Posted by James Spencer on April 01, 1998 at 16:46:32:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: How many tractors does it take to raise a family? posted by B.L. on March 30, 1998 at 14:47:52:
: : : : Raised in the country, country at heart, living in the country nowŠ.I long to earn a wage in the country way. I find myself putting my career in neutral for a moment. By trade (I shamefully admit) I am a computer "goob", (Electrical Desing/Drafter). I am considering trading in my keyboard and mouse for grease rag and parts catalog. I have been presented the opportunity (repeatedly) to join a family friend who has a well established used tractor, equipment and parts store. Wages will be SIGNIFICANTLY less, but chances of quarterly bonus's depending on how sales go. I pray this move doesn't prove to be difficult for my family, but I seek job satisfaction, and a challenge of a new environment which money cant purchase. It would be nice to go home smelling like diesel as opposed to Xerox toner and Liquid Paper.
: : : : Any comments from others in the tractor business? Can a young energetic man who is self motivated make an honest living at this? Would any of you buy parts from me?
: : : : Probably not the normal topic for this forum, just curious of your opinions.
: : : : Thanks,
: : : : QuietMan
: : : How many tractors to raise a family? Hmm... lets see, probably one farmall, one, possibly two ford jubilees cause they're fun to drive, or about one dozen john deere's with one farmall for backup. Cause for certain you know the greene ain't gonna last long. This probably isn't a whole lot of help, just MHO.
: : My Humble Opinion of course is to be sure you are out of debt. I've dug myself in sooo deep that I'll probably be a school counselor for the rest of my life. I've got a plan though... I've found a truck that my wife likes, so maybe I can talk her out of buying a new van every five years. I'm closing in on my school loans and hope to have everything else paid off within one lifetime. I'd really love to settle down in some out of the way place on the reservation (rez) and pay no taxes and blow off the load of the system. Nice Dream, long ways from reality. Let us know where and what your business is. Good luck and keep your head out of the water, Me
:
: Well it may not get you rich but it is statisfying I work for a tractor dealership in Canada and as a matter of fact I am in charge of the parts Dept. The dealership I work for carries a new brand of tractors so that is my only worry that we don't have the staying power. But the farmer is a loyal man and if you treat him right he will come back for life.
I'm trying to do the same as you. From all I read, hear, and experience, diversity is the key. I began by working three jobs out of necessity, but I maintain it because you never know what will happen. The side line of consulting or computer maintainance is a great one. Be realistic with your time. Avoid monoculture. Be flexible and find a niche. Most with your skills want the city or suburban jobs; I'm sure you'll find work if you're creative and look hard. BEst to ya.