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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

O/T need help

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Rustyfarmall

11-30-2006 08:24:39




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Hey guys, I don't usually ask for help, but things are getting a bit desperate here. I lost my factory job about 5 years ago after giving them about 21 years of my life. I've been picking up some odd jobs from time to time but nothing steady and now even those jobs are fading away. To make things even worse, now it looks like my wife will be losing her job with the city after 30 years of service. Any retirement benefits for either of us will not kick in for at least 5 or 6 more years. There are NO jobs to be found in this area except for minimum wage, part time work with no benefits.Does any one have any ideas?

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jeremy in NE

11-30-2006 17:15:42




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Like eveybody else said, this could be a good begining for you. Have you thought about small engine repair business or possibly welding/general repair business. These seem to do pretty good around here. For a part time fill in people around here work for parts stores delivering parts. keep a Good spirit and good things will come. Best of luck to ya



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farmallman

11-30-2006 16:34:15




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Hey,
I have had a similar experience, except i wasn't in it for 21 years. I had just gotten out of college and got a job at a tractor dealer and figured i'd try the job out. It was close to home and decent workplace (nice boss, nice ppl to work with) Anyway, I had gotten laid off 4 days before my birthday, so I was pi$$ed. Now I had wanted to be my own boss, own a farm, but I knew I had to start somewhere. After I had gotten laid off, I had looked for other possible jobs and found the one I am in now. The pay is better and it is more what I want to do. I have to say that I had to move 2 hrs from home to get this job. Now, I am only 20 and have a lot more learning to do, but is there jobs away from home that you might be interested in? Honestly, I didnt want to move yet, but sometime you need to do what you dont want to.
Good Luck and God Bless,
Jon

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Tim...Ok

11-30-2006 14:32:48




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Hey Bud, Have no idea if theres any market in your area,but around here there is a real shortage of CNC operators.. I know guys with less than a year of experience making $15+ an hour..won't make ya rich,but'll pay the bills generally..it's really not a bad job either,usually lots of "butt time" to give the knees a rest.. I sure enough agree with the others about working for yourself,I just haven't found the right opportunity to take the plunge...yet

best of luck with it..

Tim

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two mile

11-30-2006 14:27:41




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
After reading the all the posts that your circumstances generated, You have been given a wealth of advice. It is up to you to move forward with what makes sense for you and your family. Hardships breed opportunity. Keeping a positive attitude is essential. Doing something that you enjoy is important. Your true value is in who you are, and not what you do. People do care. Explore trust, courage, and perserverance. Sometimes we get so focused on our bad situation, that we forget some of the things that are truly more important. Prayer helps, because it is brutally honest. Pain always has a purpose. Smile, good things are waiting for you.

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dr.sportster

11-30-2006 14:17:42




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
If you do something that requires an inexpensive or reasonable price piece of equipment like floor sander,stump grinder,truck and welder,landscaping equipment.masonary stone work[mixer],handyman with van,gutter service,drywall finisher[taper]with small scafold.The list is endless but you have to also be a businessman too.If you have a tractor[bob tail] there is always a shortage of drivers to pick up containers at the ports.The chassis is supplied but you must return it.Then you run another container anyhow[fuel cost might be ruining this].I dont know what state your in.This is easy for me to say since Im in NJ where there is a labor shortage and heavy industry.Dont know too much about the midwest and rest of nation economy.How bout a limo service to drive people to the airport.There must be a website for this info.?Good luck whatever you decide.

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thejdman01

11-30-2006 14:34:03




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to dr.sportster, 11-30-2006 14:17:42  
I second the limo driver idea. Usaully you are drivning nice poeple around, pry tip well, not pushed too too hard like a truck driver, home nightly (most likely). Around here at least you dont want to move containers around. The chasis they have are horrid. Tires, brakes, lights. And they pretty well tell you that containers on that chasis you have to take container so take that chasis. I pulled containers a bit not fun. And if you blow a tire you sit and wait a logn time to get somoen out ther eto help you.

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dr.sportster

12-01-2006 15:29:48




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to thejdman01, 11-30-2006 14:34:03  
Hey JDMAN,I have seen alot of chassis abuse.One guy got the chassis then pulled up through the yellow bollards too close and ripped the axle right out.Needless to say he was kicked out of the port.Also saw truck accidents with fuel spills right inside the port.Alot of maniac drivers.



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thejdman01

11-30-2006 14:33:45




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to dr.sportster, 11-30-2006 14:17:42  
I second the limo driver idea. Usaully you are drivning nice poeple around, pry tip well, not pushed too too hard like a truck driver, home nightly (most likely). Around here at least you dont want to move containers around. The chasis they have are horrid. Tires, brakes, lights. And they pretty well tell you that containers on that chasis you have to take container so take that chasis. I pulled containers a bit not fun. And if you blow a tire you sit and wait a logn time to get somoen out ther eto help you.

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thejdman01

11-30-2006 14:14:52




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Maybe running a forklift in local factory/warehouse??? ARound here lowes distribution center just opened up, starting wage 15.38 an hour for fork truck drivers. Not outside in beutiful scenery fresh air etc, but heated, sitting all day (ie not hard on your knee) and not too hard to do, load trucks all day? With driving farm equipment etc a fork should be no trouble.



