How To Change Your Life
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- People often ask me how to change your life. I went through it, and it was not an experience I would wish on anyone. I found happiness after going through a lot of personal struggle, but the source of that struggle was not what you would expect.
Note:
-We do not offer farm tours or accept visitors
-We do not sell from the farm
-We do not ship our farm's products
-We do not sell live animals
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This channel gives wisdom to those that listen
I think Pete tread lightly on the many advantages he had. Owning the land and the equipment are huge, but being the beneficiary of generations of farming knowledge passed on to him as well as mechanical and building skills are as important. Still, it took years to get a foothold. And the ace in the hole is Hillary!
Yes indeed
Agree!
Good marriages make A LOT of good things happen. That's why the world is a mess, there's so few of them.
I did it at 55 and had none of those things but what I did have was a lifetime of not spending money on things I didn't need and no debt.
Yeah having family who farm is a factor that can't be made up for in any other way. How fortunate.
I love attending the "Just a few Acres" school. You learn so much in each class. AND, the teacher is amazing. I'm so glad I found this school of life as seen through the eyes, thoughts and words of Pete the teacher.
@@jonathanleonard1152 qqqqqqqq Q10 11
Pete comes across as just a lovely guy.
I Hated my long term career with a passion, when I left and moved to my own business I endured a year of hell but I wouldn’t go back, never , ever.
Now Life have settled into a comfortable groove after 2 years and we live cheaper, cleaner, safer, calmer, more appreciative and happier and while life isn’t as financially rich as it once was. It’s now a life centred on our children and one another and how we feel think and want to grow and that’s become such a natural and sensible way to live. We sleep well.
Pete, no need for guilt. You put your kids through ‘life’ and taught them resilience. Too many today don’t get to experience change and be able to learn from it in a positive and supportive way.
With all those clocks, you must have a lot of *time* on your hands 😁
In an earlier video, I think he said he used to restore clocks.
Haha I see what u did there
Oh man, you really did that? Lol
😆
I’ve been battling that decision for over 20yrs. Retired from the navy and still in aviation. I’m going to take that leap in December and make a change in my life. Have a great Sunday Pete and stay safe
Best of luck in your endeavors
There is life after aviation!! Trust me.
Good luck with your homesteading future I am sure you will do great. You can slow down and appreciate everything you grow. The flowers will smell better...and your heart will be so full!
We all make mistakes the deal is not to remain in the mud, get up, wash up and do what you have to do to succeed.....this advice is first for me and next for who else needs it! God bless you all!
Thank you for serving our country! Navy all the way.
Pete, you are one of a kind. You are a deeply caring. You truly care about your fellow man. That is a great trait. If we all felt or cared about our fellow people the way you do this world 🌎 world would be a much better place. Thanks 🙏 for this great video about your life and what you have learned along your journey in it. Bless you my friend.
And a "Second Motion" on that!
Yes, it's easy to see when someone just lays all the cards on the table so humbly.
Pete you are the only youtuber around imparting life lesson and homesteading. Loved you content as always
We grow through struggles. You are a great example of that.
Thank you!!! I see so many homesteader videos just pushing people to "do it" without planning and thought. I hope people listen, your blueprint is right.
I love this video!!! In my mid 50’s, my company changed and I had to retire early or die of depression and that feeling of selling my soul for the mighty bottom line. But, once I did retire, I felt such relief and happiness. No longer dreading Sunday evenings as I thought of work the next day. All your videos inspire me! Keep up the great work!👍
My husband and I upended our 3 boys, 8, 12 and 13 and moved to the farm in a small community. Sure there were a lot of losses like financial, friends, and a career in a cubicle. What we gained was far more valuable. We became part of a small community, had neighbors that cared, made life long friends and took pride in our ability to grow our own food and raise animals.
Yes my 13 year old snarkily sang Green Acres as we drove dirt roads in the pig truck. The 1st Christmas our 8 year old city boy opened his Christmas gift, a pair of coveralls, and said, "What am I supposed to do with these?" (I think you know how he said it.) Dad said, "I'll show you". Working together on the farm was a valuable experience and the work was hard and we have so many memories. It was the best place to raise kids.
I'm sure the farm is why they all went to college and got degrees in engineering and biology so they could go work in that cubicle some where, never lifting shovel again. But we gave them grandma's favorite spade that turned the dirt in her garden, the violin grandpa played at the big family gatherings on the farm and the quilt made from his work shirts where they slept well after a hard day's work. They cherish them. Some day they will be calling them.
That's good parenting 👍
My Son was a Nuclear Engineer. When he lost his job he was thinking he could find another job. No one would hire him. His Wife started working. He applied every where and no one would hire him. He lost his house and moved in with me with his family. He then lost everything. He now is a House Husband. He takes care of the kids, our house and helps me with the house. He went through a drastic change of life. He loves his kids, his wife for working and me. He now knows that life goes on and you do the best you can with what you have. We are pore, but happy. God bless you for telling us what you went through. It gave me the courage to tell you of my wonderful Son.
Don’t worry Madam Mullican, nothing is over. Life has its ups and downs. Your son is healthy, isn’t he? He can still make the difference!! Best wishes for success and prosperity! Kostas from Greece..
I can relate to your story on many levels. And now, at 67 years old, my wife and I have been on our farm for 10 years, and it has been a great adventure. That change from successful contractor, to hired hand where I learned to farm, was as difficult mentally as you describe. But so worth it in the end. There will be no shoulda coulda here, thank goodness, and , like you , I encourage all to try. Thank you.
"The world needs more happiness and sometimes we have to go through a whole lot of hurt to get there." That says so much, Pete, and is so true. Your humility and authenticity always shine through and make your videos as helpful and compelling as they are. The Thoreau was the perfect conclusion and spot on. Thanks, Pete!
My mother used to say, "Nothing good ever comes easily." Really glad you found your happy place.
Hey Pete, this is Josh. So my wife Laken and I have been bendge watching, your channel lately. We haven't made the leap to try to support the family off our small farm yet, but I guess that's a ultimate goal at some point. We just watched this video, about your "wondering" period, and my wife was amazed.... She recently left a high paying job with an exssive amount of responsibilities to become a stay at home mom while I still work full time. We do the small goat farm, and chores in the afternoons most days when I get home. The goat farm is pretty much her idea but it could prove profitable over time. We love your videos and are grateful for the advice you put in your videos. Thanks Pete.
Good job Pete. I went through a similar transition about 2013. My wife and I own and operate a beef cow operation in North central Montana. I moved here in 1966 with my parents. In comparison to my old job I tell people " the cash flow is different, but the rewards are greater". Keep up the good work.
We have been planning financially for 5yrs to buy the land to start a farm. In the process I found out I have a brain tumor. It kicked us many steps back. We are struggling our way ahead, it's working out slowly. there is no map, or guide. We are hoping our goals work out somewhat to plan and in 2-3yrs we can begin the search for the right land to begin our small farm venture. In the mean time I keep renting a little land, buying, and fixing up equipment so when the day comes we can hit the ground rolling.
Oh my goodness! Are you okay now? You must really be strong and determined to survive a brain tumor. Bless Your Heart!
@@believeinyourself7511 I'm living with my tumor, it has some affect on me. I'm working within my ability to reach my goals.
@@davelawson2564 no chemo or radiation for me. I've done a little bit of diet change, cut out as much processed foods as possible. Growing it myself or buying locally raised type foods.
Sending positive vibes .
@@BillTheTractorMan I understand.
just got pushed off that cliff by my husbands lung transplant. All the status I had in my job dwindled and I had to learn the way of the caregiver. Now he is stable but I no longer want or need to work 80 hours a week. Time for some self discipline to transition into something that I love. Thank you Pete for making this puzzling time so clear.
Be careful with what you choose. I started a tour company first and it made very little money. I ran it in parallel with my other company. It paid its own way but I could not have lived off the income it produced. The tour company was fun; but the money was tight in it. I refused to bail it out with the main company and shut it down after 5 years.
@@davidrobertson606 I have retirement income with minimal debt so I plan on making tapestries for self fulfillment. If they sell so much the better. Thank you so much for the input and for caring!
All your videos are incredible! This might be the best! Thank You!!!
Thanks for your comments Pete. You are a light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you for being so honest and talking about the struggles you had to overcome, and the importance of your partner. It was all worth it, you look so much happier now that you found your purpose.
Thanks for sharing your story, Pete. It is surprisingly familiar to me. I also had a "mid-life transition", but I went from a blue-collar job in residential remodeling to a white-collar job in IT at 41 years old. Although I had accumulated a wealth of building trades knowledge and skills, I didn't feel like I was going to ever achieve an income level above the struggling-to-survive point without starting my own company, and I'm not really the entrepreneurial type. I started college at 38, earned my bachelor's in IT at 41, and changed careers. It's been 10+ years now, I still work for the same company that I started with, my income has tripled, I work completely from home now, I really enjoy my work as a database administrator (I consider myself a digital mechanic), my wife doesn't have to work anymore, and I'm just so much happier and feel more secure than I used to. We've always had a small hobby farm, but use it to support our self-sustainability goals, not to provide an income source. I think its interesting that it takes some people years or even decades to find their groove, but I'm glad we found ours and I really enjoy your videos and your willingness to share your knowledge in a friendly and personal format. Keep up the great work!
Thank you! We are transitioning. I work full time on the homestead, hubby works full time "in town". Your story gives a lot of insight to the mental strain this can all take.
I transition twice. I always knew from a young age, I wanted to spend 20 years in the military. I kept myself debt free. I got a masters degree and did that for twenty years and retired again and started a small business. When I felt secure, I finally retired and have enjoyed every day sense.
Great message! While my transition to retirement was ideal, my crisis happened about 30+ years ago in the 1980's. With the never-ending support of my partner, and a belief that life could be better, I rose from the ashes (not-literally) and built a new life. The 2 pieces of insight (maybe wisdom) I discovered and relied on were (1) tomorrow is always a new opportunity and (2) when making changes, change only 10% at a time. Try to build on whatever strength (competence) you already have.
Pete, in these trying times, your message is very much needed. Cheers.
Thank you for this. As someone who is starting all over again after finding and being forced out of my dream job it's nice to hear this from someone else who has gone through it.
The industrial/government treadmill can chew you up and spit you out. I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to try and make a real difference for America and its well being, as well as for my family. Your experience gives me hope that people who value rural community are not just jousting at windmills.
Pete, what a video! I've struggled with similar feelings for years. I'm a state trooper and can retire in 24 months. I've done what most have done, purchase now a nd pay later. I feel I don't have the financial means to start my small farm. I'm not giving up. The video was a huge boost. I appreciate you sharing your journey.
Hello Carey, I am in a similar situation. Please feel free to let me know if you would like to exchange information to discuss further.
My father rented a farm when I was a kid.
This is what most new small business owners go through. It's hard and takes guts, lots of support from family and friends, but people do it all the time. It doesn't matter if you're selling chicken or hardware, the personal characteristics necessary to become successful are the same. Personally, I think you all are the backbone of America and should be very proud of yourselves.
“A mid-life crisis is worrying that you miss something from your youth and trying to get it back into your life.” Fact is Pete, you did have fond memories of that farm from your youth and yes, you were trying to get it back into your life. It definitely was a mid-life crisis but thank god you followed your gut and made the change. It took a lot of courage. Thanks for being so honest about your transition.
Much respect to you, Pete, this can't have been an easy video to make. I hit a wall like you, but much younger, at age 28. Woke up one morning and I just couldn't do it any more, I'd borrowed energy from the bank to keep going and there was nothing left.
I was lost for a year, and I only survived through dumb luck: I found a job I hadn't known existed but was much more suited to my strengths and weaknesses. You built your way back, and I admire that.
Bless your heart! For many years every day I drove to work I wanted to just keep going, never to look back. Every day. . .for YEARS. Finally the good Lord got me into a better place. I had tried everything I could think of. Nothing I did worked. Prayers work!
"You'll know when it's time" - cue all the clocks to start striking!
