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Entrepreneurship:  Hypothetical "Career" question...  |
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TheSoapMaven
True Blue Farmgirl
691 Posts
Susan
LA
USA
691 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 06:45:07 AM
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Let's say...you HAD to stop doing what you are doing...For example I make soap...it is my passion. But for some reason I couldnt do it any longer...what would I do??? And like my husband always says "everyone has to have their THING they do" - what would you choose? Personally, I would design and make infants/children's clothes. I use to design/sew everything my girls wore. Made my own patterns...flat feld seams/French seams, covered buttons...double hems. Plus I sewed some for the public. Mostly baby dresses and bonnets (my own designs).
Just curious.
Susan
Proprietress of Dahlem's Soapworks http://www.thesoapmaven.com
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 07:31:16 AM
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If I could do anything, and knew I'd make enough to survive, I'd be a writer. Nonfiction stuff, probably, and unfortunately there's not much of a market for that.
Gosh, Susan, you're a gifted woman! I know people who would pay large sums of money for children's clothing with the features you listed. Did you enjoy doing that?
I don't know of any real "gifts" that I have. I tend to be able to do lots of things just well enough and nothing really well.  It doesn't really bother me, though, except now when I'm trying to figure out a marketable skill that would allow me to do something from home.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
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TheSoapMaven
True Blue Farmgirl
691 Posts
Susan
LA
USA
691 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 07:40:30 AM
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Not gifted...well trained. My mother's sister and my paternal grandmother both taught me to sew. I started sewing when I was about 6. I learned on a tredle machine that I still have. My daughter Rachel also loves to sew! She recently bought a dress form.
Don't say you dont do things well...maybe you havent found what you LOVE to do. And even if you love it doesnt mean you will do it naturally...like sewing...that takes training.
You should maybe look further into the writing thing...there very well maybe a market out there for you.
Susan
Proprietress of Dahlem's Soapworks http://www.thesoapmaven.com
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9094 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9094 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 07:49:11 AM
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Susan
Don't be taking on a new career until I get my soap.HA
If you really love sewing, you could do both, go like crazy and spend two weeks on soap, then two weeks on sewing, then you could sell both, TA DA!! I need a couple long skirts anyway.
Speaking of soap, did you get the order I e'mailed you on Monday,because one more hour and the special is over.
In fact maybe doing some sewing while you are recovering would be a good idea.
NANCY JO
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TheSoapMaven
True Blue Farmgirl
691 Posts
Susan
LA
USA
691 Posts |
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ThymeForEweFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
705 Posts
Robin
An organic farm in the forest in
Maine
USA
705 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 08:00:38 AM
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If I couldn't farm full time I'd write full time. And vice versa. Right now I farm full time and write part time. If I ever can't have a market garden and greenhouses will someone please just toss me in the compost pile and put me out of my misery? =)
Robin
www.thymeforewe.com
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MullersLaneFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
596 Posts
Rock Falls
IL
596 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 08:31:02 AM
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Hmmm, If I no longer had my day job …. then my farm would be full-time employment.
I’d go far and wide to promote our farm tours, get the farm store built (with a demonstration room/classroom on back). In the store, we would sell our various farm produce: herbs, vegetables, meats, eggs, raw milk & honey. Of course there would be our farm crafts: milk soaps & lotions, hand-spun yarns, weavings, fiber, blacksmithed items …
But until the kids are out of the house & hubby has medical insurance, I’ll have to keep doing the above part-time …. Now if I can just find time to squeeze in basket making!!
Cyndi
Say NO! to National Animal ID
http://www.NoNAIS.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Illinois_Against_NAIS
Joshua 24:15
Muller's Lane Farm
http://www.mullerslanefarm.com
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akcowgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
296 Posts
Valerie
Homer
Alaska
USA
296 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 08:34:47 AM
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If I had to quit what I do now (Glorified Travel Agent)and could afford to I would stay home and take care of my hopfully soon to animals and Garden. I also quilt to so I would make quilts and sell them. When Dear other half and I have kids I will stay home and hopefully by that time we can afford that.
