Need help deciding

[Morticia]

There is no "out" going in.
Most Innkeepers also do not "BAIL" I actually thought that was a poor term to use, as we slave away day after day after day. We miss weddings, births, our kids band concerts and games AND FUNERALS, fyi. Sheesh I have been working all morning from the crack of dawn today AND my stomach hurts and I don;t feel well, I can't call in sick. Guests are getting ready to head out for the day....

Are you sorry that you bought a B & B? We love restoring and fixing things and we know about that kind of work. And we know how hard it can be to relax when things need to be done.
Isn't the plan to get business? Don't you want people there all the time? And when there is an off season or a few days of no guests, isn't there time to do some relaxing then?
And between when they head out for the day and when they come back or before new guests arrive, there must be time to do some breath-catching.
You don't make it sound like much fun. We do want it to be fun.
.

Are you sorry that you bought a B & B? We love restoring and fixing things and we know about that kind of work. And we know how hard it can be to relax when things need to be done.
Isn't the plan to get business? Don't you want people there all the time? And when there is an off season or a few days of no guests, isn't there time to do some relaxing then?
And between when they head out for the day and when they come back or before new guests arrive, there must be time to do some breath-catching.
You don't make it sound like much fun. We do want it to be fun.

Technically, today was a day off for me. No one was here last night. But, someone is here tonight.
I'm just getting back here after spending 4 hours with a photgrapher. So, how did my day stack up? First off we had to block off yesterday so we had no guests so I didn't have to make breakfast and clean rooms before the photog got here. But, I did need to finish laundry from the day before, I didn't. The doorbell rang 5 times before I could leave to get my haircut. The phone rang, mostly telemarketers, also before I could get out. Photog ran a little late, so I had time to weed the garden where she would be taking pix, wash the lawn furniture so it would be clean, make lemonade for the pix and grab a bagel.
Then she got here and we spent the next 4 hours taking pix. I didn't take the phone outside for those shots so I missed 3 calls while we took pix of the gardens. They all had to be called back.
All the while hoping the guests for tonight wouldn't be on time. I'm hoping they'll be late. So, I just got their cookies done and one room has arrived. And, the other just called to say they'll be late. A lot later than I wanted.
Now, when I get these new photos, I need to have new brochures made which means a couple of hours with the printer. I'm also redesigning our entire 80 page website from scratch.
In between we're keeping the maintenance up on a 110 year old building, greeting guests, making their breakfast, cleaning up after them, checking in the new guests, doing laundry (have I mentioned laundry?), grocery shopping, keeping our tax records up to date so we pay our bills on time, calling my mom, calling my kids, trying to have some personal time, keeping the grounds up, planning new marketing & sales campaigns, meeting with other innkeepers, helping out at the library, meeting up with friends to stay sane.
No, it isn't anything more than anyone else does in day. But you're doing it with complete strangers with their odd quirks and eccentricites IN YOUR HOME! They can't or won't read the materials you have provided so they ring the bell at 10 PM to ask how to get the A/C to work. (Now you need to put on a robe or get dressed and try to help them while you're half asleep and they're wide awake.) They need ice and forget where you said to find it. They lock themselves out of their rooms THREE times. They ring the outside bell to get in because they don't want to remember the code you told them for the door and they don't want to find the keys you gave them.
You're serving 20 guests breakfast and 6 of them can't eat whatever you're making, no matter WHAT you're making. Will they tell you in advance? No. They'll tell you as you serve it to the other guests. Now all you want to do is dump it on their heads. Or, you'll make a lovely breakfast and no one will come to eat it. Or they'll come after breakfast is done and expect that's noo big deal. After all, you don't have anything else to do, right?
If you're going to have 10 rooms and you're paying for the property outright you can take as much time off as you want. Only want to clean 3 rooms? Then you only have to book 3 rooms. But, a lot of us have mortgages to pay and that means taking any and all comers, whenever and whatever else is going on. Dog just died? Get over it. Guests are at the door. Some innkeepers here have had to attend a PARENT'S funeral and then make breakfast for a full house the next day. No time off for family emergencies when you've got guests in the house.
30% occ can be spread out ONE ROOM AT A TIME. You have to be on for each and every single night stay. 30% occ is EASY when it all happens in 4 months and you get it out of the way so you can take the next 8 months off. Which happens a lot where I live. Wall to wall guests from Mem Day to Columbus Day. Then the innkeepers close up and go to Florida for vacation.
So what do I usually do beween the time the old guests leave and the new guests arrive? I clean. 7 rooms takes a solid 3 hours. By noontime today's guests will want to check in. So I'm answering the door, answering the phone, doing laundry. (There's that laundry again!)
When you are full, you will refer to guests by their room names. You won't remember who they are.
This is a lifestyle job. You get to live in a really nice place and meet really interesting people. It doesn't mean that you're not working your butt off from early morning to late at night. Of course it's fun or no one would sign up for it!
But you don't get weekends off. If there's one thing you don't get it's weekends off.
This job is not rocket science. It's more like juggling. All of the parts of it are very easy. It's just getting all of the parts to fall in line.
Again, of course it's fun or I would have stopped ages ago.
And, yes, I just used up a precious half hour writing this. Off to plate those cookies...

 

[Morticia]

Breakfast Diva... Yours is a very thoughtful and helpful response. Thank you. The day-in-the-life account was particularly useful, though you left out the part where you have to shovel the driveway, gather the eggs and get the truck's oil changed.
And I'm sure Eyevea was not trying to offend. Rather, she is trying to look inward with help from people who have lived as innkeepers. Thanks for taking the time to share.
One question: when you need to hire help, how hard is it to find good employees? What do you do if you have to have your appendix out, for instance?.