Pete, excellent video. We hit that wall several years ago too. My wife was a band and orchestra director and after a couple temporary changes, went through culinary school to be a chef. It was challenging for us. I kept soldiering on through my own job to support us but knew I was down the wrong path too. 4 years ago we started our small farming operation. This year it's meeting 1/2 our living expenses and growing. We are currently using rented land and improving it but we hope to buy our own land in the future. You explained what I felt 7 or 8 years ago better than I could have. It wasn't a midlife crisis, it was the wrong path. In hindsight though, it wasn't the "wrong path", I worked retail those years and gained valuable skills I use all the time now that we sell microgreens and produce at farmer's markets and to restaurants. We will be adding a Dexter or 2 into our operation in the near future (I used to dairy farm Jersey cows) for manure, meat, and milk. Thank you so much for this video and your willingness to put your own farm life out here for all of us to see.
It is hard to fully appreciate how much you add to the world when you are actively adding to it, and I think that this is definitely the case with you. I'm glad you shared your continuing feelings of self-doubt; it would be very strange if those dreams didn't still come to you. I don't suggest that those feelings should evaporate completely, but I would like to remind you that the energy you are putting into the world is having huge impacts now and into the future. For every comment in this space, there are ten more people whose lives have been silently and positively impacted by your thoughts and experiences shared here. Your children, although the path may be rocky, will come to a place where they look on this mountain you moved for them and their community, and will stand back in awe. Continue sharing your true story (not just a narrative, like many do), and especially keep sharing your hopes and fears with your family and close friends. You are actively rewriting the human story, one person and one view at a time. Don't underestimate the cumulative effects you are having on the world - you can't measure it by views or likes. Only by hearts moved - and that has not yet been mined via algorithm, thankfully.
Pete while listen to you talk today it really reminded me of Suddenly becoming a WIDOW.my husband dropped dead we were married 44 years . An WOW what a life change that is.i do realize yet that in a way it’s not the same. THANKFULLY financially I’m pretty secure.l have been a widow now for 12 yrs.now at the age of 78. But besides that I watch your channel all the time.I was raised on a farm myself. I love you channel may God bless you as you and your family continues on in life!
I am deeply touched by your care, openness, and vulnerability. I was forced in the same way, with only my kids. Took years, kids had a lot of pressure, thank goodness we came out better at the other side. It is not for the faint of heart. I wish a lot of people will make it to the end just fine. We all need a happier society.
Thank you for this very true video. I was on my cliff after 23 years of a very high stress successful government executive job. Seizures decided my path. After 2 nervous breakdowns and 4 seizures all from stress, I had no other choice. Losing my identity and purpose was horrible and yes, it still haunts me. However, thankfully my granddaughter who lives with me, understood and we are going forward finding our way together. God bless you and your family.
Ms. Thomas, good on you. Wishing you much happiness and fulfillment in your next chapter! Hug your granddaugther tight.
Thank you for this, I left my job August 1, 2021. There are so many things to wrap up that I have put off for years. We bought an old farm and plan to start slow. There are so many farm advice videos out there. Some good some no so. The more I watch yours, the more at ease we get. Hopefully that makes sense. Thank you.
It makes total sense.
As someone who lost their job of 21 years apparently cause of the "virus" it is very true that I had no clue what to do with myself. its not just a "job" its more of a career, now I have zero use for the work knowledge I gained in my everyday life. it is interesting indeed, your video really resonates with me. have a great day :)
Love the video, there is nothing depressing about it at all. Always loved your honesty and direct approach. Every advice given in this video is straight to the point. My husband and I are closing on our 27 acres farm next Friday and I can definitely relate to some of those feelings and fears. Thanks for another awesome video Pete.
I think the best way to get the point across is nothing worth having in life is going to be easy. You have to work, very hard, to achieve and maintain any set goal.
You have given me hope.
I lost my job a couple of years back and took a backseat in my life not really knowing what I wanted to do. As I watched videos on youtube I was rekindled with my love for farming and started watching all I could consume. But with no means to do anything because by then Covid was a thing.
Meanwhile I managed to contract some different illnesses, some that will require surgery.
But listening to you speak about the hardship and the way you got lost made me have faith I can find a way back.
Thank you Pete
Your ability to break things down and teach us all some great things is amazing.
