Now, with the formalities out of the way - I hope that is enough to satisfy the requirement for archery related content, which would allow my thread to remain in a more visible area -, I will as quickly as possible attempt to elaborate somewhat. First, I know and highly respect many here. And some here are brilliant and have been very successful in both life as well as their hunting endeavors. So that is why I thought I would request ideas from you guys. Also, if given a parameter and a starting point, I can be very creative, but if someone, or life in this instance, simply requests, a productive or creative idea, I pretty much go blank. Plus, I am certain everyone can agree, that the old saying, "you can't see the forest for the trees," rings very true. With that said, because of the various skillsets that you guys bring to the table, maybe someone can present an idea that I would have never thought could be lucrative, or enjoyable.
So, I am 43, I have an associates in arts degree, as well as an associates in applied science - Biomedical Equipment Technology. (As a disclaimer, in 1999 I went through a divorce and while enduring that, I accrued a simple assault from fighting with my wife's boyfriend. But having that charge, even though it is 15 years old has prevented me from being hired on with a couple potential employers.) I also have a CDL with all endorsements, and can operate various equipment. The downside to this vocation is, locally, pay is about the same as it was twenty years ago. I have been a taxidermist and built antler products for about 15 years. The downside to this option, once again, is location. My area is low end blue collar at best, so that keeps the prices down on my options, some it doesn't effect, others it does severely. On the bright side, I have access to a small amount of cash to get a business up and going, and I also am a quick learner. I have actually thought of a few options, but they require a license, and though I am certain that given some time, I could pass almost any licensing test, most require some amount of verifiable work time to even be able to test for the license.
Bottom-line is, at this time in my life, I want a career that I will enjoy, for possibly the remainder of my life, along the way making a decent income. Though I have been at this crossroads in my life for about five years, it is time to make a decision.
I would really enjoy relocating to an area that has great hunting available, but I would be content with living most anywhere as long as the situation was ideal.
I am pretty much at my wits end, and seem to be going in circles, which is driving me crazy, so please, someone, help me out of this rut. I would forever be grateful.
There is much more to this, than has been written, but for the sake of some brevity, I will add to my circumstances, if someone is curious, or has questions.
Otherwise, if you are involved in an enjoyable and/or lucrative business - archery related or not -, or know of someone who may be, please let me know. Doing so, just may save my life.
A career is a very personal decision and one that can affect your entire live. Some opt to climb the corporate ladder, others choose the lower paying option that has different types of perks. Only you can make that decision for you.
The thing that will make the most difference to you is your outlook and the ability to persevere. Make sure you work every day to be better than the prior day, no matter what direction you choose. 43 is still young. You have PLENTY of time to make a change for the better.
I used to work in the Flyfishing industry and considered doing that the rest of my life. I changed my mind when I saw how grizzled and gnarled the old guides looked, and when one of my clients asked me if I wanted to fish the rest of my life, or just row the boat. He opened my eyes to what guiding really was and my made my choice. Have many friends in that business still that love it and will do it their entire lives. I don't regret my decision one bit.
I don't have any inroads into the archery business other than a good friend of mine who used to be the shooting advisor for Golden Eagle and made dozens of hunting videos back in the early 90's. Most of his contacts are retired now and the next generation has taken over. I do have a friend that has a medical marketing company that sells some high-end medical equipment and he covers Colorado and Nebraska. PM me if you want his information. Plenty of good hunting in either of those two states and I think his sales guys do well.
Best of luck, Bowsite is a great community and I think you will find some sage advice here.
I am the epitome of wanting to have a safe simple life. I have never stepped out to try to try to make as much money as possible because I am happy with my profession and where I live. I love my job and don't want anything else. That being said....I WISH I had the make up sometimes to just start fresh. I envy your position even though you might feel that you are in a difficult situation.
My only advice is that to simply work on your career. Find something that makes you happy and affords you enough income to be sufficient. It is a balancing act but IF you make enough money you can afford to hunt wherever and however you like BUT then again you may not have the time. Good luck with your endeavor.
I agree, that a choice such as this is a personal one. The main reason I ask is, I am certain there are opportunities out there, that I never would have thought of - I am somewhat narrow minded when it comes to my ideas. Badlands, thanks so much for your offer. I will send a PM for that information.