Valerie
Alaska Girl all the way
Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
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rosebud74a
True Blue Farmgirl
109 Posts
Stacy
Maryland
NY
USA
109 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 09:23:50 AM
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If I could jump out of the rat race and if reimbursment was not an issue I would see patients at my house in the mornings five days a week and all day two days a week. The rest of the time I would tend to my miniture farm which I would open to touirsts on the weekends. My farmers market would be open every day run by my secretary who would schedule appts and keep my clinic running. I think I would also have a consigment type farmers market and sell things for local farmers. In my spare time I would like to finish writing my non fiction novel which is only a page long at this point...lol. As you can see i haven't put much thought into this ..lol
Stacy
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt, 'This Is My Story,' 1937
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 09:33:04 AM
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I would love to have a small CSA. That has always been a dream of mine..with a little farm store too.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 10:40:35 AM
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thanks susan for making me think. I am a teacher by trade but now sit behind a stupid desk which i hate more and more everyday. i hope that the new shoppe and garden are what i have always wanted to do. i never had anyone teach me things like sewing and cooking and gardening which is why its taken me so long to finally get this done. it's funny when i think back on the day that I first picked up MJ's book and how much my life has changed. Much that I have learned has been through all of you. What amazing women you all are.
blessings
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
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sonflowergurl
True Blue Farmgirl
349 Posts
Katee
Tampa 'Burbs
FL
USA
349 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 12:26:15 PM
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Hmmm...well, in my "current life" I'd be a certified teacher instead of an instructional assistant. (My "goal" is that anyway, probably will go back to take some classes in the Fall.)
In my "dream" life, I'd live on about 10 acres with a big B&B and a small pond. I'd have a couple of horses, ducks, chickens, sheep, goats, rabbits, a milk cow and a steer every year. I'd have a big garden, fruit trees of all kinds, and a beautiful flower garden. I would sew, knit, can produce, and sell all kinds of things like that. On the side, I would write childrens' books.
But, my husband is in the ministry and there aren't many youth pastors who are also farmers. LOL And God has placed us in suburbia, so my ten acres would cost us about a million dollars---that's not going to happen on a youth pastor's budget! haha So, I've learned to be content in "whatsoever state I am"...and enjoy my life. Working with kids and teenagers, it's something I would have a hard time leaving too!
Katee
The end will justify the pain it took to get us here.
"Looking Toward the Son"---- http://sonflowergirl731.blogspot.com
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 2:18:38 PM
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Okay, since we're dreaming, I would like to have a small cafe/coffee & tea shop. I would have one or two homemade soups each day with fresh herbs, interesting sandwiches and a beautiful relaxing atmosphere. I would have a section with local crafts for sale and a section with gently used books for sale. It would be hard work and maybe I wouldn't make much money, but so much more rewarding then sitting at a desk and being stressed out. I like to make things nice for people and take good care of them. It sure would be a pleasant change.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 5:15:52 PM
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Susan, I've had to hold a lot of "survival" jobs in my past 34 years (started working at 16, yep, I'm sixty next week) and now I'm lucky enough to be able to earn a living (small tho it may be) by doing just the readings, which I adore doing. It's great to not have to supplement with survival stuff.
Now, I'm launching my own line of children's clothes called Bebe Couture and Vintage Bebe Couture. My own designs and using real vintage patterns (some go back to the 20s!) They can be a challenge but it's a kick, too! This satisfies the artist in me and I'm having a ball. I just hope I sell some so I can continue to justify making them!
I learned a long time ago that if you really want to do something, especially creative things, you must do it - even if it's only in your "spare" time. You must nurture your dreams.
I wish everybody much good luck in all their ventures! We are such a creative and diverse group!
