I'm considering a new job which I desperately need, completely fed up with my current job. However it pays less, and of course that leads to the one thing that would make it possible. No more racing.
So if you were in a position that you just really needed to get out of, and had an opportunity that seemed like a great fit, would you do it if it meant giving up racing?
I'm seriously considering it, not giving it up for good, but maybe take this step give it up for a while, then after I get back into a position later on picking it back up then.
Hey Dave,
Oooo... such a heavy question. Well, I haven't been able to get as involved as some others who may respond, so you can weigh my response accordingly.
Racing is a part of your life. An important part, but just a part. Unfortunately, like most of us, the greatest portion of your waking hours is involved with work. Therefore, if the job is definitely getting to you and the situation there isn't likely to change, then a change of job is in order. It's for your own (and your family's) happiness. As you noted, you can return to racing later.
Besides, you don't have to be totally absent from racing during the time. Maybe do some cornerworking, track days or perfect the formula and market that tire sap ;)
H.
hmm that would be tough., but yes i guess i would., also you can always save enough to do a weekend here or there to get the fix in... and as you said it would not be forever....
Thanks guys, I'm probably putting the cart before the horse I haven't heard their offer yet, so maybe it will just work out. But I doubt it right now I work for a large company, and I want to move to a smaller company, that usually means less money for a similar position.
Anyway, track days wouldn't be an issue I could do those, but this year I kind of gave those up for racing, just because I preffered racing over track days. Also we just started riding dirt, so that's fun right now.
But yeah the biggest thing is just not having the lifestyle. I don't think I could go to the track and not race, had to do that last year and although it was good seeing people it just wasn't the same. Plus we have other things that we would want to do if we weren't racing.
But it is definitely the social aspect of racing that I fear losing the most. Well that and the thought of becoming one of those people that says "Yeah I use to race motorcycles" LOL
Ah, this is a good question...
I started racing motorcycles in 1987. The fewest number of races I did was in 1992. Still, that year, I did more AMA Pro events than club events. My mom got cancer that year, and things kind of changed.
Over a lot of years, I learned what I could skimp on...I've never, ever had a decent racing "budget", so I never had enough tires, enough brakes, enough spares...but I've managed to keep racing.
Still, if I didn't race, I'm lucky enough that I know some people that would love to put me on some bikes to ride for them some place.
But, I'm always troubled how racers just fall off the face of the earth. Certainly, some amount of experience should lend you to some new guy...you spent the money, you understand some things, you know what NOT to do...Try not to drop out.
In 1991, my sponsor's promise of a bike for the full season fell apart because of rules and budgets. But I got hooked up with one of the riders of the team that was still primarily supported and had a Superbike program. While I was racing, I was also part of his program helping him out. Needless to say, I learned more about things I needed to do, my individual value, and, even though I wasn't racing, I recognized that when WE finished well I was satisfied in a similar fashion to when I was actually on the bike.
That give you some ideas?
Dave,
DONT give it up!! You love this too much to give it up. If its money you are worried about, sell hour toy hauler & van and go back to a simple 1 rail trailer. That should free up enought cash to keep racing.
I dont make much money at all...in fact, I'm making less that HALF of what I was making before I started racing - but I always find creative ways of affording my racing fix.
Dont give it up - find a way to keep doing it, even if its just once in a while (as long as you dont let it affect your family's way of life)
-p-
In life, you make choices. If this job will ultimately improve the quality of your life, you must weigh that against how much racing improves the quality of your life.
That said, racing in some form or another will not go away. If it's not your life long goal to be world champion, but just to ut a wheel on the track when the mood strikes you, abstainance will make the heart grow fonder.
And no, you don't have to give it up entirely. Come out and work corners, pit crew for a freind, or just spectate and take pictures. You can learn alot about racing while not being on the track turning laps. Observation can be used as a tool to improve your racing in the future.
Remember, when you are all set, you can come back with an improved perspective and lust for competition.
