A little Personal Update

[wood-n-things]

Kev,
I almost forgot...Be sure and save some time for you and the family...Don't burn out trying to be a success. Family is too important......

[Jediscroller]

Thanks for the well-wishes folks. It's one of those things I've always wanted to do. Of course, a wrench got thrown into the works this afternoon. Someone called me about a job in the city (the big one, NYC) which pays a fortune but I would have to commute by rail and the commute would be about 2 hours each way. I'm still leaning toward the woodworking but 2 and a half times my salary is tough to not at least consider. Money's nice but it doesn't buy peace of mind or happiness (although it does help sometimes, hehehehe).

Not to worry Mike, I can work half the hours of my old schedule (when I pushed the business) and have plenty of time for both the family and the business.

My apologies to all as well, I didn't mean to come off as advertising in any way and after re-reading my post it may have sounded that way.

[Haggard3230]

Good luck in whatever you decide to do Kevin.

[wood-n-things]

I didn't take it as an advertisement....simply sharing information with your Online family....And I for one wouldn't mind your advertising anyway...Go for it my friend!

[Mike Crosa]

Good luck Kevin whichever way you go. What I used to do when I had a difficult decision to make was create a decision tree. Of course you have to know where you want to end up. Then create the tree. Each branch is a choice. If you select that branch where does it take you. If another branch then another choice. You keep going until you reach the last branch that will take you to your goal. Then look at the branches and you will usually find the shortest path to your goal. The dead end branches were the bad choices which would have meandered you off the correct path and made it longer to achieve your goal.
Regardless whichever you chose, God bless.

[guitarman]

Kevin, You're smart and very crafty. I know you won't have any trouble with this as a full time adventure. The best of luck. David

[Jediscroller]

Hehehe, my 10 yr. old daughter was listening in on my wife and I discussing the job offer. My wife pointed out that if I were to accept I'd be able to buy my dream car (Porsche 911 Turbo btw). My daughter chimed in that she didn't want me to take the job. I pointed out that she'd be able to have all the fancy stuff like her friends and such to which she replied: "What good is fancy stuff if I don't get to see you?" Decision made.
Did I mention that I love my daughter?!!!

[Janette]

Big decision Kevin. I must say tho - for me, losing my "real" job was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Make a list of pros and cons and see what you end up with. Personally - you couldn't pay me enough to commute to NYC every day. The stress, sucking in the negative energy of all those other stressed people, 4 hrs a day on the train (although that would be good designing time with a laptop ).

Good luck with whichever way you decide. Remember tho...one should work to live - and NOT - Live to work.

[jim_mex]

Hi again Kevin - that was a cruncher of a decision but I'm sure you won't regret it.

Take it from one who in the past has earned a lot of money on long term overseas projects but suffered through being away from family. It took me a long while to realise that its better to tighten my belt and forgo material possessions to be close to home and family.

Material things are great and at a base level very necessary but once you start having to decide between luxury items and status symbols and your family I reckon the latter should come first.

I'm sure you'll reflect on the decision often and a few 'what ifs' will come into future conversations but your love for your family will override all of them.

Good luck!

[journeyman]

Good luck to you Kevin in your new venture. Like Jim I have spent time working overseas and also spent a lot of my working life behind the wheel or staying in cheap hotels for 2 or 3 days a week just waiting for Friday to come. Missed a lot my daughter's school days which I can never get back. Your little girl obviously loves you as much as you love her.
Mick