Archery95, please don't misunderstand, I am not searching for a million dollar idea. Rather, I am simply looking for thoughts and suggestions concerning opportunities. For example, say you are running a service business in, say, Florida, by letting me know that you have done well with it, doing so wouldn't hinder your business there. There are obviously some businesses that are nationwide that do not want any extra competition, and I did not expect them to reply. But others, that may see suggesting a career or business opportunity that would not hinder them, may be very willing to do so. I hope that makes sense. In addition, though I would really enjoy and possibly even prefer, a job within the archery or hunting business, most are poorly paid, unless you are an owner of a large company, or a salesman of some sort - which I have actually considered by the way. For the most part though, most guys who get into archery, do it because they love it, and the salary is not very good - again, I am speaking of general terms and realize there are exceptions to everything.
I am simply hoping that with the vast knowledge and experience that everyone here brings to the table may be able to enlighten me. Best case scenario, offer an idea specifically, or at least, provide thought invoking knowledge that may help lead me to what I was meant to do in life.
Back to badlands. I too, worked as a guide in my early twenties, and it didn't take long for me to determine that I would rather be the one actually hunting, than the one taking others hunting. I still enjoy taking others hunting, but not as a daily job. It sounds like you understand this fully.
Loesshillarcher, I had to chuckle when I read your post. Personally, for my dentist, it seems that his only stress, is having enough time to count his money. On the other hand, I will agree, I have heard that said - dentistry is very stressful - repeated many times. I don't understand, but Im not a dentist either. But for the record, I don't believe dentistry would be near the top of my list, due to the time and cost of school, etc. Though, I did briefly consider going to school to be a hygienist. But given that, I am considered "violent," as I learned with my experience within the Biomedical arena, I quickly dismissed that thought. Plus when I mentioned it to a couple of family members they chuckled at the thought - not my ability, but my personality,, that sort of sealed the deal for no hygiene school for me.
Please, though, keep the ideas rolling. I believe there is a possibility that something positive can come out of this, mostly for myself, but if not for me, maybe someone else in a similar situation.
I don't make near what I wished I made, but I also have the ability to get time off on days I want, leave work early/come in late, etc.
My balancing act, was supposed to be as a Biomedical technician. The pay is decent, the benefits are generally pretty good, and work is stable. Would I love it, No, but would I like it, I believe so. Plus I would have the opportunity and income to hunt, almost as much and as many places as I would like to. However, going in, I questioned the instructor about my situation - the misdemeanor simple assault from, at that time, about 8 years prior. He said, that some companies, for insurance reasons, wouldn't even consider me, and others could look around that occurrence and see the whole picture, instead of just a portion of my life that I regret, but had the opportunity to grow from. Actually what is so ironic about being charge with assault, is, I am about as combative as a bassett hound, and that fight is the only fight I have had since elementary school, and I had only two that I can remember from that timeframe. Anyway, during my last semester, we had to intern at a hospital, and my first choice would not even accept me to intern because of this. That was a huge blow, and after graduation, I only applied at a few places, never heard back, so chalked it up to a waste of my time, and kept doing, what I had been doing, prior to my return to school. Now that more time has passed, I have two things going against me concerning the biomedical profession, that is, though my charge is now going on 15 years old, which is a plus and easier for companies to overlook, my time since graduation is five years, so, even if a company can overlook or deal with my conviction, I am certain they would prefer to have another candidate with an identical past, that has recently graduated.
Thanks again guys, I appreciate everyone with advice, that is trying to help me in this difficult time.
Show up when you tell people you are,treat customers with respect and you will already be ahead of 50% of the graduating class of College Senoirs.....
It's that simple.
Step up and invest in yourself and others will too..
I empathize with your plea and will offer what little advice I can. The fairy tale that we are all taught growing up is that you should loooove your job and if you don't love your job you should find something else. A lot of people believe this fairy tale and a few are successful at it. Some folks come up with great ideas, inherit property, work hard and become lawyers, dentists, doctors, or business owners. Every day a lot of people come home after having done what they love and they don't feel like they've worked a day in their lives. I envy them.
Then there's the rest of us. I got a BS in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences because that's what outdoorsy types think will be an awesome career; something they love doing (hunting, fishing) and something they can get paid to do. I then realized that 40K a year will get you by, but severely restricts your ability to do some of the things you love (ie go out west annually). So I continued working my way through school, took, out student loans, got a master's degree in a relevant field and got a good job with an oil and gas company.
