Topic: Alternate or change of occupations --at least winter one
just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
A more serious thread than you might think!!!
Below thread and minus 15 degrees and -10 below for two additional nights here has me thinking, why do I do this??? Sure there are the 'nice' days but rarely makes up for the real crap of one, like in freezing rain. AND my occupation is on the 'endangered' list any way. Just not fun like I used to consider it!!!
IF only I could find something to sell or some way to support myself for January, February and March.(AT least) IN the deep south of Arizona, Texas or Florida my arthur-ritis would be thankful, at least!!! I can do 'alot' of things. But nothing well enough to be professional.
I even thought it might work to sell tourists something in a flea market, BUT WHAT????
That is my exact question. What is the cutest,most unusual, coolest, thing you ever saw at a tourist trap??? or most unusual job or anything that a 'common' person could do? ANY suggestions beats the pure blank my mind comes up with. I can adapt!!!
Seasonal or all year long for that matter??? or an easy make???
Saw organic, all natural soap being made one time and thought maybe there was room in that market. Upon searching online tho I find it pretty saturated.
Also heard once tending grapes was a great job that nobody wanted to do???
Lobster or other fishing has its merrits for winter times in south also. Move over BUBBA from "Rainman".
Can I just show up for work at like New Orleans or something there on construction of some sort, but something my decrept body could handle???
Life is sure a mystery, till one figures out the basics. I remain--just don--
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Hi Don,
You mentioned New Orleans; do you have "rebuilding" skills they could use without it being HARD on your middle-aged lyme body?
I'm sure all the hurricane states need help as well as cleaning up all that depree, sp.
You might be able to email red cross or salvation army since many of these folks are still there working. Just my immediate thoughts Don.
This weather; feel so bad for all who work outdoors esp. firemen!
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Andie333
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Member # 7370
posted
Hey, Don!
I just want to encourage you to think of someplace OTHER than the hurricane zone. There may be jobs there, but I think the health hazards would be far too great...
all that mold, all those unsanitary conditions.
My first impulse was to head down there after the hurricanes, but then I realized how not-smart that would be, especially considering my immune count.
You mentioned plumbing -- maybe you could teach a class at a community college...something like: 6 plumbing essentials for homeowners... People tend to take more classes in the colder weather, I think, when they're less likely to be outside.
Or home repairs in general. I have a guy in my area who bills himself as the general go-to guy for anything that needs to be done around the house: small plumbing work, easy electrical stuff, putting up shades, caulking windows, painting. cleaning gutters. that kind of thing. He's a very busy man!
Or ebay. People seem to be pretty successful with online auctions. I've sold things myself, and that's relatively easy, if you've got a digital camera.
The trick is to find a niche product -- something that's in-demand but with limited supply. Sell a really good product, offer wonderful customer service then ever-so-slightly undercut the competition.
Okay, my mind has just come to a screeching halt.
What kind of work do you do now?
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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Linda LD
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Member # 6663
posted
I'm seriously into Christmas tree ornaments.
Buy the book, "What Color is Your Parachute" and see what you have an aptitude for. I am such a believer in following your bliss--you gotta do what you love to make a living at it!
Linda
Posts: 1171 | From Knoxville, TN US | Registered: Dec 2004
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char
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8315
posted
Hi Don,
I have been noticing here that there is a growing demand for organic foods and not much choice as to where to shop for them. Not sure how to get involved without start up funds. I have thought about taking a job at whole foods or something to learn about the this market.
I have also been reading about a new niche growing hitachi mushrooms. The fancy ones. You take a log, drill holes, and put the starter fungus in. No weeding. Not sure this will wk in Midwest weather. Appeal is that they seem to pretty much grow themselves and sell for about $6.oo a pound. I just saw in earthy mag at Border's that you can put up a green house with PCP pipes and plastic.?
You sound handy, maybe you could get in touch with farm bureau about programs. One in my state is encouraging developing this thing.
Bet you could "build" the log set ups for the granola set in urban areas who don't do manual labor or know where to get a log. Probably could charge them quite a bit to set up with wood or a "kit".
PM me if you would like info from my state-they provide it.
Also, read in business mag that construction growth will boom in swath from Chicago to way south and 4 million folks will buy new homes there. Not sure about constuction work with lyme levels of energy, but perhaps there is a niche you can find. Our builder has made money scavenging granite countertop material with slight nicks and installing them in brand new homes.