Breakfast Diva... Yours is a very thoughtful and helpful response. Thank you. The day-in-the-life account was particularly useful, though you left out the part where you have to shovel the driveway, gather the eggs and get the truck's oil changed.
And I'm sure Eyevea was not trying to offend. Rather, she is trying to look inward with help from people who have lived as innkeepers. Thanks for taking the time to share.
One question: when you need to hire help, how hard is it to find good employees? What do you do if you have to have your appendix out, for instance?

When you need to hire help it's too late. You need to find those back-up people before the appendix has to come out.
Even just looking for housekeeping help is a challenge. We got 3 responses to our ad. One person who said she needed to be paid $15/hour and had to have weekends off. Another who never sent back the application once she found out it wasn't a front desk job. The other has been a gem. Truly happy & helpful and she just got a raise after 3 weeks on the job.
What happens during the appendix out situation (or in my case the motorcycle accident, the mother in ICU and the kid having a baby) is that the other half of the team picks up the slack for you while you loll around in the hospital, sit by your mother's bedside, meet your latest grandchild for the first time.

 

[Samster]

Breakfast Diva... Yours is a very thoughtful and helpful response. Thank you. The day-in-the-life account was particularly useful, though you left out the part where you have to shovel the driveway, gather the eggs and get the truck's oil changed.
And I'm sure Eyevea was not trying to offend. Rather, she is trying to look inward with help from people who have lived as innkeepers. Thanks for taking the time to share.
One question: when you need to hire help, how hard is it to find good employees? What do you do if you have to have your appendix out, for instance?.

Breakfast Diva... Yours is a very thoughtful and helpful response. Thank you. The day-in-the-life account was particularly useful, though you left out the part where you have to shovel the driveway, gather the eggs and get the truck's oil changed.
And I'm sure Eyevea was not trying to offend. Rather, she is trying to look inward with help from people who have lived as innkeepers. Thanks for taking the time to share.
One question: when you need to hire help, how hard is it to find good employees? What do you do if you have to have your appendix out, for instance?

When you need to hire help it's too late. You need to find those back-up people before the appendix has to come out.
Even just looking for housekeeping help is a challenge. We got 3 responses to our ad. One person who said she needed to be paid $15/hour and had to have weekends off. Another who never sent back the application once she found out it wasn't a front desk job. The other has been a gem. Truly happy & helpful and she just got a raise after 3 weeks on the job.
What happens during the appendix out situation (or in my case the motorcycle accident, the mother in ICU and the kid having a baby) is that the other half of the team picks up the slack for you while you loll around in the hospital, sit by your mother's bedside, meet your latest grandchild for the first time.
.

If there's no other half of the team because they have another full-time job, you punt. I had no choice but to refer confirmed guests over to another B&B when I had a serious asthma attack. Then, I had to block the rooms out for as many days as I thought I needed before the steroids kicked in and I could breathe again.
When something serious happens to those around you in your life out of nowhere, you do the best you can. There's no calling in sick or taking an emergency day off in this job....

 

[gillumhouse]

Breakfast Diva... Yours is a very thoughtful and helpful response. Thank you. The day-in-the-life account was particularly useful, though you left out the part where you have to shovel the driveway, gather the eggs and get the truck's oil changed.
And I'm sure Eyevea was not trying to offend. Rather, she is trying to look inward with help from people who have lived as innkeepers. Thanks for taking the time to share.
One question: when you need to hire help, how hard is it to find good employees? What do you do if you have to have your appendix out, for instance?.

Breakfast Diva... Yours is a very thoughtful and helpful response. Thank you. The day-in-the-life account was particularly useful, though you left out the part where you have to shovel the driveway, gather the eggs and get the truck's oil changed.
And I'm sure Eyevea was not trying to offend. Rather, she is trying to look inward with help from people who have lived as innkeepers. Thanks for taking the time to share.
One question: when you need to hire help, how hard is it to find good employees? What do you do if you have to have your appendix out, for instance?

When you need to hire help it's too late. You need to find those back-up people before the appendix has to come out.
Even just looking for housekeeping help is a challenge. We got 3 responses to our ad. One person who said she needed to be paid $15/hour and had to have weekends off. Another who never sent back the application once she found out it wasn't a front desk job. The other has been a gem. Truly happy & helpful and she just got a raise after 3 weeks on the job.
What happens during the appendix out situation (or in my case the motorcycle accident, the mother in ICU and the kid having a baby) is that the other half of the team picks up the slack for you while you loll around in the hospital, sit by your mother's bedside, meet your latest grandchild for the first time.
.

If there's no other half of the team because they have another full-time job, you punt. I had no choice but to refer confirmed guests over to another B&B when I had a serious asthma attack. Then, I had to block the rooms out for as many days as I thought I needed before the steroids kicked in and I could breathe again.
When something serious happens to those around you in your life out of nowhere, you do the best you can. There's no calling in sick or taking an emergency day off in this job....
.

That is for sure. I was on an 8-week spin between hospital, guests, another hospital, guests, rehab when DH had his 6-way by-pass. It was July in the year of the Nationals being in Lexington, KY and I had a revolving door of full-house with horse people (for you newcomers that also meant I escorted them from the Interstate to the stable) and mostly 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. breakfasts. Closest kid is 600 miles. If I go down there is no way for DH to do anything. We are closed.

 

[cherry64]

Why did you originally think buying and operating a B&B was a good idea? Look back at that. I guess I'm wondering why, if you love your life the way it is now, did you start looking to buy a B&B? Is this DH's idea and you went along and now you realize it's for real?

PS- the questions aren't being 'fired' at you because I think you've made a mistake! They're soul-searching questions you need to answer..

