Comments on: Reflections on Abandoning the 9 to 5, Four Months In http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:21:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Carolina Little http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-2/#comment-337532 Carolina Little Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:39:10 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-337532 You summed up my transition as well! I was floored when I read this! Thanks for writing it so well. You summed up my transition as well! I was floored when I read this! Thanks for writing it so well.

]]> By: Travis http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-2/#comment-336798 Travis Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:13:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-336798 Vaze, ever clicked a link on here? The Simple Dollar Family thanks you! Loved this post, Trent. I hope I have the fortitude and circumstances someday to make the same move. Vaze, ever clicked a link on here? The Simple Dollar Family thanks you! Loved this post, Trent. I hope I have the fortitude and circumstances someday to make the same move.

]]> By: michael bash http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-2/#comment-336342 michael bash Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:08:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-336342 Agree completely with yours on "socialization" I went from a school to a mountain where we are the noise and the traffic. Huge, i.e. near total difference. Now almost 2 years in, it's good to hear others with similar symptoms. Enjoy the blog too; the register is just right. MBash Agree completely with yours on “socialization” I went from a school to a mountain where we are the noise and the traffic. Huge, i.e. near total difference. Now almost 2 years in, it’s good to hear others with similar symptoms. Enjoy the blog too; the register is just right. MBash

]]> By: Vaze http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-2/#comment-336272 Vaze Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:05:01 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-336272 Trent is honest and very straight about his choice. But i have one question, simple dollar has very few or practically no advertisements. So what is source of income by writing? Is it books or any other source. Also if I have a source of income which pays me handsomely (almost two times my expenses) every month and i have comfortable emergency funds, can I have lavish lifestyle. Idea of Financial freedom is great but if i dont want to make frugal choices every time, i can still manage right? Trent is honest and very straight about his choice. But i have one question, simple dollar has very few or practically no advertisements. So what is source of income by writing? Is it books or any other source. Also if I have a source of income which pays me handsomely (almost two times my expenses) every month and i have comfortable emergency funds, can I have lavish lifestyle. Idea of Financial freedom is great but if i dont want to make frugal choices every time, i can still manage right?

]]> By: reulte http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-335288 reulte Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:13:08 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-335288 I second Joel's comment (#46) -- I'd love to hear more about health insurance. It's the only thing keeping me from being a SAHM (and a single one as well, so there is no 2nd income). I second Joel’s comment (#46) — I’d love to hear more about health insurance. It’s the only thing keeping me from being a SAHM (and a single one as well, so there is no 2nd income).

]]> By: Sarah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-335251 Sarah Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:28:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-335251 I've solved the'stir-crazy' and interruption problems by picking up and going the half-mile to the library. This also keeps me off the internet when I shouldn't be there, since our little town library has no wireless. But, I have no children. I’ve solved the’stir-crazy’ and interruption problems by picking up and going the half-mile to the library. This also keeps me off the internet when I shouldn’t be there, since our little town library has no wireless.

But, I have no children.

]]> By: Rob Madrid http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-335194 Rob Madrid Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:50:07 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-335194 HI Trent The wife and I have been weighing the same decision about her leaving the corporate world. Right now the companies doing their "annual" restructuring and the Wife has been working mega hours (yesterday 8am to 11pm) plus being gone from home. I done the "job loss" budget and we can comfortably live on an English teachers salary, even with rent but it's the unpredicability that worries me the most. HI Trent

The wife and I have been weighing the same decision about her leaving the corporate world. Right now the companies doing their “annual” restructuring and the Wife has been working mega hours (yesterday 8am to 11pm) plus being gone from home.

I done the “job loss” budget and we can comfortably live on an English teachers salary, even with rent but it’s the unpredicability that worries me the most.

]]> By: Ben http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334880 Ben Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:02:33 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334880 Wow, I'm jealous! Sounds like it's working out pretty well, congrats on the successful transition. Wow, I’m jealous! Sounds like it’s working out pretty well, congrats on the successful transition.

