Sensible Topic Any Farmers Among Us

[Shindig]

I work in IT and have done for ..er... 10 yrs; work for a decent IT company over here in NZ and have just been promoted, but although I should be joyous of the opportunity it has made me think twice about working in IT for the next 30 yrs.

I have been thinking of a total change of career from that of city IT worker to rural farmer. I know massively far fetched and certainly pie in the sky idea at this current time. But, is there any farmers on here, or is there anyone whom has changed careers that are far fetched it sounds absurd.

thanks for reading.

 

[Him Her]

I work in IT and have done for ..er... 10 yrs; work for a decent IT company over here in NZ and have just been promoted, but although I should be joyous of the opportunity it has made me think twice about working in IT for the next 30 yrs.

I have been thinking of a total change of career from that of city IT worker to rural farmer. I know massively far fetched and certainly pie in the sky idea at this current time. But, is there any farmers on here, or is there anyone whom has changed careers that are far fetched it sounds absurd.

thanks for reading.

Well, I dropped IT a few years ago in favour of property maintenance. TBF, I had a background in construction, used to be a sparky and activated a private pension early so I don't need to make a living out of it, it's supplementary earnings. I do know quite a few who quit IT for trades though and they DO make a living out of it.

I'm also a country boy although not a farmer. 'Farmer' can take on many forms so if you want to take a serious look then be aware that 'farmer', as most people would define it now, is capital-intensive and needs a goodly investment. Agricultural land varies in price but £2000 an acre isn't unusual around here, mates have million pound overdrafts to fund the planting season and see them through the year until harvesting.

You could be better off looking at a larger smallholding or specialist areas i.e. free-range, organic, out of season etc., less capital-intensive, lower acreage and higher profits (plus lower risk).

 

[D 8 RCS]

@Shindig great advice from HimHer. From your post I would assume you are in your mid 30's which would make things difficult to get back into an industry should you attempt the "farmer" option and then find out it is not for you or if it just did not work out.
With the addition of age and hindsight, if I were in your situation now I would consider pushing the IT career to the limit and try and attain the highest position and salary I could achieve with the ambition of being able to retire early and to persue your preferred way of life with the knowledge that you do not have to depend upon it to make a living.
Enjoying or indeed loving your work is a wonderful thing, but if it doesn't pay the bills or could end up leading to severe stress is it really worth it, when you could have the opportunity to do what you want a little later in life ?

 

[zad]

Plenty of sheep farmers where you are

Would you not be better off trying to get some work part time with a local farmer who will give you advise etc.

 

[emarald]

Sheep farming has some fringe benefits ask the Welsh members, brings a whole new meaning to pull on a woolly

 

[Shindig]

Thanks for the replies and I think the general consensus is right, a full on transition to farming is too much to achieve. Continuing as I am and maximise salary etc would allow me to retire slightly earlier, or reduce hours and move into running a small holding.

My wife has a business idea we are trying to get off the ground, I should really help her to achieve her goals. Which works well in my aims and objectives in life.