Thanks for writing back. My husband actually went to cooking school because he thought my idea of buying and running and B & B was a good one. He took a voluntary buyout from his career as a journalist. He'd always wanted to go to cooking school and my youngest was just finishing college. The timing is all working for us.
It was my idea. I love the idea of running a B & B. We're both great at customer service and loved the idea of living in an old, large house. Of course I didn't realize that the owner's quarters are often less than grand. The house we live in is nothing special, but we've worked hard on it and now I've learned to not dislike it so much. I think I'm having issues with "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
When we first started looking online and even in person, we had no idea that most people bail in 5-7 years. Our plan was to do this for the next 25 years. And also didn't realize that even when people decide they've had enough, it takes sometimes 5 more years to actually sell. And I know of a couple of places that went into foreclosure because people couldn't wait any longer to sell.
So, I don't want to make a huge life changing mistake. That's why I'm asking for what other people's thoughts were and are.
.

I am an aspiring innkeeper as well.

If you haven't already, make sure you go to aspiring seminars and possible ask local innkeepers if you can shadow them for a day or two (my state association has an aspiring program that allows this at specific inns), or even volunteer your time to help out around an inn and see the ins and outs and the behind the scenes action, if they will let you, or even offer to compensate them for their time. I've been to a number of seminars and did a shadowing and even recently returned from an aspiring weekend that had 7 innkeepers open all their doors and answered all our questions. Stuff like this will help with the cold feet or convince you it is not for you.
My biggest hurdle will be selling my house, which I am extremly emotionally attached to since I was practically born here. The economy will be a huge hinderance there as well.
Good luck!

 

[eyevea]

Why did you originally think buying and operating a B&B was a good idea? Look back at that. I guess I'm wondering why, if you love your life the way it is now, did you start looking to buy a B&B? Is this DH's idea and you went along and now you realize it's for real?

PS- the questions aren't being 'fired' at you because I think you've made a mistake! They're soul-searching questions you need to answer..

Thanks for writing back. My husband actually went to cooking school because he thought my idea of buying and running and B & B was a good one. He took a voluntary buyout from his career as a journalist. He'd always wanted to go to cooking school and my youngest was just finishing college. The timing is all working for us.
It was my idea. I love the idea of running a B & B. We're both great at customer service and loved the idea of living in an old, large house. Of course I didn't realize that the owner's quarters are often less than grand. The house we live in is nothing special, but we've worked hard on it and now I've learned to not dislike it so much. I think I'm having issues with "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
When we first started looking online and even in person, we had no idea that most people bail in 5-7 years. Our plan was to do this for the next 25 years. And also didn't realize that even when people decide they've had enough, it takes sometimes 5 more years to actually sell. And I know of a couple of places that went into foreclosure because people couldn't wait any longer to sell.
So, I don't want to make a huge life changing mistake. That's why I'm asking for what other people's thoughts were and are.
.

I am an aspiring innkeeper as well.

If you haven't already, make sure you go to aspiring seminars and possible ask local innkeepers if you can shadow them for a day or two (my state association has an aspiring program that allows this at specific inns), or even volunteer your time to help out around an inn and see the ins and outs and the behind the scenes action, if they will let you, or even offer to compensate them for their time. I've been to a number of seminars and did a shadowing and even recently returned from an aspiring weekend that had 7 innkeepers open all their doors and answered all our questions. Stuff like this will help with the cold feet or convince you it is not for you.
My biggest hurdle will be selling my house, which I am extremly emotionally attached to since I was practically born here. The economy will be a huge hinderance there as well.
Good luck!
.

Thanks for the advice. My problem isn't know what it will be like to run a place...all the hard work, long hours, etc. My problem is the risk. Giving up my secure job and the health insurance and my paid for house (all my securities) to buy and run and bed and breakfast in another state. The whatifs keep me awake at night. For now, we've withdrawn our offer. It feels very sad to give up on a dream we've had for a very long time, but when we first started this venture, we were both working full time and saving a lot of money. We were going to pay cash for a B & B so if the business failed, we'd still have a great place to live.
Then the economy failed, my husband was laid off (voluntarily) and we realized that the B & Bs that we'd been looking weren't set up to be private homes. In face, most owner's quarters weren't even big enough for us.
By the time we found this place, that we really really like, the economy was very different, we'd have to take a small mortgage....the taxes and medical insurance bills would be over $27,000/year and the house really wouldn't be appropriate to just live in...not that we could afford to just live there with the bills we'd still have to pay.
So, the reality of what we found vs. our original dream were very different.
I'm very emotionally attached to my house, as well, but I think I could get passed that part. The economy is something else, again.
If we could find a place to buy that was within driving distance of my job (and medical insurance, and security), then we could ease into the transfer and maybe not have to give up the security.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.

 

[Morticia]

Why did you originally think buying and operating a B&B was a good idea? Look back at that. I guess I'm wondering why, if you love your life the way it is now, did you start looking to buy a B&B? Is this DH's idea and you went along and now you realize it's for real?

PS- the questions aren't being 'fired' at you because I think you've made a mistake! They're soul-searching questions you need to answer..

Thanks for writing back. My husband actually went to cooking school because he thought my idea of buying and running and B & B was a good one. He took a voluntary buyout from his career as a journalist. He'd always wanted to go to cooking school and my youngest was just finishing college. The timing is all working for us.
It was my idea. I love the idea of running a B & B. We're both great at customer service and loved the idea of living in an old, large house. Of course I didn't realize that the owner's quarters are often less than grand. The house we live in is nothing special, but we've worked hard on it and now I've learned to not dislike it so much. I think I'm having issues with "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
When we first started looking online and even in person, we had no idea that most people bail in 5-7 years. Our plan was to do this for the next 25 years. And also didn't realize that even when people decide they've had enough, it takes sometimes 5 more years to actually sell. And I know of a couple of places that went into foreclosure because people couldn't wait any longer to sell.
So, I don't want to make a huge life changing mistake. That's why I'm asking for what other people's thoughts were and are.
.

I am an aspiring innkeeper as well.