]]> By: Joel http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334545 Joel Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:08:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334545 Trent, I have been a reader of The Simple Dollar for a few months now. I look forward to reading your articles every morning. I am also wondering how you manage your health insurance. Many of us dream of working on our own. I think the high cost of health insurance stops many from making the leap. Perhaps you could give us a few pointers in a future article. Thanks! Joel Trent,
I have been a reader of The Simple Dollar for a few months now. I look forward to reading your articles every morning.
I am also wondering how you manage your health insurance. Many of us dream of working on our own. I think the high cost of health insurance stops many from making the leap. Perhaps you could give us a few pointers in a future article. Thanks! Joel

]]> By: Gabriel http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334538 Gabriel Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:50:12 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334538 I was doing the work from home thing for a while, but every so often needed a break from home. I live on Capitol Hill, in Seattle, and we have a cool co-working space - www.officenomads.com - which is basically a drop-in office space. It provided a nice respite from my place once or twice a week - cool people working there, an "office socialization" vibe, but without having to be in a formal office job. I know there're a few other such places in Seattle, and am guessing there're similar elsewhere. Might be worth looking into one day a week or so when you're feeling a bit socialization-starved. I was doing the work from home thing for a while, but every so often needed a break from home. I live on Capitol Hill, in Seattle, and we have a cool co-working space – http://www.officenomads.com – which is basically a drop-in office space. It provided a nice respite from my place once or twice a week – cool people working there, an “office socialization” vibe, but without having to be in a formal office job. I know there’re a few other such places in Seattle, and am guessing there’re similar elsewhere. Might be worth looking into one day a week or so when you’re feeling a bit socialization-starved.

]]> By: Paula http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334471 Paula Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:10:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334471 Hi, I found your website a few weeks ago and I am thrilled with not just the information you provide, but your style as well. I always read all the comments too - you have a wonderful membership. I'm so glad that you've had success with leaving your 9-5 job to give more time to family and other pursuits. Now, to address your lack of social contact - try Meetup.com. Incidently, this could be good for your wife too.. I have been a member and organizer of several groups for over 3 years and have enjoyed it tremendously. Meetup is NOT a singles site, although there are singles groups. Meetup is International and consists of member-run 'Interest' groups. If you don't see a group you are interested in it is very easy to start one. Just go to Meetup.com and punch in your zipcode to see what is available in your area. BTW, I don't work for meetup, I'm just a very happy member/organizer. I'd be really interested to hear if you and your wife (or the others on this site) join/start any groups in your areas. ~paula p.s. my site is http://hiking.meetup.com/64/about/ Hi, I found your website a few weeks ago and I am thrilled with not just the information you provide, but your style as well. I always read all the comments too – you have a wonderful membership. I’m so glad that you’ve had success with leaving your 9-5 job to give more time to family and other pursuits. Now, to address your lack of social contact – try Meetup.com. Incidently, this could be good for your wife too..
I have been a member and organizer of several groups for over 3 years and have enjoyed it tremendously. Meetup is NOT a singles site, although there are singles groups. Meetup is International and consists of member-run ‘Interest’ groups. If you don’t see a group you are interested in it is very easy to start one. Just go to Meetup.com and punch in your zipcode to see what is available in your area. BTW, I don’t work for meetup, I’m just a very happy member/organizer. I’d be really interested to hear if you and your wife (or the others on this site) join/start any groups in your areas.
~paula

p.s. my site is http://hiking.meetup.com/64/about/

]]> By: Garrett French http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334462 Garrett French Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:02:51 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334462 Hey Trent, Great to hear I'm not the only work-at-homer who goes stir crazy from the lack of socialization. I knew it was bad when my wife and I sat down to watch The Office DVDs and I got nostalgic ;) Good tips - I'm a regular reader now thanks to my dad :) Oh also - this post made me want to extend our safety net from 7 months to 12. So I will. Best, Garrett Hey Trent,

Great to hear I’m not the only work-at-homer who goes stir crazy from the lack of socialization. I knew it was bad when my wife and I sat down to watch The Office DVDs and I got nostalgic ;) Good tips – I’m a regular reader now thanks to my dad :)

Oh also – this post made me want to extend our safety net from 7 months to 12. So I will.

Best,
Garrett

]]> By: Lenore http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334373 Lenore Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:27:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334373 Hey Trent, does your family have any pets? If not, do you think adding a shelter pet to your household might ease your loneliness and "cabin fever" while working alone? What do you think about pet foods that cost more but supposedly have superior nutrition versus generic brands? Have you ever considered taking on a part-time job or volunteer position to help with the socialization issue? Even a few hours per week or month might provide a trickle of income, valuable contacts, inspiration for the blog or general stimulation. Hey Trent, does your family have any pets? If not, do you think adding a shelter pet to your household might ease your loneliness and “cabin fever” while working alone? What do you think about pet foods that cost more but supposedly have superior nutrition versus generic brands?

