Posted by Jim Erhardt on August 13, 2006 at 6:48 AM
As some of you may have noticed, I have not posted a photo in quite some time. In case any of you are wondering, it is not due to any loss of interest in photography or participating in the NPN image critique galleries. In fact, it is due entirely to a rather insane daily schedule I must endure for a little while longer.
Our oldest child Eric, now 25, is off on his own with a full time job. Lucky for us, Eric lives locally and works every day from our home office so we see him just about every day.
Our middle child Elisabeth is a senior in college this year (business major), and it looks like she will be ready upon graduation to enter the "real world" of earning a living. She is certainly looking forward to doing so.
Our youngest, Emily, starts here freshman year in college in a few weeks. Now some of you may have picked up on the scenario Donna and I currently face - two children in college at the same time! This not only means tuition and books, but living expenses and vehicles too (the cars, the insurance, the gas, the maintenance, etc.) Needless to say, cash flow is critical at this point in our lives and trivial things like a relaxing day off to enjoy photography are in the back seat (correction - make that "in the trunk").
On top of NPN (a full time job in itself), I am now working 55 hours a week at the "real job" and Donna also works full time to help keep the boat afloat. We are successfully handling the financial obligations, but it's taking quite a toll on any free time (we have no lives outside of work). So to answer the question I posed in the title of this post, I am busy working my butt off!
At 52 years old, this is not what I really want to be doing, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Next year Liz should be working full time (like she has done every summer) and that will lighten our financial load, perhaps enabling me to back off on the work schedule a bit. In 4 years Emily will graduate, and at that point we will finally have some breathing room and spare time.
Our ultimate goal is for me to spend all of my time with NPN and not have to worry about a "real job." Donna will continue working her job as she enjoys it, and with just the two of us to have to support, that will work out just fine. Heck, I may even have some time to enjoy photography again - providing I manage to keep my sanity in the mean time!
So there you have it - just in case you were wondering. Now I have to go to work (yes, I know, it's Sunday morning).
I truly believe that most of the NPNers have a pretty good idea of the level of committment you and your family have made to 'life', and especially to NPN! Your efforts have been tireless; and for that we all are deeply appreciative.
We know that you have made sacrifices to keep the NPN house up and running so that this community of nature photographers is able to explore and learn in an environment that engenders positive outcomes. The results are visible in all of the IC galleries and the discussion forums, everyday!
Most importantly, NPN has been the vehicle for many of us to meet in the field and have fun; and at the same time develop friendships that transcend photography. For that I am most thankful!
I know that you will say, "It's the members who make NPN what it is!" That's true, because we are all on the same team. However, a team only functions well with outstanding leadership and humility. These two qualities you have in abundance!
So, thanks Jim and Donna, Eric, Elisabeth and Emily for providing a nice campsite and warm fire where we can all gather and explore the passion we share.
Whew! I'm tired just reading your post! Good luck with all the college graduations, and easing the kids into the work force. And thanks for all the effort you put in to NPN!!
Posted by Mike Moats on August 13, 2006 at 1:01 PM
Hey Jim and Donna
I always thought you did a outstanding job running NPN, and now hearing of your hectic lifestlye and under such presures I'm totally impressed that you both hold it all together so well.
Thanks alot for all you do for NPN.
Posted by Trym Espeseth on August 13, 2006 at 1:19 PM
Hei Jim & Donna
You are doing a great job. This is a outstanding site. Amongst the great photographers and creative minds that contributing to this site, I suggest that people bring forward creative ideas about how to make the site financial healthy both to you and all of those who contributes. You have access to the best natural photos in the world. The question that have to be solved is how to make money of them......What about a photo resource for WWF ?
Jim, it had crossed my mind that it has been a while since I saw a post from you, but I thought it was because of work and commitment as NPN editor. Dedication to family is always a high priority in life. Your sense of dedication and devotion shows at NPN, and that is true of Donna as well. Once there is more free time I am sure you will enjoy photography again because I feel it comes from the heart. Thanks for all you do.
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
Posted by Bill Chambers on August 13, 2006 at 8:30 PM
There is indeed light at the end of the tunnel - We have 4 kids and the last graduated from college a little over a year ago. Keep your eyes focused on that grand day when they're all out being self-sufficient productive citizens (especially the SELF SUFFICIENT part!)
As always, thank you and Donna for your valiant efforts at NPN - This remains the best site BY FAR.
As Guy said, hang in there. It is always nice when there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Posted by Ed Cordes on August 13, 2006 at 10:04 PM
Jim and Donna we all thank you for hte effort you put into NPN. Each of us no matter what level of photographer we are have learned a lot here and have developed friendships ofpeople we have never directly met and most likely never will. Many have been through or are still experiencing the life cycle you are in. The best advicehas already been given - keep your eye on the goal and you will reap the rewards.
Thanksagain for all you do for your "other children" -us NPN'ers
Hey, Jim, NPN is a great site. In the limited time that I have to browse, I poke around here. When you get a chance, post a photo and I will critique it with blithe impunity as always.
Pete D.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on August 14, 2006 at 5:49 AM
Thanks to all for your kind words - they are very much appreciated!
what Preston said. Hang in there. And thanks for all the hardwork.
Posted by Dan Borzynski on August 14, 2006 at 8:56 AM
As much as all of us really enjoy this website, we all understand that family comes first. Thanks for all of your hard work in the last several years and hang in there - things will resolve themselves soon enough!
Posted by Toni Lankerd on August 14, 2006 at 9:17 AM
Thank you, Jim and Donna!
I don't know where you find the time to keep running NPN with all that's going on in your life right now, but know that it is VERY much appreciated!!!
