how do you afford it?
Where I'm from, the IAFF guys worked 24 on, 48 off.
Basically 10 days per month, and they were required to "work" 8 hours on those days, 8-5 with an hour lunch, and then run calls after that.
But there wasn't no way in hell I was going to do that for 28k per year.
Basically 10 days per month, and they were required to "work" 8 hours on those days, 8-5 with an hour lunch, and then run calls after that.
But there wasn't no way in hell I was going to do that for 28k per year.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 499
Likes: 2
From: Arizona
I guess it all boils down to income and expenses.
I own a business and make a very nice living. My wife and I drive new cars every 3-4 years, have a nice house, take vacations, eat out, etc... To live like this, I have to RUN a business, be responsible for A LOT of **** (my own and everyone who works for me), and take a financial risks every day. I could never get used to a pay check that is always $XYZ each week.
I don't have a fixed income. If I want more income, I put more in, work harder and can increase my income however I want (within reason of course). But, I have NO job security and am always in a make it or break it situation. It's stressful.
To use an example of the OP who is a fire fighter...When I relocated, I could have taken a job as a paid FF when I moved (was a volunteer previously). While I could have done the job and enjoyed it, there was no way that I wanted to live on a starting salary of $35k and maybe make $60k by the time I retired. It would have a been a much simpler life than what I have owning a business, but for me, the aggravation of being my boss is well worth the additional money I earn.
The crazy thing is that I always joke that I will "never be able to afford myself". That means that as a contractor, the work do for other people is well beyond my ability to ever afford it. I deal with young couples in their early 30's that have four little kids, a giant home decorated to the hilt, nice cars, a boat, home theater and drop $80k on our projects like it's buying a pack of gum for them. I wonder where THEY get their money from!
The moral of the story is that however much money you have, there's always someone with more. Be happy with what you have and don't dwell on what you don't! My guess is there is a dude that sees you whiz by on your bike and just wishes he didn't have to walk to his job a Walmart!
I own a business and make a very nice living. My wife and I drive new cars every 3-4 years, have a nice house, take vacations, eat out, etc... To live like this, I have to RUN a business, be responsible for A LOT of **** (my own and everyone who works for me), and take a financial risks every day. I could never get used to a pay check that is always $XYZ each week.
I don't have a fixed income. If I want more income, I put more in, work harder and can increase my income however I want (within reason of course). But, I have NO job security and am always in a make it or break it situation. It's stressful.
To use an example of the OP who is a fire fighter...When I relocated, I could have taken a job as a paid FF when I moved (was a volunteer previously). While I could have done the job and enjoyed it, there was no way that I wanted to live on a starting salary of $35k and maybe make $60k by the time I retired. It would have a been a much simpler life than what I have owning a business, but for me, the aggravation of being my boss is well worth the additional money I earn.
The crazy thing is that I always joke that I will "never be able to afford myself". That means that as a contractor, the work do for other people is well beyond my ability to ever afford it. I deal with young couples in their early 30's that have four little kids, a giant home decorated to the hilt, nice cars, a boat, home theater and drop $80k on our projects like it's buying a pack of gum for them. I wonder where THEY get their money from!
The moral of the story is that however much money you have, there's always someone with more. Be happy with what you have and don't dwell on what you don't! My guess is there is a dude that sees you whiz by on your bike and just wishes he didn't have to walk to his job a Walmart!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: In the wind.....
I started in 1994 making just about $25k per year, retired 20 yrs later making just above $140k per year. I think I did pretty well.
Edited to add.........
I guess my point is even though the job is much the same over this country the pay is obviously not.
Last edited by Afdharley; Feb 17, 2015 at 03:40 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 550
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
I ride a 1990 FLHTCU,and it gets me everywhere in the same comfort and joy that my friends with the new Harley's do,and I own mine lock,stock,and barrel.A couple of them have made the statement that they wish they had bought a used one,less expensive payment's and less on repair cost's due to electronic's.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
Saved a major down payment when I bought mine. Paid it off in 4 years. So I basically rode it for free the last 4 years. I do all the wrenching on it. Have a very understanding wife helps too. I ride in a group that has everything from a 95 Fatboy to a brand new Ultra CVO. Nobody's smile is bigger than mine when we're on a run. Not saying I won't buy another new bike but I'm really happy with this one and haven't gotten the urge yet!
I stayed call-paid for 9 years, until I felt my real job was getting in the way of my fun job.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: N.W. Pa.
I have a 08 Ultra with 58,000 mi. on it and it's paid for. I will guarantee I am having just as much fun as they are.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 452
Likes: 42
From: SW Florida
I want a 14 rushmore Ultra limited in the worst frickin way. And I will have one! Someday, it will be used, bought buy some guy that just gota serious case a the I wants-he paid full price and he left her sit. Waxed it weekly and rode around the block occasionally. But she pretty much just sat in the garage and was admired. Just like my 03 ultra shiner with 20K on her that I gave peanuts for. Patience is a virtue. Or for some of us patience is a necessity. Either way good things come to those that wait. I will have that 2014 limited one day--just might be 8 9 years from now
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,559
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
Ditto, with a mileage difference of course