Been a while, and might this be my epiphany?

ziggy29

It's been a while since I spent time here. In large degree, it was because there was a lot of work stress to keep afloat, and then I got laid off from my job in IT on April 5. Not much coin money now.

Not sure what I'm doing next. In February we moved to a really small town 50 miles or more from everything, since my wife pursued a career in rural ministry. She has a solid gig here now and probably can for years and I'm thrilled for her! I don't want anyone to feel bad -- for the most part it's a blessing. My job was stressing me out, burning me out and I was 1-2 years away from leaving for a sabbatical and "second career" anyway. Six weeks after moving here, I got whacked after 26 years in the business. (I was hoping my second career might be in coins! I was just hoping unemployment checks wouldn't be in the interim.) And I'm thrilled she has found her calling!

I've been putting feelers out in what I'm doing now and looking for openings. At age 47, I'm too young to retire and too old to get hired -- not to mention that I'm in a really small town and the nearest decent-sized city is 50 miles away (I said that already, right?)! But in reality, I'm thinking I need to *make* a job for myself. I don't think there's enough here for a coin or antique business here, but there are a lot of old folks and 100+ year old homes that might be fodder for making a deal. (Obviously, with my wife's gig I need to be fair!).

Still, I don't know what I'll do next. I'd love to work in the coin business, but where and how? I'll be working on that. We are just fortunate enough financially that I can take time off and pursue dreams and we're not desperate. But wow, it seems impossible...

1960NYGiants

Best of luck to you. One idea is to setup an eBay consignment shop.

Jinx86

I agree there a lot of things that people want to sell on ebay, but might not know now. If I can run an ebay store from my home, most anyone can. Getting a flow of inventory is that hard part. So I make sure not to list all my better material all at once. Id rather sell slow and steady. That being said Ive had to dip into my own collection to make some sales to get through hard times. I do miss small town living though. Join the local gun/skeet club if you can. Great way to get to know you neighbor.

Best of luck,
Jason

123cents

I wish you and your family only the best Ziggy!

Type2

Where is this small town? If you dont mind saying.

Shamika

<< <i>I got laid off from my job in IT... >>



Sorry to hear about your employment woes. But congrats on your new found freedom.

Can you program? And if so, have you thought of consulting work? Just a thought.

guitarwes

We are just fortunate enough financially that I can take time off and pursue dreams and we're not desperate. But wow, it seems impossible...

Hearing that it seems like He's provided thus far. Sounds like an opportunity to seek His purpose and destiny.

If you want to dabble in coins in the meantime, put out some ads in the local paper/Craigslist and treat people right of course. Set some profit margins and hold to them. Nothing wrong with buying something from someone cheaper than you can sell it to someone else, just don't rip anybody or it'll come back to you a hundred fold.

An at-home eBay coin business would be something to keep you busy in the interim between finding the next open door.

weresteve

We are just fortunate enough financially that I can take time off and pursue dreams and we're not desperate.

If you have the opportunity to obtain WIA (Workforce Investment Act) funding for training ... probably wouldn't hurt to pick up some web programming skills as this type of work can be done remotely if you are able to find a willing employer. I did during my last long break from IT and it has helped me along the way.

In the meantime, it sounds like you are in an area with some opportunities for branching out a bit ... not only for coins, but with the current "Cash for Gold" craze ... scrap gold and silver as well as bullion sales are a way that some dealers in my area boost their cash flow. Perhaps even eBay sales should some interesting collectables turn up in your area.

PQueue

ziggy29
You and your wife sound like quality people...best wishes to you!

here are my unsolicited inputs...take them for what you determine they are worth...
"At age 47, I'm too young to retire and too old to get hired"
Too old? --- Bull.
Austin TX has lots of IT jobs --- Commute, I have lots of people do.

Good luck.

hchcoin

You may want to talk with the local banks in your area. They are always in need of good IT help based on my experience.