Friday, April 5, 2013

The Man In My Window

We put new windows in our main bedroom and I just had to take this picture.  "The man in my window."  It turns out he has tried his hand at agriculture, too, and found out he can make more money installing windows.

How do we find our careers?  How do we pay the bills?  We've all got a story, I am sure.  I wanted to be a "county agent" like Jim Wells or Al Rhonemus but the ag teaching job came up at Blanchester 42 years ago and I interviewed for it.  I got that job, and the rest is history as they say.

I just wanted to farm.  I just didn't have the guts or connections to do that.  I had a degree and an opportunity.  I could have built a farm that would sustain itself while teaching but never had the support to plan and do that.  I guess I just didn't want it bad enough.  I see young farmers asking every day, how do I start?

It is not easy to start and run a successful business.  It takes a lot of character traits, some of which I am lacking.  You need a solid partner who has the traits you lack.  You must be able to get along and make good business decisions.  Usually that is a woman for a businessman and you know the business is only as good as that woman.  You can paint that anyway you want but it takes two for tango, at least for me.

I have seen many bachelor farmers do very well but I wouldn't trade my family for what they have.  Family is important to me and surely enters into the business.  You can paint that a lot of ways, too.

So what do you see in your window today?  A person who can farm and grow things or a dedicated worker who needs direction and discipline?  I think I was the latter guy in my early years and many young men are the same way.

That's where mentors come in.  That was a popular blog but what's up with my Planter Is Worth More Than My Seed blog?  Did that go viral?  It has over 850 views!  I have never had a blog get that many and none ever so fast!

Have a great day, it's a good day in southern Ohio to take out fence rows and cut up trees.

Ed

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