How do you "finance" your camping trips

[cam]

After reading the newly posted "new job" thread and "hubby got fired" thread over the past little while, I notice the comfort level people have with the prospects of even being employed in the future have many of you concerned, so I have to ask...what do you do for a living(you don't have to specifically name you employer if you don't want to), and how safe do you feel your job is???

For me...I work for a nation wide corporation (in Canada).  We have about 950 employees in 90 offices around the country.  We are a financial institution with a very defined role in our nation's food production market place.  I am , I guess you would call, in middle managemnet with 27 employees reporting to me.  I feel my job is safe, but hesitate to call it secure because the BSE (mad cow disease) will directly affect many of our clients.

DW has the best job in the world...she is a stay home mom for over 2 years now after working 12 years as a property appraiser.

how about you?

[Diplomat]

These topics have been causing me a great deal of concern!  I will be retiring from the Marine Corps in August after 24 years!  I have the luxury of a pension but we have not planned in such a way as to be able to live off it for very long.  I need to go to work pretty fast after retirement.  I get kinda jealous listening to you all, I am skilled at things that aren't real marketable in the civilian sector.
 
To help offset that I will be completing a BS in Information Systems in May, a degree path I started down during the dotcom boom.  Now what?  To make things a little more interesting we plan on retiring in the Northern Kentucky area.  A state I last lived in 24 years ago!  If I had had my way we would not be living in California right now.  Kentucky is attractive to us because I have residency there and my wife is pursuing a degree in Biology and we want to take advantage of in-state tuition rates.  Our families are also in KY and elsewhere on the East coast so KY it is.  

Things will work out I am sure but it is quite nerve racking to 'quit' a job! :eek:  :eek:

[2manytoyz]

I've had a job since I was a teenager.  Money has never been an issue.  I've always done technical things (electronics, computers, rebuilding cars, working on boats, plumbing, masonary, etc.).  If my job falls through tomorrow, I'll have a well paying job by the afternoon.  I have several standing job offers from other companies.  I'm very fortunate.  My father was technically skilled, and got me involved with every job around the shop since I was very young.  I'm now passing those same skills onto our young sons.

I now work for NASA, as a Biomedical Engineering Tech.  I get to build what I design.  I work in a research lab and we get to build such things as cryogenic breathing systems.  Latest technology kind of stuff, lots of fun.

My wife also works for NASA, as a Metallurgist in a failure analysis lab.  She has a M.E. degree.  Ten years of night school while working full time.  A big commitment on her part.  I also drove her to night school, did most of the chores around the house, etc.  We were both happy when she finally graduated!

Both of us got into the coop program, making dirt wages for years.  I started working for NASA at $5.03/hr.  Took a long time, but we are making very decent wages now.  No, we are far from rich.  I could make a lot more, as many coworkers have done, by taking a job in industry instead.  We both enjoy what we do for a living, and hope to be able to retire someday still doing the same jobs.

Since we are on this topic, let me tell you about another friend, who's also a Popup camper.  Darren has a BMET degree (Biomedical Engineering Technician).  He worked at a hospital doing technical work.  Made terrible wages and quit.  He then worked with someone laying tile, making much more money.  He now works for Lowes as a door installer (entry doors, not garage).  He's now making VERY good wages, far more than his degree would pay.  I admire his bravery in taking new jobs, far from what he was trained to do.  Just goes to show you if the market in one field dries up, you might have other options if you're willing to challenge yourself.

[chasd60]

I have been employed by Fairchild Semiconductor for almost 7 years. I am pretty sure I will be with them for quite some time. I am an Assistant Engineer in our Corporate Reliability Lab. The lab personnel consists of 2 Asst Engineers and 1 Sr Tech plus 2 operators. Our lab performs lifetime reliability testing of most of our products. This is done on an accelerated basis, we can tell in 10 weeks if the product will last for 20-40 yrs. People ask why we need our "chips" to last 40 years when people are getting rid of PC's every 3-4 years. The people that use the same "chips" in a satellite, car, jet, tank or sometimes medical equipment, would like them to last a a little longer than 3-4 years.
 
We have around 10,000 employees worldwide with about 1000 at my location.
http://www.fairchildsemi.com

[NCSunshine]

After graduating from a business college, I married a Marine.  Two weeks after that, he left on an ocean cruise for 6 months.  Since I knew that we would be living near Camp LeJeune, I took a job in a textile mill just to earn money for when we moved.  After he came back, we moved then 6 months later he got out and we moved to my home town.  Once again I took a job in a textile mill, just to have a job.  Worked there for 9 years, left there to work at a local bank in Corporate Accounting.  Loved that job and would still be working there, but a blessing in the disguise of a baby girl came and I wanted to stay home.

Have had numerous part-time and seasonal jobs over the past 10 years, plus owning two business for a while.  Went to work full-time in a financial office, only to have it close down 4 months later to move to CT.

But that was a blessing in disguise too.  After being laid off, I started back to college to be what I think I was meant to be all along.  A teacher assistant in the public schools, and then attending college part-time while working to become a teacher.

