Sunday, May 6, 2012

Loving the Lean Part... it's a wrap!

Well, I kinda dropped the ball on this overly long subject. Mmmmm... yea, so I'll get it wrapped up for once and for all. 




Back in the early 80s, I had a crossroads experience which involved walking away from my life. Make that life style. What followed was a huge step back financially. I have always been so very practical but this was a big change for me. I learned how to shop for deals... how not to pay full price for items but still get quality. I also learned that I love the challenge. Gotta bloom where you're planted, right? Eventually, though (and thankfully), I would end up with a trade (huge learning curve) where the pay was pretty decent. I didn't have to struggle with stretching that dollar quite so far.


At the same time as my earning potential was increasing, hubs and I were working towards a goal... homeownership without a mortgage. This was easy done because we earned more than we needed and just didn't move up the material ladder, if you know what I mean. We didn't feel we were make huge sacrifices. We simply lived where rent was cheaper, we kept and maintained our older cars and didn't go nuts buying all kinds of toys.


It paid off but now I find myself challenged once again with how far I can stretch that dollar. It feels different from way back then. In the demographics where we live, there are incredible bargains to be found. Finding them thrills me.


In the process of finding bargains, I have managed to create a tidy stash of lovely vintage goods. This has been my 'hobby' for over ten years. I can't recall when I got bit by the bug but I've always been drawn to things from gentler times. I love the patinas that items carry, the quality of when things were actually built to last and often wonder about the people who originally owned these common household belongings that end up in thrift shops and yard sales.


So, with regards to my current situation: jobless state plus my hoard inventory of fab finds (pssst... that yellow text is a link *wink) equals self-employment opportunity. This makes sense and would be a dream come true. I've never really taken it seriously before but now I must. It's almost like I'm a little bird being pushed out of the nest... again; story of my life.

Ideally, I will obtain gainful employment. Realistically, the opportunities are proving to be rare. This new venture is about my only option for now and I'm in the process of preparing for it as push becomes shove, or when the rubber meets the road. I'll post when that happens. Don't see any "if" in there.

7 comments:

  1. When I was in college I took a human resources course. I very clearly remember the teacher telling us that the days of 30 or 40 year employment with the same company were over. That we as a generation would probably go through several transitions in our work career. He was completely right and I think that you will do wonderfully with this new transition :)
    Hugs

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    1. Thanks for the support! I did think my 'trade' was for life. Fortunately, (or not) I'm closer to retirement age so I don't have to wonder what the next 25 years of employment will hold for me. Why does that NOT comfort me? LOL

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  2. If you sell stuff on line, you will never retire!It will be too much fun!

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  3. I've just found your blog this last couple of weeks. I'm rooting for you! I live in NB too and agree that good jobs are so hard to find, especially if you're rural. You sound like a smart cookie who's great at adapting when push comes to shove. This may be a great new opportunity for you. Good luck. I'm sure you'll make a success of it.

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  4. Hey... thank you Anonymous NB person. I'm either a smart cookie or I've lost them. LOL!

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  5. Soooooooo? When does the nostalgic shop of FAB FINDS open?? I would like to learn more about that pair of glass lamps - are they functional or decorative only? Enquiring minds want to know!

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  6. Glad to hear you're pushing through with the online store Michelle. I think it will do great as you've already shown us a great stash of collectibles and obviously have an eye for that sort of thing.

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