Talk some sense into me Oppo.

"CAR_IS_MI" (car-is-mi)
05/19/2014 at 14:16 • Filed to: None

Or nonsense... Either way, have a Z4 GT3 for your time.

So long story short, I am at an awkward crossroads in my life. My current job is wearing thin on me, and I just kicked my roommates out, so I lost that income... but that's kind of besides the point.

1. I currently have a job offer on the table. It's only about $2,000 more per year than I am making now, which is not enough for me to go nutz over, but, its about 20 miles closer to my house, and has performance based incentives that could reach up to $20,000 a year (and that's a big could).

2. I have been and am working on opening my own business again, working partially in a field I had prior, while getting certified for a related segment of that industry. My father thinks I should hold a job and get certified then start the whole business at once. I would rather skip the job and ease into it and build up the sections of the business so I can ensure the various segments run smoothly.

3. This desert wears thin on me. I have a love hate relationship with it. I love the constant sunshine but hate that 3 months out of the year are consistently over 100 degrees. I love that I don't have to bother with snow and there is no humidity or rain, but I hate not having grass and trees. For this reason, I have been contemplating a move, most likely into the Denver area, where my business would also be able to thrive.

So, long story short, I am thinking about selling nearly everything to move to Denver and start a business. Am I crazy? Talk some sense into or out of me.

DISCUSSION (39)

Pibbs says once you go Swede > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:19

How much is a Supercharger kit for that Jeep?

ddavidn > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:19

Yes you are crazy. But I have no idea how anyone could live in a desert like that. So my advice would be to move, but get a job equal to or better than what you have, then work on starting your business.

Easier said than done, yes I know from some experience...

CAR_IS_MI > Pibbs says once you go Swede
05/19/2014 at 14:22

LOL. Like 6 grand.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:23

#2 I want to open my own business and I think you should to.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:25

Take job offer. Bust your butt for the next year to get the most out of the incentive/bonus available to you. Take any extra money you make/save over your current position and sock it away. Get your certifications taken care of (by the job if possible).

At the end of 1-1.5 years, you could potentially have 30k extra with which to start your business.

Lekker > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:26

I think the real question would be, what is holding you back? Logically speaking seems like you have every reason to move. That would be sufficient for me. But do you have any logical realistic reasons why you shouldn't move?

I lived in the desert 8 years and am now experiencing actual seasons, snow, humidity, the lot. And while it is a super nice change and amazingly nice, I would rather get back to the desert where I don't have to worry about my cat not making it to work due to snow. Or fog. Or rain. Point being, I have logical reason choosing AZ over KS. That and my wife is starting medschool back home so relocating her is not an option for the next 4-6 years. So is it a group of reasons to leave? Or a bunch not to?

All in all sounds like you have doors opening for you, so why not move forward? Not everyone gets these kind of chances, I say step up to the plate.

CAR_IS_MI > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
05/19/2014 at 14:26

I will be, its more of a question of timing. I know the market as I have worked the industry before and successfully ran a multimillion dollar company in that industry. I left because the owner was unwilling to make changes that would have benefited the company and instead chose to make decisions that ultimately lead to the demise of the company. That being said, if done right, I could be making 3 to 5 times more than I am right now within 5 years time.

Sn210 > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:27

do you have enough $avings to pay your bills while you get your business up and running? If yes, go for it! If not, take the sure income until you do. Also, 40 miles off your commute is a pay raise in itself

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:28

What kind of company?

CAR_IS_MI > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
05/19/2014 at 14:29

It's not quite that simple, getting to that 20k mark would be insanely difficult, and would require massive amounts of time which would distract me from my ultimate goal and slow my certification process. They are also unrelated industries, so no chance they would cover the certs. The money side of it is not really a large concern (at least for the business funds, personal funds might be a different story.

CAR_IS_MI > Sn210
05/19/2014 at 14:31

Once the spare bikes and cars are sold I should have about a year and a halfs worth of current salary in the bank (If I sold nothing I would have about 10 months of salary).

And yes, 40 miles is HUGE, but I would end up cutting the commute either way.

Sn210 > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:38

Hmm that should be close to carry you until you start turning a profit. What about startup costs? Would you do a loan?

