A while back I posted about wondering what occupation to pursue when the kids are both in school.
Just to recap, my kids are 3 years old and 11 months old, respectively. I've got some time to pursue any particular profession. I do believe, however, that the downfall of many of my peers is waiting until the kids are school-ready to start considering their next move.
And there is no shame in their procrastination. The move back into the work force cannot be an easy one. While we homemakers have a tough job, we are used to a certain pace of life, a certain schedule. In short, we know what's expected of us. Instead, we will have to shower and groom daily to make ourselves publicly presentable. We will be at a job from which we can be fired while trying to be promoted. (Are you saying to my article, but you could start your own business! Sure, because that would be so much easier!)
Right now, I am longing for an outside job. A place where adult conversation can be had, where I won't have to respond to tears several times per day. No diapers to change, no bottles to make, no naps to time, no cartoons to watch. I can listen to the news or any music in the car. I can joke with the guys. When I leave the house, I have to pack things only for myself, instead of bottle, toys, bib, crayons, change of clothes, snacks . . .
So what is it that I've decided to do?
Investing. No, not day trading. Investing in the style of Warren Buffett. After reading The Warren Buffett Way by Robert G. Hagstrom and The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham, I have concluded that day trading is crazy. It is a sports book. That's my opinion, anyway.
Investing is doing company research, finding companies with promising futures and capable, ethical management and employees. It is reading statements and calling the company and its affiliates. It is being active after purchasing the shares. Buying shares, of course, is just the beginning of the relationship, not the means to an end in which you hope for skyrocketing profits. It is the beginning of your ownership stake in the company.
And I have found that I enjoy doing this. Just today, I researched a company that makes potato chips in Birmingham, AL. I called a wonderful woman named Patty and we talked for 10 or 15 minutes, during which time we talked about the company's growth, history, and distribution. I was giddy while writing a report about the conversation, debriefing and noting future questions to ask. It was like the feeling I got when I told my buddy that Wife was the woman I would someday marry - only two months after starting to date. It felt right, like a perfect match. I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
Of course, I'm probably not going to feel so good after getting my butt handed to me a few times on a few investments, but everyone feels like that after a hard day's work.
