02

Nova

(edited to add highlight emphasis)

"Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73

[SkyHigh04 0]

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Just because I'm not jumping all over getting my license ASAP doesn't make me any less of a person.

There are some who would disagree.

I wonder, however, what is the point of the OP? You said in your original post "Skydiving is my goal, my dream, and something I want to work hard at", and "I was offered to just come to the DZ on weekends anyways and maybe learn manifest, for less than minimum wage. I'm sorry but my time is better put to doing things like yardwork, fixing up my house, spending time with my family and friends, etc"

Through this thread, it sounds like you are complaining about not having the money to jump but wanting to do so. It also sounds like you passed up on some opportunities to work and learn and are getting upset that others are pointing this out to you.

If your OP is only to find "Has anyone else had to put their dream of skydiving on hold due to finances? " the answer is yes. People have put their skydiving dream (and actual skydiving) on hold for a number of reasons, including finances, work, family, injury, etc. etc.

Your question has an obvious answer. If that's the only purpose of your OP, there it is.

If the purpose was to get advice on how to manage life, money and skydiving, then read back through the posts and you will see a lot of good information that will help you find balance. The best advice (combined) is to do what many of us did: Get off your ass, go to the DZ and work. Work like you remember the goal-dream you want to reach is obtained through the work. You'll make money and friends, learn about the sport and grow in ways that you don't now see as possible.

You may not want to make skydiving your life, or the center of your life, but if you want to reach your goal-dream, you need to make it a big part of your life. In your OP, you said, "I feel like I get pressured to make skydiving my total life, and nothing else but that's not reality for me, maybe for others, but not me. I want to maintain a balance between work, life, and my dream/hobby/sport of skydiving"

Your desire to be a skydiver and your perceived need to minimize it's presence in your life appear to be mutually exclusive objectives. If you want to become a proficient skydiver you are going to have to put in the time - and the effort - and the money. Until you reach a point of skill and proficiency that allows you, as a low-currency jumper, to choose and maintain a balance between safe skydiving and the other important parts of your life, you will find that you will dedicate much or most of your leisure time to the sport.

There are several ways to interpret the old expression: Shut up and jump.

.02

Nova

Thank you for the response, I see your points. The overall objective I guess was just to find out if others have had similar situations and what they did. I've read about some who have given up everything for the sport and others who have done what I'm doing and focusing on their lives/careers first and then getting immersed into the sport. I plan on putting in the time and effort eventually, just not right now. It is a dream and goal of mine but Rome wasn't created in a day. There are other goals I have like paying off my bills, keeping my electric on, keeping my gas tank above the empty mark, starting a family, etc..Skydiving isn't quite at the top of the list just yet but it will be

"...And once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been, and there you long to return..." - Leonardo da Vinci

[kelpdiver 2]

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"The "Golden Rule" is in effect for discussions on Dropzone.com: Treat others as you would wish to be treated. We ask that you be professional and polite and respect our intention to create a friendly and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to participate..." You obviously can't follow that...

It's probably wrong to prolong this thread, but you haven't exactly been peachy yourself. The Golden Rule doesn't disappear due to perceived slights.

If you do get around to it, you'll find that the 'bums' and the yuppies alike have common beliefs, more so than most recreational sports.

[denete 3]

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Stop trying to act tough behind your computer, for the millionth time, you don't know me, and thank god for that. Pull the stick out of your ass and maybe you will learn that showing a little kindness can go a long way instead of being a bitch to me all the time.

Just damn. Pot...Kettle...Black...

What exactly do you want?

Why did you post on dropzone.com in the first place? Did you post as a means to seek sympathy? Advice? Accolades? To share your wisdom?

It's amazing how you've burned bridges that were never even built.

Good luck on Walden pond.



(maybe there's a future for this guy with AMF)

SCR #14809

"our attitude is the thing most capable of keeping us safe"
(look, grab, look, grab, peel, punch, punch, arch)

[chrismgtis 0]

Hey guys, we're skydivers. Act the part please. Take everything in humor.

Rodriguez Brother #1614, Muff Brother #4033
Jumped: Twin Otter, Cessna 182, CASA, Helicopter, Caravan

[birdlike 0]

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I would love to be at the DZ if I was jumping but an ENTIRE day when I'm not jumping isn't worth it

This is where you are wrong. There is no better place to be than at the dz if you want to learn all you can about skydiving. And if skydiving is your dream, why wouldn't you want to learn all you can about it?

Some things aren't about money...

