Living life on your own terms

[idonthaveaname]

Hangin at the camp down in Key Largo this past weekend enjoying a couple of brews after fishing the afternoon the young lady that lives next door and always comes by stops in with her new BF. Really nice guy, seems very intelligent and well mannered. We, of course, start talking about fishing. That's because there are only 2 things to do in the Keys-fish and drink. I believe it is the National Couch Republic pastime. Anyhow seems this dude knows his stuff. Guess he should cuz he tells us he's a fishing guide. Dang I think to myself! I asked him how he decided on THAT profession cuz I know it's a tough living down here. He tells us he was in college in NJ and looked out the window one day and decided life sucked there. He then went to the college book and looked up other colleges and found one in Montana. He had always wanted to fly fish and Montana is nirvana for that He headed west and finished college...with 2 degrees. Biology and Anthropology. All the while he picked up fly fishing and decided to guide there. He came to the Keys on a whim, decided to stay, and now guides the flat waters here. So I asked what are you going to do now? He tells me, buy a house in the Keys and one in Montana. Live in the Keys for 7 months and Montana for 5 months; guide in both and live life on his own terms. Good grief! I thought. Not one gray hair on his head and he got all this figured out.

 

[12vMan]

Re: Living life on your own terms

That's cool he's been able to run like that. It would be hard to have a family, or long term relationship for that matter. You would think he would get a little lonely, but at least he's doing what he wants and he's happy. I've been envious of many people who have what I would call my dream job or dream lifestyle, but it always just seems better looking in.

 

[avenger79]

Re: Living life on your own terms

it's easier to do tha nmany people think, it's just a matter of redefining what you think of as normal. would be tough on kids in school but I net even they could work it out.

had an uncle that did it for years. my cousin who was in school at the time picked a family member to stay with while his dad and mom were at their summer home so he could stay in one school system through high school.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Living life on your own terms

Wake up one day and say: what did I do?

For him, not much, except for himself..

Did what he wanted to do. Added what?

For me, I raised two highly succesful children. One of which has two offspring-well behaved.

Our society, as we know it, will die off soon. A wholesale invasion, not checked, by our neighbors from the South. Fine people but think difffrently.

I can do those things, as stated above. Our children have little chance. Our fault. We were told to hate anything American (latent anti American 60's radicals, leadng the public schools) and still do.

Our offspring (European decendants) do not see the benefit from doing anything, except for themselves.

 

[rbh]

Re: Living life on your own terms

If it makes you happy and you can do it, why not.

Life is a balancing act for the most part.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Living life on your own terms

Wake up one day and say: what did I do?

For him, not much, except for himself..

Did what he wanted to do. Added what?

For me, I raised two highly succesful children. One of which has two offspring-well behaved.

Our society, as we know it, will die off soon. A wholesale invasion, not checked, by our neighbors from the South. Fine people but think difffrently.

I can do those things, as stated above. Our children have little chance. Our fault. We were told to hate anything American (latent anti American 60's radicals, leadng the public schools) and still do.

Our offspring (European decendants) do not see the benefit from doing anything, except for themselves.

It's called paying it forward I think, and a great route. Both are admirable, except most folks that chose your path, screw it up royally. At 53 I wont do kids, but the guide thing could make a few folks happy including my soon to be wife, and maybe a few clients.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Living life on your own terms

Good for him.

I don't get why you have to have kids to be deemed to have added something to the world. Plenty of of ways to add to the world besides breeding.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Living life on your own terms

Plenty of of ways to add to the world besides breeding.

millions would be doing the world a favor by not breeding.....lol

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Living life on your own terms

He followed his dream. good for him.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Living life on your own terms

millions would be doing the world a favor by not breeding.....lol

Problem as I see it is that those who would do the world the biggest favor have the most kids and look to others to support them.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Living life on your own terms

Plenty of of ways to add to the world besides breeding.

millions would be doing the world a favor by not breeding.....lol

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Living life on your own terms

Problem as I see it is that those who would do the world the biggest favor have the most kids and look to others to support them.

Only so many fishing guide jobs available.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Living life on your own terms

Good for him. You are going to be dead for a long time. You should enjoy the limited amount of trips around the sun that you have.

With that said I am always amazed at the reaction from some people when they discover that someone does not live a traditional life. My wife and I decided to not have children and do things that we enjoy to do(boating, traveling) and the reactions are always the same.

1. "I messed up and am stuck with my kids and family and will never be able to do what you two are doing"
2. "My family is the best thing ever and you two are so selfish for not wanting to have the joy of children in your life. You will die with no significant accomplishments in your life because raising a family is the only accomplishment that counts"

And there is number 3 which I never heard until I move down south "What are you two a bunch of liberal Atheists?"

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Living life on your own terms

Sure, living on your own terms sounds like it's the cat's meow, but it isn't always as great as it sounds...... I'm sure that guide has stress. Anybody that runs their own business does..... If they don't, they must have a bunch of money stashed away and their business is a hobby.....