If you haven't already, make sure you go to aspiring seminars and possible ask local innkeepers if you can shadow them for a day or two (my state association has an aspiring program that allows this at specific inns), or even volunteer your time to help out around an inn and see the ins and outs and the behind the scenes action, if they will let you, or even offer to compensate them for their time. I've been to a number of seminars and did a shadowing and even recently returned from an aspiring weekend that had 7 innkeepers open all their doors and answered all our questions. Stuff like this will help with the cold feet or convince you it is not for you.
My biggest hurdle will be selling my house, which I am extremly emotionally attached to since I was practically born here. The economy will be a huge hinderance there as well.
Good luck!
.

Thanks for the advice. My problem isn't know what it will be like to run a place...all the hard work, long hours, etc. My problem is the risk. Giving up my secure job and the health insurance and my paid for house (all my securities) to buy and run and bed and breakfast in another state. The whatifs keep me awake at night. For now, we've withdrawn our offer. It feels very sad to give up on a dream we've had for a very long time, but when we first started this venture, we were both working full time and saving a lot of money. We were going to pay cash for a B & B so if the business failed, we'd still have a great place to live.
Then the economy failed, my husband was laid off (voluntarily) and we realized that the B & Bs that we'd been looking weren't set up to be private homes. In face, most owner's quarters weren't even big enough for us.
By the time we found this place, that we really really like, the economy was very different, we'd have to take a small mortgage....the taxes and medical insurance bills would be over $27,000/year and the house really wouldn't be appropriate to just live in...not that we could afford to just live there with the bills we'd still have to pay.
So, the reality of what we found vs. our original dream were very different.
I'm very emotionally attached to my house, as well, but I think I could get passed that part. The economy is something else, again.
If we could find a place to buy that was within driving distance of my job (and medical insurance, and security), then we could ease into the transfer and maybe not have to give up the security.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.
.

Those are all tough hurdles to overcome.

 

[egoodell]

Breakfast Diva... Yours is a very thoughtful and helpful response. Thank you. The day-in-the-life account was particularly useful, though you left out the part where you have to shovel the driveway, gather the eggs and get the truck's oil changed.
And I'm sure Eyevea was not trying to offend. Rather, she is trying to look inward with help from people who have lived as innkeepers. Thanks for taking the time to share.
One question: when you need to hire help, how hard is it to find good employees? What do you do if you have to have your appendix out, for instance?.

What do you do if you have to have your appendix out, for instance?
I would pray and hope that one of those offers I had for help if I need it was not just hot air! In reality, DH would probably call the Diner and have them run a tab for whatever the guests order.
.

What do you do if you have to have your appendix out, for instance?

If you need surgery you call your innsitters who have already been shown how you run things, and have them run the inn while you are out. You do the same when you wish to go on vacation. If you have a ten room inn, you will be able to afford them, if you are in a destination location with good bookings.
Our innsitters are wonderful and we use them right now on a regular basis rather than hiring help. We are lucky in that the live only about 40 minutes away.
RIki

 

[muirford]

Why did you originally think buying and operating a B&B was a good idea? Look back at that. I guess I'm wondering why, if you love your life the way it is now, did you start looking to buy a B&B? Is this DH's idea and you went along and now you realize it's for real?

PS- the questions aren't being 'fired' at you because I think you've made a mistake! They're soul-searching questions you need to answer..

Thanks for writing back. My husband actually went to cooking school because he thought my idea of buying and running and B & B was a good one. He took a voluntary buyout from his career as a journalist. He'd always wanted to go to cooking school and my youngest was just finishing college. The timing is all working for us.
It was my idea. I love the idea of running a B & B. We're both great at customer service and loved the idea of living in an old, large house. Of course I didn't realize that the owner's quarters are often less than grand. The house we live in is nothing special, but we've worked hard on it and now I've learned to not dislike it so much. I think I'm having issues with "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
When we first started looking online and even in person, we had no idea that most people bail in 5-7 years. Our plan was to do this for the next 25 years. And also didn't realize that even when people decide they've had enough, it takes sometimes 5 more years to actually sell. And I know of a couple of places that went into foreclosure because people couldn't wait any longer to sell.
So, I don't want to make a huge life changing mistake. That's why I'm asking for what other people's thoughts were and are.
.

I am an aspiring innkeeper as well.

If you haven't already, make sure you go to aspiring seminars and possible ask local innkeepers if you can shadow them for a day or two (my state association has an aspiring program that allows this at specific inns), or even volunteer your time to help out around an inn and see the ins and outs and the behind the scenes action, if they will let you, or even offer to compensate them for their time. I've been to a number of seminars and did a shadowing and even recently returned from an aspiring weekend that had 7 innkeepers open all their doors and answered all our questions. Stuff like this will help with the cold feet or convince you it is not for you.
My biggest hurdle will be selling my house, which I am extremly emotionally attached to since I was practically born here. The economy will be a huge hinderance there as well.
Good luck!
.

Thanks for the advice. My problem isn't know what it will be like to run a place...all the hard work, long hours, etc. My problem is the risk. Giving up my secure job and the health insurance and my paid for house (all my securities) to buy and run and bed and breakfast in another state. The whatifs keep me awake at night. For now, we've withdrawn our offer. It feels very sad to give up on a dream we've had for a very long time, but when we first started this venture, we were both working full time and saving a lot of money. We were going to pay cash for a B & B so if the business failed, we'd still have a great place to live.
Then the economy failed, my husband was laid off (voluntarily) and we realized that the B & Bs that we'd been looking weren't set up to be private homes. In face, most owner's quarters weren't even big enough for us.
By the time we found this place, that we really really like, the economy was very different, we'd have to take a small mortgage....the taxes and medical insurance bills would be over $27,000/year and the house really wouldn't be appropriate to just live in...not that we could afford to just live there with the bills we'd still have to pay.
So, the reality of what we found vs. our original dream were very different.
I'm very emotionally attached to my house, as well, but I think I could get passed that part. The economy is something else, again.
If we could find a place to buy that was within driving distance of my job (and medical insurance, and security), then we could ease into the transfer and maybe not have to give up the security.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.
.

Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.