There are serious limits to what he could learn while neither jumping, nor earning enough to jump, though.

Spirits fly on dangerous missions
Imaginations on fire

[airtwardo 7]

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Just because I'm not jumping all over getting my license ASAP doesn't make me any less of a person.

There are some who would disagree.

I wonder, however, what is the point of the OP? You said in your original post "Skydiving is my goal, my dream, and something I want to work hard at", and "I was offered to just come to the DZ on weekends anyways and maybe learn manifest, for less than minimum wage. I'm sorry but my time is better put to doing things like yardwork, fixing up my house, spending time with my family and friends, etc"

Through this thread, it sounds like you are complaining about not having the money to jump but wanting to do so. It also sounds like you passed up on some opportunities to work and learn and are getting upset that others are pointing this out to you.

If your OP is only to find "Has anyone else had to put their dream of skydiving on hold due to finances? " the answer is yes. People have put their skydiving dream (and actual skydiving) on hold for a number of reasons, including finances, work, family, injury, etc. etc.

Your question has an obvious answer. If that's the only purpose of your OP, there it is.

If the purpose was to get advice on how to manage life, money and skydiving, then read back through the posts and you will see a lot of good information that will help you find balance. The best advice (combined) is to do what many of us did: Get off your ass, go to the DZ and work. Work like you remember the goal-dream you want to reach is obtained through the work. You'll make money and friends, learn about the sport and grow in ways that you don't now see as possible.

You may not want to make skydiving your life, or the center of your life, but if you want to reach your goal-dream, you need to make it a big part of your life. In your OP, you said, "I feel like I get pressured to make skydiving my total life, and nothing else but that's not reality for me, maybe for others, but not me. I want to maintain a balance between work, life, and my dream/hobby/sport of skydiving"

Your desire to be a skydiver and your perceived need to minimize it's presence in your life appear to be mutually exclusive objectives. If you want to become a proficient skydiver you are going to have to put in the time - and the effort - and the money. Until you reach a point of skill and proficiency that allows you, as a low-currency jumper, to choose and maintain a balance between safe skydiving and the other important parts of your life, you will find that you will dedicate much or most of your leisure time to the sport.

There are several ways to interpret the old expression: Shut up and jump.

.02

Nova

Thank you for the response, I see your points. The overall objective I guess was just to find out if others have had similar situations and what they did. I've read about some who have given up everything for the sport and others who have done what I'm doing and focusing on their lives/careers first and then getting immersed into the sport. I plan on putting in the time and effort eventually, just not right now. It is a dream and goal of mine but Rome wasn't created in a day. There are other goals I have like paying off my bills, keeping my electric on, keeping my gas tank above the empty mark, starting a family, etc..Skydiving isn't quite at the top of the list just yet but it will be

I like pie!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[Scoop 0]

I don't think its good for the sport when some dirtbag rolls out of their trailer stinking of booze from the night before wearing dirty old clothes because they can't afford to buy new ones and then introduces themselves to a member of the public as their cameraman or instructor.

I like the camaraderie but I wouldn't give up my career to 'live the dream'. It did come across that because the OP doesn't want to follow the DZ bum lifestyle he is in someway not committed enough to the sport.

Each to their own I say... everyone calm the hell down

[NickDG 23]

Yeah, okay ya snob . . .

It's stupid to think that's the way it is in totality!

What started out as self effacing humor on our part has become fact in some people's small minds. Many skydiving professionals manage to do all right for themselves. I know a bunch of them, but here's just one example . . .

I know one woman who came to Perris from New Zealand, in the early 1980s, the only way she could. She signed onto a tramp freighter ship and sewed up the crews work clothes to earn her passage. Then she lived in the Perris parking lot for a year in a beat up old Datsun that didn't even run.

She became an Instructor, a Master rigger, and the loft manager at Square One. And she lived in the Perris Ghetto for probably ten years. She's now a well respected skydiver the world over, she's very financially sound, and I'd love to see you call her a "bum" to her face.

And while it might surprise you. We do have soap, mouthwash, and showers in the Ghetto just like real people . . .

NickD

[Scoop 0]

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And while it might surprise you. We do have soap, mouthwash, and showers in the Ghetto just like real people . . .

Yeah, but I have seen exactly what I described also.

What you also have to remember is whilst someone might be a great skydiver and well regarded in our community, in the real world they are a nobody.

Your not making it seem anymore attractive by giving an example of a woman who lived in poverty until she started to make a decent wage.