R00tj00se 0 #1 August 22, 2001 I'm interested in knowing how other skydivers plan for the rest of their lives? Let me explain what I mean by giving you an example. I work 5 days a week (like a lot of people) and I earn ok money which enables me to have a house and go skydiving at weekends. Also like a lot of people, I have dreams of giving up the 9-5 job and becoming a world 4-way champion etc etc. The question is how?Even for you people out there who are instructors where did u get the money from to give up normal life and become instructors/world champs? Or have I answered my own question here - you are instructors with no money who make do with very little material things in life?Or do you have second incomes from somewhere?Basically, I'm just trying to get ideas of what people sacrifice or how they survive when they commit most of their lives to skydiving - which is not very lucrative.Time for bed - I'll look forward to your answers when I get to work tomorrow!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jumperpaula 0 #3 August 22, 2001 Good question - think of this: Are you in a business or profession where you could "cut away" for a few years, try things out, then pick up the same pay and the same business at the point you walked away? Fly Your Slot ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #4 August 22, 2001 As much as I love skydiving, I could never give up my real life. To me there is more to life than living in a camper or bus on a dropzone. I'm sure for some people that's a perfect lifestyle, but for me I need more. All the instructors I know really don't make alot of money - just enough to barely support their lifestyle.I've been bad, I need a spanking Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpervali 2 #5 August 22, 2001 I spent 17 years in a plastics factory, payed off my house, and autos. Got my cost of living down to 200 a month. Bought 1/2 of my home DZ with my best friend, he got the other half, and quit his wallstreet job. Now we dont make the money we used to make, but my Quality of life is so much better. Now I dont have a job, I have a life. It's not work if you love it. jumpervali Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewGuy 0 #6 August 22, 2001 I like your question cus it's something I've thought about alot.At the moment, skydiving is the most enjoyable thing I do - It's all I can think of... everything else plays second fiddle. However, I can't imagine ditching work just to do it exclusively. There are way too many other things in life to enjoy: travel, scuba,martial arts, music... and many more. Most things take $$$. Work or lottery tickets are the means.Cheers,NewGuy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mountainman 0 #7 August 22, 2001 I'm going to be on the same side as most people here.I dont think that I could just pickup and go to the DZ for the rest of my life. I have thought that would be a lot of fun, but I wouldn't have the chance to do things that I want to do for the rest of my life.As far as life plans, I want to be a TM and AFF JM/I in the future. BUT, my plans also include traveling all over the world, having a good career (either in teaching or aviation) and having a nice house (with an airstrip if I can find out more info about it). Either way you slice it, if that is all you want to do for the rest of your life, then you could probably pick-up and go to the DZ forever. But for me, there is more to life than skydiving (however everything in life revolves around skydiving and often includes it like vacations and such). Hope that was answering your question. --------------Drop on in...leave a message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #8 August 23, 2001 I just turned 21, I have 1 year left of college to get my bachlers degree in communications and sociology. My plan is to finish college and pursue competition skydiving. I don't own a crystal ball so there is no telling what will happen next. That is just what I want to do, so I'll do it. I'm a writer and am hoping that I can sell a book that will make enough money to maybe help the cost of living. Ideally, I want to travel around. If you hit it right in the skydiving competition scene then your sponsors pay for a great deal of traveling to some amazing locations. I'm an idealist so I admit, it's impractical but that's what I'm going for. I believe that if you let practicality stop you from pursuing your dreams then what is it you really want out of life? Do you want stability and to settle or do you just want to put it all on the line in hopes that you'll have what you've always dreamed of? I'm not settleingNo-one can predict the future. You just have to decide if you want something bad enough whether to just go for it or choose the more reliable route. To each his own, I guess. Either way, whether you're a competition skydiver or a weekend fun jumper, it's an amazing life that not many people in the world get to enjoy so in a way, we're all special no matter how often we get to skydive or what we do for a living. We're all special b/c at least once in a while we get to do something that 99% of the rest of the world doesn't get to, for whatever their reasons. I love my skydiving family. You guys are awesomeMuch love and blue skies,Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikefarmer 0 #9 August 23, 2001 I am stuck in the middle. I want to jump A LOT, but I couldn't stand to be at the DZ all the time (I was full time for 2 summers, burn out!) I even completed the RW Tandem I Cert Course, then after I got married quit doing tandems just because I want to have FUN at the DZ, and tandems at my DZ can be one after another (which would b GREAT money.) I guess what I have observed is that people who LIVE skydiving are either highly motivated and hard-working, or, in the case of SOME competitors, what I have heard deemed trust fnd kids. Not judging, just repeating. I, myself, just decided to do the boring old 9 to 5 and go to school until I can figure out what business I want to try to run. Skydiving on the weekends of course!MikeMike's Sky World Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #10 August 23, 2001 I sell gear full time. I work 9 - 5 and I don't get paid to jump, but I don't have to work weekends and I work surrounded by skydivers and parachutes. I don't make a lot of money, but money really isn't all that important when you are doing something you love. I made skydiving my life and I am absolutely not sorry - I'm living what is to many just a dream.. I was willing to forego the possibility of big money in return for the sure thing of being immersed in the sport that I love. So, no, don't expect a large salary should you choose to give up the "real world" and come play for a living. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with a family or other major responsibilities. But if you can, whether because of the lottery, smart investments, trust funds, or sacrificing money to work in the industry, imho there is no better life than that of a skydiving bum. pull and flare,lisa---I chose the road less traveled. Now where the hell am I? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #11 August 23, 2001 No doubt! I wouldn't want to rely on Skydiving for income. It would then become work. I dont want that. I skydive for fun and I want it to stay that way. Luckily, I have a plan that wont take all that much longer to complete. Then I wont have to rely on anyone else for income and I can spend all the time I want at a DZ. Independantly wealthy is the only way to be a real skydiver. If you have sponsors you owe them. Been down that road before. No thanks!"Gonna need...some cream for ya ass"-Chef/South ParkClay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DZBone 0 #12 August 23, 2001 QuoteI have a plan that wont take all that much longer to complete.Just need to steal the diamond from the museum to complete the destructo beam? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alienangel 0 #13 August 23, 2001 Post deleted by Alienangel Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #14 August 23, 2001 QuoteJust need some sunshine, a nice DZ, enough cash for jump tickets and somewhere basic to live. It's so good to be needed!!....and then I saw his foot and knew I had to have him..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chickenhawk420 0 #15 August 23, 2001 Think im in love, can i have a job :)- Kiddin aside, i would sacrafice the money for skydiving, hell yeah, but i couldn't see a way to do it at the moment without getting a job (unemployed at mo) maybe just to get me there. Im gonna try my hardest to find a way to support myself through skydiving or a 9-5- atleast im still jumping. Im gonna concentrate on my aff and enjoy it, have fun- the rest will clear it self up later.Rooftop and sunsets Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #16 August 23, 2001 "Just need to steal the diamond from the museum to complete the destructo beam"And then I will demand ONE MILLION DOLLARS from the leaders of the world. Oh wait....no .....make that........THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS.........MMMMMuuuuauauaahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Let us make our exit Mr Bigglesworth."Gonna need...some cream for ya ass"-Chef/South ParkClay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slappie 9 #17 August 23, 2001 I'm still trying to find my Skydiving Trophy Wife!! So I can complete my plan of evil proportions to dominate world politics and take over the WORLD!!! muahahahahhaaaaa!!! With a Trophy Wife the media will be focusing on her while I work my evil deeds in the back ground.... GAWD WHAT A PLAN!! Any Trophy Wife wannabes out there? I can promise a life of world domination and all the skydives you can handle!! Blue Skies!http://www.geocities.com/scollins77057/index.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zennie 0 #18 August 23, 2001 QuoteI'm still trying to find my Skydiving Trophy WifeOf course the most fundamental requirement being that she know how to pack. ------------Blue Skies!Zennie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #19 August 23, 2001 Slappie-Evil deeds, world domination and all the skydives I can handle? Boy, you know how to get a girl all excited! Andreahmmm, thinking of a new tag...any suggestions? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #20 August 23, 2001 I dont look that great in a dress but if you have enough money.....I'm willing to learn.....LMAO"Don't give a F$#ck if I'm comin or leavin"-Pappa RoachClay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