Evidently you can get these very cheap. Young families and the aging boomers with laminate countertops are coming to think solid surface is a necessity. They need someone to get it for them and install it. (could you resell their old counters-some of them are in ridiculously good shape)
And I think being from good ole midwest that even statusy with disposable income know they are going to scratch it anyway.
I vote for finding an opportunity with a really high profit margin!
Stick it to the man.
My fam owned a tavern (not necessarily high profit margin-beer and a shot place)growing up; and I would like to start a business when I am feeling better...
just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
Thanks for all the replies folks, I have been reading and thinking(a dangerous happening for "ME")
I googled some of the ideas.
Especially the Hitachi Mushrooms one, Char, I didnt find much of any thing, what gives??? Where do you get moe info on these. I have been following mushrooms a bit thru the years and wondered IF THAT might work some for me.
Also organic herbs. Any body have any info as to how to get started and where you get required start up info??? Know "ANYBODY" that does that, commercially or hobby wise???
I will keep rereading this posts till something sticks. keep the ideas flowing!!--d--
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Don, got this today & thought of YOU so adding this little bit of humor to your serious subject.
MY JOB HISTORY
My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned.....couldn't concentrate.
Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it..... so they gave me the ax.
After that I tried to be a tailor, but I just wasn't suited for it, mainly because it was a so-so job.
Next I tried working in a muffler factory but that was just to exhausting.
Then I tried to be a chef..... figured it would add a little spice to my life, but I just didn't have the thyme.
I attempted to be a deli worker, but any way I sliced it, I couldn't cut the mustard.
My best job was being a musician, but eventually I found I wasn't noteworthy.
I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn't have any patience.
My next was a job in a shoe factory; I tried but I just didn't fit in.
I became a professional fisherman, but discovered that I couldn't live on my net income.
I managed to get a good job working for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining.
So then I got a job in a workout center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.
After many years of trying to find steady work I finally got a job as a historian until I realized there was no future in it.
My last job was working at Starbucks, but I had to quit because it was the same old grind.
SO I RETIRED AND I FOUND I AM PERFECT FOR THE JOB!
posted
Don I dont know how to look the organic farming stuff but do know there are some organic farmer orgs. that might have info.
You do have a lot of "fix the home problem knowledge" that Im sure a lot of people would pay you for but how to market it is a puzzle.
People like Linda and her plumbing problem are what gave me the thought. You have knowledge and were happy to share it. I would imagine there are folks in your own neighborhood who would be glad to have someone give them a little direction for a home improvement project.
Lots of people start something and then get overwhelmed and really just need a knowledgable someone to talk to so they can continue.
Forget the soap thing. Main stream mfgs have jumped into this market and I doubt if you could compete with them unless you could find a market willing to pay for the "hand made" thing and finding that market would be difficult and costly.
I made some stick gates several years ago out of Moutain Laurel wood that everyone comments on but then I got sick and couldnt do any more. The shipping would be difficult anyway and they took me forever but if its unique enough people will pay big bucks for it.
Gardening is a big place for people to spend their extra cash right now so perhaps something unique for the garden.
Posts: 561 | From connecticut | Registered: May 2004
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posted
How about a Just Don column in your local newspaper. I find you funny, and informative. Hey it worked for Ann Landers and Dear Abby. I'd take advice from a - Just Don.
Now that is an alternative. Posts: 167 | From Sunny side of the street | Registered: Mar 2002
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There is a woman here who has written a funny informative gardening column for years. Well in the winter there was nothing to say so it wasnt published.
The last few years she has branched out into house decorating, sort of, and they now publish her year round.
She talkes about refinishing the old diningroom table. reupholstering the tired old sofa and fixing the junk in the attic or basement into usable stuff for the home.
Lots of her colums tell about her inexperience and how she learns from her mistakes etc. There is always a chuckle to be had when reading her column which is one of the things that make it different from most.
Posts: 561 | From connecticut | Registered: May 2004
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just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
IF you think I can compete with this guy, your plum off yer rocker!!!
I ran into an old girlfriend many years ago. She volunteered the info that she "dumped" me because she knew I didnt know how to have any fun!!!
Come to think of it I have been dumped "ALOT" ... Must have become an epedemic by now... May be the real 'pandemic' of the real world.
Ole well I am what I am, and nothing can change that with a ball bat!!!! """Way TOOOOO hard headed"""",,, !!!
The only thing I might qualify for is poster boy for _____ ,,, oops,,, should keep it clean in respect for the subject of the thread. All due respects intended!!! And still doing stupid things as --just don-- painfully appropriate.
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
i'm late here i know-but my brother in fla has 5 years of putting on roofs ahead of him after the last two hurricane seasons-he doesn't take on a bunch of guys-but he will probably take on soomeone responsible-it's pretty cheap to live there i guess-at least inland a little-hes in cape coral/ft myers area---email me if you are serious and think you can do it-it doesn't get cold very often-but you have to run away from hurricanes once in awhile...when you come back there's a whole lot more work-
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
quote:Originally posted by lpkayak:
i'm late here i know but my brother in fla has 5 years of putting on roofs ahead of him after the last two hurricane seasons-
he doesn't take on a bunch of guys but he will probably take on soomeone responsible-
it's pretty cheap to live there i guess; at least inland a little-
hes in cape coral/ft myers area---
email me if you are serious and think you can do it-
it doesn't get cold very often but you have to run away from hurricanes once in awhile; when you come back there's a whole lot more work-
breaking it up for us neuro lymie folks
Don, I enjoyed your humor above but didn't take the time to read about the other guy's web page site.
"Many readers may have already 'met' Roger on CBS' Sunday Morning shows during the Charles Kuralt segments.
For over ten years, Roger, dressed in his overalls, delivered "Postcards From Nebraska", sharing aspects of rural life via more than 200 essays that he wrote and hosted."
I am pretty sure he was/is a college professor as well. A very good guy with an original mind and sense of humor.
As for Just, I had an uncle in Iowa who every winter loaded up his tools and an extra pair of over-hauls into his old pick-up truck and drove out to California where he picked up jobs as a carpenter and returned the following April.
We always got a kick out if his descriptions of the un-air-conditioned trip out and back. He was always glad to have survived the Mo-jav desert.
Maybe that would work for you - if you have air-conditioned transportation.
just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
Ann, My air conditoner is a 2-60.
Not good enough I spect!!!
What an ingenious idea.
How in the world did he find the ''work'' or "jobs" once he got out there???
My cousin in Florida said after the big huricane down there about 15 years ago, her neighbor paid for repairs to her house 4 or 5 times and had yet to get any.
They(contractors, or rip off artists) collected all the money up front and never showed up to do any work. That would have to foster distrust, big time!!!
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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posted
HI Don, Try doing a search on "THE MUSHROOM PEOPLE" at the "FARM" in Summertown, Tennesse. They have all kinds of mushroom spores & equipment. They even have on site seminars to teach mushroom growing.
If you have access to hard wood logs and something to soak them in, it should be fairly easy to grow ****ake mushrooms. Also, if you have woodland, you might consider planting some Ginseng for furture harvest.
Good luck, let me know how/what you decide, I might wanna "go in" with you on the mushrooms.
Posts: 21 | From Midwest, USA | Registered: Aug 2005
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lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
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just don-thats why my brother has 5 yrs of work ahead of him. people wait for him cuz they know they will get a job done right. he works 6 days a week. at first he went around and put tarps on the houses and put peoples names on a list. he tells them to get someone else todo it sooner if they can...but like you say...its easy to get ripped off there. so people like my brother have steady work. thye wait for him
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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Ann-OH
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posted
Maybe if you just went straight south to southern Missouri and No. Arkansas, you would be able to find some work as they are building like crazy around Branson and other areas there.
mlkeen
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1260
posted
Hi Don-
With your DIY experience, how about working for a building supply or hardware store. You could do the big chain thing and maybe work in the south when it is cold. Also the pre-fab home business would be an option. I would think they are made in both cold and warm places.
We had a HD open a couple of years ago near us. Working there part time was my back-up plan if all else failed. I guess it still is.
posted
Are you way out in the boonies? If so this idea won't work.
The big home improvement stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. want to hire folks who know something and can help customers, not just ring up sales. Some even teach courses on weekends for do-it-yourselfers. Might be a place for you in that field. Don't know how it would work seasonally, though. It would be less physically taxing than construction work.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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mlkeen
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I worked for the family building supply for 18 years and at least know how to explain how to do many DIY projects.
I do a bit of renovating when I feel up to it. I don't do roofs-
Don had talked about a project he was doing so I thought he might have the skills too.
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painfully appropriate.
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