I can't understand why you would get that advice. Some are better than others (by orders of magnitude), for sure, but to blanketly advise against it - I would wonder about the motives of that advice.

 

[eyevea]

Why did you originally think buying and operating a B&B was a good idea? Look back at that. I guess I'm wondering why, if you love your life the way it is now, did you start looking to buy a B&B? Is this DH's idea and you went along and now you realize it's for real?

PS- the questions aren't being 'fired' at you because I think you've made a mistake! They're soul-searching questions you need to answer..

Thanks for writing back. My husband actually went to cooking school because he thought my idea of buying and running and B & B was a good one. He took a voluntary buyout from his career as a journalist. He'd always wanted to go to cooking school and my youngest was just finishing college. The timing is all working for us.
It was my idea. I love the idea of running a B & B. We're both great at customer service and loved the idea of living in an old, large house. Of course I didn't realize that the owner's quarters are often less than grand. The house we live in is nothing special, but we've worked hard on it and now I've learned to not dislike it so much. I think I'm having issues with "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
When we first started looking online and even in person, we had no idea that most people bail in 5-7 years. Our plan was to do this for the next 25 years. And also didn't realize that even when people decide they've had enough, it takes sometimes 5 more years to actually sell. And I know of a couple of places that went into foreclosure because people couldn't wait any longer to sell.
So, I don't want to make a huge life changing mistake. That's why I'm asking for what other people's thoughts were and are.
.

I am an aspiring innkeeper as well.

If you haven't already, make sure you go to aspiring seminars and possible ask local innkeepers if you can shadow them for a day or two (my state association has an aspiring program that allows this at specific inns), or even volunteer your time to help out around an inn and see the ins and outs and the behind the scenes action, if they will let you, or even offer to compensate them for their time. I've been to a number of seminars and did a shadowing and even recently returned from an aspiring weekend that had 7 innkeepers open all their doors and answered all our questions. Stuff like this will help with the cold feet or convince you it is not for you.
My biggest hurdle will be selling my house, which I am extremly emotionally attached to since I was practically born here. The economy will be a huge hinderance there as well.
Good luck!
.

Thanks for the advice. My problem isn't know what it will be like to run a place...all the hard work, long hours, etc. My problem is the risk. Giving up my secure job and the health insurance and my paid for house (all my securities) to buy and run and bed and breakfast in another state. The whatifs keep me awake at night. For now, we've withdrawn our offer. It feels very sad to give up on a dream we've had for a very long time, but when we first started this venture, we were both working full time and saving a lot of money. We were going to pay cash for a B & B so if the business failed, we'd still have a great place to live.
Then the economy failed, my husband was laid off (voluntarily) and we realized that the B & Bs that we'd been looking weren't set up to be private homes. In face, most owner's quarters weren't even big enough for us.
By the time we found this place, that we really really like, the economy was very different, we'd have to take a small mortgage....the taxes and medical insurance bills would be over $27,000/year and the house really wouldn't be appropriate to just live in...not that we could afford to just live there with the bills we'd still have to pay.
So, the reality of what we found vs. our original dream were very different.
I'm very emotionally attached to my house, as well, but I think I could get passed that part. The economy is something else, again.
If we could find a place to buy that was within driving distance of my job (and medical insurance, and security), then we could ease into the transfer and maybe not have to give up the security.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.
.

Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.

I can't understand why you would get that advice. Some are better than others (by orders of magnitude), for sure, but to blanketly advise against it - I would wonder about the motives of that advice.
.

It was a real estate agent that we had talked to a couple of years ago. I'm sure his motivation was that if we found out what the business is like, he wouldn't make a commission. He didn't last long as our agent...but he had sold a lot of lodging properties, and we didn't know what we were doing at that point.....

 

[EmptyNest]

Why did you originally think buying and operating a B&B was a good idea? Look back at that. I guess I'm wondering why, if you love your life the way it is now, did you start looking to buy a B&B? Is this DH's idea and you went along and now you realize it's for real?

PS- the questions aren't being 'fired' at you because I think you've made a mistake! They're soul-searching questions you need to answer..

Thanks for writing back. My husband actually went to cooking school because he thought my idea of buying and running and B & B was a good one. He took a voluntary buyout from his career as a journalist. He'd always wanted to go to cooking school and my youngest was just finishing college. The timing is all working for us.
It was my idea. I love the idea of running a B & B. We're both great at customer service and loved the idea of living in an old, large house. Of course I didn't realize that the owner's quarters are often less than grand. The house we live in is nothing special, but we've worked hard on it and now I've learned to not dislike it so much. I think I'm having issues with "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
When we first started looking online and even in person, we had no idea that most people bail in 5-7 years. Our plan was to do this for the next 25 years. And also didn't realize that even when people decide they've had enough, it takes sometimes 5 more years to actually sell. And I know of a couple of places that went into foreclosure because people couldn't wait any longer to sell.
So, I don't want to make a huge life changing mistake. That's why I'm asking for what other people's thoughts were and are.
.

I am an aspiring innkeeper as well.

If you haven't already, make sure you go to aspiring seminars and possible ask local innkeepers if you can shadow them for a day or two (my state association has an aspiring program that allows this at specific inns), or even volunteer your time to help out around an inn and see the ins and outs and the behind the scenes action, if they will let you, or even offer to compensate them for their time. I've been to a number of seminars and did a shadowing and even recently returned from an aspiring weekend that had 7 innkeepers open all their doors and answered all our questions. Stuff like this will help with the cold feet or convince you it is not for you.
My biggest hurdle will be selling my house, which I am extremly emotionally attached to since I was practically born here. The economy will be a huge hinderance there as well.
Good luck!
.

