Well, so much has changed in the last year of my life! I found out that I would be able to take advantage of an early retirement...which is awesome. On the flip side, I had to figure out, on relatively short notice, what I wanted to do with myself once I am no longer in the Marine Corps. That is something people usually spend years deciding and preparing for and I only had a few months.
I started out by creating my resume and applying to various positions in my field (Human Resources) hoping to find a normal job but it never really felt right. I just kept thinking that I want something that is going to make me truly happy. The problem is figuring out exactly what that is. I wanted to do something hands on. I would like to be outdoors at least part of the time. I want to be my own boss and if I do have employees, only a few. I want to be able to see results in what I am doing in a fairly short amount of time so that I don't get burned out. I want to be able to work in a calming environment with the ability to occasionally interact with others. Finally, I want something that my children can be involved in and will eventually be able to take over if they choose to. I wasn't sure that I would actually find a job that met all of those requirements so I assumed it was just wishful thinking.
A few weeks ago I attended a Transition Workshop and on the last day of the 5 day course I chose to attend an Entrepreneurial Workshop. We had a guest speaker stop by and give us a brief overview of the business that she and her husband started after he transitioned from the Marine Corps. I was blown away. This is EXACTLY what I wanted to do. I couldn't believe how perfect this would be for me and met every one of my requirements. They have a training program that would be starting in a few weeks and I could learn everything about the business and about how to start my own. I was (and still am) so excited that I couldn't wait to get home and tell my husband.
So....what exactly is this business?
Wait for it....wait for it.....
I am going to be a farmer.
Well, a hydroponic / aquaponic farmer to be exact. That means I am going to grow vegetables and herbs, primarily herbs though, in water and a medium other than dirt. I am also going to raise tilapia (fish) to use for the nutrients to feed the plants and to sell once they reach the proper weight of 1-2 pounds per fish.
This method of farming allows small scale farmers to turn crops much more quickly and will allow me to make a pretty decent income. I will probably have one employee and life will be good. I admit, I am very nervous but I know I can make it work. I have already made arrangements to purchase my greenhouse. It is 20X100 feet. I also just purchased my first aquarium for my breeder tilapia. I will be raising fish in the next few days...
So, life is grand.
I can't wait to get to Alabama and start working:) I will post pictures soon.
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