Time to Buy the Farm - Revisited

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Adapting to changing times is a trait necessary for survival. The idea that one will be employed in the same occupation his entire life is an idea that must be re-examined in light of the reality of today's world. As Bob Dylan said back in the 1960s, "the times, they are a-changin'".

Come gather round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.

Yes, indeed, "you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone."


To survive, I've planted lawns, mowed lawns, washed dishes, pumped gas, fought fires, graded papers, pulled green chain, night watched, painted houses, laid floors, roto-tilled, fix plumbing leaks, roofed houses, installed solar systems, built houses, subdivided land, developed property, taught school and other work I can't remember. Once, I made a living as a real estate developer. Had I clung to the idea that I had finally "made it," I would not have survived.

For the times, they are a-changin'.

If you find yourself with out work - and over 500,000 more Americans did in November of 2008 - you best get it through your head that you'd better

"Admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you'd better start swimmin'
or you'll sink like a stone."

L. Kevin & Donna Philippe-Johnson have come to grips with reality and bought 2 1/2 acres of land and started farming. This is what they have to say:

The point I'm making is this: many of us can no longer think in terms of having a lifetime career anymore. For whatever reason, things are changing in this country. Outsourcing and cheaper labor costs in other countries will continue to eliminate jobs in the United States. And though the opportunity still exists to work, we must understand that it may be only temporary. While continuing to work at a job or career one should be wise and set up a plan to survive without steady employment for certain periods of time if necessary.

Yes, indeed, "things are changing in this country."

Things Are Changing in This Country

They also give this advice:

"Don't get in debt, don't think in terms of a career (work at a job for one reason only, to get paid so you can buy a place to live and grow some food), live in a small shelter, unload unnecessary stuff, reduce monthly expenses, extract yourself from the enslavement of modern technological materialism, stay healthy by exercising, eat a simple, wholesome diet, develop some practical skills, practice your art or trade and serve your local community. Teach your children to value true pleasures. Real wealth is perishable: food, health, trees, flowers, herbs, healthy soil, clean water, fresh air, friends and art. Learn to value and appreciate these above all else."

Buying a farm is what I suggested be done back in this missive: Time to Buy the Farm

May God bless you all in 2009.