Good luck to you.
Dave, I think I understand where you're coming from. Sometimes we HAVE to take a "step back". Even if we don't necessarily WANT to. I haven't put a wheel on a racetrack since Memorial Day. But I've still had a damn good summer!
As others have said, just because you're not gridding for the start doesn't mean you can't remain part of the "family". If your wallet won't allow you to race, there are still plenty of other ways you can participate. Cornerworking is a great way to get a better perspective on problem areas (if, for example, you're having "issues" with a particular corner, spending a day watching the difference in how both the fast and not-so-fast folks navigate can be VERY helpful). Being at the track and having the time to kick back and TALK to people... LISTENING to your mentors and getting new ideas... spending time with your friends... sure, you're still missing the adrenaline rush BUT...
(and I keep telling myself this) it will still be there when you come back.
Quote... it will still be there when you come back...
Ah, very, very true...
;D ;D
I work in hell, and race to remain sane. This year, the money hasn't been there. Still, I've found ways to stay active. Lonny roped me into his endurance team for a few races, I've cornerworked, busted tires with Mitch Stien, and coached at some STT track days. The truly addicted will find a way.
I can't leave my job. The money pension and benefits are beyond what a person of my education would usually expect, so I just can't leave. But I will always find some way to be at the track. Maybe not the way I'd like, but I'll be there.
See you all at Blackhawk this weekend. I'll be the guy in white with the flag in his hand!
A good way to think about it is to be "in the world, but not of the world". Racing is a part of your world, but not it.
On the other hand, if you are hit by a dumptruck tomorrow, you may want to have raced today.
Well, you'll figure it out.
Absolutely no help at all,
Heather :D
Thanks for all the support everyone.
I have a variety of options so I'm lucky in that regards. It's not like I couldn't find a way to do it, it wouldn't be that much less money, but if I continued to race "other" things would have to go. Since my son doesn't get much out of going to the track I'd rather spend that money on the things that include him.
Racing is the one thing that costs the most, and if I took this job that would be "one" thing I'd have to give up. As opposed to giving up "multiple" other things and still be able to take the job and race. Also I wouldn't sell the race bike, or anything else for that matter, we can afford what we have even with the new position, but it's the money spent to continue doing it. Again what other things that would take away from.
Anyway we'll see, like I said I may be jumping the gun I haven't gotten an exact number from them yet, just the figure the headhunter threw out got me to thinking about this.
By all means I will remain around, and occasionally still just come to the track to hang out, no way would I lose touch with the friends we've made at the track. :D
I guess the gamut of responses have been covered here. Super-Dave has a pretty good response that would mimick what I would tell you.
I have been learning more and more each weekend that I enjoy this so much for the PEOPLE, not just the racing (anymore). If I couldn't race for a season for whatever reason, I'd sure as heck be somebody's pit beyatch, coach, tire guy, corner worker...
Right now it's too much a part of my life to cut out cold-turkey.
Dave,
As an ex-Motorolan who left his job to take a substantial paycut working somewhere else... I think I know where you're coming from.
If you really truly HATE your job - then quit. It's not worth anything IMO to be miserable for 40-60-80+ hours a week. I know when I had my limit at Motorola - I found myself feeling miserable everywhere, just not at work. Not good.
Besides, you'll find a way to keep racing if it's really important to you. I did. Granted, I've gone a little overboard (much more than I planned to...) but racing CAN be done on a small budget. Only run the money classes. Only run every other weekend, or just enough to keep the appetite satisfied.
Life is too short to be unhappy.
Like everyone said Dave. Do what you have to. I've taken breaks from racing because of no money and lack of insurance. Like Kim its been May since I;ve raced and I'm done for the year on teh track. I'm cornerworking though.
lbk I understand your dilmena I am doing the samething applied for insurance and with the racing history and planed future racing they wanted a $250/month surcharge for my limited racing, like 1-2 races a year last two years. They said if I went a year without racing and did not race first year or two of policy then I could have preferred rate. So I have decided to hang the leathers up for the time being and concetrate on being AT the races but not IN the races for now.
oh sure Eric... We all know your wife won't let you race... ;D :D ;) :-*
Well turns out I put the cart before the horse, it's not final yet because it's not a written offer, but it looks good so far. So keep your fingers crossed and it may not even come to making this decision. :D
Which yes my work has affected me everywhere else, including racing in fact until today I didn't even want to go this weekend because I just felt bad.
Hearing the verbal offer has already if nothing else put me back in the mindset I need to be in and race this weekend. :D
Great news Dave :)
Now don't wait to the last minute and stay up late sapping your tires ;D ;D ;)
.
Quoteoh sure Eric... We all know your wife won't let you race... ;D :D ;) :-*
Actually she threatned to sell the bikes if I was not going to race. Which will lead to why do we need that big tolbox in the garage if I got rid of that, I could get my car in the garage, which leads to if I could park in the garage I could get the black Pacifica, which would lead to we have a bigger car we can have another kid, which leads to we have too many kids and need a bigger house, which leads to I can't work and clean this big house so I have to quit my job to take care of the house and we can't let that happen. :o
It's hard to keep perspective sometimes. Your family and their needs come first. They need you happy, balanced, and sane. The extra money you make isn't as important as you may think so that puts your job second. What you want to do with your excess cash and free time comes 3rd when everything else is satisfied. Do what ya gotta do, then do what you wanna do. I won't win any championships, but I have gone on saturday to run 2 practices and 2 races and packed up. About $135. Had stuff I had to do, but got my fix for a month or 2. This IS a hobby no matter how much fun it is.
Dave,
Life is incredibly short and we never know when it's going to end. Most people gripe and complain about their current job but never do anything about.
If you feel you would be happier by taking the current job then go for it. Quality of life doesn't hinge on dollars and cents. Besides, you would be amazed at the opportunities that pop up for you by following your heart.
Another door may open and you have more money than you had before to race!
I almost completely bailed out of the sport due to massive debt I incurred in large part because of racing. I raced the '96, '97, '98, & '99 seasons then had to spend the next 2 1/2 seasons trying to recover financially. Then in the middle of the '02 season I returned and have stayed racing ever since, but in limited form. Though I attend almost every event in the Midwest, I still have not recovered financially to the point of being able to be a front runner (in other words buying tires every weekend like they were actually affordable).
That 2 1/2 year break for me was needed, but frustrating, and I was somewhat relieved when I would go to BFR and spectate. It was great to see those that I had come to know thru racing out there still doing it and cheering them on in their races. I also liked to time the leaders and see where I would have been in the races based on lap times I had run there in the past.
It's a fairly well know statistic that the average racer doesn't last for more than 2 or 3 seasons and usually exits the sport due to significant race related debt or an injury. Though I have choosen to race conservatively since I returned, I am still out there doing it. It can be tough to take this route, especially when you know you can go so much faster, but can't really afford to do it at this time. Staying involved in this sport is kind of like the calm in the middle of the storm when life isn't going so great outside of racing. Think about how many millions of people live in a region of the country, yet so few actually participate in something like this. The racing 'family' is something that isn't found very often out in the non-racing world.
I will extend to you the advice that I offer to anyone getting involved in or looking to stay involved in this sport. Racing cost/debt is the big issue in this sport which ultimately dictates whether you continue or not, I learned that the hard way. After returning I promised myself that I wouldn't go into debt to race and pay for everything as I go. If you truely want to continue to race then set aside a certain amount of money every week, year round, into a racing fund. If you set aside just $50 per week (all year) you would be able to afford to race 3 classes per event (including gate fee) at 10 events and be able to buy 3 sets of tires for the season. Paying as you go is the best advice I can offer to someone who wants to continue to race. If you still have debt from the previous season when you start a new one then the end is probably inevitable.