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thejdman01

11-30-2006 14:28:05




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to thejdman01, 11-30-2006 14:14:52  
I dont knwo about in your area but around here some routes have armed police officers on the bus because of kids, knives and guns. Sad but true



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HAPPY DEERE

11-30-2006 13:33:56




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
a couple of my neibors restore tractors from rusty things of junk to beautifull show peices do you have mechanic and painting skills as i never had painting skills might as weel spray paiont it then have one of my jobs



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Jak

11-30-2006 12:48:56




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Got a buddy at a state garage,local university,or rural public transportation facility?If so see how good a buddy he is.You will have health benefits,longevity,sick and annual leave possibly at some of these places.You won't ever get rich but you could have enough time off to"MoonLight"and eeek out a living.



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Mike M

11-30-2006 12:24:54




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
If it wasn't for paying taxes and insurance a guy could make a good living !



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Sloroll

11-30-2006 11:58:33




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
You have to completely forget about the 9-5 time clock world. There are no set hours and no guarentees when the day starts or ends. Listen to Allan and make the commitment to working for yourself. I deal with a lot of real wealthy people. Not one punches a clock. I am not a rich man but honest to God I have been on my own for well over six years, there hasn't been a day since that I woke up and didn't want to go to work. I haven't put in an 8 hour day or a 40 hour week either; usually 10-14 hr days. At the end of the day I know what I am worth. Self employment isn't usually get rich quick. But not all riches fill your wallet either. What is it you really enjoy and are good at? When you are working for yourself you are going to do every job better than the average joe working for someone else whether it is sucking septics or taxidermy stitching. Some one is willing to pay you for it and usually pay you better because the job is done better. Service industies are huge. The loss of your job could be a huge opportunity in diguise. Most of us are trained from kindergarden that an eduacation gets you a good job. No, it makes you marketable. The skills you have ammassed are worth more than you are getting paid or your boss wouldn't have hired you. Companies invest in their workers skills; you can invest too. All big leaps are scary and there will be more people that tell you you can't rather than tell you you can. YOu have to compare the people behind the two mindsets. Which people are the more successful. Some quick early on advice though. It isn't against the law to have more than one job (i have worked up to four part timers at one time). Credit card companies and bankers are not your friends. They can be great tools just like hand grenades and razor blades. Don't sleep with any of them.

I have never had a low spot in my life or disapointment so great I can't look back and thank God it happened for the opportunities that were made available to me because of them. Good luck. If I can help let me know. Bill

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IBorange in TX

11-30-2006 11:33:19




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Rusty, Don't know what state you are in, but I agree w/John A. on the school bus driving. Check into the SS and the state educational retirement system. You can lock in your salary at or after 5yrs with the state, at least Texas does this. After putting in 35yrs in education, I found out that I could draw both state and SS. Not much but enuf to live comfortable on and still have a little jingle in the pockets.
You will have to get your CDL's w/bus attachment, but most school districts will help you in that area. Just keep stepping forward and don't look back, back is now history, forget it.
Good Luck..... ...

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Rustyfarmall

11-30-2006 11:16:00




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Thanks guys, You've all given some very good ideas. Seems like the best friends I have are right here on this board.



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John A.

11-30-2006 10:16:40




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Rusty, I agree with Allan and te others, on working for yourself, you just need to figure out what. But for now, you need money comming in. The most flexable job I know off would be School Bus Driver!
Yes it is somewhat parttime, you generally get Benefits!!! You could run for now semister to semister, Fall/Spring. Till you get the other things lined out like you like. I will lift you and your family up to the LORD in prayer for you to know what to do.
Later,
John A.

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Mike M

11-30-2006 10:15:51




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
That's the giant sucking sound Ross Pero was talking about. Join the club. P oor W oorking G uys or PWG for short.



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Triplerange

11-30-2006 09:59:07




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
You have any experience driving truck? My dad took his farming background and experience driving grain trucks on the farm (plus a bunch of different tractors) and got his CDL witch landed him a job driving a postal truck (the ones that run between towns). He got his job taken away but had the courage to bid on a route on his own. Now he drives for another route part time, which is a lot. Makes $20/hr. Hang in there...God opens all sorts of doors.

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Ray in Mich

11-30-2006 09:46:33




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Rusty, I'm sorry; I didn't see your reply to Allen about ebay. I read your question and replied with my first thought. Good Luck, Ray



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Ray in Mich

11-30-2006 09:40:33




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Rusty, I've seen where you've posted things on Ebay. Have you thought about taking your experience with that and maybe being an "agent" for other people who see the advantage of selling/buying through Ebay, but are tentative about doing it themselves? Maybe take a part-time job temporarily,and supplement with this? You would be able to do it on your own schedule. I myself don't know much about how E-bay works, so maybe this isn't practical, but it was just a thought. Sadly, here in the Michigan manufacturing trade,stories like yours are all too common. Good Luck to you.

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IH2444

11-30-2006 09:37:16




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Do you live in an area where you can make money repairing tractors ? doing custom work ? etc Try using the skills you have first if they don't pan out see what other skill you can learn and make a living off of.

The benefits issue is the hard part. I got laid off from my job 5 years ago. My job was moved offshore. I am working as a contractor consultant now, but my health ins costs me $800 per month, and that is thru my employer :(

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Allan In NE

11-30-2006 09:21:27




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Hey Rusty,

I offer this in the truest sense of friendship, okay?

Quit thinking like a hired man.

Loosing that job is going to turn out to be the best darned thing that ever happened to you. Mark my words; you'll never get anywhere working for someone else and in 5 years you'll wonder why you wasted half your life away.

It's high time you went to work for yourself anyhoo. All it takes is one step forward; not more of 'em headed sideways.

You are very bright, articulate and you have a vast resource of knowledge under that hat of yours.

Just for an example: Take 3 minutes, open a storefront on ebay and go to work.

I'm tellin' ya buddy, the world is wide open. Discover it and take advantage. Get away from the herd and off that timeclock.

Just a humble opinion from my side of the screen and if ya don't believe me, talk to our friends down in Wellfleet, down in MO, or over there in Grinell.

I was shown which the way the wind blows; I'd like to pass on the favor. Can't think of anyone more deserving than you.

Allan

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Rustyfarmall

11-30-2006 09:29:05




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Allan In NE, 11-30-2006 09:21:27  
Allan, I appreciate the insight. Belive me, I do know that working for someone else will never make a guy rich. I also know that there are those folks who claim to be making a good living by selling stuff on e-bay, but I already tried that road, I did have a store front but it cost more in ebay fees than what I was making so I closed it. There is way too much competition in selling tractor parts on ebay.

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Allan In NE

11-30-2006 09:36:20




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 09:29:05  
That was just an example.

I can tell by your tone that you are really thinking negative right now. I did too when I walked off that human conveyor belt.

I'm headed out the door to take care of some livestock right now, but will you please send me an email so I can vist with you privately?

Don't know for sure, don't know your background. But there's a chance I could have you and/or your wife in business by sunset.

Allan

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IaGary

11-30-2006 09:13:05




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Rusty

How but some work of some kind you can do on the computer?

My daughter is taking courses on the computer to do some type of data entry now.

Gary



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Rustyfarmall

11-30-2006 09:22:30




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to IaGary, 11-30-2006 09:13:05  
I've looked into some of those, and if someone could steer me towards that type of work that is legitimate, and not just a scam, I would appreciate it.



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Paul in ON

11-30-2006 15:54:29




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 09:22:30  
I don't know how far you'd want to go with that, but even as part time work in addition with another, there's always someone looking for someone to design webpages.



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Midwest redneck

11-30-2006 08:46:41




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
If you have some carpenter/painting skills try to see if you can job yourself out for refinishing hardwood floors, painting, home improvemennt stuff. Just a thought



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Rustyfarmall

11-30-2006 08:54:01




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Midwest redneck, 11-30-2006 08:46:41  
Painting houses is out because I cannot stand on a ladder long enough to get anything done and carpenters and remodeling contractors are already a dime a dozen, but thank you for the ideas.



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NO tools

11-30-2006 08:36:05




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Rustyfarmall
Don't let me start any wars but with the man in office there just is'nt many resorts?
Hope this don't depress you?
Have a good one.
Bill



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migraine

11-30-2006 08:33:41




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:24:39  
Rusty, we are concerned for and with you. With your vast knowledge of tractors and equipment,I would think a farm supply store, a Napa or the like and any equipment dealer would jump for you. How about the county maintenance dept or state highway or DOT. Or the new ethanol plants seem to be hiring maintenance and operations people if you have one nearby. Any market for hay and straw dealers to be a middle man? Just brainstorming with ya here to get the old mindwheel going. Migraine

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Rustyfarmall

11-30-2006 08:49:32




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to migraine, 11-30-2006 08:33:41  
Yep, been brainstorming for about 5 years now. The other problem I have is the fact that my knees are totally worn out, and I can't stand to be on my feet for extended periods. I keep thinking there has to be a way for a worn out farmer and mechanic to still earn an income, but I sure can't find it.



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Brian in NY

11-30-2006 09:18:35




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:49:32  
Having read the other posts, and given the condition of your knees....perhaps a stint as an OTR truck driver? Companies like ROEHL, CF, and WERNER are looking for drivers all the time. It might not be ideal, but you can for sure make a living at it. Just a thought. Good luck....I'll try to think of other things as I grind through the day.



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old

11-30-2006 09:17:44




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 Re: O/T need help in reply to Rustyfarmall, 11-30-2006 08:49:32  
I know how you feel Rusty, BTDT. Doctor forced me to retire back in 2000 and it took me 5 years to get my SSD, and its not enough $$ to live on as I would like. You might think about opening up a custom tractor repair shop if theres any call for that type of thing in your area. I know I have tried to do it here but theres little or no call for it here. I do make a buck or 2 doing it but not steady enough to say I make any thing. I have the same problem you have 1 bad knee 1 bad shoulder and a bad back plus a few other problems. Hig in there it may get worse before it gets better but it will get better

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