[Thunderdan2000]

I'm at a crossroads in life and having a hard time deciding what to do. I got laid off from my job a year ago. And though there are jobs out there sadly they don't pay enough to cover the costs of working. By the time I pay daycare and gas I am make half of what I do on unemployment. I am returning to college in the fall. Sadly because of my bad decisions of my youth I have to pay for my first 2 semesters out of my own pocket.

My wife is a photographer and has been busting her butt to make up extra money to help pay for my college. The tough part is I also have 2 young daughters. They are growing like crazy and pretty much need new wardrobes before school starts.

My dilemma is I am sitting here with my motorcycle sitting in the garage that would help out the family in a major way if I sold it. My wife is completely against it. It is the bike I have always wanted and got it set up the way I wanted. I grew up where my dad sacrificed everything for his family and I tend to do the same thing. My bike is really the only thing I have. I hate to see her working full time and than on her days off she take pictures.

We are doing ok but it is tough. And its going to be tough until I graduate. I am really not even sure why I am writing this but it has been bothering me a lot lately. What would you guys do?

 

[mdolph]

I know what I'd do. Not to disparage anyone but I'm probably a lot like your dad. I never finished college. I got a job and worked. If it was me and I had no other option, I'd sell my bike. I'm not saying you should quit school or sell your bike bit you asked what we'd do. That's what I'd do. Hope things turn out well for you.
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[wanderingbear]

You need to talk this over with your wife. She's got a handle on your current needs and if she want you to keep the bike respect her wishes. She's willing to put the hours in so she isn't having issues with the bike. If things get worse the bike can always go, right now it's a cheaper way to get to scholl anmd back. money saved will help put food on the table. She'll be the first to let you know when it has to go.

 

[On The Road Again!]

^^ great point WB.
If school is within walking distance, I'd consider selling the bike, but as a means of cheaper transportation, it's probably going to benefit you in more ways than one.

Good luck in school!

 

[mooneydriver]

I too wore the same shoes you are in now many of years ago. I really hope things work out super for you and your family. After reading your post, I think you have a good head on your shoulders and know what needs to be done to get ahead. I wish you and family my very best.

 

[JawzX01]

Along the same lines as others, I'd have to ask how much gain do you stand from selling it (from a finical point of view only)?

Say you sell it. That'll put $5000 in your pocket (I'm being conservative, no offense intended) and then you don't need to pay insurance on it. So that is what? Another $300 a year that you are saving? No maintenance is needed on it, so that is what, $150 /yr?

While arguably the "savings" of no insurance and maintenance in a few years will add up, you'll likely find a job that appreciate you by then. How far will the $5000 (or whatever you get for the bike) actually get you? Remember, that would be a one shot deal and then your primary means of unwinding would be gone.

I'd suggest you look at otherways to help out financially. I know you said that finding a more traditional job is a bit out of the question, but could you do dog sitting or childcare from home for a little while? Perhaps you could earn a little bit doing that (Dog sitting is what my father-in-law does -- he's been out of work for 3 years running and this has helped him a lot. Keeps him busy and he gets a bit of extra money and best of all, he does it at home).

As another idea, depending on your previous line of employment, could you freelance at whatever you were doing? Obviously this only works for a limited number of career paths but if it's an option for you, it could be worth while.

Anyway, that is my 2 cents. I'm sorry to hear about your employment situation but I'm sure it will work out for the best... if not now, in time.

Best,
Frank

 

[chuck_vtx F]

I hope things will get better for you and your family...keep the bike till there is no other option. use the bike to go everywhere... till the weather stops you...side jobs...cut grass,,clean windows,pickup old lawn mowers and fix them up and sell them...ask friends about possible side work...

 

[whiskeyrockr]

after 2 1/2 years, i'm finishing school friday the 29th of july. it will be well worth it in the long run when you finish! as jerry mentioned, talk it over with your wife and do what she wishes, unless it further more adds to the pressure, then you have to do what you feel is right (at least that's the way i feel). i wish you the best with school and hope all works out as you wish!

 

[Charlie D]

I would look into doing online classes for as many of the classes you can.

You also have to look at stress relief does the bike do that for you.

Last option would be to sell the bike.

 

[wayne]

You can always get another bike, its just a material thing.
Unless you need it for a stress relief like me.
Charlie knows what Im talking about.

 

[Thunderdan2000]

Thanks guys. I am going to hold on to it right now. Your right as far as I can sell it if times get bad. I just have to get through 2 semesters and I qualify for financial aid again. I switch to a community college because I couldn't afford the University. It will all be worth while when its over. I hope.

 

[headcase]

No one knows your wife better than you....No one here knows the relationship that you two have together...

I have to give you kudos for putting this out here, but I would probrably do the same thing...That is the great thing about this place...It has been said many times over that this site is way beyond motorcycles sometimes...It is about life....

Having said this, I am lucky enough to have an awesome wife as you seem to have...

You are still young enough that you can get thru these tough times and when you get older and your lifestyle gets better you can always suprise your wife with something special...something she has always wanted but never got because she wants you to be happy and keep something that means so much to you...

That is how any marriage, friendship, or relationship should be...Giving to each other, if it makes her happy to do this for you, then you will find a way to do the same for her....someday...

 

[sludge2112]

No one knows your wife better than you....No one here knows the relationship that you two have together...

I have to give you kudos for putting this out here, but I would probrably do the same thing...That is the great thing about this place...It has been said many times over that this site is way beyond motorcycles sometimes...It is about life....

Having said this, I am lucky enough to have an awesome wife as you seem to have...

You are still young enough that you can get thru these tough times and when you get older and your lifestyle gets better you can always suprise your wife with something special...something she has always wanted but never got because she wants you to be happy and keep something that means so much to you...

That is how any marriage, friendship, or relationship should be...Giving to each other, if it makes here happy to do this for you, then you will find a way to do the same for her....someday...

Wise words! Totally agree. I would also add that it is ok to lean on your wife. She is obviously a special person and great wife/friend. She may even love having you lean on her at this time. Later, she can lean on you for support. That's what families do. They help each other in bad times as well as good times. I've been there and done that Bro. Things will get better. Best of luck to you!

 

[crxcte]

Is it possible to turn a 1800C into a chopper? Any members have a photos of mods? Thanks

 

[Big Blue]

Ok, here goes. Hope I'm not ostracized for taking this position, but your bike can be replaced.

You know that I don't know you, and so you know that I don't know your position with your wife and daughters. As a result you know that I'm only speaking generally.

Most marriages fail because of financial difficulties. The cause of those difficulties varies, but the bottom line is a well documented fact. I suggest you take the long view and not get hung up with your love for your bike or the arithmetic about how much money you make from alternative jobs as compared with taking unemployment.

Take a look at your family and make absolutely sure that they do not feel the pressure of your situation. You already admitted that your wife is working her tail off, and that your daughters need new wardrobes for the school year. You're doing the right thing by going back to school. In the long run you and your family will win out, but it is the interim period you have to worry about.

Whatever you end up doing for a job, I suggest you spend time each evening rubbing the Missus' sore feet, and that you read your daughters a story before bedtime. This is a situation you got yourself into and you're taking the right steps to get out of it. Make sure that the innocent people close to you don't suffer during the interim and you'll do fine.

Oh, and don't be surprised if the majority of the responses say to keep the bike. This is, after all, a bike board. I'm sure you knew that when you posted in the first place.

 

[Charlie D]

Just the opposite Blue more said to sell than to keep.

I sorta stayed neutral and asked if it was a stress reliever as school and home life can get really stressful

 

[DrOmega]

Actually, you ought to see if your rather extreme view of the VTX is anyone's shared passion - maybe no one will give you your price Having high mpg transportation has value as well.

- best of luck
- d

 

[Thunderdan2000]

Actually, you ought to see if your rather extreme view of the VTX is anyone's shared passion - maybe no one will give you your price Having high mpg transportation has value as well.

- best of luck
- d

I have had offers already. My bike gets a lot of attention.

 

[WoodyZ]

I would have to say that since your wife says don't sell, and if it was mine who said don't sell, I wouldn't sell, just yet. Take your time and wade through everything together. Like some have said, you know your wife better than anyone, just like I know mine, and mine would say sell if she meant for me to sell. Maybe she looks at it as her way of unwinding too, as you didn't say whether she rides with you or not. If that's the case, she deserves that way of unwinding just as much, if not more, than you do right now. Put both of your heads together and you'll know what is right to do. Good luck.

 

[Donut]

Just remember if you were to sell it, that it will actually and usually cost you much more to get another one again.

Doug