Hey all,
My name's Gavin. I've been reading the MMM blog for a few years now, but I just joined the community today. I recently decided I need a life change, and I'm asking for advice. I'll lay out my situation below (I hate braggarts and one-uppers, and my intention here is to tell you the complete truth so I can get some honest help and advice).
I'm blessed and I know it. I'm 25 years old, recently married with a 4 year old step-child, living in a small southern Ohio town (with low cost of living). I've always been a saver, so I naturally adopted frugal-minded behavior with little to no resistance. I got through college (state university bachelor's degree in Logistics/Transportation mgmt) with no debt through scholarships and part-time work. I have no mortgage since I bought my house in cash for $43K. I enjoy a 6 minute bike ride to and from work everyday. We're a one car family, using it mainly for church and short trips to family/parks/fun etc. on weekends. And we are also a one income family.
Our expenses are low, compared to the average American household, but so is our household income. Our projected yearly expenses total to around $20-22K. I work at the headquarters of a medium sized housewares retailer as a Purchaser/Inventory Planner. I have an after tax income of $26K/per year. Doing the math, this savings rate does not look good for early retirement, but I know I'm in a great position to start. Here's my problem:
My job is alright, but its definitely not what I want to do with my life. I would love to start my own business, but I can't get past the first step.........actually coming up with a viable, profitable idea. I have so many interests in life (personal finance, nutrition, sustainable living, sports, music, travel, outdoor activities), that I don't know where or even how to start. I know I need to focus on one thing, at least for a time, but I don't want to take too much time to act in the process. I just don't want to wake up one day 30 years from now, still working behind a desk, from 8-5 everyday, wearing a collared shirt staring at a computer (no offense to you who are reading this on your computer, while wearing a collared shirt). Are there other ways to increase my income? Should I look to move to another part of the country......or another country? There is no off switch in my mind, and these thoughts consume me sometimes........is there anyone out there that has felt like this before? If so, did you do anything about it? and what did you do? any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks