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I’ve been quiet/absent from the forums of late, but I’ve made the decision, I’m moving to full time reselling. Freedom 39!
Leaving my day job after almost nine years. Decent income, great benefits, good bonus structure, but I’ve come to realize that it isn’t enough to make me happy. Planning on a February exit at this point. My wife will continue to work for the time being, with the plan/goal of her being able to quit a few years out.
We’re planning on moving/downsizing in the spring to be closer to family and to cut back on fixed monthly costs, so that should help lighten the load financially.
I’ve been selling part-time (10-15hrs per week) for almost three years. Currently have 1,865 listings, split between two stores. I figure getting that up to 2,200-2,300 by the time I quit is safely attainable.
Terribly excited, but also terrified at the same time. Figured my fellow Trash Elves would appreciate my excitement!
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It does. We’ll be moving to another part of the country entirely (the area my wife is from). Leaving a big city, and moving to an area where housing/etc is cheaper.
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W38 – congratulations! It sounds like you have been working very hard to be in a position to make the move (1800+ items working PT – call me very impressed). I hope you will post regular updates on your progress. I am curious about how you will move your store and I love stories of people that have gained independence from working 40 hr job. Best wishes with your home sale and next moves. -Daniel.
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Wow! Congratulations! It would be helpful and exciting if you posted little dispatches along the way on this freedom journey. Maybe a new Forum topic is required, ‘Going Full time’? A weekly dispatch from you with all of us commenting? After all, this is either the end game or a fantasy for most of us on here, at least the possibility of doing so is considered. It could be helpful for you as well to be in touch this way?
I have come to realize I would have to move to downsize and move to a cheaper area. For me, I feel like I would need to put away 1/2 a year of true and real living expenses, and also get completely out of consumer debt. Also, my grown kids would be pushed to be completely or almost completely independent. It is all very possible. Its so tough for me because I really am not unhappy at my job, but no job is bliss, and I want to squeeze in another life while I am still in my most productive years. Am I really happy or just feeling really safe? Honesty is tough! Hmmmmm…
But back to you! Enjoy it all, and thank you for an announcement that causes one to inspect their own life!-
You’re asking the right questions. Now its a matter of figuring out what makes sense for you.
Traditionally, the US worker mentality is to labor until 65, then move to your dream location and do what you always wanted. Seems to be better idea of possible to just live where you want now so you can build the community you need when you get older.
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Jay, so true, I see so much of that here. We were able to come down retired in our early 40’s, with three young kids, yet quickly became semi retired once exposed to the life style here. Now I’m working full time, with real hours part time internet selling, and a small (for this area) pension. My wife also works full time and likes to work. We enjoy our home and area, yet we are mostly over it. We pay high HOA for nothing, since we are not socially active, our mindset different from most of the classic retired folks here. Its all dinners at the club, golf, tennis, beaches and BS! This is just my strong opinion speaking! If you are not built for all of that, it is not as good as it seems! The existence is canned where everything is designed to pamper and amuse and stroke you in your older years. My kids have enjoyed the amenities, yet they never felt true community with all of the wealth and how transient the area is. Simply it is too much all of the time, and most of the time it costs, even with all of the natural beauty. Weird, I feel my later years may be spent going back near to where many leave in their later years to come down here! Bottom line, it has been great to enjoy it in younger years, working keeps it real, and now we still have a good block of life left for something else. A weird reverse retirement in our future? I am 57. My wife is 60.
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Congrats!
My wife and I just over the weekend bought a property in a very cheap location that we will eventually be moving to. It has an insulated out building (about a two car garage size), unfinished large basement, and 5 bedrooms for us to have our various business spread over. We’re getting this new property that is about double the size in every way for 1/4 to 1/5 the price of our current home (depending on the sale value). We’re very excited – however, it does need some renos, but is functional 1970’s décor.
Still waiting for my current job to get rid of me – every week more and more people are leaving, but the package to stay until the end is worth it. In fact, it may pay for my new property and I can invest the money from my new house for retirement or a rainy day.
I understand your excitement, anxiousness, and overall happiness with the potential future! Let us know how it goes for you.
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Thanks for the comments all.
We’re a bit disenchanted with things currently. It’s just the two of us, no kids, and a few cats. We’re living a significant distance from our families, and are working jobs that have worn thin. The thought of spending another 20+ years grinding away is too daunting. We had originally planned/hoped to make this move in a few years, but we’re accelerating and hoping for the best.
We’ve got the income from eBay, a small amount of income from Amazon, and a small amount of income from buying/selling antiques. If need be, I’m not against picking up odd jobs here and there, but the ultimate goal is for us to not HAVE to stay at any job that makes us unhappy. F You money, without really having true F You money. I have no problem working for the rest of my life, so long as it’s on my terms.
I have no problems with keeping a log/diary of sorts as the move approaches and happens, if people would find it valuable. Just not sure of the best way to go about it… open to suggestions though.
Thanks for the support!
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W38, maybe you could start a thread under ‘Random Thoughts’ called “Winchester38’s Journal” – then throw in whatever you want whenever you want to. Works on another forum I follow. Best wishes, Daniel.
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Good suggestion. If these little diaries became a thing, then we’d create a separate topic.
My feeling is that people have a lot to say on going full-time as its happening, but then it quickly becomes normal!
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The anticipation of a life change and the anxiety of not knowing what exactly the future holds is interesting to hear. I also like that everyone does this journey slightly differently and has different situations to share.
It’s interesting to hear how others are supplementing online sales income with other business or job opportunities. The ingenuity and alternate paths people choose for other income sources while selling on eBay/Etsy/Amazon gets my thoughts going.
The support is great as well in this community. Family and friends over the years don’t get this business – and I listened to them for advice in the past that maybe wasn’t the best. They were ignorant of how eBay works, didn’t understand the internet, and still don’t. At least on this forum people have gone through, or are going through the same situations and have real advice.
One day, when it becomes “normal”, my wife and I will share our journey.
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