To me, performing a job that I am good at, outperforming my peers, and solving problems is fun some days, others it's not. Regardless, at the end of the day I make a comfortable salary and am able to afford the hobbies (or habits depending on your perspective).
My recommendation to you, if your mobile, is to take full advantage of what your have already (associates degrees, CDL) and make it work for you. If you're mobile, the Permian Basin in Midland/Odessa, TX is hiring CDL drivers, letting them work as many hours as they want, giving them massive sign on bonuses, and in many cases the decent one's are making six figures. I know for a fact this situation is no different in the Eagle Ford Shale south of San Antonio TX or in the Williston Basin in ND. Trucking companies in these areas are literally hiring warm bodies, and a nominal amount of competence (and the fact that you already have your CDL with experience) makes you a prime candidate. The opportunity is there if you're motivated enough to apply apply apply. Make an honest living with the knowledge and skills you have now, and work to build a side business for extra money. That's what I've done, that's what lots of folks do. Cajun Archer, aka Lee, is an extremely renowned waterfowl taxidermist...and that's his side job! He's a blue collar worker for 40 hours a week.
That's my 2 cents.
The job market was extremely tough during your years of looking to land a new job. My advice to you is to get a quick refresher course and recertify and then start applying for jobs all over the country in states where you would want to move and start fresh. Its going to take perseverance, networking, and commitment. If you go at it half assed, the results will be the same. I have had many a cousin graduate with solid degrees and it took them 6 months to a year to land a job that they wanted and considered long term. My wife took off 15 years to raise our kids and just recently recertified for a clinical social worker and after 6 months of looking she finally found a part time job from constant networking.
Good luck and god bless, you will find your way.
XMan
As far as career prospects, I would seriously look at your options with a CDL. If you are not too tied to where you currently live, and can handle the schedule, there are some great jobs in the oilfields and related industries. Several of my friends are working in ND in the Bakken right now. 7-14 days on and 7-14 days off. When they are working, they are getting 14-18 hours a day and making good money, with plenty of time off to enjoy life. The schedule isn't for everyone, but they are all pretty happy with what they are doing and the money and freedom it is giving them compared to their old job.
Don't give up on the medical industry just yet, either. Start applying again and see what happens. If your training is out of date, you could look into taking some refresher classes to get up to speed in the new technologies. If you don't apply, I guarantee you will never get hired...
Starting a business can be a great way to get ahead, but it can also end up being a great way to go broke in a hurry. As a business owner, you can probably count on at least 5 years where you can't afford the time or money to take a vacation. Building a business is hard work, and the margins are often very thin until you get established and have a big customer base. My dad was a butcher, working in a supermarket by day and running his own shop in the evenings and weekends. I watched him work 14-16 hours a day 6-7 days a week for most of my childhood. He saved diligently and was able to retire early. If he couldn't have retired when he did, the rigors of that schedule probably would have killed him.
In the end, this is a difficult decision, and only you can make it. Good luck with your decisions, I hope you find a job that will help you do the things that you want to do...
PS: I don't think writing makes sense because it takes too long to write and everybody knows everything:)
Perhaps consult an attorney about the possibility of getting that charge expunged from your record. If it's a misdemeanor, that should be doable.
Starting your own company is a thought too. Takes some balls, but that is the epitome of sales. Some sort of consultant practice to the biomed field might be worthwhile. Find a niche that can be maximixed (nice word for exploited) and make others pay you for that knowledge.
There is no money in outdoor writing. Do it for fun.
A young guy could learn an essential trade like Welding be based in the mountain states with good hunting and make $150k a year. Or you could continue your education, get your RN and make almost that much with a lot of flexibility.
I left a dream job as a professional naturalist for mountain park systems (great job, low pay) and found my way into corporate sales in technology. Crafted a career where I could live wherever I wanted, work from home, from hunting camp, from my fishing boat, from the river, etc.. wherever I could get a wireless internet connection and cell service.
By doing that I was able to stretch three weeks of vacation into a whole lot of hunting and fishing, plus getting paid to do that on the company dime with customers too. I also made enough money to retire early like Charlie, with two houses paid off. I worked hard, but avoided the corporate ladder which would have required moving to a big city and working in an office. I was able to essentially manage my own schedule, take off whenever, but I also had to perform at a high level to have that freedom.
