An unexpected change in plans - RV-Dreams Community Forum

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

An unexpected change in plans

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

NWescapee wrote:
And, to top it all off, if an employee is going to relocate to maintain their job, the company wants them to relocate to the 2 main hubs for our division, Pontiac MI or Plano TX. NOT all desirable locations. So for now, I have to revert to my former work office in Bellevue WA as a starting point. My boss is going to bat for me, and has been trying to get an exception but HR is just not bending on this.

Oh well, If the job don't fit your lifestyle, move on and find something else where the employer can work around your lifestyle. Or better yet find something, you the employee, can work around the employer. Employee's now a days expect the employer to do too much accommodating and adjusting their business to satisfy the employee.

I guess one should be grateful to have a good job. Most don't have and would likely be grateful to have a good employer and a full time job.

It may be there way of "Weeding" with the way of the economy.

-- Edited by TRAILERKING on Monday 15th of June 2015 10:12:21 AM

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

It sounds like you have the right attitude. Find a spot to park, go to work and sort through what makes sense. Depending on your job, maybe you can find a position with another company that will let you work remotely?

Worse case is it might delay your travel plans a few years...

Good luck!

dianneandsteve · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sorry to hear of your dilemma Ruth. If you seriously threaten to leave would they maybe make an acception? With your talents perhaps there will be another opportunity come your way allowing you to work remotely.

So far our first work camping gig at times has been hard work but very enjoyable and rewarding. I know something like this would be a huge drop in income but there are lots of opportunities out there to help top up the bank account allowing you to continue this lifestyle.

Good luck!

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Maybe I'm not allowed to state this anymore; but put it in your Spiritual Advisers hands and take the burden off yourselves! It works believe me and when you read my previous posts you will understand. If you keep getting no for an answer than it's because there are better results coming! I struggle still at times but when I give in and just let go and let what is suppose to happen; happen.
Know matter what; I hope for the best for you both!

Trikester · RV-Dreams Family Member

“We’re going through the whole process of evaluating all our options, trying not to rush into anything we will later regret.”

Sounds wise to me. Whatever you decide will have long-term consequences. So, my only suggestion is to take the time available and stick with the wisdom inherent in the above quote. Don’t be driven from behind (in this case, that would mean submitting yourself to an inner pressure toward closure), as the RV driving school folks put it.

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Oh, Ruth!! <<< HUGS >>> You guys have been through soooo much. If I ever thought my plans were made in bubbles, yours are as much, if not more. What a bomb to be dropped.

I have to agree with Pieere. I firmly believe things happen for a reason. Certainly, a lot of your decision will depend on what your finances are like; for example, whether you can afford to live on the road while establishing another career which, I'm sure with your talents and skills, you can find something to do (i.e. can you be a consultant or is there another passion you'd like to follow instead?).

I know it's hard to decide whether to follow your heart or your mind, but let your Higher Power be your guide. I'm sure whatever path you choose, it will be for the best.

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

PIEERE wrote:
Maybe I'm not allowed to state this anymore; but put it in your Spiritual Advisers hands and take the burden off yourselves! It works believe me and when you read my previous posts you will understand. If you keep getting no for an answer than it's because there are better results coming! I struggle still at times but when I give in and just let go and let what is suppose to happen; happen.
Know matter what; I hope for the best for you both!

I have to echo Pieere's sentiments. We've been dealing with getting "no for an answer" ourselves this week, although on a much less life changing scale than yours. We recently put a deposit on a MH that seemed perfect to us. We have no plans to be fulltimers, but really want to be part time in a few years when Jeff retires. Long story short, we found out it's virtually impossible to finance a 15 year old motorhome at anything that resembles reasonable terms. While we could afford the payment, it would put a damper on our longer term goals. So the universe is obviously telling us "no." Bummer, but we'll get our deposit back and regroup. We have to remind ourselves to keep an eye on the long term plan and to not put it at risk for the short term pleasure of weekends in the RV.

BTW, I took a shot at early retirement a few years ago and tried making a go of it with workkamping gigs. While I enjoyed the work and the adventure, after about a year it became obvious that I was not financially ready to take that leap. So back up and regroup. It's all worked out for the best although it was disappointing at the time. I have no idea what your financial situation is, but if you had planned to work a few more years, that still might be the best plan. Live in the RV, be more stationary and work out the remaining planned time with weekends and vacation trips. You would have a bit of an advantage already being in the RV. But only you guys can decide that. Like I said early, take your time and don't make any quick decisions.

gypsymaus · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ckerr wrote:
Long story short, we found out it's virtually impossible to finance a 15 year old motorhome at anything that resembles reasonable terms. While we could afford the payment, it would put a damper on our longer term goals. So the universe is obviously telling us "no." Bummer, but we'll get our deposit back and regroup. We have to remind ourselves to keep an eye on the long term plan and to not put it at risk for the short term pleasure of weekends in the RV.

