New job? - Retiring to the farm - advice?

lhfarm · May 14, 2010

In a few short weeks, I'll leave my office job and move full-time to what has been our weekend farm home. We have what remains of my wife's family farm and have been coming here on weekends for over 25 years. We remodeled the house and build a garage/workshop 13 years ago. Five years ago bought a new tractor and built a new barn to house it. So that part is ready. I think I'm ready too, but I'd like to hear from those of you who have gone through the transition.

I've worked for the same organization for 37 years, starting in the technology and moving into management. I will miss the people but not the problems. I have a hundred projects waiting for me at the farm and most I will enjoy doing at a reduced pace. Everything seems to be perfect and yet I have an uneasy feeling. And I don't know why.

I'm assuming part is that unease is reduced income. I hate budgets. Part of it may be that I have been working a job since I was a teenager. My wife has suggested that I look at the farm as my new job. Maybe that is the trick.

Any advice on what I should do or not do in the first few months?

Thanks,

bp fick · May 14, 2010

One year ago this month, my wife and I moved onto our retirement property. Unlike yours, this was a bank foreclosure and needed a lot of work. At first, I couldn't get things done fast enough and worked my tired body to the bone. I have learned to pace myself much better and the "budget" helps with that a whole bunch. Speaking of which, we are finding we have settled into our lowered spending just fine. We shop yard sales and thrift stores as much for the experience as for the savings. Both are fun.

Yes, I too view my gardens and maintenance of this property as my new job. Property manager\market farmer\homesteader. Your wife's advice is very sage.

While I still consult and travel quite a bit for the semi-retired part of my life, I find I enjoy the flexible schedule. Set a to do list each day. Not too much and not too little. Don't eat out, but once or twice a week. Make that special. Make new friends at church. Volunteer to be a part of parish life and community life, but take it a bit at a time.

Blessings and best wishes on your new life. In a few months, you will barely remember and no longer desire the past life and all its pressures.

Stargazer · May 14, 2010

well except for the moving bit I'll be in your shoes in 28 work days or 41d6h17m59S but who's counting. Figure I'll sleep late like 7:30 go for a walk eat breakfast/paper garden/org garage (5 yr plan) till lunch take a 1hr nap walk mow some grass or do inside chores (if to hot outside) till time to start supper. find some time to grocery shop during week not like after work weekend now. Play with the Kubota/dogs!!!

crusty 1 · May 14, 2010

theres some reduced costs by retiring to

veralls cost less than suits,no more comuting costsetc.Anyway just enjoyand if you,re like most I know you,ll soon wonder how you found the time to work:laughing

ave

SPYDERLK · May 14, 2010

lhfarm said:
In a few short weeks, I'll leave my office job and move full-time to what has been our weekend farm home. We have what remains of my wife's family farm and have been coming here on weekends for over 25 years. We remodeled the house and build a garage/workshop 13 years ago. Five years ago bought a new tractor and built a new barn to house it. So that part is ready. I think I'm ready too, but I'd like to hear from those of you who have gone through the transition.

I've worked for the same organization for 37 years, starting in the technology and moving into management. I will miss the people but not the problems. I have a hundred projects waiting for me at the farm and most I will enjoy doing at a reduced pace. Everything seems to be perfect and yet I have an uneasy feeling. And I don't know why.

I'm assuming part is that unease is reduced income. I hate budgets. Part of it may be that I have been working a job since I was a teenager. My wife has suggested that I look at the farm as my new job. Maybe that is the trick.

Any advice on what I should do or not do in the first few months?

Thanks,

Sounds like you are well lined up. Farms do suck up money tho if you want freedom to do all you want. I had the option to contract part time in my field. Two days a week is almost painless, and if you can get options to tailor it to employer need its great. The $upplement is perfect. I find it difficult to keep the worktime appropiately limited.
larry

Egon · May 14, 2010

most I will enjoy doing at a reduced pace.

Just remember the new BOSS.

He's a slave driver. Goes from can see to can't see. Never heard of coffee breaks. Figures weekends are good work days. Does not allow for holidays.

Always gota be careful about the new management when starting a new job!:thumbsup:

buckeyefarmer · May 14, 2010

Congrats! Enjoy the farm life. does the BOSS really change?

MossRoad · May 14, 2010

lhfarm said:
In a few short weeks, I'll leave my office job and move full-time to what has been our weekend farm home. We have what remains of my wife's family farm and have been coming here on weekends for over 25 years. We remodeled the house and build a garage/workshop 13 years ago. Five years ago bought a new tractor and built a new barn to house it. So that part is ready. I think I'm ready too, but I'd like to hear from those of you who have gone through the transition.

I've worked for the same organization for 37 years, starting in the technology and moving into management. I will miss the people but not the problems. I have a hundred projects waiting for me at the farm and most I will enjoy doing at a reduced pace. Everything seems to be perfect and yet I have an uneasy feeling. And I don't know why.

I'm assuming part is that unease is reduced income. I hate budgets. Part of it may be that I have been working a job since I was a teenager. My wife has suggested that I look at the farm as my new job. Maybe that is the trick.

Any advice on what I should do or not do in the first few months?

Thanks,

Don't start drinking! :laughing:

Where abouts in central Indiana are you located? I love Indiana, have lived here all my life and have no plans on leaving, although we do enjoy traveling.

How much land do you have to work with? What type of terrain do you have? Soil types, etc...

It sounds very exciting... all the possibilities. :thumbsup:

The Dougster · May 14, 2010

First thing is to recognize that the work never stops. There is always something that requires your attention. Personally, when I grow bored or weary of my current job/project, I simply quit and do something different for a while.
If you are the type personality that cannot leave a job/project unfinished, you will soon learn that it's okay. Historically, the world doesn't come to an end very often and it won't if you leave a job unfinished. Enjoy your new job and learn to go with the flow.