Come visit my Etsy store at www.chezPatricia.etsy.com
Farmgirls do it organically! |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Apr 12 2006 : 5:38:02 PM
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Funny how i just wrote in earlier about hating my job, or should I say my old job. At the end of my work day I was called in the conference room and told I was on suspension for missing work this past Monday. My 4 year old was sick so I stayed home. Well as far as I am concerned if they don't understand that then I will work elswhere, or as sweet susan said to me, no more soap for them ! hee hee. so maybe my dream of my own shoppe just got alot closer. maybe this is the push I needed. I was actually told i should bring him to sick daycare, I personally have a problem with this. If my child is sick he needs to be home with his mom in his own bed! besides, they don't pay me enough to afford "sick daycare" which is like 50.00 a day around here.
So thanks Susan for reminding me that I can do this and that I have your support. Granola anyone?
Tomorrow I will be sewing and working on dolls etc. Please be sure to check my etsy account this weekend cause I will probably need the dough! You never know.... might just tell them to take their job and shove it!
blessings
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Apr 13 2006 : 06:32:38 AM
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well .. since i'm RETIRED .. would i have to give THAT up?
my "job" now is to PLAY! do i have to give THAT up?
i think if i HAD TO do something ELSE now .. i'd choose for honey hunk and i to be a 'war correspondents/photographers' .. and write of those adventures!
YEP! that's the truth .. i'd really do that!
o.k. .. hmmmmmmmm .. maybe my sugars are low and i'm thinkin' CRAZY right now .. but 'in my youth' i used to think how adventuresome it would be to travel to these countries and write 'the peoples' stories .. i WOULD TRY to be very fair to everyone.
but with that said .. let me SHOUT: GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!
True Friends, Frannie |
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Apr 13 2006 : 09:15:51 AM
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Beth,
"When one door closes...." It's so sad that in this day and age, we are still made to feel guilty for staying home with sick children. We go in sick so that we can use days for our kids. Too much guilt. Anyway - what is the url (is that the right term?) for your etsy account? Will check it out.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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Northerngal
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Gale
Iowa
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Apr 13 2006 : 09:53:26 AM
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| Patti, since you are a teacher, have you ever thought about private tutoring? Sort of like that large chain of centers that are only in big cities, cost an arm and a leg for your kids to go to, but your center would have a personal touch and be more affordable? If you came up with some sort of seminar for kids to take before the ACT / SAT that would improve their test scores, that would probably be profitable. Just a few ideas, anyway. |
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Northerngal
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Gale
Iowa
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - Apr 13 2006 : 10:23:48 AM
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| Back to the original question, which is a good one by the way. I used to think all I ever wanted to do was be an architect. Now in the middle of the thirties decade and having worked for a couple architects, this is not how I want to spend the rest of my life. So, I'm going to night school for a bachelor's degree in accounting. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd end up doing this. It's not the career of my dreams, but I know it will be a better living than doing CAD drafting and will help me get to wherever is next. Going to class is much more enjoyable at this age. For one of my classes we had to draw up a complete business plan for a business we would start. Not only did I learn a lot from this, but it was a lot of fun. Somehow putting everything down on paper, including the projected financials, makes you realize a lot of things may not work. And I had several business ideas. Coming up with the ideas is never a problem for me, so maybe someday I'll find the right one to pursue. |
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Horseyrider
True Blue Farmgirl
1045 Posts
Mary Ann
Illinois
1045 Posts |
Posted - Apr 13 2006 : 1:35:45 PM
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My passion is horses. I walk/talk/eat/sleep/live/breathe horses. I've been a horseshoer, a trainer, and a college instructor, all about horses. If I couldn't do horses anymore, I have a hard time imagining it, but I'd probably just garden my brains out, enjoy the woods and wild places, and enjoy my dogs. And fool with my house, maybe get a real estate license, etc. I'm good at sales, but I dislike cold calls.
I've been lucky in that there was only a very brief time in my life where I ever had to work, and that was before I met my husband. We've had some tight times, but we agreed to having a full time parent many years ago. I've never had to work since, although I've taken jobs I've enjoyed.