Well said Pete, I’ve been transitioning for the past 4 years into running a cow calf operation. You sure do need a bunch of support around you to weather the storms. But the satisfaction from doing what I love does help get me through my days working part time
Pete, thank you for this video. I’m 61 years old after 36 years I have two weeks left on my job and wondering myself how to handle the transition from 12 hour days to open ended time. I know it’s going to be a challenge but your thoughts have definitely weighed on my decisions to stay active, focus on what I want to do in life and make the most out of my remaining days. I look at as a new journey in life. I found your channel last year and look forward to every video. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
God Bless! That's a message that needs to be heard and understood by those considering major life changes. I did the same thing, the same way that you describe. Just not to farming. Was successful IT Executive that completely burned myself out. 60 to 70 hours work weeks for years on end. Came to the end of my rope and had to make a change. Decided to completely re-tool and become a Financial Advisor (Stock Broker). Scared my wife and family to death but they supported me 100%. The decision definitely placed a huge financial and personal burden on us. It took 4 years to get back to where we were financially and for me to feel like I was whole again. We were blessed by the change and found a way to start transitioning into farming as a plan for early retirement. Now at that point and looking back we are so thankful for the decisions that we made. Thanks Pete for laying it out there for all to see. Takes a special person to share the way you do.
I get told that all the time I'm 15 and never have any luxury I paid half my laptop and almost bought my first vehicle cause I've been working on a farm and my private snow shoveling business I've been saving money I'm hoping after collage and that I'll be able to get a farm even if it's it's small 2 acre farm
Congratulations alexander,
You are a successful person!
Thank you Pete. You are an amazing person. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey.
Pete, thank you for sharing your experience. I caught your videos by accident a while back and now watch them every day. You have taught me so much. I thought I was a hard working single dad raising my two boys by myself but seeing how hard you work has made me realize I can do more. My dad has never really been involved in my life so hearing your wisdom is helping me in many ways. I'm amazed at what you have accomplished and aspire to be like you in my own way with my own little family. Thank you so much
Love your videos. I can really relate. Retired from teaching a decade ago. ONE. OF. THE. BEST. DECISIONS. I. EVER. MADE!! Very good perspectives. No I’m not a farmer. But my experience was quite similar to yours. Thank you for your vulnerability and transparency. Blessings ✝️ to you and your family.
I know something about your journey. I had to reinvent myself after 22 years Army. The Army had me doing medical. But while I was doing medical, I learned that I really enjoyed counseling and career planning with Soldiers. So that is what I do out in the civilian world now. My family had to go through that journey with me too. I'll never deny my wife the credit for hanging in there.
Sometimes you've gotta get lost to find your way. Thanks for continuing to spread your wisdom and kindness, Pete!
Pete, thanks for been so transparent.
I appreciate you and your family.
Thank you!! In 17 minutes you have validated exactly what I went through, and took my family through when I left the army and yes it is every bit as tough as you describe. I went from a highly regulated environment where there was no need to make decisions about your day to one where you have to make every decision. A tough change but I survived and more importantly my family survived.
I was divorced at age 50 and went through the things you talked about because I had to start over again.Retired at age 62 and now have been retired for 28 years and still miss my married life but am able to function at about 40% emotionally.Like your videos very much.
Wow, what an eye opener. I am close to the cliff you spoke of and the feelings are strong. Success/failure, the unknown and lack of controls to what may come is almost debilutating at times. Thank you for this insight as I thought it was a lonely process.
Thank you for your story, my wife and I have been building our market farm for 3 years now. Started with nothing. Took out a personal loan to buy 3 acres, no water, electricity, or building. We hauled water 20 minutes from home until we put in a pond. 2 yrs of drought. This year we flooded 3 times. Lost half of our crops each time. Lost our sweetcorn to raccoons, lost our tool shed to high winds, twice. Deer, rabbits, and groundhogs, eat more than we sell. We spend more time and money on infrastructure than we farming. I go straight to the farm after working 11 hour shifts and an hour drive each way.
We have spent our life savings to acquire a dream. So that we could get away from our jobs that we hate. More me than my wife. Did I forget to mention the weeds and insects we deal with being an organic farm. We have worked hard to make this work. We are not there yet. But hard work is starting to pay off.
