What do you do for a living?

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

And especially if you are married, do not get divorced.

@Philippe
I agree.
When I divorced my first wife she got the goldmine and I got the shaft.
Now very happily married to my wife if almost 25 years. Even tho she is a non hunter she supports my hunting because I enjoy it and she enjoys the travel and seeing new things.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Grew up basically looking at this book my entire life with my father, on the positive side. Never really knew how good my father did. He always wore Walmart Henley's, Wrangler jeans, and Topsiders he got on sale or Walmart work boots. Always was rough about shelling out cash to us as kids. Never heard him and my mother talk about debt. We had a boat and did 90% of the work on it ourselves. Same with the house.

He put the money where it mattered: Our education and upbringing. I still worked two jobs from the time I was 19 until about 24-25 but we knew the value of hard work.

My father was never a great teacher, still isn't. He did give me a few good nuggets and one of them was: "Don't get yourself in debt." We have a mortgage, car lease, and that's about it. CC's are paid in full the end of every month. Debt is the enemy of the wealth.

Now there are exceptions. Working in wealth management there is debt arbitrage, debt strategies, etc. All on the business side. However, unless you're operating in a higher-league, most of it doesn't make sense.

Borrowing money or wasting money on lifestyle is one of the top problems I see in today's world. It's all social media driven. People see the families with the nice house, nice car, etc. They think it's paradise and they need to get there. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, they are house poor, have a $1,000 in the bank, and have a ton of unsecured debt.

The issue, in my life and my line of work, is I'm surrounded by folks who are in a whole other echelon. Triple digit millions net-worth. For them, a splurge item might be a $250,000 car. Very tough to not fall into the comparison game.

I basically live my life the same as my father. I wear Marshall's clothes, Levi's, drive a Mazda Cx50 (my wife drive's a Tahoe, to be fair), etc. The stuff that matters to me is my family, our health, and having a safety net-fund for emergencies.

@HookMeUpII
My wife and I live simply, don't drive expensive cars or have a big flash house.
But
We are pretty well debt free, own our own home and happy. We are doing an around the world trip this year with some of our savings.
We prefer to live humbly and enjoy life rather than trying to impress people and be in debt.
Work hard, live within your means, and save and don't give a shit about what others think.
People ask how can you afford so many holidays, simple answer. We don't try and keep up with the Jones and save for what we want until we can afford it.
Bob

 

[Redfishga1]

high end gigilo

 

[CBeck]

high end gigilo

Smart man!

 

[Sabre]

high end gigilo

This man is a liar, I have never seen him at any of the meetings!

 

[SFRanger7GP]

Multi-lingual meme hunter

 

[HankBuck]

I grew up looking between the ears of a cow horse, and building saddles. I went to packing mules for outfitters and the U.S. Government while building saddles on the side. I have been in law enforcement/ Saddle Maker for the last 10 years or so. I learned how fragile life is early on in my law enforcement career. I booked my first hunt in Africa shortly after I started in law enforcement. I have been living life ever since.

@CM McKenzie - if you live in Wyoming - that’s the State that I envy the most.
I’ve made 5 hunts out there (Douglas, Gillette) and loved each one. Also stayed at “Triangle X” dude Ranch in Jackson Hole in the 1980s….every time I left my thought was “wish I could live here”. But, while I love to ride a horse - I’m not good enough to make a living on one and there’s little else I could do in Wyoming to make enough money to live on. The people I met in Wyoming were also very nice.

 

[HankBuck]

I am licensed as a mental health counselor. I have been an administrator at a home for abused children for the past 25 years. I also have a private practice that I maintain a case load of patients at.

I’ve been investing for retirement since my first job at 18 years old, I’m 52 now. I’ve done pretty well with that and some real estate deals as well. I drive 2003 pickup, only debt I carry is my home mortgage, which is locked in at 3%, and a note on 130 acres I bought in 2021 as an investment and a place to hunt, trap and fish on. I have been able to hunt all over NA and will be heading to Namibia this August for my 7th African safari and I’m already booked for #8 in 2027. Both of my daughters went to a private Christian school through high school, I didn’t travel to hunt much during those years.

The best advise I can give is to prioritize what is most important to you and focus on making those goals a reality and don’t spend on things that get you further away from those goals. I’d much rather take good care of my truck and not have to buy a new one and use that money towards a hunt.

Also, if you like hunting and fishing like it seems like you do, save up and buy yourself some land that you can do that on. There is something extra special about having your own piece of dirt to do on as you please. They ain’t making any more land and for the most part it is never going to be cheaper than it is right now. Same with international hunts, for the most part, they are never going to get cheaper. So, if it’s important to you go as soon as you can and go as often as you can because you never know when you might not be able to go or the place you want to hunt or the animal you want to hunt might no longer be a viable option.

