I'm tired of working for the man :)

[Droopy]

Ever since I started working I've been looking for ways to get out of it. :)

With exorbitant energy prices looming, it would seem logical that now is not the time to go into business for yourself. I was talking about buying a truck and now that isn't going to happen. And I am going to wait until later this summer to do anything regarding going into business for myself. I'm going to see how the increase in energy prices is going to affect the market in general as well as the sector of it that I'm planning to invest in now.

They say now is a good time to invest in real estate. With record high foreclosures you can find some really good deals on investment properties, hang on to them and sell for a profit at some future date. Or just hold on to them as a long term investment while getting a little extra money each month from rent. Experts in the field say that real estate prices are bound to go up over the long term and that real estate can weather rough markets like we are experiencing now. We will see.

In the mean time, I've joined the Greater Dayton Real Estate Investor's Association. One of the neat features of the group is that they have a mentoring program. I've also started reading about real estate investment.
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[raccoon]

1. I've had thoughts like that too. I am lucky that now I have a job that's low-stress

though unlucky in that I don't have any benefits.

You also started another thread about digestive problems. Do you think it's your job that is stressing you out? BTDT. One place I worked I hated so much I was thinking, Gee, if I were in a car accident, I wouldn't have to go to work. When it's that bad, one needs to get the hell out.

Unfortunately in the US health care coverage is a major PITA. Do you have coverage now? Are you married, so that your spouse can maybe carry you on his/her coverage? If not, how old are you? If you're young and pretty healthy, getting individual coverage probably won't be difficult; if you've got some age on you, it will be more problematic.

"With exorbitant energy prices looming, it would seem logical that now is not the time to go into business for yourself."

I agree--and waiting sounds like a good idea.

"In the mean time, I've joined the Greater Dayton Real Estate Investor's Association. "

Sounds like you're doing a wise thing, learning as much as you can about RE.

[Droopy]

2. I am single and I do have health coverage now

and I have priced health insurance. Long story short, I would have to make about $500 more a month to sustain my current level of income if I were self-employed and paid for my own health insurance. I' 35, but I have a mental health problem that's kind of expensive to treat.

As far as my job goes, it's not all that stressful. It's just a drag because it's dull. I don't think that's the cause of my digestive problem. I've had problems with that area of my body for most of my life.

[raccoon]

3. One possibility--I've thought of doing it this way--would be to keep your

day job and gradually get into the new business.