Have you tried a credit union? USAA loans on older rigs and we got ours done through my husband's credit union from a former employer on a 1995 rig in 2011.

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes, checked with several CCs. We originally planned to get a home equity loan. Our house is paid for and appraises around $300K. Figured no problem to borrow $45K. Unfortunately hubby has a foreclosure on credit from ex wife and since it is only 2 years ago when it finally finalized, no one wants to do a loan other than at outrageous rates even though his credit score is in the 700s. Makes no sense, but after the mortgage implosion a few years ago, logic and making good loans has gone out the window. So we'll just wait. He worked too hard to recover from the mess of the ex wife to mess it up because we can't wait for a little fun.

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ruth,

The key is not to rush as you have said. Go static and re-evaluate in 6 months or a year, while you live the static life.

gypsymaus · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ckerr wrote:
Yes, checked with several CCs. We originally planned to get a home equity loan. Our house is paid for and appraises around $300K. Figured no problem to borrow $45K. Unfortunately hubby has a foreclosure on credit from ex wife and since it is only 2 years ago when it finally finalized, no one wants to do a loan other than at outrageous rates even though his credit score is in the 700s. Makes no sense, but after the mortgage implosion a few years ago, logic and making good loans has gone out the window. So we'll just wait. He worked too hard to recover from the mess of the ex wife to mess it up because we can't wait for a little fun.

I know how it is when you want something really badly and as the fellow posters have said it is not always in our time. I hope it happens soon for you. :)

-- Edited by gypsymaus on Monday 15th of June 2015 04:29:35 PM

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks all for the replies. We're crunching numbers and trying to figure this out. My boss did give me an exception to continue some limited travel through this calendar year for the art shows we already have booked for Dale, especially those that have non-refundable fees already incurred. So, at least through September we'll be able to continue traveling about 1/3 of our time, then static until December when we have to decide if the trip to AZ is feasible knowing we have to return to WA.

Lots of thinking and "what if" analysis ahead of us.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ruth,

Sorry to hear this from you, but corporations can be like wrestling a bear. (No, I've never wrestled one, and furthermore, I don't plan on it.)

Your Mobile Suites will work fine for living the "static" RV'er lifestyle. We did it for three years in Oklahoma City until we retired with no problems. We're doing it again to be with family in Colorado for a few years (maybe just two more), and then we'll do more traveling.

If you think you could do early retirement in 3 years and be financially stable, I don't see the three years as a problem. We've been comfortable in our MS 2010 38TKSB3 (same as yours) in temperatures between -6 degrees and 115 degrees. Now, it early retirement required going 7 years, that "might" be a bit more troubling, but Jo and I have no issues with living in our Mobile Suites for years to come.

Terry

Hdrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

Like others have said, don't make any knee-jerk decisions that you might regret. Live out the year and keep thinking about what might work. Keep an ear out for other opportunities and if nothing comes up and you are not in the position to retire by the end of the year just roll with the punches until something changes or comes up.
A couple good things are you have been living the life style for 2 years and really know what you need to continue, unlike all of us were at the beginning trying to guess on just what it would really cost. So you truly can make an educated decision.
And secondly you have lived the life style for 2 years, something that many people can only hope to do at all. Every one of us that entered this life style did so knowing that we could be forced off the road at any time. But even if this ended your fulltime life style you did at least experience it in your lifetime. Even though I'm sure that if anything it will just be a temporary break for you guys. Stay positive, I know, easier said than done.

Lonney Wade · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ruth, all I can say is put the Lord first, as they say if one door closes, one door will open, just be at that door when you see a crack.
I'm just waiting on my driver's license, it could be worse, I have no job, can't work, can't drive, just waiting for the cold to come in, I will put my faith in the Lord and take the first step on faith, if I fall, it was meant to be, he will be there, you have come a long way, God bless you.

Lonney

2riker2go · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm sure this must have come as a huge shock and disappointment. I was thinking that, as a silver lining, maybe being stationary for a few years (if you are able to stay in the rv) would allow you to lower your living expenses?

Good luck with whatever direction you decide to take.

Hdrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

Allow me to be a little bold here. If I see a man sitting under a tree by a river complaining of being hungry I certainly would not tell him to wait for a fish to jump out of the water onto a hot rock where it would be fried and ready to eat. I would tell him to brake off a branch from the tree he was sitting under, sharpen an end and wade out in the darn water and get himself something to eat. Sit around long enough and you will stave.
In other words you know you like the RV life style and want to continue from the way it sounds, you pretty much know the job you have now will not allow you to continue doing what you love so get some app's out there and go fishing!!!