We have 186 lbs of pasture raised chicken in the freezer, another 34 birds on pasture. Quail and rabbit in the freezer, and a pantry full of canned vegitables. We now only shop once a month for essentials. We now have water, electricity, a small barn, and a 64 foot greenhouse, and are getting ready to build another. Sales are getting better, but cant quit the day job until we are out of debt. (Which we weren't in before we started the farm...lol) farming is hard work and expensive to get into. I will not give up. I also feel the guilt that I put my wife through all off this. I tell her I'm sorry at least once a week. She dosen't understand why I apologize. Says we are in this together. She is my rock. I would have given up long ago if it weren't for her. Guess what I'm saying is thank a farmer everytime you eat. And especially thank a farmers wife. She is the real backbone of the operation.
Hi Steve,
I wish you to have strength (physical and mental) to continue your efforts and fights against all the problems you are facing now. Things will get better, I know they will... Kostas from Greece...
I was a professional Fire Department Captain, parent, spouse. Within six years I lost my marriage (due to decisions and choices I had to make for my own happiness), lost my career (due to injury), and ended with very strained relationships with my children. I’ve had to rebuild myself, too. Like you, I still dream about my old career every week. I still deal with the loss of sense of self. I still deal with guilt in regard to my family. I’m working my way into a new job field, and trying to build that new life and new self. It’s not easy.
Thanks for sharing your struggles with us, Pete.
Best wishes Anna...Have faith and keep trying...Kostas from Greece..
I know you are a standup person just this video proves that. I am going through these changes right now. I have 140 acre farm that is partially leased out. I am having dozer work done now my youngest will be 18 this week and a senior in high school. I'm hoping to make my transition next year. So scary to quit 6 figure job but you are right when you say you know when it is time wish me luck. You have been a positive force in my life. Thank you Pete
For some of us who realistically will never own a farm, doing some fun hobby things is a way to do something that brings fulfillment. I am blessed to have a large backyard that backs onto green space. I am building my flower beds, my garden, planting a couple of fruit trees and when I retire I plan on my three backyard chickens. For those that actually work a farm, taking that leap of faith…hats off to you. Peter and many others are an inspiration to doing what you love even with the bumpy road ahead and leaving the security of a static job.
I retired 20 years ago as a school principal and teacher. Your Sunday homily this week made me realize how very fortunate people are who loved their careers from day one. Forest Gump, the movie, was on tv this weekend and like Forest, you are full of wisdoms and insights and common sense. Your box of chocolates held no unexpected surprises due to good planning on your part. I wish you and your family much happiness on the few acres farm.
Many things you spoke of have also paralleled in my life. Almost uncanny when I hear you talk about your life experiences and how I can easily relate. Well said Pete.
Sheds light on some things I went through. I remember thinking “what is wrong with me?” Many times. Changing your life is HARD. Fortunately, I got through it (mostly, there’s always something!) It would have been nice to have heard this then.
Good talk. I took the part time farmer leap about five years ago after about 15 years of being deeply stressed and unhappy. The farm was one of those things I had wanted when I was a kid, but a 90's kid was always told that Ag was not a viable career or life option. The secret they said was good grades, college, family, and a job but all I got from that path was structured unhappiness, debt, and compromising my moral code to navigate to whatever larger market success meant. Moving to the farm wasn't a non stressful thing but it did improve my life as a step. As goofy as it sounds covid was the largest gain that was good for me. My city job went to work from home permanently which planted me at the farm 24/7 but the other thing it did was isolation stripped away all those stories I had told myself about who I was, what mattered, where I fit into the world, and how I relate to happiness and the life I built for myself. It also shoved accountability squarely back on my own shoulders and eyeballs.
Gosh, Pete, thank you for sharing the ups and downs of your personal journey. You are a brave man, and you have the best family -- I think that their belief in you gave you the power to press on. Congratulations!
Wow, that was from the heart.
I am transitioning from a design/ build career as well. And, as you say, it’s tough in all of the ways you mention, and in all of the ways that you cannot. Thanks for telling your story.
Having spent some of my childhood around family farms, watching you is like having a time machine. And it almost like being there, except that my back doesn’t hurt.
All my best.