Mike, that is some great advice. 8)
QuoteActually she threatned to sell the bikes if I was not going to race. Which will lead to why do we need that big tolbox in the garage if I got rid of that, I could get my car in the garage, which leads to if I could park in the garage I could get the black Pacifica, which would lead to we have a bigger car we can have another kid, which leads to we have too many kids and need a bigger house, which leads to I can't work and clean this big house so I have to quit my job to take care of the house and we can't let that happen. :o
See how GOOD RACING IS FOR US ALL!!!
I don't know how I lucked out like I did with my wife... She parks outside wiith the rest of the vehicles despite the 5 garage stalls we have. She puts up with me racing and does everything she can to ensure I have the best stuff available, and RARELY complains (but God, look out when she does...)
She actually called me 2 weeks ago while I was out of town to ask if it was okay for her to get a CRF-150... LOL... my response "honey, ther's only 1 dumber question you could ask"...
Again thanks for all the feedback and input, right now I'm waiting waiting for the final written offer, but so far it sounds great. Having a new job with a smaller company is really going ot help my mental state. :D
JeF4y, I know what you mean my wife parks outside of our garage too so that the toys can go in there. :D
When I was first married, I had an unused race bike. My wife said race it or get rid of it.
I have always parked cars and trucks outside so the bikes can go inside. When we bought our house there was never a question as to where the car and truck would be parked. Some of the bikes in the garage belong to my wife.
Mike excellent points there., and yes the average racer last 2.5years in a study ... kinda scary as i am almost at the end of my 3rd season ., it kinda sticks in the back of my mind.., i would like to do this a long time., but it IS alot of money., but i will always find a way..... thanks
Quote I almost completely bailed out of the sport due to massive debt I incurred in large part because of racing. I raced the '96, '97, '98, & '99 seasons then had to spend the next 2 1/2 seasons trying to recover financially.
I feel so much better after reading this. It is the story of my life! Thank god I'm not the only one...
Thanks, Mike!
The wait is over ;D
Racing stays, and I get the job so who could ask for anything more?
I'm excited I start there in two weeks, and I'm racing this weekend.
Outstanding news Dave! :D
Next month, I too will be switching jobs. A self-actualization sort of thing. At least that's how I help rationalize the pay reduction. I'll continue racing though. Hell, I'll only have done 2 or 3 races by the time the season's over, so there's only up from here.
I'll be seein' you my friend. 8)
H.
QuoteLOL... my response "honey, ther's only 1 dumber question you could ask"...
Being a married guy for the last 13 years.....I knew exactly what that question was. ::)
;D
QuoteOutstanding news Dave! :D
Next month, I too will be switching jobs. A self-actualization sort of thing. At least that's how I help rationalize the pay reduction. I'll continue racing though. Hell, I'll only have done 2 or 3 races by the time the season's over, so there's only up from here.
I'll be seein' you my friend. 8)
H.
Good luck H. and we'll see you at the next Blackhawk round correct?
Ahem...well...er...ah... :-[ It doesn't look so good for the home team to get on out there next month :(
Given that will be at the end of my first week at the new place and the need for a little belt tightening (after all, I want to make the USGP in July), I don't think it'd be too sagacious an idea :'(
I'm definitely on for October 9 & 10 though.
H.
Quotesagacious
Dave Rosno helped me set my sagacious, and now the bike handles much better! ;)
QuoteDave Rosno helped me set my sagacious, and now the bike handles much better! ;)
Oh, a wise guy, eh? Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck ;)
Yeah, that's my new word for the moment.
QuoteAhem...well...er...ah... :-[ It doesn't look so good for the home team to get on out there next month :(
Given that will be at the end of my first week at the new place and the need for a little belt tightening (after all, I want to make the USGP in July), I don't think it'd be too sagacious an idea :'(
I'm definitely on for October 9 & 10 though.
H.
That's alright man, we'll be up there for the October dates, so we'll catch ya then.