Pibbs says once you go Swede > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:39

So be sure to add $6k to the budget you've put together to move to Denver. Can't be down on power, you know.

Seriously though, I can't give you any good advice. I'm not a risk taker, and tend to stay on the cautious side. I stay away from casinos and hate state lotteries.

CAR_IS_MI > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
05/19/2014 at 14:39

Fitness industry. Commercial Gym and Spa equipment among other things.

ncasolowork2 > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:40

Running a business can suck the life out of you and be your whole life. It isn't for everyone. For some people I am sure it is very rewarding. It is something I have no desire to ever do even though I know I could probably be successful doing it.

That said Denver is a very nice place.

A 20 mile shorter commute = a lot of extra time and money that you can't put a price on (seriously do the actual math and try and figure out in addition to commuting savings how much time you're going to save and try to put a price on your time)

Denver is my favorite big city.

not sure I solved any of your problems because I love Denver but I love my personal time more than anything. I'd give anything to have more of it. I have a toddler who took a lot of what I had. i'm very thankful for a short commute.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:41

Cool

ncasolowork2 > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:42

Also the BMW Z4 GT3 is my favorite iRacing car right now. So much fun.

CAR_IS_MI > Sn210
05/19/2014 at 14:43

I have a separate fund for startup, which will cover a small portion of it, as well as a multi-millionaire friend whom has offered to front me some capitol, and a multi-billionaire cousin who I am sure I could lean on for some funds should I need them.

Sn210 > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 14:46

Well shit, what's holding you back?!

CAR_IS_MI > Pibbs says once you go Swede
05/19/2014 at 14:47

Well it would be more like $6250 so I could get the high altitude pulley and bump the output to 11psi.

CAR_IS_MI > ncasolowork2
05/19/2014 at 14:54

I've run and owned business before, bith my parents own their own business, I know a lot of what is involved and at stake and it is more or less my thing.

I have flown through Denver and have a few friends from high school and college whom have moved to Denver who love it, as well as everyone on here from Denver saying they love it.

And yes, time is huge.

CAR_IS_MI > Sn210
05/19/2014 at 14:58

I keep asking myself the same damned question. I have my priorities, meaning step 1 for me is to shed all the excess items I own that are not needed (like multiple motorcycles and project cars) and items that cost me $, but once thats done, the only thing holding me back would be me.

Edit: Oh, and I have scheduled and paid for a trip to Italy in July, so nothing major can happen before then, but thats not too far off.

Pibbs says once you go Swede > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 15:01

Good thinking.

Sn210 > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 15:05

Well it sounds like you're in good shape to get it up and running, but ultimately it's your decision. Good luck either way!

CAR_IS_MI > Sn210
05/19/2014 at 15:10

Yes, and while I can plan and think all day long, the old song says "you can't always get what you want, but sometimes, you find, you get what you need". I know what I want, which is to move from this desert and successfully start my business, but thats a large undertaking all at once, and I am not 100% convinced that that is the "what I need". If your picking up what Im putting down.

BJ > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 15:11

In that case, take the job offer and use the extra time and money from the shorter commute to work on your savings, business plan, and market research. You were going to prepare a detailed business plan, right? After a year of slimming down your unnecessary possession and doing the necessary preparations, you'll know if you're ready or not.

And enjoy the desert - I understand that it's hot, but's it's dry and you don't have snow or serious cold. A grass yard is mostly a waste of money and water. If you have kids one day, they would probably appreciate it, but until then, pffft.

ncasolowork2 > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 15:17

I'd ask you to hire me to work for your new business but I already know my wife won't move to Denver. Unless you want to start that business in West Michigan. I swear i don't spend my entire work day on Jalopnik. Part of it is spent on io9.

Sn210 > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 15:29

oh I'm smelling what you're steppin' in

Moose Kitty > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 15:40

If you come over here your going to love the mountians, but take heed Colorado is not predictable at all. The weather will go through all four seasons in a matter of 2 hours, we'll have snow and a heat wave in the same day, anything could happen. Other than that, I'd just do what you want in the sense of skipping the job. Depending on the business, I'd even drive up from the springs to go work and help you out (since i do that anyway).

cazzyodo > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 16:30

I'm at a similar crossroads, as sure as I am sitting at my desk in the office right now.