Pete 18 years ago I my wife an I decided that we wanted to live a rural /country life so we decided to purchase 110 acres of land 30 miles east of Dallas TX. While I never really contemplated leaving my job to pursue farming full time, I was able to see early on, pursuing farming was a life style that would be profoundly different that what I was accustom to as an engineer. I see that you decided to throw out the baby and the wash at the same time to pursue farming and that is one way to do it. I chose to do it part time balancing work and free time to building a small Hay business over many year. Regardless of which way you decide to do it. This kind of decision is a life changing thing. From your video I gather that you have regrets about your decision and how it might have impacted your family. I have to tell you that I have some of the same feelings having done it the part time way. But I am happy we purchased our property and I am also happy I decided to pursue hay farming. Not because it was the core of who I was in the past, I grew up in the inner city. I am happy we decided to do it because it has made me who I am today. I am happy because of the experiences farming has brought to my life and the people i have met in the process.
Sure farming is difficult and there are many uncertainties in it with very small monetary rewards but I enjoy the satisfaction of working the land and making it yield its bounty. I have never come close to making a living like you and many other real farmers have to do each day. However I can see my self retired in a few months with something exciting and fulfilling to do each day on a piece of Gods' green earth which he has trusted me to care for.
Take care my friend and realize that the decision you made many years ago looks good on you. It has help make you the kind, helpful person you are today. You might have also gotten there in your other profession, but you did not decide to do it that way.
Pete,
Thank you for sharing with me, and your audience, you’re very real and important feelings about life in general and obligations we all have.
Well, I made a career change late in life, and I can say there weren’t a lot of supporters nearby. I had a lot of people saying that I should just “stick it out“ and then do something later. “Later,” maybe too late. I am certainly not one to give others advice on this topic. These are personal things. But what I did know for myself, is that I was going to have a new career work one way or another. I may have been defeated in a few battles, but I did not lose the war. Pete, you have a wonderful TH-cam video channel. Thank you for everything. My best to you and the family.
That was one hell of a share. Thank you. You have given us all a fair bit to consider.
Hi Pete, I've been subscribed for a month or so now. I want to thank you for the all the work you do to post your content. It's great to see that after such a huge life change you are now seeing a level of success and happiness. You seem incredibly content with your new life. God bless you and keep up the good work!
I loved my job as a locomotive engineer for 18 years...however, the last year has been really difficult. This series about your experiences has been inspiring and has made me think hard about my future. I do know I have a great wife to get through this rough patch and that goes far.
I still have nightmares of going to classes in college. Sometimes I ask myself upon waking whether I've finished all my classes or not.
I didn't find this to be a depressing video at all. In fact, quite the opposite. You recognized you were unhappy and you made the hard changes necessary to find a more fulfilling life. That is an incredible takeaway message. You mentioned the lasting effects your decisions had on your children - I would also add that you provided a real-life example of the importance of following your dreams and being willing to work incredibly hard to achieve them. Thank you for this video, Pete. And thank you for being the wonderful, patient teacher you are.
When I was 40 I bought and moved, from Connecticut, to a dairy farm in Minnesota. Because I brought a Jersey herd with me, from Maine, I was cash flowing and making some money immediately. Not much, but something. I also had money in the bank. Your point about the marriage is spot on. Moving to a farm was not my wife's dream and she was not a risk taker. It wore on the marriage and eventually fell apart down the road. In the early 90s the economy on the East coast was terrible to moving to the farm was actually not a bad idea. The land was dirt cheap and has appreciated 12 fold, though I sold before that level of appreciation. Advice to newbies: If spouse not on board, don't do it. Or sell started plants out of your backyard until she can see some potential. PS I have an old Seth Thomas. Can you recommend a repair book?
Thankyou for sharing the hard parts of your journey. I think what you shared today is invaluable to all of us, no matter where we find ourselves
Excellent message just at the right time! Thanks, Pete, for sharing your journey with us. As hard as your transition into farming has been on your kids, don’t forget that you’ve given them the gift of witnessing resilience. That chance to observe and be a part of your process is precious.
Much wisdom and valuable insight in this commentary. You should be a motivational speaker.
Pete, I how you opened a lot of people’s minds and eyes to see what a routine people get themselves into and can’t find away out, or don’t know what to expect if they do try to change their life style . Thanks for being so straight forward with what you and your family went through.
This is my favorite episode. I went from being Farm hand help to being an aerial applicator and this is so relateable.
Thanks Pete you hit out of the park with this one.
