freeflir29 0 #26 October 8, 2002 OK...hold on a minute....I wasn't speaking strictly of material things. Those are nice and money gives you lots of options in life. I just think it would be hard for me to do nothing in the world but skydive. I really am deeper than that. I know..it's hard to believe. I just don't think I could turn my back on the rest of the world. Which is what I would feel like I was doing. Too many problems out there that need solving. I can't do it all but I can make a difference. I guess I just wouldn't feel like I was making a difference if all I did was skydive. Of course...I have probably confused this discussion horribly now. The only way I can explain it is that I couldn't sit around skydiving and having my whole life be the DZ when there are things in the world like 9/11, Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, Colombia, Burma, Philippines, etc. etc. I just feel like I have to be doing something about all that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ernokaikkonen 0 #27 October 8, 2002 Ok who the hell are you and what have you done with Clay?Seriously(and don't take this as a personal attack, I just got curious), what are you doing about the stuff you mentioned? I don't think I'm feeling any better about myself by rotting away at a job I don't like than I would if I was living as a DZ bum/something similar. I know I'm not contributing to the world peace right now, so I might as well enjoy myself while not doing it. Erno Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #28 October 8, 2002 While it's great that the SkySlut has been able to live through a very-abbreviated "cutaway", I would absolutely not consider it until I already had ever rating one needed to really make it on a dropzone, which is to say every rating. If all you have it one rating, then you will definitely find yourself short. The smartest people are the ones that are also pilots, or even wiser, A&P's. Flying jumpers is certainly not the glory job some make it out to be. Most dropzone pilots make far less than the active tandem bitches and vidiots; not to mention the packers (highest paid employees on my dropzone). I guess my point is that while full-timing it may seem very glamourous, it is generally a meager existence. Yoshi would do well to curb that pent up energy for a bit, if only a year, and wait till he has the "major" ratings. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #29 October 8, 2002 Quote what are you doing about the stuff you mentioned? At the moment....NOT A DANM THING!!! Very frustrating... However...over 1 year ago I sent an application to the US Governement. In February I went to an interview. Since then...I am waiting on some "Administrative paperwork" so that I can be allowed to start my training. Can't go to school until all the paperwork clears though. When it does.......I'll be "On the Front Lines" of the fight against terrorism. The real bonus is....It pays well to boot. Plus...Since I already have 10 years in the Air Force I can technically retire from that job in another 10 years. Pretty cool huh..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jraf 0 #30 October 8, 2002 Agree with Clay. Other things too. Skydiving is great. It's fun. So are lots of other activities I am involved in. I have lately been concentrating on skydiving as I have a few goals I want to achieve in this sport. I still want to achieve in the 5K too. I want to do my mountain biking. I want to freeclimb. I want to read books. I want to go to the opera. Think of this - you skip dinner, so you can live a skydivers life, how are you going to afford a couple of opera of symphony tickets at $100 each. If you have kids, will you be able to offer them a choice of education? Then again to each his own. If you want an adrenaline rush, try freeclimbing as an alternative from time to time. There is no reserve. You are allowd only one mistake and that is the last one in your life.jraf Me Jungleman! Me have large Babalui. Muff #3275 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #31 October 8, 2002 Yoshi, You are fortunate that your wife is a pharmacist. I know they make big bucks. But I wonder if your relationship might suffer if you pull the plug on your present job. Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jraf 0 #32 October 8, 2002 Hmmmmmm, wife a pharmacist? Maybe she can sythetize C17H21NH4. You will not need to jump for money. Just establish distribution and wheeeeeeeee!jraf Me Jungleman! Me have large Babalui. Muff #3275 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingbunky 3 #33 October 8, 2002 QuoteYoshi, You are fortunate that your wife is a pharmacist. I know they make big bucks. But I wonder if your relationship might suffer if you pull the plug on your present job. Steve1 what kind of bux does a pharmacist make in the US? my wife does that here in canada and while it's good money, it ain't great money..."Hang on a sec, the young'uns are throwin' beer cans at a golf cart." MB4252 TDS699 killing threads since 2001 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #34 October 8, 2002 My daughter was thinking of going into pharmacy. I can't recall what they make here, for sure, but it seemed like a tremendous amount even to start. I also have a couple relatives in Alberta who are pharmacists. They live in a mansion of a house and seem to have money up the kazoo. But again I can't recall the dollar amount they make each year. What can I say? My mind is going on me! Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yoshi 0 #35 October 8, 2002 She started at 85k...now after 4 months she recieved her own store and makes about 94... so that side is fairly covered. the great thing is we have an awesome relationship. and trust me this decision didnt come lightly. for the past 2 years I have been contemplating graduate school (I am an artist so the only thing that would really do for me is open the option of teaching college level art) while that is an honorable job it still doesnt pay much (even once you get tenure sp?) so after my passion has grown emensly and the option arose to "cut away" we decided that this is the life we want to live. as far as the ratings go I do have alot to do this year.. I know I can get my coach s/l instructor and possibly aff by the end of next season and once relocated I can get my tandem. being a videographer will also help. so it boils down to this is the life I want and as of right now I have the means to do it.. so my question is.. why the hell not?!? if it doesnt work I am still young and either way it will be a great experience. anyways thanks for all of your comments...ill definately keep all posted on my journey:) -yoshi_________________________________________ this space for rent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkySlut 0 #36 October 9, 2002 yep, i went from making 250k a year to living for the look that a level 5 or 6 student gives me for a living...priceless!!!! I agree that having multiple ratings is the way to make a living, but I am not in it for the money...once you are making skydiving a job...you have lost your perspective. You end up treating your students like meat and you are pissed that you are broke all the time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lewmonst 0 #37 October 9, 2002 way to go kawasaki. so, when i drive my pennyless skydiving butt out west next year, can i crash with you and you're sugarmama? :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yoshi 0 #38 October 9, 2002 but of course although I havnt been able to talk her into threesomes yet j/k I have....j/k ok umm yeah..anyways any of my skydiving buddies will always be welcome..:) see you this weekend? -yoshi _________________________________________ this space for rent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matttrudeau 0 #39 January 2, 2004 I gave up a lot too. But it was and still is all worth it. The people I've met and the skills I've gained will pay off in the future. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