No regrets. I'd highly recommend that path for what you describe as your goals. Make the money elsewhere and enjoy the outdoors instead of having it become a "job".
Work is a 4 letter word im not allowed to say it on BOWSITE >>>>>>>
I also want a new start my plan is get out of NY !!
No rich wife for me. I just worked hard, lived within my means, and invested savings wisely.
NOW you tell me, after 33 years!
As stated - live below your means. It's not that hard.
Get a second job through the spring and summer...lawn care, maybe.
Save.
Alaska isn't a bad idea.
As for those who mentioned no money was in the outdoors, it sounds like you have experience, or know someone very well who does. That was exactly my experience. At the time when I was writing a lot, doing taxidermy and working public relations, I was making around $25,000 a year, but I smiled every time a new toy came, and there were always hunts to go on. Lot's of perks. But I finally decided around the time that the economy fell apart, that it was difficult to swap a bow, or any other new toy for the mortgage payment. I also had friends who were doing rather well, and they were doing what they wanted, when they wanted, instead of waiting on when a hunting invitation from a company.
I do agree, that I should probably concentrate on using my CDL, or my education. I just need to figure out how. Also, I have taken aptitude tests in the past, and all indicate that I would do well in sales. But I never thought about it much, because I equated sales with working at a store of some kind. But as I have learned more, and researched, I do believe a sales position would be right up my alley.
Jaquomo, would you mind sending me a PM, or giving me a call and letting me know how you went from one occupation to a completely different one.
As for the suggestion for the expungement of the assault. I already tried, but since it is considered "violent," it cannot be expunged. Just my luck, but it is what it is. It isn't a serious concern of mine, though it has been a difficult burden to carry, as, I feel that the right person, that does a bit more research, speaks with me, etc. will get a more accurate picture, rather than a 15 year old conviction.
I have considered a small business, but I am really lost as to what to even try. But again, I may be best suited to just go with what I already have experience with. Just maybe, go bigger and better. I am highly considering going back into a truck of some kind, but do not want to go over the road, actually 14 days on and off sounded pretty good.
My goal is simply the money. I have heard all the sayings as well, and I do believe, if someone has the appropriate personality, this goal will suit them well. However, for myself, I want to hit a medium, get into something that I do not hate being at or doing, and get paid well. I mean even enjoyable jobs, aren't ALWAYS enjoyable, right?
Again, thanks for everything and if you guys have any suggestions in how to get into sales - I do have an associates in arts degree, and was considering a bachelors in marketing and public relations, or a simple business degree.
A lot going on in my head, I really just need to put one solid thought into motion. I appreciate everyone.
Find a job working for yourself outside the industry where you can make good money and have a lot of time off to do what you enjoy. One suggestion would be:
Contract Auditor or Consultant. It may take couple years to get the education and experience you need to do it on your own but you can make a good living part time. You may do it for a company as an employee at first but bail out after a couple years and do it on contract or they will work you to death for a salary while they make all the money. Several other fields that are the similar. Requires a lot of travel but that should be no big deal to you.
With a CDL you could buy a 1 ton Van and be an Expedited Freight Driver. Be an Owner/Operator not employee. Pays much more per mile. Vans cost a lot less than Tractors too.
Spend the bucks to get that record expunged too. I know some folks that got rid of similar charges. Cost them thousands but they will tell you it was money well spent. Even if you work for yourself you may have to go through background check to get the clearances required to do some things.
Goal is happiness? Find a western state community you can get involved in driving truck or something you have experience in. Decent pay with great hunting and more relaxed lifestyle.
Opportunities present themselves I feel all the time. It's just a matter of recognizing them. I would be finding a community to move to in order to start fresh and then network and find opportunities. Go to events and get involved. Soon you will see doors open up.
If you're going to start a small business just remember to become a specialist or expert in something. Don't do just trucking do haz mat trucking or some special licensed trucking. Don't do just welding do aluminum tig welding. Don't do general construction, do tile work. These may not be accurate examples but you get the point, expert = better pay. I know a guy doing concrete grinding/refinishing. I'd look into that. Good small business opportunity.