Have you ever considered taking on a part-time job or volunteer position to help with the socialization issue? Even a few hours per week or month might provide a trickle of income, valuable contacts, inspiration for the blog or general stimulation.

]]> By: Lara http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334347 Lara Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:55:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334347 I suscribe to a fwe websites but I don't read their updates etc. This is THE ONLY ONE I actually read every day. I enjoyed reading about the transition in your life. I am going through the same right now. I had my dream job and had to relocate because of my boyfriend. Instead of going back in to the same business working for someone else, or finding that 9-5 job, I am taking a few months off (I saved for it) to think about what I really want and what it realistic for me and my future. I decided to start my own business. It is an amazing feeling. I mixture of excitement and fear...but if you truly find your passion and are able to turn in into a career, you can overcome the negatives of being your own boss (and dealing with income fluctuations and all those variables). I am looking forward to your book :-) I suscribe to a fwe websites but I don’t read their updates etc. This is THE ONLY ONE I actually read every day. I enjoyed reading about the transition in your life.
I am going through the same right now. I had my dream job and had to relocate because of my boyfriend. Instead of going back in to the same business working for someone else, or finding that 9-5 job, I am taking a few months off (I saved for it) to think about what I really want and what it realistic for me and my future. I decided to start my own business. It is an amazing feeling. I mixture of excitement and fear…but if you truly find your passion and are able to turn in into a career, you can overcome the negatives of being your own boss (and dealing with income fluctuations and all those variables).
I am looking forward to your book :-)

]]> By: K http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334300 K Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:24:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334300 I admit I've never made pasta but that's the estimate I have in the recipe I've been wanting to try. Good to know that they might have been overestimating. I admit I’ve never made pasta but that’s the estimate I have in the recipe I’ve been wanting to try. Good to know that they might have been overestimating.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334254 Ryan Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:44:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334254 I find inspiration in every word that you post online. As a 23 year old finance major with one semester left of school and a full-time internship the uncertainties about the "right" career choice are higher than ever! I understand the social drawbacks of being at home, however avoiding the feeling that you are an ant methodically trudging into the ant farm everyday must give you a great sense of meaning and joy! Thank you for sticking with this project as it's as essential to my morning as the first cup of coffee. I find inspiration in every word that you post online. As a 23 year old finance major with one semester left of school and a full-time internship the uncertainties about the “right” career choice are higher than ever! I understand the social drawbacks of being at home, however avoiding the feeling that you are an ant methodically trudging into the ant farm everyday must give you a great sense of meaning and joy! Thank you for sticking with this project as it’s as essential to my morning as the first cup of coffee.

]]> By: mapgirl http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334227 mapgirl Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:11:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334227 Thanks for the honest candor about what's great and what stinks about working from home. I think it's awesome you're making it work. Thanks for the honest candor about what’s great and what stinks about working from home. I think it’s awesome you’re making it work.

]]> By: Bill http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334196 Bill Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:29:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334196 Truly inspiring Trent. Truly inspiring Trent.

]]> By: berndt http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334157 berndt Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:26:08 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334157 I have been selfemployed for three years now and I have exaktly the same experience as you. Lower income - but better economy. More time - but need to be more carefully with my time. More freedom, but miss the social life at the workplace. difficult to stay focused the time I stay home to work, as today... reading your blog :-) (I have a small office downtown) But overall; I LOVE IT, I LOVE THE FREEDOM TO MAKE MY OWN DECISIONS! All the best to you! I have been selfemployed for three years now and I have exaktly the same experience as you.

Lower income – but better economy. More time – but need to be more carefully with my time. More freedom, but miss the social life at the workplace.

difficult to stay focused the time I stay home to work, as today… reading your blog :-) (I have a small office downtown)

But overall; I LOVE IT, I LOVE THE FREEDOM TO MAKE MY OWN DECISIONS!

All the best to you!

]]> By: fathersez http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/comment-page-1/#comment-334067 fathersez Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:18:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/21/reflections-on-abandoning-the-9-to-5-four-months-in/#comment-334067 Your writings impact many people. I am a keen follower of your blog and I love the way you write about your true situations that can be applied as a template to our lives. Whilst we may not have your skills and talent, you help crystallise our thoughts. Like how you have said here (and in many of your earlier articles) that your family is the reason and the focus. Thanks Your writings impact many people. I am a keen follower of your blog and I love the way you write about your true situations that can be applied as a template to our lives.

Whilst we may not have your skills and talent, you help crystallise our thoughts. Like how you have said here (and in many of your earlier articles) that your family is the reason and the focus.

Thanks

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