What job do you have which provides freedom to KB?

tonyb · Tue Sep 16, 08 8:29 am

I work for my wife and get to kite when she lets me out.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1738 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

I think tony has a pretty good gig. he kites, his wife kites, his kids kite.
he goes to warmer climates to kite when it's cold.

as for me, I have a business based out of my garage. I wake up early enough in the summer time so I can be productive until the afternoon. I go kite and when I get home I go back to work for a couple of hours. working for yourself has it's advantages like being able to take time off to kite and travel. my problem is I don't make money when I take time off!

tonyb · Tue Sep 16, 08 11:11 am

Ok, the boss is letting me take a few minutes to post before it's back to the grindstone Wink

.

We've gone the same route as quite a few others here have: self employment.

Carol started her company about 4 years ago doing construction scheduling for industrial and commercial projects. I came on board about a year later and since then we've been able to add one or two people a year to the company and are currently at 9 full time employees. The first couple of years were hard but the last two have been a little more flexible.

So, like Diggy, we work for ourselves, quite often way more than 50 or 60 hours a week but we also have the flexibility (mostly) to work those hours when it's convenient. Having employees makes for some extra work in providing benefits, training, all the payroll and tax stuff, etc... but it also provides some income when we're not working 40 hours a week on billable stuff.

We're not getting rich but we are in control (mostly) of when and where we work and we have the business set up so that we can work from just about anywhere as long as we have good cell coverage and high speed internet. We've been working hard to simplify our lives and get rid of the stuff we don't use, paying off bills and teaching the kids to take care of themselves.

If we stick to our growth plan we may be able to retire in 5 years and finally get some real kiting time in!

Tony

brass · Since 15 Jul 2006 152 Posts Stoked

"For the record, school jobs do rock for the time off - yet while school's in session, we are only allowed 2 personal leave days per year - so very limited flexibility. Off at 3:45, tho don't forget homework - summers do require continuing ed, but lots of room to kite."

This thread is sweet, particularly because I am thinking about quiting my current job as an alpine ski coach to become a teacher. My current situation is nice in that I get to kite much of the summer like a teacher but...I get teacher's wage with no benefits whatsoever, 60 hr work weeks minimum from October on and parents and kids calling me at 10pm. This plus incesant travel, it can wear on a guy.

I really thought teaching would be the gig. Am I wrong?

jp · Since 04 Mar 2005 87 Posts wherever there are whitecaps

just giving my 2 cents..... the healthcare field might be an option...( RN, Respiratory, x-ray, etc etc>)

I'm really fortunate.....I used to work 3 12 hour shifts....plenty of time to have fun.

But about 4 years ago....I got uber lucky....landed a job where I commit to working 2 12 hour shifts (7a-7p) every sat/sun.....and they pay me for 3 12's!! ....then, I'm off Mon-Friday !!! Plus , i get bennies ....(insurance, paid vacation time).

I'm hangin on to this job as long as I can !!

jp

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

DAMN!!! Now that's a score. Way to go man. I would love to work 24 hours/week and get paid full time plus benefits. Plus you get 5 days off.

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

you could always consider the worlds oldest profession. you get to work for yourself(unless you get a pimp). You mostly work evenings so your free to kite during the day. This job both provides and creates flexability both good for kiteing.

Chooch · Tue Sep 16, 08 1:24 pm

This is what everyone needs more of at their job...

Link

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Haha, nice one Chooch! That guy has some pretty funny shit. I was watching that a few weeks ago debating if I should follow their advice. You should also check out the "Pedophile Beards" video if you like that one.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Side affects may include: daily wake and bakes, chronic masturbation, lack of motivation and Marlon Brando Thumb's Up

undertow · Since 15 Feb 2008 371 Posts BeaversBurg Obsessed

how about "Lottery Winner"

twostates · Since 28 Aug 2007 101 Posts pdx Stoked

graphic design has served me well for flexibility. i have all my own clients. on occasion i go work on site for a few months at a time, if the price is right or the project is cool, but for the most part I can work whenever I want aside from a few meetings a week here and there.

i'm on a 1 month travel/work holiday now moving all around the country visiting folks and kiting. working in the mornings and evenings and hangin in the sun the rest of the time.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

KidCorporate · Since 10 Jul 2007 563 Posts Addicted

Having an actual career-type job in the gorge has served me quite well this summer, too bad I've had shit in PDX to deal with nearly every weekend since I got out here and the wind hasn't cooperated the rest of the time...

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

if you are a TROLL, you dumpster dive for your meals leaving plenty of time for kiting Laughing