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jhattan
Nov 30, 2001, 8:10 PM
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the title is a reference to a cake song for those of you who missed it, but applies to a question that's been nagging me since my first climb a couple months ago. the more i become acquainted with climbing and the climbing community, the more apparent it becomes that climbing is really less hobby and more a lifestyle that consumes your thoughts, money, and time. this spoken, i pose this question to the masses: how do you find the balance between work and play that allows you the time to climb on a regular basis, yet take care of your responsebilities (ie. food, shelter, and lets not forget gear)? simply put, i'm just curious how much you all climb, and what you do to afford your lifestyle. especially mind-boggling to me are those that have to factor a family into the calculation.
i'll start by saying that i'm a 22 year old computer professional from NE. while i find that my job provides me with ample fundage, my time is severely restricted. am i the only one who suffers from this?
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rrrADAM
Nov 30, 2001, 8:21 PM
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I'm blessed...
I inspect Nuclear Power Plants around the country, twice a year during the Spring and the Fall, that pay well enough to make my mortgage and then some. I'm offered several jobs a year, I use Rock n Road to help me pic jobs close to good destinations. i.e. Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in New York is 45 minutes South of The Gunks.
This gives me Summers and Winters off to climb my way back to Southern California, and enjoy my time off at Yosemite, Tahquitz, Joshua Tree, Bishop, and other California Areas.
Like I said, "I'm blessed."
rrrADAM
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dustinap
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Nov 30, 2001, 8:33 PM
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My parents.
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wigglestick
Nov 30, 2001, 8:40 PM
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Since you have such ample fundage you can send some to me and I will wear your logo on my shirt.
Seriously, it all comes down to sacrifices and priorities. I work for a local government and take advantage of every single holiday, vacation day, and sick day. I could work in the private sector but then I might have more responsibility than I want. Once you start equating the cost of lifes little pleasures to what that could buy you in gear then you know you are in deep.
A movie=carabiner
A movie w/popcorn and coke=2 nuts
Cable tv=1 cam every month
Haircut=gas money for a weekend trip.
Although once you have to maintain a relationship and/or family it gets hard.
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rck_climber
Nov 30, 2001, 8:48 PM
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One word:
BARELY!!
Mick
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odin
Nov 30, 2001, 9:38 PM
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Selling sweet sweet smack.....
Kidding...
I may just go on employment insurance and have some fun for a few months. I have a buddy who'd do a cross continent roadtrip with me.....hmmmmm....
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jhattan
Nov 30, 2001, 9:59 PM
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you're right wigglestick, it is pretty hard to get a girlfriend to see the cost effectiveness of eating a bagel as opposed to taking her out for supper. they'll never understand.
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ranpergamin
Nov 30, 2001, 10:12 PM
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Well, It is hard to say, I just start University and start climbing about a year ago in New-Zealand, I travelled and climbed in Australia ,Thailand, and Nepal, and eventually as you said, I had to come back and start studing so I can get a good job, but everything is a matter of priorities I make climbing one a very high one, beside love, and economical saftey, and after money, movies, and other stuff. Though you should give up all the other stuff for climbing. Just find the right balance for you.
Cheers
Ran
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woodse
Nov 30, 2001, 10:37 PM
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Ummmmmm
Thank god for credit cards!!!!!!!
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missedyno
Nov 30, 2001, 10:42 PM
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wigglestick: well put! i haven't gotten my hair cut since i starting climbing. just realized that now.
note to self: get hair cut.
if you date other climbers they seem to understand the mentality. i sit at work and daydream about my next climbing trip and i live with very low living expenses so i can save.
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wigglestick
Nov 30, 2001, 10:55 PM
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I bought a sweet set of clippers for 15 bucks. Haven't been to great clips in awhile. I'll cut anybodies hair for a biner.
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diarmid
Nov 30, 2001, 11:31 PM
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Sold my soul to Uncle Sam
For a set of nuts and a number two cam
-It was worth it! A friend of mine sold his for a chesseburger. I got the better deal.
