Family

B

BzRman

I just read a post Xman posted about a gentleman dying, 4 kids and a wife left behind.

This really hit home for me. this is something I thought of before, sometimes even in the tree. I have 2 kids and a wife and the only bread winner, geez what a stupid career i picked to support a family.

Anybody else feel trapped in this career because of family? Seems like a double edged sword sometimes. All in all I do like my job but there's a lot of negatives that go with it.

Just wondering
 
not sure if i would say trapped but i know what you mean . i am the bread winner also . working very hard everyday . running around doing bids . but honestly i cannot see myself doing anything else . i love it to much . we just really need to be conscientious all the time so we make clear decisions and stay aware .
 
Just one thought.
Does your family have any insurance in case you drop out? A mortgage free house and a couple of grand extra for the first couple of years? If not, think of it. That way you can think and live on the bright side of life again.
 
Trapped never thought of being trapped by what you like to do.Family comes first for all of us, that's why we do this job in this industry. Get the coverage for your family, for the future. Spotter is right it does ease the trapped feeling.
 
Yeah everything would be paid off and they would get some cash too, they would be fine financially for awhile.

This isn't a thought I get everyday or every week, just occasionally something really makes me question myself. I have thought of changing careers before unfortunately that would mean a drastic pay cut. With my wife not able to work right now climbing trees is my only option. This is the trapped feeling I experience sometimes

I don't see myself doing anything dumb enough to kill myself...but I guess no one really does.

play safe
 
I sometimes dream about getting out of this biz and doing something else, but most days I simply LOVE this career. The income has provided a big house in a nice neighborhood, the ability to raise ten kids with four in private colleges so far, investments for the future, and all the hard work has kept me in great health. If I am trapped, it's not so bad I guess.
 
B, I can definitely relate. Some days I don't want to get out of bed because of the monotony of doing tree work every day. All I want on those days is to do something else for a change. But, I have 2 mouths that depend on me for everything so up I get and tough it out. That's what I signed up for when we started a family.
As far as being hurt or
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I take comfort in that they will be taken care of by insurance etc. and my tree working family. Since my daughter was born, I've definitely become a more safety oriented person in general.
I've found what helps with the trapped feeling, is during our rather lengthy off season I learn another trade etc. eg went to crane school, welding, etc. all things that have applications to my primary career choice but give me the feeling that I "could" do something else. Also never hurts to make yourself more valuable to your employer or making smaller bills for your own company.
 
MisterSir that sounds like a lovely success story, I should hope with ten kids you have a big house. Your wife must be superwoman and surely deserves an award for raising ten kids in these times. My hat off to you both, very nice. I love when folks share a bit about themselves makes this forum feel family like.
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This is a nice thread!! i find after 27 years...ya get a little "stale" now and again...good to tweak things...Use your right brain or something have lunch with an old friend...go to a trade show....Maybe Winter Management?? come back refreshed and ready to kick but!!
 
Having done something else, I can tell you every job has the same pitfall. There are good days and bad. It's all in the mindset you take to the job.

It's with that family and the responsibility that you are guided to work safely and productively.
 
I did scaffolding for a few years and felt trapped there. The feeling from being in a tree is a feeling of freedom. I too think of my family all day with all kinds of questions. This is one stressful job. There are so many variables in the equation for you not to think. Answer this, is there a better feeling in the world than walking in your home at the end of a long day and being greeted by your family? Is there anything better than knowing your family is safe and enjoys a great life from the job you do? I bet your family doesn't imagine you think this way, I bet you are Superman to them. If the questions you ask yourself keep you focused, ask away.
 
Get some disability insurance. Lots of different options out there. I believe it's also tax free if you ever have to collect on it. I think most pay 70 percent of your salary.
 
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