In the Spirit of Christmas

© By Othmar Vohringer


I wanted to write a few articles before Christmas but I did not get around to it. So instead I write this Christmas message and the articles will have to wait until the next year.

This was an exceptionally busy year for me with many plans that turned out while others had be put on the shelf for a while longer. The economy hasn't made it easy for anyone. Hunting and fishing magazines have been hit hard by the bad economy. In an effort to save money companies didn’t advertise in the magazines and canceled sponsorship of outdoor trade events and that in turn reflected badly on the bottom line of magazines and events that depend on advertising revenue. If the economy falls the worst thing as company can do is to stop telling people about their product. In these times advertising become even more important than ever.

This loss of cash reflected on freelance outdoor writers and seminar speakers having to take severe pay cuts. It has come to the point where it is impossible to make a living of writing and seminars. Many freelance writers became unemployed and others had to find a second job with a regular paycheck and treat writing as a side job. I was no exception. In order to make ends meet I had to take on extra work as an employed worker. Finding a job was not easy in these times but I got lucky I found work. It is not my first choice sitting in a factory and assemble parts, but I am not complaining it helps paying the bills and that is all that counts.

I am continually amazed how many people are unemployed simply because they feel to proud to take a job they feel is below their status or education. Work is work, as long it pays a living that is all what matters. In my opinion an employed burger flipper contributes more to the growth of the economy than the an unemployed lawyer sitting at home waiting for the right job to come along.

This will be temporary as the economy starts to improve so will the freelance writers and seminar speakers demand. I have plans for the new year that will prevent such shortfalls in the future and will permit me to work as an outdoor professional even if things are not so good economically. The lesson I learned this year is diversity. Of course you got to be careful that you don't spread yourself to thin and then loose sight, but having more than one fire going is always better then setting all bets on one or two horses.

Christmas is here and I look forward to enjoy the coming days in the company of good friends and family. No matter how hard life can get as long you have family and friends you’re strong and never alone.

I wish all my readers and fellow bloggers a very Merry Christmas filled with joy and happiness, and a Happy New Year with my best wishes for good heath and prosperous future.

I look forward to the new year with new reports, news, columns and opinions from our great and wonderful outdoors.

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