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Living life on your own terms

I believe one should do what they love to do. If someone wants to call that living on your own terms so be it. The old saying is do what you love to do and you will never work a day in your life. Too often some folks look at this as a negative; I don't know why. Too often we live out our lives in quiet desperation (Thoreau). Our son decided, in college, to do what he loved. He is very successful. He decision could have been to become a fishing guide or a similar life. We encouraged him to do what ever he wished. Either way he would be successful. The journey this kid is on may not last a life time but could easily lead to something else. So far he is earning a great living as a guide--most don't. The future should be interesting.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Living life on your own terms

Sure, living on your own terms sounds like it's the cat's meow, but it isn't always as great as it sounds...... I'm sure that guide has stress. Anybody that runs their own business does..... If they don't, they must have a bunch of money stashed away and their business is a hobby.....

I have found that to be the case more often than I expected.

No, children do not make you whole but they certainly can be a sense of pride when they grow up well. I have NO issues with those that have decided not to procreate. None whatsoever. We have many friends that are childless and we love them. The feeling is mutual.

We, as a US society are losing our soveriegnty. One little step at a time. Like eating an Elephant-one bite at a time.

This is the greatest Country ever known to mankind. Why do you think so many want to come here? Few ever leave.

But, those that are here don't seem to want to get involved in keeping the dream alive. We can't even get 50% of the eligible population to vote. We seem to have no problem getting those not eligible to do so.

Choosing ones own path is one of the beauties of this Country. Not possible in too many places around the globe.

With that said, we still need to be engaged, as a society. You can't just "check out" and expect to keep your freedom. Someone does not want you to have it. There have always been those and always will be.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Living life on your own terms

"Why do you think so many want to come here?"

I believe a reality check is in order here. There are a lot of folks that are happy where they are and plenty of folks that move to Europe, Canada, and other countries. I have Canadian and European friends that wouldn't dream of living in the US. The "come to America" mentality are the minorities - the give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses the wretched refuse and the homeless, tempest-tost." Seldom will you see the well off "run away" to America. What I see are poor Haitians, exiled Cubans, and people fleeing from oppressive countries and honestly THAT is what America is all about. With that America is the place for your second chance and with that the opportunity to pursue your dreams albeit corporate America - fishing - or mowing lawns for a living.

I applaud anyone that has the gumption to do what is in their hearts rather than the expected. If it is in your heart to be a lawyer that's great! If it is to be a maintenance man, be the best maintenance man around. Be the best at whatever you choose. I don't think this young man has checked out. It takes brains and energy to do what he does and apparently--or so it seems--he does a good job of it. Add to that this "dreamer" is contributing to and improving the economy and tourist trade of the FLA Keys which, by the way, is the only way they survive. His part in society is more than welcome and probably more contributory than most jobs. What exactly does a lawyer do for you. :facepalm: jk

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Living life on your own terms

The "come to America" mentality are the minorities

Unless you work for an engineering company! The company I work for has probably over half of our work force originally from outside of the US. Some have gotten their citizenship, some green cards and some on H1B visas. Those are just the ones working at our sites in the US and not counting our overseas locations.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Living life on your own terms

"Why do you think so many want to come here?"

I believe a reality check is in order here. There are a lot of folks that are happy where they are and plenty of folks that move to Europe, Canada, and other countries. I have Canadian and European friends that wouldn't dream of living in the US. The "come to America" mentality are the minorities - the give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses the wretched refuse and the homeless, tempest-tost." Seldom will you see the well off "run away" to America. What I see are poor Haitians, exiled Cubans, and people fleeing from oppressive countries and honestly THAT is what America is all about. With that America is the place for your second chance and with that the opportunity to pursue your dreams albeit corporate America - fishing - or mowing lawns for a living.

I applaud anyone that has the gumption to do what is in their hearts rather than the expected. If it is in your heart to be a lawyer that's great! If it is to be a maintenance man, be the best maintenance man around. Be the best at whatever you choose. I don't think this young man has checked out. It takes brains and energy to do what he does and apparently--or so it seems--he does a good job of it. Add to that this "dreamer" is contributing to and improving the economy and tourist trade of the FLA Keys which, by the way, is the only way they survive. His part in society is more than welcome and probably more contributory than most jobs. What exactly does a lawyer do for you. :facepalm: jk

Most of those that "wouldn't dream of coming here" have never lived here. Understood. You can be comfortable, where you are, if you know no better. And, there are those that will never be happy-anywhere. They see Europe as some sort of cultural-panacea. Usually short lived.

I know plenty of Europeans that would love to live here. They see the US as behind in the communist and overtaxation curve.

I have a couple of nieces that just love Europe. When pressed and asked; "Why don't you move there"? They say; "Are you kidding"?

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Living life on your own terms

Unless you work for an engineering company! The company I work for has probably over half of our work force originally from outside of the US. Some have gotten their citizenship, some green cards and some on H1B visas. Those are just the ones working at our sites in the US and not counting our overseas locations.

HA! That's funny. I know the feeling! Truth is, those H1Bs that come here are far cheaper than the American. I'm in the IT business and it's filled with a ton of H1Bs. They're cheap to hire comparatively here and overseas. I know...I hire them! Don't want to, but alas I am just a cog in the wheel.