It's wearing thin on me very quickly. I've been casually applying for positions over the past few months but with no real urgency. Something recently set me off and I realized that I need a change.

I'm thinking a change of scenery...so I'm looking at NYC. I told myself I would never live there because I couldn't be without a car (and I'm from Boston) but it may be the kind of change that would wake me up from this funk. I've also contemplated somewhere with mountains and such but that is probably later in the future.

I've also contemplated my own business for quite a while now but just don't have the means to make any of my ideas work.

Moral of the story, do what you feel is right. It's probably a win-win no matter what so long as the effort is there.

CAR_IS_MI > cazzyodo
05/19/2014 at 16:38

Your a brave soul if you move to NYC. I know we have many NYC residents on Oppo but I doubt I could ever do it.

cazzyodo > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 16:45

I had a phone interview Friday during my lunch break. I think I could do it but I am not a big city person...I never want to be without a car and I don't exactly go out at night. I would love to go to Colorado but current events necessitate my staying somewhat close while still changing locations.

But what about you? Is the desert/your current location that big a drain on you? I would try to prioritize wants...you will inevitably have your business, you've made that abundantly clear. It'll happen. The "when?" is always a big question but one that often gets overlooked is the "where?" portion. You can get your ducks in a row through a variety of ways, it seems, but where will those ducks line up?

Kinja'd!!!

CAR_IS_MI > cazzyodo
05/19/2014 at 16:56

Is the desert/your current location that big a drain on you?

It's a catch 22. I love the area but miss a few things like grass and seasons. There is also a ton of money that comes through this city, so starting a business is pretty much sink or swim. There is no inbetween. The thing that kills me the most out here (other than not being able to go outside because its 128 degrees and I might melt) is the people. No one is really friendly, even my neighbors (and I live in an upper middle class area), I wave to them, they don't wave back. I say hello, they run inside... I do have a few I'm friendly with but most are not friendly. There are many people here whom are just here to try and make a quick buck. And most people are very superficial, which again could work for certain business', but is very annoying when you try to talk to someone and all they care about is letting you know how much debt they are in by glorifying the fact that they have the newest Benz, the biggest house, the latest designer whatever. Thats okay of that's who you want to be but its not me, so to say the least, I don't always get along with people out here...

cazzyodo > CAR_IS_MI
05/19/2014 at 17:06

So then you need a balance...that's clear.

I can understand you loving the area but perhaps you take what you love about it and try to find an area with similar compositions or essence. Then you look for the location (town) around that area and work from there. Can't hurt to look!

You clearly have a lot more knowledge about these things than my limited experience and you have a handle on it. No doubt you'll succeed but you're hung up on the options and steps between...the unknown.

It takes balls to make a change.

I've tried for over a year and haven't been able to. Somewhere along the line, though, you either get triggered to act or sit back and accept it.

From your posts, you're not one to sit.

CAR_IS_MI > cazzyodo
05/19/2014 at 17:12

Unfortunately the next nearest city (or rather metro area because those little mining towns don't count for me) is about 300 miles in any direction. And its either CA or Phoenix. CA is nice but pricey and I hate all their special laws. Phoenix is one of the most beautiful cities I've been to, but its also the only place I could go that is hotter than where I'm at. Really, Denver is the next closest desirable place for me. So yes, I am on the same thought process as you, just our towns are rather spaced much farther apart out west here.

Spoon II > CAR_IS_MI
05/20/2014 at 01:06

If the business idea is what drives you, then selling your things and moving is the logical choice I think.

cazzyodo > CAR_IS_MI
05/20/2014 at 08:43

That's tough then.

Best of luck to you. Whatever you decide, you'll do well. Feel free to continue this chat if you want to talk stuff over. Although my inner age is about 8 years I have been told that I'm wise beyond my years! :P

CAR_IS_MI > cazzyodo
05/20/2014 at 09:52

It's okay, I too am somehow both simultaneously a 15 year old boy and an 80 year old woman trapped inside a 27 year olds body... Its a real power struggle sometimes...

cazzyodo > CAR_IS_MI
05/20/2014 at 10:51

I've grown up a little...I used to be 5!