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Chapter 5: Objectives to reach my Goals

Tuesday, June 01, 2010 09:02 | Jeffrey Backus

After reviewing my Goals in life, I realize that they are not going to be very difficult to attain.  Most of my goals will come to fruition just by me remaining alive for a few more years.  I only have five more years until I reach my retirement goal.  I will then have four or five years use my post 9-1-1 GI bill education benefits to complete a college degree. 

Five years.  This might seem to be a long time to some people.  Time for me has been going by faster as I get older.  It seems like i rarely have any time to get anything meaningful accomplished.  My job keeps me tired most of the time, since I am on the night shift, but it also makes the weeks and months evaporate quickly. 

College Degree.  Once again, this goal will be accomplished in it's time.  Of course, I will have to apply myself to complete the course work.  Current VA rules require that students be enrolled in full time classroom courses.  I'm not sure how many classes i'll need to take during each quarter/semester ect.  I am sure that it will be more than a few, since I will only have 3 years to finish.  I do have some education credits that will take a small bite out of the many that I will need though. 

Small Business.  The more I evaluate this dream the less desirable it becomes.  There are many obstacles to overcome, and not much benefit.  I fear that my hobby that I enjoy will be impacted if I am required to work at it too much.  For instance;  I enjoy doing yard work.  Since there isnt "enough" (a facetious statement-as I have more than enough) work to accomplish in my yard, I have been working at the Fallbrook Oddfellows Cemetary.  The manager of the cemetary talks about hiring a landscaper to keep the weeds and grass cut down, even though I volunteer to do it.  I thought about letting him pay me, but then it becomes a JOB that I have to do, rather than a hobby that I enjoy doing.  I figure that once I get settled into "retirement" I will be able to spend more time on my old truck hobby.  I'm sure that I will meet other folks with similiar interests who need someone to help with a project.  I can use that interest to build a small business using the barter system. 

I enjoy reading and own a "few" books.  When I'm out and about and see a used book store, I almost always go inside for a look around.  I then leave with at least one addition to my library.  I've thought about renting a small shop where I can pursue my hobby of rodstorating old trucks (and cars for that matter).  I could have a used book store up front and maybe a Wi-Fi to draw in a few folks.  Of course, I'd have to attend numerous estate sales, yard sales and swap meets to have enough inventory to make it a worthwhile enterprise.  I might be able to convince folks that have a vintage vehicle to bring it over when they need a part installed.  I think this is all a pipe dream though, since I am sure that there are numerous environmental and bureaucratic roadblocks.

 

 

Comments

  • Wednesday, June 02, 2010 10:11 | Deleted user
    Jeff, It seems you have your goals and objectives well defined. Considering your previous successes I have no doubt you will once again be successful in your endeavors, so carry on Marine. It is my thoughts that Marines can do anything they set their minds to accomplish.
    Semper Fi
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    • Friday, June 04, 2010 06:10 | Jeffrey Backus
      Carol, It was nice to see you at the Perris shop! And Thank You so much for the book.
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  • Saturday, August 28, 2010 11:25 | Chris Thayer
    Hi Jeff,
    Great to see your update! I would love to hear how your new job is going and how you like it (your 2nd career job). I wasn’t able to attend the Perris opening but I saw the video and it looked wonderful. Thank you City of Perris!

    I wanted to share that online school is an option too. It has given me the flexibility I needed to complete my degree while working full time. I am considered a full-time student even though it is one class at a time for either 5 or 6 weeks (depending on your degree plan) with back-to-back classes. I will have my degree this January and this has been a life-long goal for me. Just something to consider as I got the idea from some of the military folks who are doing online school that found it very rewarding too.

    Keep up the good work and thank you for all that you do all the time to serve our country. You are an inspiration Jeff!
    God Bless, chris (Christine)
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    • Saturday, January 29, 2011 05:51 | Jeffrey Backus
      Thank you Chris, I appreciate the time you spent to read my story and make a comment.
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  • Wednesday, February 09, 2011 13:33 | Deleted user
    Thank you Jeff for posting a comment on my latest blog of over a year ago. I must say I was totally shocked to see the # of comments change from 28 to 29. I wonder what we can do to stimulate others to post blogs. That means they have to look in the mirror and determine if they wish to review their past live and if they like what they see or if they wish to make changes. I guess they are the only ones that can make that determination.
    Take care and hang in there. We shall not let the ship sink.
    Carol
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  • Tuesday, April 05, 2011 14:55 | Deleted user
    Jeff,
    I am not sure how I came accross this, but it seems like a good place to say hi. If you don't remember me I am Sgt. Pavey and I worked with you at SOI in 1988 or so. Would like to play catch up sometime and share "old war stories". My email address is william.pavey@att.net

    Wish you lots of luck.
    Link  •  Reply
    • Wednesday, May 25, 2011 11:22 | Jeffrey Backus
      Welcome to the Veteran Business Resource Centers, please sign up and become a learner.
      Link  •  Reply

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