Motivation and staying motivated

Mill is only a few km’s away, all back roads. He did mention he is able to bring his tractor/mill to my land if easier. I could run smaller logs to him and maybe keep the bigger longer lengths for him to mill on site?

Yeah I’m well aware the Tacoma can’t haul too much but I did a box load and 3/4 of a 4x8 trailer and it worked well. The box floor isn’t rotted, but the fender flares, bumpers, rockers, etc. all have holes in them. Tailgate doesn’t work well. Nothing big for a woods rig but I kinda like the look of a flat bed anyway so it’ll make it a project with a few beer and friends.

Thanks for your reply

 

My brother works on a blueberry/cranberry farm. During the 6 weeks or so of peak blueberry season, he works right around 115 hours a week but is beyond exhausted. He got pulled over by a trooper one day this summer and the guy didn't believe he wasn't on something due to his bloodshot eyes, irritability, and look of exhaustion. He called out backup and 3 more showed up, all who didn't believe him. My brother finally showed him his last few electronic pay stubs with hours worked on them. They apologized and let him go for doing 68 in a 50. Those hours are doable over a short time but not long term. On a safety note, I sure as hell wouldn't want to be running heavy equipment all day on such little sleep.

 

Don’t come to NE in the middle of a Northeaster/blizzard. Some of our plow jockeys will go for days without sleep. Don’t ask me how I know this.

 

I plowed for the State of MA for 15 years on state highways. I'm well aware of working 30+ hour shifts. Not the same as claiming consistent 100-120 hour workweeks.

If a job requires working those kind of hours, I think hiring more employees, getting more efficient equipment, and/or taking on less work would be in order.

 

I think 100+ hours a week for 6+ months straight is actually the norm on a cruise ship. Seriously, from what I remember talking to my waitstaff on my last Disney cruise, I think they capped them off at 115 hours/week and they did 8 months on with 3 off. It all depends on what you get used to doing. I know many folks who get buy just fine on less than 5 hours of sleep a night. I myself, cant do it anymore.

 

Let's not turn this into a thread about valleyfirewood. He's here for entertainment purposes only. If he works as much as he says he does, he should have our sincerest condolences.

 

Just to be clear, I'm not saying its impossible to work those many hours, just unlikely that he does, especially given previous posts.

The point we should come back to though, is the OP asked for advice on juggling working a "normal" full time job with having other commitments such as a house, a family, etc.

I'd be willing to bet most people who work 100+ hour workweeks are:

A: Single

B: Do not own a home

C: Do not burn wood

seeing how none of these seem to apply to the OP, he shouldn't worry about one-upmanship from others.

 

Not trying to be controversial here but I know many working professionals that put in a 10+ hour day, have an hour commute each way, and will “work from home” following dinner/after they put their children to bed. They will usually also work one or both of the two weekend days.

I also know someone whom I sell wood to that works 3 different jobs to try and make ends meet. He has 4 kids, one who is autistic. He is the only person I will extend wood credit to. He cant always pay for his wood on time but he always pays. You do what you need to do for your family.

 

Depends on what is going on, I don't set my hours in stone by any means. Typically work 10-12hrs a day when it's not busy, and 14-18hrs a day during the busy time.

Wasn't a "measuring contest", I don't think I'm any better or anything like that. I was replying to about "finding time". IE don't justify in your mind that working 40hrs a week means there is not time for much else.

Some years ago I worked 2 jobs, 11pm-7am one job, 9am-2pm another job. It certainly wore me out, but I still had time to do other stuff. I went to school for 2 months a couple years ago to get my CDL and still put in 4-6hrs after school each night.

Anyhow, I guess pick your poison on what matters the most, no answer is right or wrong.
Is it getting ahead $$ wise (aka at work)?, spending time with pets, kids, familiy, church, hunting, vegging out on the couch, etc.

 

I'm single, have 2 dogs though.

Have a house, and take care of a large shop and burn wood at both.

Growing up lots of "family time" was spent getting chores done.
Cutting firewood, property maintenance, snow removal, etc.

 

Good old “Johnny punch clocks” still think that folks log 35 hours a week. Seriously, in the real world, you aint running 60 to 80+ a week you will get run over by your peers. Unreal.

 

Yeah,

You guys are right. I should be advising Saiso to work another 30-40 hours a week and never see his wife and kids so he can get ahead. Why didn't I think of that!!!

I used to think like you guys, til' a wise man once said "The goal is to work smarter, not harder".

In other words, make more per hour by get a better paying job. If you do a job that you need minimal licensing, certifications, and skills, than yeah, you'll compete with more people. Including illegals, drug addicts and high schooler's who may be willing to work for $8/hr. cash. Does that mean I should to compete? At 80 hours a week I'd make $33,000/yr. Is that a good goal. I don't think so.

It took me a long time to realize this.

 

I’d say get good at cuttingwood. Use it for an exercise program. I can get 3 cut, split and loaded on my trailer before noon on Saturday. If they are sold I’m done delivering by 3 easily even eating lunch with the family.

Sometimes the whole family comes. Expenses are pretty mild on that. I deliver saved up wood during the week after work if I have any, usually as a family. If I don’t have the wood, folks either wait or buy a lesser product from someone else! My regulars know to give me good notice. I give the wife a $100 bill after I go to the bank, that keeps her motivated. But when I’m not selling I have to really slow her down. When I have a good week I’ll put some bills in envelopes labled stuff like “massage” “nails” and save them for the off season when I’m broke.

Unless your having financial issues and need to work through them temporarily, it’s the dumbest thing you can do to abandon all your family time to work. that’s what’s wrong with the world. Designate some time for your house wood and selling wood that your wife agrees with is good and try to stick to it.

 

Ah yea,


Here is the deal, at least where I live, out on the cost, most folks are working professionals. You want to keep your job and be competitive with your peers, you need to log hours. What impact that has on your family is your problem. Things are pricy here and you need a good income to stay solvent. Grizzly Adams days are long over. Around here, you aint going to live off the land, hunt moose meat and heat house with wood you cut yourself. Sorry, but that’s reality. You don’t like it, you have two options. Move or become a Hobo in one of the major city's and live off donations and someone elses trash. Not exactly sure what your beef is with 100+ hours a week but it is pretty much expected here. Seriously, you are either working or asleep. ​

 

My wife is pretty understanding. It was her choice to want to live off grid in a cabin after all. Actually, I spoke to her earlier today about possibly financing a new tractor or getting a loan for an older one. Come summer/fall after a few OT hours at work, we’ll then see what and if we can afford a tractor.

That’s the problem with me (although not a problem), I have a hard time leaving the family to go out in the bush. They understand that it’s our main source of heat so I’ll just have to convince myself to get up and go next season, even if I miss some weekends and evenings.

 

I'd move.

 

Seriously?? Sweet Jesus. I have customers that routinely have to travel overseas on business for 2 or 3 weeks at a clip. And nope, the kids don’t get to go along. Welcome to reality and I am sure they only log 35 hours a week.

 

Where are your going to go?? Canada???

 

I refuse to go on outside province mobilizations to fight forest fires because I’d rather be home with my family. Is that so wrong?

What’s wrong with Canada in your next post?

 

How did this thread get heated and went to who here works the most hours to which country is better to move to?