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JalmarKalmar
April, 2024

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Stupiedst, most irrational, incredably idiotic.... potentially best decision I've ever made

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aoe
Posts: 2947 - Karma: 51
Background:
 I'm 24, lived in Newfoundland my whole life. Always wanted to go to BC and ski bum it out for a few years. Decided to do the responsible thing and go to university. Did the university route and got a business degree , graduated, got a nice job in retail management on a corporate fast track program. Purchased a solid real estate investment (Apartment building). Basically I was becoming a responsible young man with a good head on my shoulders.

I did that for 6 month and I felt like a fucking caged bird. Just wasn't for me. Quit a good job and decided to go back to school for a semester to finish off the requirements for another degree and just to chill and think my life over. Graduated again. Looked for another job but nothing I was really pumped on came up. Dabbled around a bit and applied for a few jobs manly with fed government. Those job competitions take forever unfortunately. It was about August when I decided shit wasn't working out. My life was whack. Decided to sell my apartment building I had bought the year before and start a business. Found a buyer for my building and the deal closes at the end of this month. I will make quite a bit of money from the sale after all the fees. Which would make a great equity invest into my new business which I had a 40page business plan and some approved financing for.

The decision:
I've been pretty depressed lately even though the wheels were well in motion with starting my own business and all. Nothing was really feeling right... Then I ran into a real estate page with some places in Revelstoke. Found a trailer with about 800ish square feet that I thought was undervalued. Phoned up the  real estate agent and got the details. Phoned up a friend who is basically in the same boat as me asked him if he wanted to half it with me. He said yes, so we now had enough $$$ to buy this thing basically mortgage free. Called the real estate agent back and put in an offer.

The offer was accepted and the deal closes on January 15th pending some conditions (Home inspection ,etc.). The plan is to start driving up right after new years and basically arrive in time to move in. I will still have enough money to live on until I can find a job (which will obviously be a step down from my last job). So it's going to be myself, my GF and my friend living in a trailer in Revy. The plan is to live there for a year or so then sell or rent out the trailer and turn a profit.


So basically the point of this thread is either to give me some encouragement or to tell me how stupid a decision it was.
Nov 28 2009 4:55PM
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T-Holt
Posts: 5020 - Karma: 639
That's sick. I hope you have a ton of fun out in Revy.
You're not gonna regret this decision.
Nov 28 2009 4:58PM
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Pmoore
Posts: 1802 - Karma: 1,246
I would like to start off by saying I am much younger then you and really have no idea what its like to look for legitimate jobs or anything you described. With that being said i would have made the same move. You have your whole life to work a job you don't really like why do it when your young and can still ski and live life to the fullest? Hope every thing works out bro!
Nov 28 2009 5:01PM
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*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15079 - Karma: 9,138
word bro, wish i could do that
Nov 28 2009 5:01PM
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freezed
Posts: 12973 - Karma: 500
sounds like the perfect combo of responsible planning and awesome ski bumming, haha
Nov 28 2009 5:02PM
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1337
Posts: 31039 - Karma: 29,013
this, you are going to have a ton of fun out there and I don't think you are going to regret your decision.
Nov 28 2009 5:06PM
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mak
Posts: 700 - Karma: 167
It doesn't sound like a bad decision at all. I mean you're doing what you love (I'm guessing) and you're even planning for the future.
Nov 28 2009 5:06PM
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Jodi
Posts: 4215 - Karma: 745
We're gonna miss ya here in Newfoundland b'y. A 'nudder one bites da dust. Good luck.
Nov 28 2009 5:10PM
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triebby
Posts: 8670 - Karma: 2,189
Sounds like you made the right choice to me. At the end of the day you have to do what you are passionate about and you have to go with your gut. It sounds like you did both of these while still having contingency plans, so I say more power to ya and let us know how you like it up there!
Nov 28 2009 5:16PM
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grape-ape
Posts: 29 - Karma: 10
Hey, as long as you can be happy with your decision your set. i know it might sound stupid but even if you dont turn a huge profit in your trailer. You will still be able to tell you kids one day about the time that you decided to just go out on a limb and lived your life. Now what really matters. dont let yourself worry about money put that completely aside and now picture where your going to be. it seems good too me.
Nov 28 2009 5:20PM
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panojibber
Posts: 3382 - Karma: 216

WHAT A FUCKING JOB!

Turning profits on real estate in ski towns before they get busy, and then moving on! You'll make a fucking fortune and spend your entire life riding! Congrats buddy, and thank you for an awesome idea hahahaha.

Nov 28 2009 5:20PM
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nickyp
Posts: 5673 - Karma: 215
If I had a place to live near a mountain, and didn't have a mortgage, I would never leave. You can easily get enough money for food and bills working a couple of days, then ski for 5 days a week.

Sounds like a solid plan though. Much better than turning up at a resort with nothing more than a pair of skis and a smile, and hoping to make a life there. Hope it works out for you.
Nov 28 2009 5:22PM
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mike91129
Posts: 777 - Karma: 43
Awesome man, sounds sweet. I will be working near revy for 8 months starting january. Im quite excited.
Nov 28 2009 5:24PM
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Deathcab
Posts: 103 - Karma: 10
I did almost the same thing, I went to school on a full ride for automotive. Graduated and got a job making great money. Know what I did? I quit and moved to summit county and been riding everyday...