Thanks for the advice. My problem isn't know what it will be like to run a place...all the hard work, long hours, etc. My problem is the risk. Giving up my secure job and the health insurance and my paid for house (all my securities) to buy and run and bed and breakfast in another state. The whatifs keep me awake at night. For now, we've withdrawn our offer. It feels very sad to give up on a dream we've had for a very long time, but when we first started this venture, we were both working full time and saving a lot of money. We were going to pay cash for a B & B so if the business failed, we'd still have a great place to live.
Then the economy failed, my husband was laid off (voluntarily) and we realized that the B & Bs that we'd been looking weren't set up to be private homes. In face, most owner's quarters weren't even big enough for us.
By the time we found this place, that we really really like, the economy was very different, we'd have to take a small mortgage....the taxes and medical insurance bills would be over $27,000/year and the house really wouldn't be appropriate to just live in...not that we could afford to just live there with the bills we'd still have to pay.
So, the reality of what we found vs. our original dream were very different.
I'm very emotionally attached to my house, as well, but I think I could get passed that part. The economy is something else, again.
If we could find a place to buy that was within driving distance of my job (and medical insurance, and security), then we could ease into the transfer and maybe not have to give up the security.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.
.

Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.
I don't know who in the world told you that..but they are totally wrong! Some certainly may be better than others, but they all have some benefit and you do learn!! Go to as many as you can. You will ALWAYS get some insights!!!
Oops..just read your other reply. Real estate agents don't know crap about running a B & B. UNLESS...they are a former innkeeper. They are just in it to make a sale.

 

[Innkeep]

Why did you originally think buying and operating a B&B was a good idea? Look back at that. I guess I'm wondering why, if you love your life the way it is now, did you start looking to buy a B&B? Is this DH's idea and you went along and now you realize it's for real?

PS- the questions aren't being 'fired' at you because I think you've made a mistake! They're soul-searching questions you need to answer..

Thanks for writing back. My husband actually went to cooking school because he thought my idea of buying and running and B & B was a good one. He took a voluntary buyout from his career as a journalist. He'd always wanted to go to cooking school and my youngest was just finishing college. The timing is all working for us.
It was my idea. I love the idea of running a B & B. We're both great at customer service and loved the idea of living in an old, large house. Of course I didn't realize that the owner's quarters are often less than grand. The house we live in is nothing special, but we've worked hard on it and now I've learned to not dislike it so much. I think I'm having issues with "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
When we first started looking online and even in person, we had no idea that most people bail in 5-7 years. Our plan was to do this for the next 25 years. And also didn't realize that even when people decide they've had enough, it takes sometimes 5 more years to actually sell. And I know of a couple of places that went into foreclosure because people couldn't wait any longer to sell.
So, I don't want to make a huge life changing mistake. That's why I'm asking for what other people's thoughts were and are.
.

I am an aspiring innkeeper as well.

If you haven't already, make sure you go to aspiring seminars and possible ask local innkeepers if you can shadow them for a day or two (my state association has an aspiring program that allows this at specific inns), or even volunteer your time to help out around an inn and see the ins and outs and the behind the scenes action, if they will let you, or even offer to compensate them for their time. I've been to a number of seminars and did a shadowing and even recently returned from an aspiring weekend that had 7 innkeepers open all their doors and answered all our questions. Stuff like this will help with the cold feet or convince you it is not for you.
My biggest hurdle will be selling my house, which I am extremly emotionally attached to since I was practically born here. The economy will be a huge hinderance there as well.
Good luck!
.

Thanks for the advice. My problem isn't know what it will be like to run a place...all the hard work, long hours, etc. My problem is the risk. Giving up my secure job and the health insurance and my paid for house (all my securities) to buy and run and bed and breakfast in another state. The whatifs keep me awake at night. For now, we've withdrawn our offer. It feels very sad to give up on a dream we've had for a very long time, but when we first started this venture, we were both working full time and saving a lot of money. We were going to pay cash for a B & B so if the business failed, we'd still have a great place to live.
Then the economy failed, my husband was laid off (voluntarily) and we realized that the B & Bs that we'd been looking weren't set up to be private homes. In face, most owner's quarters weren't even big enough for us.
By the time we found this place, that we really really like, the economy was very different, we'd have to take a small mortgage....the taxes and medical insurance bills would be over $27,000/year and the house really wouldn't be appropriate to just live in...not that we could afford to just live there with the bills we'd still have to pay.
So, the reality of what we found vs. our original dream were very different.
I'm very emotionally attached to my house, as well, but I think I could get passed that part. The economy is something else, again.
If we could find a place to buy that was within driving distance of my job (and medical insurance, and security), then we could ease into the transfer and maybe not have to give up the security.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.
.

It sounds like you have made the right decision for your situation at this time. As my mother used to say.."Wed in haste, regret at leisure.." That doesn't mean that you can't find another property later on that will be a better "fit" for your circumstances. Please stay around the forum. FYI, I attended both a state and a PAII aspiring class, and felt I learned as much if not more from the people here on the forum, but there are advantages to learning as much as you can wherever.

 

[muirford]

Why did you originally think buying and operating a B&B was a good idea? Look back at that. I guess I'm wondering why, if you love your life the way it is now, did you start looking to buy a B&B? Is this DH's idea and you went along and now you realize it's for real?

PS- the questions aren't being 'fired' at you because I think you've made a mistake! They're soul-searching questions you need to answer..

Thanks for writing back. My husband actually went to cooking school because he thought my idea of buying and running and B & B was a good one. He took a voluntary buyout from his career as a journalist. He'd always wanted to go to cooking school and my youngest was just finishing college. The timing is all working for us.
It was my idea. I love the idea of running a B & B. We're both great at customer service and loved the idea of living in an old, large house. Of course I didn't realize that the owner's quarters are often less than grand. The house we live in is nothing special, but we've worked hard on it and now I've learned to not dislike it so much. I think I'm having issues with "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
When we first started looking online and even in person, we had no idea that most people bail in 5-7 years. Our plan was to do this for the next 25 years. And also didn't realize that even when people decide they've had enough, it takes sometimes 5 more years to actually sell. And I know of a couple of places that went into foreclosure because people couldn't wait any longer to sell.
So, I don't want to make a huge life changing mistake. That's why I'm asking for what other people's thoughts were and are.
.