Yeah, I guess gardening would be my passion. It still is, but it sits in the shadows of a much larger passion. |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Apr 13 2006 : 3:08:17 PM
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If I had my dream job.... I would start businesses, get them off the ground, then let other people run them, making huge profits, which I would gladly share with them! LOL.
I get bored doing any one thing. I enjoy designing clothes and knitting them on my knitting machine but know if I was tied to it for 40 hours a week I would soon hate it.
I like making jellies and jams - but just enough to give for gifts at Christmas. If I had to do it all the time I would be fed up with the hot steamy kitchen and how long it takes and how little profit there is....
Same with gardening - I love it- but if I had to make a living at it I would probably end up with a crop failure, because I would miss a spraying or weed-pulling at a critical time because I would be too busy doing something else.
I love sewing but when my neighbor asked me to make her an apron it took me two months to finally get it done!
I like people - except when I prefer to be alone....
I guess I like my current job because it is something different every couple of years. I am in information technology/project management and things change fast enough that I have already had to re-invent my career several times. Of course that means I am always training for something new... good thing I like to read!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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Destiny~
True Blue Farmgirl
195 Posts
Dar
west
TX
USA
195 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2006 : 1:53:12 PM
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I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I used to think I wanted to work for 'BIG Business' climbing up the corporate ladder. Well in a way I did, I'm a direct report to the VP and Treasurer of a large company and now that I've seen it at the top. NO THANKS. I have a great boss but the rest of it? I don't know why he does it.
Lately, I've been craving my 'Nature fix' and I'd like to work with kids. We won't be having any kids and by working with them I'd still get to feel like they were mine in a way. I don't want to work in a 'traditional' school setting but I would like to be able to teach them about nature or at least introduce them to it. But how to do that and survive financially? Hubby is a cop and he doesn't get paid very well, I make most of the money. I'm trying to cut back on things now so we can get out of debt and then maybe I'll be able to seriously try to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
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CathyM
True Blue Farmgirl
344 Posts
Cathy
Tulsa
OK
USA
344 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2006 : 2:56:44 PM
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Right now I work at a small local fabric store. Some days I love it and some days I hate it. But mostly it makes me spend way too much cash, lol. and I make pillows for someone, weekly.
I love to sew but I find that I have trouble making just one thing for any length of time it bores me after a while
I love to cook but that can get boring also, I know sounds weird.
I have always wanted my own store front. I have talked about this many times with my daughter. What we both came up with is our dream store.....
Home made clothing and accessories, etc. We would carry used well loved books, used vintage clothing, shoes etc. And also have a small seated area for coffee, tea, and possibly soup, pasta, cookies,.... lets face it nothing would be them same twice unless we felt like making it again and as far as the food goes it would be whatever we felt like making the night before or that morning.
Does any of this make sense to ya'll?? |
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hammondfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
77 Posts
Julie
New Caney
Texas
77 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2006 : 6:20:58 PM
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I would love to give up my corporate job it is very stressfull. I want to have a small shop somewhere.
Best Regards,
Julie
Hammond Farm
www.hammondfarm.com
People Tested Goat Approved, tm |
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rockinhorse
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Robin
yucca valley
Ca
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2006 : 9:41:50 PM
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I would become a horse breeder. When I nolonger work my day job.. I wish I had the talent all of you have. I am starting to sew again, and I want a garden (desert preditors are the problem last year) But if I could no longer work as a phlebotomist I would do full time equine breeding and Embrio transfer. I love putting the perfect foul on the ground.. heehhee. long time goal learn to embroider.
Happiness must be grown in one's own garden! |
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hennessy
Farmgirl in Training
19 Posts
Melissa
Minnesota
USA
19 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2006 : 7:16:55 PM
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I'd love to take the old barn on my property and remodel it into a Bed & Breakfast. I'd use natural products and serve food from my garden and from local producers. I'd have local musicians out to play around a bonfire and display works from local artists. Oh, it's so fun to dream...
If you lived in your heart, you'd be home by now. |
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Entrepreneurship: Hypothetical "Career" question... |
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Hypothetical "Career" question...