It has its pros and cons. Def something to experience though.
Nov 28 2009 5:32PM
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blindside
Posts: 5619 - Karma: 1,199
Best decision of your life. Enjoy.
Nov 28 2009 5:35PM
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aoe
Posts: 2947 - Karma: 51
Wow, thanks for the good vibes! +k all around. Was kinda sketched on the decision while being pumped at the same time. feeling better now.

I just wish I did a solid basic trade instead like plumbing. My education is much better suited to a larger city. Oh well, i'll take what I can get...
Nov 28 2009 5:44PM
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skiminnesota
Posts: 9093 - Karma: 429
sounds like you are making both a responsible. and awesome decision all at once!

one question though.. why sell the apartment building now? why not live off the rent (if its making enough to cover your costs, mortgage, etc.) IDK about canada's real-estate market, but here in the US its time to buy places.

the prospects of living mortgage free though, sound AWESOME. the money you need to take in now to meet your sustenance has just gone down considerably.
Nov 28 2009 6:10PM
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fouldsys
Posts: 7404 - Karma: 39
revys sick. i might be up there early/mid february. im jealous though. probably would have done the same thing.
Nov 28 2009 6:15PM
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aoe
Posts: 2947 - Karma: 51
That's a good question and I did it for a couple reasons:

1) I sold it to finance a business but made the decision to buy a trailer in Revy instead lol
2) It's a PITA to look after a rental property when out of province

But yeah, basically I had this deal agreed to to sell the place before I even had the incline that I would be looking for a place in a ski town.

You're right about real estate though, it's time to buy...
Nov 28 2009 6:15PM
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Commonwealth
Posts: 3729 - Karma: 11
You are very lucky to have a girl who is willing to live in an 800 sq. ft. trailer with two guys, I'll tell ya that!

But honestly, good on you. Livin' the dream my friend. Sounds like a situation that is both fiscally and morally responsible. Righteous.
Nov 28 2009 6:16PM
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bananas
Posts: 1419 - Karma: 164
sounds sweet
Nov 28 2009 6:17PM
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,141
Honestly I think this is am absolutely terrible idea, but I clearly have different priorities than you do. The point being, different people are different (SURPRISE) and any validation or criticism you get from anyone else, particularly kids on a website who are mostly in high school, is going to be pretty meaningless. All that can be said is, here's hoping you end up ultimately being happy with the choice... it is certainly one that a lot of people would not have the stones to make.
Nov 28 2009 6:17PM
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EastCoast315
Posts: 3136 - Karma: 137
this exactly
Im stoked for you
Nov 28 2009 6:19PM
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aoe
Posts: 2947 - Karma: 51
Finally someone disagrees haha.

I doubt you have different priorities really. I wanted nothing more then to be successful, rich,etc. Everyone who knows me knows I love money and all that goes along with it....

That being said, when the voice in your head nags long enough, you have to answer.  And when you're not happy, you need to find something that brings happiness or else you're gonna wallow through a pretty miserable existence. For me, this decision brings happiness (for now anyway).
Nov 28 2009 6:22PM
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jamodeo
Posts: 3040 - Karma: 663
almost best decision he ever made was putting on a pair of skis
Nov 28 2009 6:59PM
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j.bird
Posts: 6680 - Karma: 15
I got more respect for this bit of words, and for you, than anyone on this fucking website. You had it all, everything done right, but you stayed true to yourself, and to me, thats the most important.

And J.D. has a very valid point, but to say it wasnt a smart decision is a bit hypocritical and ironic. The rest of his statement makes perfect sense, and the thought process he uses (i think) would lead me to a completely different conclusion than what he offered to you. Im having a hard time seeing where he goes from the first sentence, and then completely switches gears to an idea that seems the exact opposite.

Anyway, respect dude.
Nov 28 2009 7:26PM
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Mr.Huck
Posts: 6096 - Karma: 14,893
That's awesome, but I couldn't resist:


Nov 28 2009 7:33PM
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Billiards.
Posts: 6853 - Karma: 816
I think that sounds super epic. I truly believe that success is not based on money or having a good living, but how happy a person is. You gotta take risks in life to really find out who you are and where you belong. Big up.
Nov 28 2009 7:36PM
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rocktheLPs
Posts: 2095 - Karma: 14
buy a bunch of long track sleds, and a couple cats. oh and a huge truck to get you in and out. and hit me up when you need a guide, haha.
Nov 28 2009 7:50PM
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.travis.
Posts: 1737 - Karma: 46
Congrats man. I think you made the right decision. If you're not happy doing something, then things need to change. I'm about to make a similar one myself, just on a bit of a smaller scale. I will be graduating with a degree in Justice Studies and will have a job waiting for me to start next summer. I'm going to pass it up and move from Maine to go out west. I hope everything works out for you. Good luck!
Nov 28 2009 8:38PM
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matt.rad
Posts: 1813 - Karma: 302
By far one of the most responsible ski bum stories I've heard. Best of luck man, I can only imagine how awesome it'll be to like in Revelstoke.
Nov 28 2009 8:47PM
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Dr.Brown
Posts: 588 - Karma: 21
I support you in your plans, because they are GREAT! Props to you my friend!
Nov 28 2009 8:48PM
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BC.
Posts: 1551 - Karma: 86
As long as you are going to be happy, and it sounds like you are going to be, then you made the right decision. Good luck.
Nov 28 2009 9:10PM
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-Tristan-
Posts: 915 - Karma: 19