Posted by Svein-Frode on August 14, 2006 at 10:38 AM
Jim, I know how you feel! Just be glad that you have a wonderful wife and children. Makes it kinda worth it all! I'm working my butt off to, even though I have no children or spouse. Just haven't got the time and energy to set up a family. I went through college and university with no financial aid other than scolarrship, loans and part time work. Your kids are lucky and hopefully appreciative of your efforts! You're a man of honor. Let's hope you'll get the time to do more photography soon, you deserve it!
Posted by Roger Rouch on August 14, 2006 at 11:49 AM
Jim, If NPN is what you do in your spare time, I can't imagine how good it would be if it were your main job! Thanks for for having such a pleasant and helpful site!
It seems like every now and then a person has to buckle down and get through some long and tough work hours and conditions (exept for maybe people like Brittany Spears). Sounds like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there.
Posted by Nathan Buck on August 14, 2006 at 12:07 PM
Thanks so much Jim and Donna!!
Nathan
Posted by Mary Dennis on August 14, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Well it says a lot about you as a person Jim, that you are able to juggle all the work and family obligations and still keep this site top rate. I'm guessing you are one of the world's best time managers to say the least. We're not looking at having two kids in college at the same time but as soon as one graduates (she's a sophomore now) the other will start! So eight long years of tuition....yeeesh! We are in the tunnel now....
Anyway, I just want to say thanks at this juncture because you work so hard to make this site what it is and I have reaped so much benefit from that work. So thanks!
Hi Jim and Donna!! I want to say thanks as well. I've only been a member a short time but have visited this site for a couple of years and have always thought it was top rated. I've spent hours on my computer instead of doing other things (like housework, etc. ). Thanks for your time and energy!! Good luck!!!
Posted by Bill Stice on August 15, 2006 at 9:34 AM
Jim and Donna, I've been around her almost from the beginning and I can truly say that the site has continuously grown and improved. You both have done an exemplary job in keeping things fresh, current and making it a joy to visit. You always solicit input from the membership and even more important you listen to suggestions and make things better. I am amazed that you have accomplished all you do in your personal life and manage to maintain such a wonderful site. Thanks for making NPN happen.
Discussion
23 repliesOur oldest child Eric, now 25, is off on his own with a full time job. Lucky for us, Eric lives locally and works every day from our home office so we see him just about every day.
Our middle child Elisabeth is a senior in college this year (business major), and it looks like she will be ready upon graduation to enter the "real world" of earning a living. She is certainly looking forward to doing so.
Our youngest, Emily, starts here freshman year in college in a few weeks. Now some of you may have picked up on the scenario Donna and I currently face - two children in college at the same time! This not only means tuition and books, but living expenses and vehicles too (the cars, the insurance, the gas, the maintenance, etc.) Needless to say, cash flow is critical at this point in our lives and trivial things like a relaxing day off to enjoy photography are in the back seat (correction - make that "in the trunk").
On top of NPN (a full time job in itself), I am now working 55 hours a week at the "real job" and Donna also works full time to help keep the boat afloat. We are successfully handling the financial obligations, but it's taking quite a toll on any free time (we have no lives outside of work). So to answer the question I posed in the title of this post, I am busy working my butt off!
At 52 years old, this is not what I really want to be doing, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Next year Liz should be working full time (like she has done every summer) and that will lighten our financial load, perhaps enabling me to back off on the work schedule a bit. In 4 years Emily will graduate, and at that point we will finally have some breathing room and spare time.
Our ultimate goal is for me to spend all of my time with NPN and not have to worry about a "real job." Donna will continue working her job as she enjoys it, and with just the two of us to have to support, that will work out just fine. Heck, I may even have some time to enjoy photography again - providing I manage to keep my sanity in the mean time!
So there you have it - just in case you were wondering. Now I have to go to work (yes, I know, it's Sunday morning).
I truly believe that most of the NPNers have a pretty good idea of the level of committment you and your family have made to 'life', and especially to NPN! Your efforts have been tireless; and for that we all are deeply appreciative.
We know that you have made sacrifices to keep the NPN house up and running so that this community of nature photographers is able to explore and learn in an environment that engenders positive outcomes. The results are visible in all of the IC galleries and the discussion forums, everyday!
Most importantly, NPN has been the vehicle for many of us to meet in the field and have fun; and at the same time develop friendships that transcend photography. For that I am most thankful!
I know that you will say, "It's the members who make NPN what it is!" That's true, because we are all on the same team. However, a team only functions well with outstanding leadership and humility. These two qualities you have in abundance!
So, thanks Jim and Donna, Eric, Elisabeth and Emily for providing a nice campsite and warm fire where we can all gather and explore the passion we share.
All the best,
-PB
I 100% agree with Preston...thank you for the great work!
I always thought you did a outstanding job running NPN, and now hearing of your hectic lifestlye and under such presures I'm totally impressed that you both hold it all together so well.
Thanks alot for all you do for NPN.
You are doing a great job. This is a outstanding site. Amongst the great photographers and creative minds that contributing to this site, I suggest that people bring forward creative ideas about how to make the site financial healthy both to you and all of those who contributes. You have access to the best natural photos in the world. The question that have to be solved is how to make money of them......What about a photo resource for WWF ?
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
As always, thank you and Donna for your valiant efforts at NPN - This remains the best site BY FAR.
Guy
As Guy said, hang in there. It is always nice when there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanksagain for all you do for your "other children" -us NPN'ers
Pete D.
I don't know where you find the time to keep running NPN with all that's going on in your life right now, but know that it is VERY much appreciated!!!
It seems like every now and then a person has to buckle down and get through some long and tough work hours and conditions (exept for maybe people like Brittany Spears). Sounds like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there.
Nathan
Anyway, I just want to say thanks at this juncture because you work so hard to make this site what it is and I have reaped so much benefit from that work. So thanks!