I am an aspiring innkeeper as well.

If you haven't already, make sure you go to aspiring seminars and possible ask local innkeepers if you can shadow them for a day or two (my state association has an aspiring program that allows this at specific inns), or even volunteer your time to help out around an inn and see the ins and outs and the behind the scenes action, if they will let you, or even offer to compensate them for their time. I've been to a number of seminars and did a shadowing and even recently returned from an aspiring weekend that had 7 innkeepers open all their doors and answered all our questions. Stuff like this will help with the cold feet or convince you it is not for you.
My biggest hurdle will be selling my house, which I am extremly emotionally attached to since I was practically born here. The economy will be a huge hinderance there as well.
Good luck!
.

Thanks for the advice. My problem isn't know what it will be like to run a place...all the hard work, long hours, etc. My problem is the risk. Giving up my secure job and the health insurance and my paid for house (all my securities) to buy and run and bed and breakfast in another state. The whatifs keep me awake at night. For now, we've withdrawn our offer. It feels very sad to give up on a dream we've had for a very long time, but when we first started this venture, we were both working full time and saving a lot of money. We were going to pay cash for a B & B so if the business failed, we'd still have a great place to live.
Then the economy failed, my husband was laid off (voluntarily) and we realized that the B & Bs that we'd been looking weren't set up to be private homes. In face, most owner's quarters weren't even big enough for us.
By the time we found this place, that we really really like, the economy was very different, we'd have to take a small mortgage....the taxes and medical insurance bills would be over $27,000/year and the house really wouldn't be appropriate to just live in...not that we could afford to just live there with the bills we'd still have to pay.
So, the reality of what we found vs. our original dream were very different.
I'm very emotionally attached to my house, as well, but I think I could get passed that part. The economy is something else, again.
If we could find a place to buy that was within driving distance of my job (and medical insurance, and security), then we could ease into the transfer and maybe not have to give up the security.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.
.

Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.

I can't understand why you would get that advice. Some are better than others (by orders of magnitude), for sure, but to blanketly advise against it - I would wonder about the motives of that advice.
.

It was a real estate agent that we had talked to a couple of years ago. I'm sure his motivation was that if we found out what the business is like, he wouldn't make a commission. He didn't last long as our agent...but he had sold a lot of lodging properties, and we didn't know what we were doing at that point.....
.

I'm sure his motivation was that if we found out what the business is like, he wouldn't make a commission.

The good aspiring seminars show both the pros and cons of the business. I hope you don't think there aren't good things about being an innkeeper, because there are. It's good that you dumped that broker, though - working with someone who doesn't want you to be fully informed is a mistake.

 

[Breakfast Diva]

Why did you originally think buying and operating a B&B was a good idea? Look back at that. I guess I'm wondering why, if you love your life the way it is now, did you start looking to buy a B&B? Is this DH's idea and you went along and now you realize it's for real?

PS- the questions aren't being 'fired' at you because I think you've made a mistake! They're soul-searching questions you need to answer..

Thanks for writing back. My husband actually went to cooking school because he thought my idea of buying and running and B & B was a good one. He took a voluntary buyout from his career as a journalist. He'd always wanted to go to cooking school and my youngest was just finishing college. The timing is all working for us.
It was my idea. I love the idea of running a B & B. We're both great at customer service and loved the idea of living in an old, large house. Of course I didn't realize that the owner's quarters are often less than grand. The house we live in is nothing special, but we've worked hard on it and now I've learned to not dislike it so much. I think I'm having issues with "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
When we first started looking online and even in person, we had no idea that most people bail in 5-7 years. Our plan was to do this for the next 25 years. And also didn't realize that even when people decide they've had enough, it takes sometimes 5 more years to actually sell. And I know of a couple of places that went into foreclosure because people couldn't wait any longer to sell.
So, I don't want to make a huge life changing mistake. That's why I'm asking for what other people's thoughts were and are.
.

I am an aspiring innkeeper as well.

If you haven't already, make sure you go to aspiring seminars and possible ask local innkeepers if you can shadow them for a day or two (my state association has an aspiring program that allows this at specific inns), or even volunteer your time to help out around an inn and see the ins and outs and the behind the scenes action, if they will let you, or even offer to compensate them for their time. I've been to a number of seminars and did a shadowing and even recently returned from an aspiring weekend that had 7 innkeepers open all their doors and answered all our questions. Stuff like this will help with the cold feet or convince you it is not for you.
My biggest hurdle will be selling my house, which I am extremly emotionally attached to since I was practically born here. The economy will be a huge hinderance there as well.
Good luck!
.

Thanks for the advice. My problem isn't know what it will be like to run a place...all the hard work, long hours, etc. My problem is the risk. Giving up my secure job and the health insurance and my paid for house (all my securities) to buy and run and bed and breakfast in another state. The whatifs keep me awake at night. For now, we've withdrawn our offer. It feels very sad to give up on a dream we've had for a very long time, but when we first started this venture, we were both working full time and saving a lot of money. We were going to pay cash for a B & B so if the business failed, we'd still have a great place to live.
Then the economy failed, my husband was laid off (voluntarily) and we realized that the B & Bs that we'd been looking weren't set up to be private homes. In face, most owner's quarters weren't even big enough for us.
By the time we found this place, that we really really like, the economy was very different, we'd have to take a small mortgage....the taxes and medical insurance bills would be over $27,000/year and the house really wouldn't be appropriate to just live in...not that we could afford to just live there with the bills we'd still have to pay.
So, the reality of what we found vs. our original dream were very different.
I'm very emotionally attached to my house, as well, but I think I could get passed that part. The economy is something else, again.
If we could find a place to buy that was within driving distance of my job (and medical insurance, and security), then we could ease into the transfer and maybe not have to give up the security.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.
.