In the end its about what makes you happy. Revelstoke is a sick town, and the season there is shaping up really nicely already. I live in Banff so we ski their at least every other week.

Side note, you happen to know a guy named Andrew Stokes??

Nov 28 2009 9:24PM
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[BRI]noceros
Posts: 2319 - Karma: 40
it might work out for you or it might not, but either way it's an experience to be had and i wish you the best of luck. ballsy decision though, i would have a lot of trouble deciding.
Nov 28 2009 9:50PM
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summersover
Posts: 5777 - Karma: 233
You are a genius!
sounds like a fucking awesome idea
Nov 28 2009 10:02PM
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Dainsey
Posts: 2263 - Karma: 378
hahaha or you could just charlie ager it!
Nov 28 2009 10:31PM
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Meases_Pieces
Posts: 1292 - Karma: 246
well you wont be as broke, smelly, or lonely as this guy

https://www.newschoolers.com/web/content/viewvideo/id/308970/cat/top/
Nov 28 2009 10:52PM
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-=koLLac=-
Posts: 4122 - Karma: 11
Finally, somebody who's in a similar situation as I am! Quite a few of my friends are either ski bumming straight up or are enjoying a lifestyle with a low responsibility job and many days of skiing per year.

I on the other hand, much like you, went to college and got a bussiness/accounting degree and got a job with a large firm (we have offices in about 140 countries or so) that pays well but is about as exciting and satisfying as a Nutrisystem hamburger.

I haven't made that real estate investment yet, but I'm getting close (though Obama decided to give me a bit more time to take advantage of some of the ARRA funding). That's besides the point anyway. I have the voice in my head and it's been nagging for about a year now. This winter will be a pretty important one as I try to figure out whether work life balance is actually possible with this firm.

Your story is inspiring and thank you for posting it
Nov 28 2009 11:56PM
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ZavierV
Posts: 5077 - Karma: 100
Yes, but have you seen JD's shoe collection?


Nov 29 2009 2:15AM
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jason...
Posts: 9006 - Karma: 780
I wouldn't really call that stupid or irrational. You have a well thought out plan and it sounds like it's going to work. Best of luck to you man, hope everything works out the way you plan.
Nov 29 2009 2:18AM
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Piste.Off
Posts: 11586 - Karma: 1,861
irresponsible responsibility! i would love to make the same move you just did. good luck in revelstoke.
Nov 29 2009 2:26AM
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aoe
Posts: 2947 - Karma: 51
I don't know Andrew, but the name sounds really familiar and I defiantly know of him. That Charlie Ager vid was awesome. He's way more hardcore then I even thought!

And thanks for the support all. Yeah it is defiantly shaping up to be sick. The more I think about it, the more it seems to be the right move...


Nov 29 2009 5:33AM
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Dr.Brown
Posts: 588 - Karma: 21
it IS the right move. trust me. trust us. trust skiing.
Nov 29 2009 7:36AM
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Jodi
Posts: 4215 - Karma: 745
make sure you watch "aspen extreme" (again - i'm sure) before you hit the road to get pumped.
Nov 30 2009 11:42AM
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c.hale
Posts: 636 - Karma: 50

Most 24 year olds dont have 2 degrees and havent owned any kind of property. Regardless of how this works out i'm sure you'll be fine whenever you decide to go back to the real world

Nov 30 2009 2:58PM
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StupidDeep
Posts: 103 - Karma: 9

Sounds like the best decision ever. Maybe I'll see you around the mountain when I come up :D

Nov 30 2009 3:09PM
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washbaugh
Posts: 307 - Karma: 26
hahah that movie is awesome
Nov 30 2009 3:14PM
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TheButterHashira
Posts: 9691 - Karma: 1,702
Well you have degrees, so when you decide you need to be responsible you should be able to get a good job.

Sounds like it was a good idea to me.
Nov 30 2009 3:20PM
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Number_9
Posts: 429 - Karma: 8
I hope everything works out well for you. Hopefully you can find a good job easy enough when the time comes. Good luck!
Nov 30 2009 4:05PM
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elliot.
Posts: 23 - Karma: 31

As you have wanted to "go to BC and ski bum it out for a few years" you have made an excellent decsion to go to Revy. That place is truly amazing, every time i have been there i have never wanted to leave. Good luck man and enjoy.... im just a lttle jealous rite now....

Nov 30 2009 4:11PM
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