another 2007 delurker

[figner]

Been lurking here for a few months, and now I have this weird urge to join in. 8)

Probably an old familiar story to you folks - there aren't many people I can discuss finances
and ER stuff with, yet I find myself becoming more and more interested (some might
say obsessive) as time goes on. Still a young dreamer having grand dreams of a
bare-bones FI in 7-8 years, with FIRE in 10-13 yrs. Of course, since I'm invested mostly
in stock index funds, these timelines could vary wildly.

Lately I've been growing a dilemma: one of my hobbies may turn into a viable
(but low-paying) profession. Currently I work in IT and while I don't hate it, it's
become pretty dull. My FIRE hopes are based on my current IT salary. On the other
hand, if it turns out I could morph the hobby into a job enough to just barely pay the
bills (let the current assets grow untouched), then I will probably still be able to
FIRE in about 20-23 yrs instead of 10-13. At the moment it's too early to tell how
it'll all turn out, but thinking about the possibilities is exciting (and kinda freaky!)

Anyway, been enjoying reading all the great info and banter - I tend to post sporadically
but will probably jump in from time to time. Happy New Year!

figner

 

[Baxter]

Hi and welcome! Can I ask what the hobby-business is? It is great that you might have that option, even if you don't take it. Or maybe you can generate some "hobby income" after retirement, substantially reducing the size of the nest egg you'll need...

 

[figner]

Thanks! The hobby is building stringed instruments: violins, violas, etc. Still in the early
stages of learning though. I also play, which has been a very minor source of income
over the years and could maybe be ramped up along with the building...

 

[Nords]

Welcome to the board, figner! Does this mean you've kept your New Year's resolution?

Thanks! The hobby is building stringed instruments: violins, violas, etc. Still in the early stages of learning though. I also play, which has been a very minor source of income over the years and could maybe be ramped up along with the building...

Our kid's shop class just had to build ukulele out of recycled materials. I had no idea that the fret spacing was such a complicated mathematical/geometrical relationship.

Anyway it's a big business around here, but very specialized and dependent on a strong economy (no one buys new ukulele during a recession). So maybe you could teach a "build your own" class or make custom models for experts, but I'm not sure that I'd risk quitting the day job...

 

[figner]

Welcome to the board, figner! Does this mean you've kept your New Year's resolution?

Thank you! Nah, I don't do New Year's resolutions. Just the right timing, I guess.

Our kid's shop class just had to build ukulele out of recycled materials. I had no idea that the fret spacing was such a complicated mathematical/geometrical relationship.

Anyway it's a big business around here, but very specialized and dependent on a strong economy (no one buys new ukulele during a recession). So maybe you could teach a "build your own" class or make custom models for experts, but I'm not sure that I'd risk quitting the day job...

Yeah, I wonder about the recession impact of such a profession too. I'm certainly not
going to jump ship unless I think it's realistically possible. Violin builders often make
part of their living through repairing instruments as well.

What recycled materials can a ukelele be made of? (imagines a uke made of
flattened aluminum cans ) Never learned to play one while I lived in the islands.

 

[Baxter]

Outstanding. I always envy the craftsmanship that goes into making a fine musical instrument. As for me, well, I often bend the nails going into a 2x4, anything finer than that is a risky proposition.

Sounds like a great hobby / side business.

 

[Martha]

Cool. A luthier on board. Are you apprenticing to someone? My dad used to repair stringed instruments, mostly because he had an interest and was a viola player. I can still smell the varnish.

 

[Outtahere]

Figner

Welcome aboard. My stepson is studying to repair and build guitars and such.

 

[figner]

Are you apprenticing to someone?

I'm attending summer workshops given by a master luthier, and the rest of the year
learning from a friend who has built several instruments as a hobby. Might be a
case of the one-eyed leading the blind...

 

[Nords]

What recycled materials can a ukelele be made of? (imagines a uke made of
flattened aluminum cans ) Never learned to play one while I lived in the islands.

Pretty much!

They're using larger metal containers (like cookie tins), scrap wood for the fret, and other bits & pieces. I'll post a picture when she brings it home next month.