NJTroy · RV-Dreams Community Member

One other thought. My husband's company has been a bit ditch to ditch on the remote work issue. First, they encouraged it. Then it was back to everyone in the office and monitoring badge swipes to check hours (although there was no evidence that they actually followed through on that). Once it became clear that they weren't monitoring, it has basically become whatever your boss is willing to tolerate is what goes. That will last until the upper management decides to police or change policy again.

It is probably worth waiting it out for a bit to see if the change sticks.

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Materially changing your condition of employment, especially one which causes a financial hardship is the equivalent of offering you another job in another city - one which you are free to accept or not. If you choose not to accept this new position and choose to look for a position with another company, then you would be entitled to collect unemployment compensation until you secured another position (or your benefits run out). In other words they have essentially laid you off and have offered you another, different job in a new location causing you to relocate.

I'm certainly not saying you should do this, but it is an option to consider. If this position is not a fit, maybe you could discuss another position with the company with different responsibilities and a different compensation structure? (pay raise) Since this new position will incur additional moving and housing costs, compensating you for this additional expense you incur for their benefit seems a reasonable expectation, especially if they want to retain good people and avoid recruiting and training, let alone the lower productivity costs of hiring a replacement off the street, who may or may not be a good fit.

Food for thought.

Chip

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Update - we're still working through all the details. We'll continue to be somewhat mobile through mid to late Sept. due to our art show schedule, my boss has been accommodating about that schedule.

We crunched the numbers and considered the drive to AZ for the 2 December art shows, but honestly couldn't financially justify making the trip, along with the stress of driving from Seattle to Phoenix and Tucson, and then back to Seattle in December. So, we've applied for the only art show that we want to participate in and that was still accepting applications for a November show in Seattle. Then we'll jump on a one way flight to Phoenix, stop for a couple of days and rent a car to visit Jesse and Sherry (WestwardHo) in Cottonwood, before we board our previously scheduled flight to the family DFW visit for Thanksgiving. I changed the return flight to just go back to Seattle and we'll spend the winter there. Not sure where yet, have put in applications at 2 different parks that do not have openings until October. So many plans to changes, reservations to cancel, extra airfare to pay for due to changes, lots of logistics details have kept us busy.

Current plan is to stay in Western WA this winter, save as much as we possibly can, see how this work thing transpires as there is a lot of speculation that this might be somewhat short term and we're expecting lot of changes after our company splits into 2 companies in November. I'm still working on a plan to be a little more mobile and hopefully to have the ability to work from 2 or 3 offices, but that is plan is still a work in progress that is going to take some time to get approved.

We have started looking at work options, but honestly, we're having a hard time deciding between my leaving a very good paying job to most likely take a lower paying job and thereby extending the time until we retire significantly as there are few teleworker jobs, for my skills, that I can find that would allow me to travel the way we have been traveling. So again, we're looking and trying to see what our best options are and not do anything too hasty that we'll regret 2 years from now.

Meanwhile, it's a beautiful time of year to be in Seattle, so we're making summer plans for our normal weekend expeditions while we're in the area.

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sorry you're having to do this, but I believe your making the best decision at this point. As you said, it may all change this fall when the company divides in half. Stay strong and positive at your job and you'll come out on top.

Red.

DebbieM · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Good Luck to you. Hopefully you're right and things will be better later in the year. We could easily be where you are.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gotta love working for big corporations, LOL. hmm

The work placement request was put into the system and the location I should be going into is full and all requests are on hold. My manager said they have been clearing the requests quickly, however the facilities manager said it's most likely to be at least November.

So now we have 2 sets of plans after Dale's last Pacific NW art show in Boise ID in September, hoping to continue south to California at that point in time, but may have to come back to the Seattle area. It's all up in the air right now so we have applied to art shows in both locations, and know that if we go south we might find ourselves needing to make the trip back north very rapidly if things change and I suddenly have an assigned desk.

It's a good thing we've learned to be flexible over the last couple of years biggrin

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm sure it could make you crazy with all the uncertainty and it sounds like you are doing a great job of rolling with the punches. The good things in life are worth waiting for... afterall, it only took me 54 years to find Jeff

marianne57 · RV-Dreams Family Member

So sorry Ruth that this is happening now, but I agree with Pieere. This might all be a pain in the butt for you both right now, but in the end, there is a reason. It may turn out to be the best or something better might be in the pipeline for you both. Hang in there, and don't get discouraged. Praying that it all comes together for you in the best way possible. Take care!