DH has worked for the last 22 years for the same textile company that I did.  It always crosses our minds at the end of each month (that is when payroll ends, and people are let go) will it happen this month?  Although textile plants are closing left and right, the company he works for is still going strong.  They have closed some plants, but only ones that could not be updated with new technology machinery.

We only camped twice last year, once at the Eastern Rally and again at the NC coast in the fall.  Maybe this year will be better, who knows out of bad times can come good.

[byrdr1]

My wife and I both work for the 2nd largest Lab system in the USA.
LabCorp...
We both are management, and the company has great benefits as far as time off is concerned. I have 24 days off a year. my wife has 32 days off a year and this is not holidays but does include sick days...
So we both have a nice salary but not rich.. I also do lawn care in season for extra dollars..I put fences chain link or wooden.. Basically anything for a dollar that is legal..
This finances our camping trips.. Plus i save a nice piece of change every two weeks.

[Miller Tyme]

I've been in drywall for about 12 years, all phases. Started out hanging rock, then did finishing for 7 years, and now am the foreman of the hanging crew. Small company, with only 4 full time and 2 part time employees.

 
As with all construction, it's a seasonal occupation. Busiest time is from March-October, with lay-offs in February and sometimes August and December. Even though I live in a small town, I've done work in a 60 mile radius from our home.
 
It's a job I enjoy, because of the freedom I have. The boss isn't constantly looking over my shoulder, in fact, other than the occasional phone call, I hardly hear from him, except on pay day. The guys on my crew are all experienced, and we work well together. Yeah, it's a rough job, but I know when to back off of strenuous work(lift with the legs, dummy!):rolleyes:
 
As far as camping, I get 1-weeks paid vacation a year. Doesn't sound like much, but the boss lets me take extra time off to camp. That's because he's got a 28ft TT, so we trade off camping weekends.:cool:

[aw738]

I am the assistant manager for an auto parts store. I've been there for almost 9 years and I get 3 weeks paid vacation a year. After 50 hour weeks and constant ringing telephones I enjoy any time off I can get. If you know anyone that likes talking on the phone too much get them a job in a parts strore. That will break them of that habbit. I am planning on using my first week to ride from here in WV to Daytona Bike Week with the brother of one of my employees and three other guys. If anyone sees five guys riding south at the end of February with WV tags on there bikes (mine says MRBREZ as in the Lynard Skynard song) it could be us, give us a honk and wave.  The next week I plan on going to the Eastern Rally if we ever deside were it is going to be. The last week I have reservations to go to Fort Wilderness in October.

[B-flat]

I've been in the same job for the last 25 years as an independent contractor and the last 8 have been in affiliation with a major franchise.  It's long hours at least 5 days a week but most of the time I am "on call" 7 days a week. Benefits and retirement are not paid by the company I am affiliated with and I must set up my own programs for it, neither are vacations that I must set up between service to clients and customers.  I must furnish my own car and it has to be a late model, wardrobe must be meticulous, must take continuing education each year, be technologically educated, know extensive inventory, know everything about my county of residence and its respective towns and cities, be socially active, attend professional organization meetings and conventions, have a broad network of clients, do advertising and promotions, must know the other service providers such as lawyers, banks & mortgage companies, surveyors, inspectors, contractors, appraisers, and must be constantly motivated.  It isn't an easy job being in sales and marketing in a large real estate company but it is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs around helping people find just the right property and to achieve their dreams.  I save to finance my camping trips and equipment.  I'm secure in my job because I really work at it even though it has its ups and downs.  Others come and go in the business but I am still making a living after 25 years.

[Gone-Camping]

Staying one step ahead of things kind of helps. The company I've been with for the last 10 years just went through a Bankruptcy, and I survived 3 rounds of lay-off's. However, I've also payed close attention to what goes on, how their sales were doing, which hasn't been good as of lately. I also was involved with their closing of another branch up in Richmond last month, and could see my little world within the company shrinking, not to mention my paycheck! I figure they can only hold on to me for so long, as I've had less and less to do over the last few months. Rather than wait for the hammer to drop in their next "down sizing" I went on the offensive and started a very earnest job search.

I found exactly what I was lookinig for, and made all the arrangements with the new company by working with them on Saturdays for a couple of weeks. By the time it was a "done deal" the only thing left was to give notice with the current employer, and work out my final week there. It made this a seemless transition, my last day was on Friday, and Monday morning I'll be on the new job.

Things went well enough that the former employer has let me continue to use THEIR cell phone until my new company gives me a new one. I'm also being signed up on COBRA which entitles me to stay on the old companies group health plan for the next 18 months (I gotta pay the premiums though).

It helps to stay ahead of the game. Getting fired or layed off creates a much more difficult situation, one that I have endured in the past. I'm glad this one worked out. Besides, I'll make 3-4X as much money as before!!!!:D

[DiW]

During my last year of college, I took a required computer programming course in order to graduate with a business degree (marketing & management). I loved the course and my professor, who worked at Prudential Insurance. She offered me a job programming. It was the best job I ever had: I loved going to work; the people were great; the work was stimulating; I couldn't believe the money I was paid (constant promotions/raises, etc - it was the 80s). I switched to part time work when my oldest was born, expecting to go back full time when my kids were in school. Expectations change, though. My middle child was born with medical problems that have required 17 surgeries so far, more to come and I CHOSE to stay home and try to make life as normal for us as possible. Although I hate house cleaning/cooking etc, I do have time to plan and pack for upcoming camping trips. I also get to be taxi driver for my 3 kids and go to all their activities.

My DH had graduated with a teaching degree in industrial arts, decided he didn't want to teach and didn't know what to do. He figured if I liked my job so much, he would give it a try. He took a couple courses, and got hired at Pru (back in the early 80s it was easy to enter the programming field). He worked for many years, first at Pru and then along with a major project, he switched to IBM. All was well until IBM closed a division 2 years ago, putting 200+people out of work. He spent a year trying to find a computer mgt/analyst job and finally took a middle mgt job in Telecomm. The atmosphere was terrible, everyone constantly worrying about layoffs, etc. After one year, his position was eliminated. Not sure where the future will bring him but he's open to new things. He'll need to be since it's still rough around here. I just read in today's paper that Pru is cutting another 200 IS jobs in NJ. I've always told him I'd rather he do something he loves, even if he has to take a cut in pay BUT don't take a cut in vacation days   . I'd much prefer doing without fancy clothes or cars, etc as long as we still have time to camp.
Diane

[Camperroo]

I stayed home with my kids when they were little, then when they hit school age I went to work during school hours as a medical secretary for 6 years, then got sick of getting sick from the patients!!  Have had a real estate license for 15 years, finally put it to use, went back to take some classes and required continuing ed classes for real estate and now work in that.  I really love it because I'm basically a big ol' snoop who loves to see other people's homes and decor!!  So selling homes is a great thing for me!!  I work mostly with friends and referrals from friends so it allows me a flexible schedule.  I love to househunt and match up houses to the right family.   Nothing is more fun than hearing someone walk into a house and they know they are "home"!!  Hubby was a research chemist for many many years, but got tired of being stuck in an office cubicle and wanted to go back into construction, which his family has owned as a business for many years.  So he got his own Contractors License and opened his own business.   Things went great for several years but when the economy slowed, work slowed and the health insurance and liability insurance got more and more expensive.  He picked up a great job as a construction supervisor with a large company that takes care of all our previous worries...insurance and steady income!!!!!!

As far as financing camping...we plan ahead and put aside money, kids collect our soda bottles and returnables and use that for spending money at the campground!!

[moaugie]

I got into teaching for three reasons, June, July and August. Unfortunately, ever since I have had children and have been a camper, I have not recieved that fringe benefit because I am an administrator at an alternative school. Fortunately, I will be eligible, and am planning to, retire at the end of the next school year (2004-05). The teachers retirement system in my state is very strong and is offering teachers the opportunity to retire with 62% of their salary after 25 years. Full retirement is paid at 30 years. The way I figure, I can stay home and raise my children for 62% of my salary or continue to work for 38% of my salary. Once retired, I plan on using the majority of my kids summer vacation to travel and camp with them.

My wife is a LCSW in a large mental health, correctional facility. She did not begin working until middle age. She plans on continuing to work after I retire, but with the money she makes, she can fly out to meet us when my kids and I travel. I just hope my 403(b) weathers this recent financial storm!

[K-man]

I've been with citigroup for a little less then one year.  I am on the infrastructure architecture team.  We set the standards and direction of the IT team.  I went through a bankruptcy with my former employer, and survived 4 rounds of layoff's during the dotcom bust.  I finally decided to look for something a little less nerve racking, and more secure.  I started work on my MBA last fall, and will hopefully graduate sometime in '05.  Upon graduation, I plan to leave my current company and seek employment at a smaller company.  Life in "slow moving' corporate america isn't for me.

As for financing the family camping trips.  We haven't taken any that really need to be "specially" financed.  I haven't been on a trip that has cost us more then $800 including gas.  However, that could change this summer when we head to SD and see the hills and rushmore.

[julecav]

I work for Maggie Bridget and Danny as a stay at home mom.  Hubby is head installer and a senior tech for a local oil company.  Before that he fixed appliances.  He can also do carpentry beautifully and was an auto mechanic when he was a teenager.  Basically if you can break it he can fix it and if you need it he can build it.  Money isn't rolling in but we make enough so that I can stay home.  We drive older cars because we don't want a payment and we don't go out to eat often but we chose that so I can stay home.  We don't worry about him losing his job because they love him but if for some reason he did he would be able to start something the next day.  After the kiddies are all in school full time then I'll go back to work to cover health insurance, he'll go out on his own (that's where the $$ is) and we'll start saving to buy a house.  I really feel for the people struggling for work now and I'm really lucky that Jay can provide a living for us.  As I was graduating HS my dad lost his 20 year job with IBM and it was really hard for him so I can sympathize.  In response to the camping part we go camping because it is so much less expensive than a motel.  State parks run 15 or so a night and as far as food goes we need to eat at home too so that isn't an extra expense.