Going Solo?

[GMandJM]

Okay....we've obviously stayed in one place for too long and this happened: Someone made us an offer we couldn't refuse - a REALLY GOOD, interesting full-time job.

The downside is that there is no opportunity to telecommute. And also, it's a government contract, so it could last a week or it could last years. (Some of you might know how that goes.)

We have an entire Winter Trip planned and haven't cancelled any reservations, yet.

So, I guess my question to my fellow RVers is: Do you/would you still go on the road without your Charming Significant Other (CSO)?

[GMandJM]

Thanks for the insight, Rhoda and Bucky.

You're absolutely right: I'll be on the hook for FICA, State & Fed.

We've been "hobby jobbing" for the last few summers (independent contractors) to shore up the required Social Security credits/quarters, in case SS is still there when we're age eligible. This is a much faster route.

Still worth it? I'll get back to you on that after a few weeks of getting up at 0-dark:30 and putting up with the horriffic traffic our area is known for.

[bucky]

Just a thought about contract jobs. You will be considered self employed and pay both halves of FICA on top of income tax. About 44%, still worth it?

[rolling_rhoda]

We have a similar situation to yours, OP. We have a business two hours away from home (seasonal), and firm plans to finally snowbird this winter. But now, DH couldn't resist buying into a business opportunity, so snow birding isn't an option for him. Timing is everything, right?
I've decided to head south in the RV anyway, and DH will join me for a week here and there. He's not overly enthused about me going solo. However, he won't be around home for several days at a time, so I'd be pretty much on my own there, too, (snow shovel in one hand, glass of wine in the other - ha!). The circumstance is what it is, and we're going to make the best of it for a handful of months. These are wonderful problems to have really, snowbirding versus a new business.
There are several right answers to the question, what should we do? Best wishes in whatever arrangement you two decide on.

[Farmerjon]

I wish you a very good experience with the Job and the "full time" camping while you are on the job.

[GMandJM]

At this point, it looks like we may no longer an issue. We are strongly looking into the brilliant suggestion of making the RV our winter home to shorten my commute.

If My Charming Significant Other still wants to spend the winter in FL, it might have to be in a tent - at least until my job disappears (which could literally happen at any time and without notice.)

Thank you all extremely lots for the excellent input, insight and guidance.

[OldFogie]

Nobody can really tell you how it would work out for you.

Two questions to ask yourselves:
Would you be happy going by yourself?
Will your SO be upset if you go by yourself?

Would your trip have to be several months or could you make it several shorter trips? Maybe a week or two away and a week or two together, etc.

[OkSixpack]

I know it's a different situation, but military couples do it all the time. It's not like you are trying to get away from each other.
Jim

[GMandJM]

Heck yeah. We've each gone without the other for short times.

This would be several months though.

[JAXFL]

You ever gone hunting and left the wife at home? How about a weekend trip with the guys to play golf? I have gone alone/solo several times as she worked and didn't want to go Kayaking or whatever sport I was going to do. Even took the GRDKIDS 2 times without her.... going on 46 years. Just saying... you have to set your priorities.

[GMandJM]

Roy&Lynne wrote:
Winter camping just depends on where and your profile doesn't give a hint to where you live. Your rig is beautiful and looks sturdy enough to stand some chilly climates. We have done some winter camping here in WA but we usually only have to deal with rain and mud. We have a little electric heater that we turn on at night to keep the chill off. We have a feather bed to keep us warm while sleeping. There are some things that you need to consider, hoses freeze etc, but it can be great. AND if it gets to cold, your not far from home. It will just be another adventure.

Thanks. We're in Northern Virginia (NoVa) now, but would be going a bit farther north to work. Winters here the past couple years have been very snowy. (Snowpocalypse).

We're thinking the winter camping thing might be do-able though.

Because we've been traveling south in winter and going full time has been our eventual goal, we gave away our snow blower to a neighbor and have donated nearly all of our winter clothes to charity.

Silly us! :B

[GMandJM]

Dutch_12078 wrote:
To my way of thinking, the bottom line would be which is more important to me, our time together or the money from the job...

The money is not so much a factor - it's neither a pittance nor a pot-full-of-gold.

It's more a "personal fulfillment" sort of thing, this particular job, and taking it makes The Sweetie happy so NOT taking it or saying "Don't do that" wasn't an option.

At this point it's just a matter of what the Other Significant Other would/could/should do and whether or not anyone has been in the same situation (and had any guidance) or what thoughts or opinions others might have.

Gotta say, though: That idea of living in the RV to make the commute shorter is sounding better and better.

[Roy_Lynne]

Winter camping just depends on where and your profile doesn't give a hint to where you live. Your rig is beautiful and looks sturdy enough to stand some chilly climates. We have done some winter camping here in WA but we usually only have to deal with rain and mud. We have a little electric heater that we turn on at night to keep the chill off. We have a feather bed to keep us warm while sleeping. There are some things that you need to consider, hoses freeze etc, but it can be great. AND if it gets to cold, your not far from home. It will just be another adventure.

[NYCgrrl]

I've traveled solo many times both within and out of committed relationships. Sometimes it was for money, other times for fun. Best was when it was for both.

It really boils down to how the two of you feel.

[Dutch_12078]

To my way of thinking, the bottom line would be which is more important to me, our time together or the money from the job...