Thanks for sharing my friend! Many people are going through that right now. Although you took a wrong turn many years ago you found the courage and determination to get on the right path for you and your family! And hats off to your wife who stuck with you! Im very happy for you and your family. May your days only get better and better for you and your family. God bless!
Pete love your honesty. Also like to tell you now you look so much younger and healthier than ever before so you are doing the right thing. Congratulation and give a big hug to your lovely wife. True partner. Enjoyed watching your story.
Many thanks for sharing! Possibly my favorite…even over the MD restoration and haying videos! :) Great words of wisdom that are relevant to anyone going through a career/life change, farming or not. Very much appreciate this video!
My grandparent had the exact same clock over you left shoulder. Thank you for the videos. They are helpful as I recently get a property.
Take care,
Lee
As always with you, honesty! Thank you Pete, you have become my favorite TH-camr. Keep up the great content.
Perfect storm...existential crisis+middle age crisis+spiritual crisis+identity crisis...maybe mixed in with a personal crisis.
I’m glad you walked through all those doors that apply; you’re a stronger more compassionate man for it.
Hi Pete, I have been wanting to have a small homesteading lifestyle for many years. As the years continue to go up, my age becomes a concern due to the fact, I would have to start from zero knowledge and zero experience. While I have a positive mindset and am rooted in sensibility, starting with where we are at will be essential, when we do. I really appreciate your honest grounded videos, as well as your perceptions and dad jokes hahaha. My life experience is city life, not farming life and there are realities I would never consider with farming life, so thank you for sharing your wisdom!!!
I picked the wrong career and spent the next 25 years throwing up in the car on the way to work. Then one night a kid ran a light and t-boned my car and my life changed in an instant. Suddenly I couldn't work at my job anymore and although I was ok financially, as you say, it was a complete surprise how invested my ego was in my career even though I hadn't enjoyed a minute of it. It took a couple of years before a new life emerged but now several years on it's so much more emotionally comfortable than that old one was. Thanks for your words, helping people make their lives more authentic.
I could listen to you all day, far from depressing, I always feel good after watching you, keep up the good work.
I think you are more successful than 99% of people out there that get stuck in a carreer and just accept being miserable. Thanks for "exposing your soul' on this decision and providing some excellent advice! "Save, prepare, and plan..." - simple but highly important!
It's hilarious that a farmer, living on the rhythm of the land, the animals and nature, has a house full of clocks! Great!
I grew up on a mini farm w 200 pigs - 6 horses - chickens- 4 cows for beef - bailed hay in the summers and went w my dad a lot of times selling field corn to the mill in the fall. Great memories❤️
Truly appreciate your wisdom!
I am a new rancher in California just getting our start in raising cattle. I am leasing the land to run my cattle due to high land cost near the Bay Area and your videos have helped me immensely along my path, I am not the typical Californian I do not have nor come from money so seeing the older equipment and how it operates has been invaluable and I am planning on following your feed schedule in the pastures to minimize feed costs during this drought. I could go on for hours about everything I’ve learned and I want to say I am truly grateful for you and your family. The struggle is real!
Glad that beards gone Pete.. :-)
As usual, you hit the most important details to consider... We become who our business card says we are. Society wants to know our business card title, NOT our self. You have to be amazingly secure in self to go without the cloak that is a title. I can still be triggered and it's been four years since I left a job as CFO of major business to become a rideshare driver. People thought I had lost my ever lovin mind. I would pick up business men from the airport and I'd want to yell, "you know I was somebody once, too!"....it is tough, tough, tough.
You are still somebody. Wise enough to leave, strong enough to take the leap. Remember how unhappy you were. Sit in your contented stress free life and revel in it.
I started my small farm about 8 years ago with just 500 bucks in my pocket, my family and I ate nothing but chicken legs for a year because I was selling all my other meat and products just to stay afloat.
Still dead broke, but I eat steak whenever i want now!... plus Im happier then a pig in mud! So is my family, Wouldnt change a thing!...maybe a a few more toys for helping around the farm. Getting a little tired of mucking out the big barn with a wheelbarrow mind you, but a billion times better then a daily commute in the city!
Thanks Pete for discussing the realities of making this transition. It encourages me to think through the details as we consider this path for our family.