[Jason Shutt]

A recent NFR thread brought up the point of people having to prepare for retirement long before it happens. As those of us who aren't swimming in money know, this 'war on the middle class' has left us making choices that could affect our livelihood for a long time to come. Isn't the point of work to be able to finance a way to fish (and ski, hike, etc)and otherwise enjoy life until the day we drop dead?

There may be some of you on here looking for a way to get ahead or even remedy a downer of a situation given the state of the Union. My wife and I have been caretakers for a small hooby farm for a few years and will continue for a bit more. We have both been able to pursue our professional careers as well, and are going to be welcoming a young one to the world soon. This situation is a diamond in the rough that is paying huge dividends and has been an absolute game changer for us.

If you're the right type of person, subscribe to a publication (a gazette, maybe?) that deals with caretaking jobs. Doing so is the best $30 investment we ever made. If you're determined to get ahead in life, it could just be your golden ticket. There are opportunities all over God's green and gorgeous planet, and maybe some fish nearby too. Just make sure to post reports when you hook into them.

 

[dryflylarry]

That really is a good gig Jason. I think you just lost out on your next caretaker gig! Ha. Nothing like putting $650-$1000 in your pocket ever month huh? Better than the stock market! I knew others that did this also. Sweet deal. :thumb:

 

[Freestone]

My sister and brother-in-law were caretakers for 20+ years on several properties, all owned by very wealthy people. On the last gig, they got a nice river front house with mountain views on the estate , a decent salary, healthcare, 401k, a vehicle, and all utilites paid so the only bill they had was long distance phone calls. The best part was the owners only visited a couple weekends/year and allowed them to use the guest house (complete with hot tub and sauna) for their friends and family; I was a frequent visitor! Each gig they had was different but it was a great deal for them especially before they had kids.

 

[ak_powder_monkey]

all I want in life is a good dog, a good woman, and a caretaker gig on some lodge in the middle of nowhere where I can run a trap line, ski, and live off moose meat every winter. Then fish all summer.

 

[Jason Shutt]

AKPM- The publication I'm talking about allows you to advertise a 'position wanted'. Sounds like yours is half written.

I've seen an ad exactly like the one Freestone mentioned. It was in the Berkshires and came with an annual salary of 100K.

 

[Don Freeman]

On a more modest n level, consider camp hosting for the parks service, departments of natural resources, forest service, etc. I spent a month at Merrill Lake a couple of years ago, fished every day, met some nice people, replaced toilet paper and policed the area a little. You can spend an entire season at a remote spot, or get jobs at tony national parks working for the contractors.,