@Fatback - I agree with you on “buy your own land”. If you are a Hunter, no matter what you hunt, you will enjoy the “freedom” of owning your own land. It is worth saving for and even doing without other ‘short term luxuries’ like a New Car etc..
I was 53 before I finally was able to purchase mine - well after buying our primary home & putting aside the $$ for kids college (that had to come First). Only then could we feel comfortable buying land in a fairly remote area of the Adirondacks NY (some of the lowest priced land per acre in the U.S. along with Maine). It was good hunting land but Not the best…BUT it was ALL OURS and that made it GREAT. When you shoot a 120” Buck on your own land - it becomes a 180” TROPHY as soon as it hits the ground ! Almost any animal I’ve ever taken on my Land means more to me then trophies taken on guided hunts.
Maybe the best thing about owning your own Land is you will never get ‘kicked off’ or lose it like a “Lease” or somewhere you have “permission” to hunt —- that can all (and usually does) END at some point.

 

[HookMeUpII]

Those extremely high interest rates in the 80s sure made a difference! The average monthly mortgage payment in 1980 was about 44% of median monthly household income. In 2024 that percentage was 33%. It’s still expensive to get into the home ownership game, but not more so than in 1980. Interest rates aren’t going down anytime soon. In fact, with us boomers pulling our money out of higher velocity investments to seek security, money is only going to get more expensive.

My advice to young people is it save and invest until you can afford 20% down on a reasonably priced home. Then, work like hell to pay it off as soon as you can. You’ll be glad you did.

Very similar situation right now. I can't pull a metric on housing interest payment v. household income but I would dare say it's a similar situation now. Back then, rates were the factor. Now, home values and rates to a lesser extent, are the factor.

I just ran:

$1,000,000 home with 20% down at 6.75% interest 30 year mortgage
$750,000 home with 20% down at 6.75% interest 30 year mortgage

You're looking at $1,000,000 in interest over the life of the loan on the $1,000,000 home vs. $550,000 in interest on the $750,000 home over the life of the loan. That's major difference.

There is, in no doubt in my mind, many homes are priced 20-30% over where they should be at the moment.

 

[mark-hunter]

Haven’t posted in a while but just curious. What do you all do for a living to afford your hunts?
Definitely jealous of all of your safaris but living vicariously through your posts!

Offshore installation manager, deep see master, with experience and expertise in all global major shipping routes, followed by offshore drilling and professional consulting in always dynamic and challenging international environment of modern industry. Always willing to consider good job opportunities, all interested parties feel free to send offers on DM. CV available at request .

That being established, now to the question.
I am just a baby in a safari world, with modest 4 safaris done so far (3xPG, 1xDG). There are really some serious hunters here who made dozens of safaris. Also some safaris are far away from my pay grade.
But this question of yours, pops up from time to time on this forum. Here are some of my thoughts, experience and what I have learnt here.

Safari price range:
From 4.000 USD to more then 400.000 USD (black rhino)
If some plains game safaris are offered for full inclusive price for 4000 USD or EUR, then this is only a question of planning and sorting out priorities. Having no money in a lifetime hunting carrier of an average western hunter for a safari, is not excuse.
How much a middle class rifle with higher middle level scope, and shotgun like browning costs? Then other gadgets?
So the money is always spent, and it comes down on priorities and planning.

Second hand car.
One of the life priorities of average person is certainly buying a car. Serious safari hunters on limited budget, first never buys new car. They run second hand cars for years.
Buying new BMW is really not necessary for quality life. But high end car choices, and renewal of every 5 to 7 years for next new car is a modern urban epidemic, which seriously undermines financial ability of going to safari for an average middle class westerner.
In such case, I always say: you bought a new car and have no money for a hunt? Thats fine, but you are then better driver, then a hunter. We have to accept it. Our priorities are who we are.
This is all about priorities and planning and being honest to yourself.

Choice of safari country:
Safari is something where there is always something for everybody. So, next step is choosing your safari. Most economic is culling safari in South Africa or Namibia.
Most expensive is sky high, maybe full bag safari in Tanzania, Mozambique, exportable wild lions, elephants, or black rhino.
If searching in this direction, you will see various levels of pricing from culling to top level trophies.
Make plan, take your pick. Search.

Safari ambassador:
And there are other aspects, one is for a socially oriented and active person, to be a so called "ambassador of safari outfitter". Which means you act as promotor of a safari company at your place and you will have favorable opportunities with your safari company.
You may investigate this as well.

Family & health - The last but not least:
More important then budget.
Your family must support your desire to go for safari. Without that, you are stuck.
And of course you must be of reasonable good health condition and age. Do not go to first safari at the age of 90. Do it as soon as you can.

 

[Muskox]

This is one of those common Z gen questions to Gen Xer and Boomer hunters on the other hunting forums, when they are trying to figure out how to hunt more.

 

[Redheadkentuckian]

This is one of those common Z gen questions to Gen Xer and Boomer hunters on the other hunting forums, when they are trying to figure out how to hunt more.