That's a tall order that depends on you. At 43, you're past the age of pick a high dollar college degree,(ie MBA, MD) and go for it. Those careers take years to develop.
A lot of good advise here from many. My favorite is from Genesis:
"Self employment in most any trade.....
Show up when you tell people you are,treat customers with respect and you will already be ahead of 50% of the graduating class of College Seniors.....
It's that simple.
Step up and invest in yourself and others will too."
A friend of mine arrived in town for the surf, that's right, his love of surfing! I think his love of surfing is like your love of hunting. He was living in his car, living to surf. He got a job with a local cement contractor, and learned the trade. We surfed together, and when he started his own company, I gave him his first job on a slab because I had a feeling about him as a person. Now, years later, he is the go to guy for cement. He did just what Genesis recommended. "Show up when you tell people you will, treat customers with respect". However, I disagree with Genesis on one point. If you do what he recommends, in a good economic area, you will be ahead of 80%-90% of all graduating college seniors. Basically, be a tradesman that treats his chosen occupation like a serious profession. Respect your self and what you do. If you're in a viable economic area and have, or can develop, any people skills, you will be successful. Good Luck!
If you have a job - you get paid - they take out taxes on a big number, and you hope whats left over will cover your expenses.
If you own a company, have income producing assets, or are self employed - you get paid, cover your expenses, then get taxed on a small number. If you work it right - you pay taxes on very little. There is a huge difference in your take home. If your making an extra 30-40% a year - retirement can come much sooner.
Being self employed now for 7 years, I am proud to say I am now UNEMPLOYABLE. There is no guarantee of income, but the quality of life and freedom is unbeatable.
I have a good friend who learned roofing, then started his own business here in major hail country. He has no employees, uses only a few crews of trusted and reliable subs, and makes more money than Tom Brady's wife. (Well, not really, since she makes $137,000 a DAY - and you might consider becoming an underwear model too..) He's going to retire in his late 40s with his big house on a lake and mountain home paid off.
"My goal is simply the money"- be prepared to be miserable for a long time. You are not really looking for a career, you are simply looking for the means of lots of money. This is not the road to a happy, satisfying, rewarding life.
A career is something you enjoy doing and are rewarded monetarily for the investments of yourself. Money is what you receive for doing a job. There is a world of difference between a career and simply making money.
I'm sure with your intellect you will have no trouble achieving your goal.
I did want to add though, buffalo1, I agree with you 100 percent. And though I have had times throughout my life that have been stable, for the most part, the last several years have been very unstable, and I am miserable and feel that I will be until I get my situation on track. One thing I did want to clarify though is my statement about, it is all about the money. Well, this is true for the most part, but my actual meaning could be better described with an example. What I meant was, I would rather have a job or career, whichever way you want to look at it, that was okay - that I didn't dread doing every day, making $75,000 per year, than a job I absolutely loved, making $30,000 per year.
To me, at the end of the day, every job, is just that, a job. Even things we love doing, something seems to change when we are expected to do it, each and every day. A good example is, I am a hunter, I don't consider it a hobby, it is as a part of me as my southern drawl and my appearance. If I could not hunt, I would really struggle with wanting to continue to live. I also enjoy writing and helping others. But it didn't take long, after taking a job as a hunting guide, to figure out, there was a big difference between the two. I hope that makes sense. Another example was writing. At first I was utterly thrilled to see my name in a byline, I didn't care that it didn't pay much, heck, at first I would have probably wrote for free. Then after a while, the most important place for me to see my name, was in the pay to the order of section on a paycheck. I hope that helps clarify my poor manner of saying that I am ONLY about the money.
Thanks again to everyone. Most everyone has truly been very helpful in my time of need.
One thing that I did not mention was the word "retirement." I cannot tell you how many people who were seeking employment in their late 40's and 50's told me in interviews that they needed to start thinking about retirement.
They did not realize it but they were already about 20 yrs behind the planning curve for retirement. Start as early as you can planning for a retirement and take appropriate action so that when you become eligible for retirement you can retire and then become truly "self employed" doing what you want to do. Otherwise, prepare to work the rest of your life, because like the squirrel- you failed to put away the nuts for winter.
Best of luck to you in your pursuits.
Send me pm if you want more info.
On a serious not I'd go to the Bakkan if I were single.
