So the other day, I was crunching the numbers. Numbers and I kind of get along - especially when it’s about money. Only tend to do it when I’m bored, but hey, I like to know where I stand. So I was trying to work out exactly where I stand on the next 4 months - now until part way through summer. I’m planning on taking January off, as well as going away for part of that time, and with Christmas and all that being an expensive time of year, I know I need to plan now so that I can make that all happen nicely.
But to rewind a little..
Those of you who know me, will probably know I’ve had one big, non-work related dream all year. All year, I’ve dreamed of changing cars, from the echo I have now (needed the practicality when I bought it, no longer necessary), to a convertible for the upcoming summer. Specifically, I was after an MX5. A joy to be in, beautifully styled, with a top down wind in your hair rush. Not too insanely costly either for a slightly used model. The dream image was simple:
1. Summer (undeniably better than winter, summer rocks)
2. Convertible (I love driving, and with the top down it’d’ be awesome)
3. 1+2 = yay
Point 2 in particular cannot be overstated enough. To me driving is the absolute parallel of freedom. Before I could drive, I lived in a world without physical freedom. It was hard to get anywhere, it made me very dependant on others, and overall not a great feeling, but a lifestyle I was used to at the time. The arrival of the car heralded a new era; where I could literally do what I wanted where I wanted - to go anywhere. Without driving I have no freedom, and I don’t see that mindset changing in the next few years. So to me, driving is extremely important. Thus I can personally justify going a bit further than need be with that side on the finances - my dream of having a convertible in summer wasn’t that far fetched..
The plan to get the car was likewise simple. This year I’ve worked my arse off on various freelance projects, and have done relatively well with them. Saving up for the car thus seemed like a perfectly achievable goal for december. Give some time to find one I want, sell my current car, and whatever change over delay - I was expecting to have it by January. So far so good, only a couple of months left of saving. Until part one of the problem emerged, the other day.. when crunching the numbers.
The next two months of this year wont be too costly. December will. January very much so. Plus, I wont be working in January, and I dont want to come back to work off debt if I can avoid it. That puts a decent bar up for the next three months of work. However, not a bar that plays well with what I have left to save on the car. Put simply, it’ll be very difficult to do both. It has to be one or the other..
Part two of my dilemma, is my second dream. The company I have been starting along with two other guys finally got its first client the other week. A small project, but a good start. As I truly believe this is my first preference for what I want to be spending my time on next year (full time job be damned!) I made it a priority that the rest of my time this year will have this as a number one focus. In fact, I only have one more freelance project in the pipeline (a *very* empty pipeline..) as a result, which is being done more out of love than pure dosh (cofa related, but not teaching related). So what does this mean? I dont have a whole lot of guaranteed income left this year. Car or all other expenses for 4 months, definitely one or the other now. The latter being much harder to.. live without.
Hence especially not enough freelance work to make the car dream come true.. while summer takes place. While I could possibly get it all done freelancing, it means more to me to really put a big shove into company work as we’re beginning to fire on all cylinders now, rather than follow the car dream. Unless of course the company churns out some dosh my way before the end of the year - then there would be a slim chance in it happening, but for business reasons its desirable not to pay me in full straight up, rather opting to invest that income back into the company to boost early growth.
I feel I’m doing the right thing, as I’m going after the long term better option than the short term. But its hard to give up something you thought was going to happen all year. Especially when you got so close. MX5, see you later in 07.. after summer.. after the summer dream.
One dream has been sacrificed for another…
It was all under the pretense of dinner with the two of us and her, when surprise… everyone turned up in a lift. Moving the surprise away from the restaurant was key. Can’t reveal anymore, trade secrets, future plans, yada yada.