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jaydoc
Dec 1, 2001, 1:42 AM
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Well, I spent four years in college, four years in medical school, and four years in residency to land this wonderful job that allows me to take call every fourth night, and be in the hospital two weekends out of the month. Is this conducive to climbing? NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. Therefore I've been reduced to climbing at the local university (an only so-so wall), thinking longingly of how much I would have improved by now if I was able to climb just a couple more times a month, and by living vicariously through all of you on this site.
Jim
p.s. I really have an intense dislike for all of you who are able to climb whenever you want.
[ This Message was edited by: jaydoc on 2001-11-30 17:42 ]
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squeeks
Dec 1, 2001, 1:43 AM
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im with you jhattan. i make good money but i also have to spend many long days and lately lots of nights at the shop. i find myself with no time to get out, let alone sleep.
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colin
Dec 1, 2001, 2:03 AM
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I rob banks using a nut tool and an ice axe...
Actually I work my ass off doing lifegaurding\construction and mooching off my mom.
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squeeks
Dec 1, 2001, 2:09 AM
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to bad im not a climbing instructor or a guide of some type. then i could get paid to climb.
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larryclimb
Dec 1, 2001, 3:07 AM
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My kids have grown and gone on there own. I now take my Grandkids climbing. And since my wife would rather have me out climbing on the weekends than bugging her, I climb. I also work 4 days a week so I can climb 3. Life is Good
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squeeks
Dec 1, 2001, 3:12 AM
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gosh i cant wait till i get old! no offense.
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nikegirl
Dec 1, 2001, 3:26 AM
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I'd go poor if, my clients we're all climbers!! All your guys giving up haircuts, would kill me. LOL
I charge $ 40 , for mens cuts, $45 for women...
Now, pick your jaw up off the floor...
This IS how I afford to climb. How I'm able to climb, and only work 3 days a week...
I am truly truly truly blessed.
Someone asked here(?) somewhere, how you'd rate your job...1-10???
10 all the way!!!
T
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squeeks
Dec 1, 2001, 3:38 AM
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i would rate mine a ten for two reasons:
-i like it
-i make good money
rate it a one:
-i basically live there
when i weigh the two out, it really does suck.
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jsm280
Dec 1, 2001, 3:53 AM
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Registered: Jul 6, 2001
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I make stuff.....
I am basicly an inventor with a full shop (everything from tig welders -> CNC stuff -> RTV molding equpiment). I sell my services (for now) to anyone who needs anything made. I have several patents and help companies take products to market from idea creation to manufacturing. Not all me, I have guys who work for me.....
Last year or so for instance I worked 6 months and took 10 monts off. I am currently back to the work mode... I have climbed 3 times over the last 2 months.... I will climb daily again soon..... and waiting for that big hit and the roylaty checks to come in so I will have no job......
Oh yea... I work part time in a climbing gym to get pro-deals and keep close to a love.
My gear $$$$ is what the day brings or barders and what I feel I need to be safe...
.
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missedyno
Dec 2, 2001, 12:40 AM
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hey i wish my hairdresser person was a climber. then we'd have something to talk about.
i rate my job a 4 for interest in it, a 3 for intellectual stimulation, but a 9 for perks.
and on a stupidity scale of 1-10, i'd be an 8 for messing it up (see perks rating)
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jhattan
Dec 3, 2001, 2:46 PM
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Registered: Nov 15, 2001
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$40 for a haircut, nikegirl!?! i about cried one time when i had to pay $20 for one. but, i'd have to say i'd charge it and feel no shame if it meant only working three days a week!
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litedawg
Dec 3, 2001, 3:21 PM
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Who can afford to actually climb!?!?!? I just read about it at rockclimbing.com and fantasize.
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krillen
Dec 3, 2001, 5:21 PM
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Okay I work in the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) field for a local Regiona l government. Basically it's computer mapping in real world co-ordinates, and data management.
Work rates about 2 right now. It can be really interestign, but there are a tonne of crappy politics here. GIS overall is 7-8ish though. Right now I have a 7 hour work day, tehn I can take off for the crag at night (summer) for a few hours.
I also do Web Development on the side. 8-9 for interest, 8-9 for flexibility, 2 for reliability/security.
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