Yep, just a good way to learn more about other members, ask advice and hear good stories

 

[Altitude sickness]

Retired US Navy Domain of Neptunus Rex Denizen of the Deep.

Then Power electric Lineman then moved into middle management at Electric Utility. Retired from that.

Now own and operate a small Safety Consulting contract service.

 

[HookMeUpII]

This is one of those common Z gen questions to Gen Xer and Boomer hunters on the other hunting forums, when they are trying to figure out how to hunt more.

The reality is that most of my clients don't do this sort of "stuff" until they're in their late 50's into their 60's. All my wealthiest clients are 60+.

My biggest net-worth clients didn't make it until they were in their 50's, minimum.

The problem is a lot of Gen Y's and Z's think life is like social media. You become an "influencer" at 25-30, buy a $250k sports car, and live in an apartment in Miami. They fail to realize that those individuals account for like 0.00001% of the population. Even then, the jury is still out on whether they have any money in the bank and are leveraged with unsecured debt to the gills.

Many of these folks will take $10,000-$15,000 vacations as well. That same amount could be put towards an entry-level PG hunt. Maybe not DG or a buffalo, but it goes a long way.

The bottom line: Most, almost all, people need to work really hard in life to "make it."

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

The reality is that most of my clients don't do this sort of "stuff" until they're in their late 50's into their 60's. All my wealthiest clients are 60+.

My biggest net-worth clients didn't make it until they were in their 50's, minimum.

The problem is a lot of Gen Y's and Z's think life is like social media. You become an "influencer" at 25-30, buy a $250k sports car, and live in an apartment in Miami. They fail to realize that those individuals account for like 0.00001% of the population. Even then, the jury is still out on whether they have any money in the bank and are leveraged with unsecured debt to the gills.

Many of these folks will take $10,000-$15,000 vacations as well. That same amount could be put towards an entry-level PG hunt. Maybe not DG or a buffalo, but it goes a long way.

The bottom line: Most, almost all, people need to work really hard in life to "make it."

@HookMeUpII
Unless you are born with the proverbial silver spoon in your mouth you are destined to a life of hard work to get what you want out of life.
Being endowed with a good brain helps you, may not have to work as physically hard but you still have to work.
Unfortunately I wasn't born with the silver spoon and had to work for everything I got but I wouldn't have it any other way. Everything I got I earnt so actually appreciate it more. Gifts from friends are appreciated as well because GOOD friendship requires work as well.
These are the values I have installed in my son as well. He has brains and works 5 jobs while still doing full time university doing diagnostic radiography plus still finds time to have a girlfriend that he has had for over 2 years.
His aim is to have 250k in the bank in another 3 years for the purchase of an investment property.
Bob

 

[Rimbaud]

I'm a mule who pulls a heavy wagon.

 

[Doug3006]

@HookMeUpII
Unless you are born with the proverbial silver spoon in your mouth you are destined to a life of hard work to get what you want out of life.
Being endowed with a good brain helps you, may not have to work as physically hard but you still have to work.
Unfortunately I wasn't born with the silver spoon and had to work for everything I got but I wouldn't have it any other way. Everything I got I earnt so actually appreciate it more. Gifts from friends are appreciated as well because GOOD friendship requires work as well.
These are the values I have installed in my son as well. He has brains and works 5 jobs while still doing full time university doing diagnostic radiography plus still finds time to have a girlfriend that he has had for over 2 years.
His aim is to have 250k in the bank in another 3 years for the purchase of an investment property.
Bob

Being destined to a life of hard work is one of life’s greatest blessings. With the exception of seeing my kids become independent, seeing my hard work turn into financial independence is the greatest feeling.

 

[WI-2021]

I've been a mechanical engineer for about 20 years, though some of my team might debate whether I'm still an engineer or have crossed over to the dark side (management). The ones who would debate that are probably correct. My wife is in the medical field.

We're not rich, but comfortably upper-middle class, if you subscribe to such descriptors. I really don't though. In my view, if you view yourself as upper-middle class, you're going to end up living that way which greatly reduces your odds of going further. The real trouble starts if you view yourself as rich but really aren't. In other words, live below your means.

For the first years of our marriage we basically lived like we collectively made what I did when we married. Our salaries crept up, but our standard of living didn't. It really allowed us to jumpstart our savings. Our standard of living has changed somewhat in more recent years, but either one of us can still cover all of our actual expenses with some breathing room. The other salary is for savings, travel, and other fun stuff.

Others have given some great career advice already. I was fortunate enough to figure out very early what I wanted to do career-wise. If you don't know now, that's alright, but the sooner you do, the sooner you can start driving in that direction. Once I figured it out, absolute stubbornness eventually handled the rest.

Find a place where you can get ahead with a combination of competence, determination, and being a good person. Make sure to always be all three. Better yet, find a place where you absolutely must be a good person to get ahead. That's much harder to find, but greatly reduces the number of assholes you'll have to deal with. They'll still be there, but you probably won't be working for them.