JimC wrote:
I think most of us have had the same dream. Nothing wrong with dreaming,
and I think your plan is worth pursuing.

I know and I will - thanks.

Secondly, if you are going to depend on the income from your new
business, it would seem reasonable to me that you ought to get it
started and see how it goes (even if expenses are reduced 50%) before
you commit to an entirely new lifestyle.

I thought I mentioned that I'm looking at a 4 year window - must have
not done that. I'll have a website by the end of the year, and we'll
see from there.

You may be the world's best
photographer, and you may have good contacts, but that doesn't mean your
new business will pay the bills, buy new sails, pay for boat maintenance
and repairs, etc., over an extended period.

It does if I make enough. - But that's the big "IF"

Third, let's assume that you learn to sail and you like it; that your
boat purchase or lease works out; your new business does OK; and you are
finally out of the rat race. - The following may sound like negative
parental advice, but have you included in your formula things like
medical insurance, savings, retirement, etc.?

Yes I have - I'll be able to get self-emplyed insurance o I'll join a
Photo Association and get their plan - which ever is best.My brother
works for Merrill Lynch - I've been investing with him for ~ 500 years
plus my last job's 401 K rolled over into Merrill - And I have over
$10K in my present company's 401K which will go there as soon as I get
a new job - which should be real soon.

Maybe you can give it a try for a few years and then try something else,
but if this is a lifestyle to which you are more or less committing
yourself, I think you should at least know what's involved with those
issues before you make a commitment.

Well it will provide the opportunity for starting my freelance
photography biz.

For example, as boring and
depressing as it may seem now, before you quit your job, check the costs
of full medical coverage for an individual,

Already checked - As a self- eployed person - ~ $400 per month

I'm not saying don't do it. I'm just suggesting that you ought have your
eyes open before you "jump in."


I'm aware of that - been working out of college for the past 13 years -
I would only make a move when it was financially sound to do so.

Then, get a DVD of "Captain Ron" and watch it while drinking a margarita
or two.

Never of heard of it - I'll check it out - thanks.