Those are certainly all valid reasons for your hesitation and subsequent offer withdrawal. I'm very curious though, who advised you not to take an aspiring innkeeper course? And why would they tell you that? In my opinion, it would have probably helped you earlier with your decision. There are all different types of seminars out there so aspirings can find one that suits their needs. When you posed your questions to us yesterday, it was unfortunately clear that you had not attended one or more of these courses.
Hopefully in the future you'll be able to make all the pieces fit.
Edited to add: Ha! I think we were all typing our responses at the same time. I'd like to add that even those real estate agents/brokers who have been innkeepers who are doing aspiring courses have a motive to sell. I know I can't paint them all with the same brush, but I think that when aspirings are looking for courses to take, then should be aware that the course is being give by an agent. It's not always clear from their websites. It's one of the reasons why some of them are so inexpensive to take.

 

[domsmom]

I was so excited I did not get cold feet until 3 years into it when the revenue was not sufficient. 5 years into it, revenue is picking up and I can't imagine doing anything different. It does put a crimp into life sometimes. I meet the most amazing people everyday. For me, getting up at 6:30 to make breakfast is a blessing. I don't enjoy cleaning, but there is an element to every job that one doesn't like. Is it possible to continue working for a couple of years and hire a little help until you get through the first couple of years? Even with an up and running inn it takes a little while to get use to the change and you can keep a little of your security.
If you are looking for a relaxing lifestyle, this is not it. I am glad I started at age 34, hopefully I can retire from it at age 60.
All the Best!

 

[Joey Camb]

As regards help I have the advantage of 20 years in the hotel industry and have lots of mates who think working for me is a laugh ( for some reason) keep a list of people who can be left in charge in an emergency.

 

[Samster]

Why did you originally think buying and operating a B&B was a good idea? Look back at that. I guess I'm wondering why, if you love your life the way it is now, did you start looking to buy a B&B? Is this DH's idea and you went along and now you realize it's for real?

PS- the questions aren't being 'fired' at you because I think you've made a mistake! They're soul-searching questions you need to answer..

Thanks for writing back. My husband actually went to cooking school because he thought my idea of buying and running and B & B was a good one. He took a voluntary buyout from his career as a journalist. He'd always wanted to go to cooking school and my youngest was just finishing college. The timing is all working for us.
It was my idea. I love the idea of running a B & B. We're both great at customer service and loved the idea of living in an old, large house. Of course I didn't realize that the owner's quarters are often less than grand. The house we live in is nothing special, but we've worked hard on it and now I've learned to not dislike it so much. I think I'm having issues with "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
When we first started looking online and even in person, we had no idea that most people bail in 5-7 years. Our plan was to do this for the next 25 years. And also didn't realize that even when people decide they've had enough, it takes sometimes 5 more years to actually sell. And I know of a couple of places that went into foreclosure because people couldn't wait any longer to sell.
So, I don't want to make a huge life changing mistake. That's why I'm asking for what other people's thoughts were and are.
.

I am an aspiring innkeeper as well.

If you haven't already, make sure you go to aspiring seminars and possible ask local innkeepers if you can shadow them for a day or two (my state association has an aspiring program that allows this at specific inns), or even volunteer your time to help out around an inn and see the ins and outs and the behind the scenes action, if they will let you, or even offer to compensate them for their time. I've been to a number of seminars and did a shadowing and even recently returned from an aspiring weekend that had 7 innkeepers open all their doors and answered all our questions. Stuff like this will help with the cold feet or convince you it is not for you.
My biggest hurdle will be selling my house, which I am extremly emotionally attached to since I was practically born here. The economy will be a huge hinderance there as well.
Good luck!
.

Thanks for the advice. My problem isn't know what it will be like to run a place...all the hard work, long hours, etc. My problem is the risk. Giving up my secure job and the health insurance and my paid for house (all my securities) to buy and run and bed and breakfast in another state. The whatifs keep me awake at night. For now, we've withdrawn our offer. It feels very sad to give up on a dream we've had for a very long time, but when we first started this venture, we were both working full time and saving a lot of money. We were going to pay cash for a B & B so if the business failed, we'd still have a great place to live.
Then the economy failed, my husband was laid off (voluntarily) and we realized that the B & Bs that we'd been looking weren't set up to be private homes. In face, most owner's quarters weren't even big enough for us.
By the time we found this place, that we really really like, the economy was very different, we'd have to take a small mortgage....the taxes and medical insurance bills would be over $27,000/year and the house really wouldn't be appropriate to just live in...not that we could afford to just live there with the bills we'd still have to pay.
So, the reality of what we found vs. our original dream were very different.
I'm very emotionally attached to my house, as well, but I think I could get passed that part. The economy is something else, again.
If we could find a place to buy that was within driving distance of my job (and medical insurance, and security), then we could ease into the transfer and maybe not have to give up the security.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.
.

I think you were very wise to take a hard look, make a reality check, and withdraw your offer on this property. Maybe you'll find a property that is a bit smaller but will meet your needs and will fit into your dream.
Without my dh's job, we'd be paying a fortune for his prescriptions and routine health care. And he's really in pretty good shape for 65!!
Aspiring innkeeper workshops are very helpful, especially if they go into detail on the financial aspects of this biz.
Best of luck!

 

[muirford]

Why did you originally think buying and operating a B&B was a good idea? Look back at that. I guess I'm wondering why, if you love your life the way it is now, did you start looking to buy a B&B? Is this DH's idea and you went along and now you realize it's for real?

PS- the questions aren't being 'fired' at you because I think you've made a mistake! They're soul-searching questions you need to answer..

Thanks for writing back. My husband actually went to cooking school because he thought my idea of buying and running and B & B was a good one. He took a voluntary buyout from his career as a journalist. He'd always wanted to go to cooking school and my youngest was just finishing college. The timing is all working for us.
It was my idea. I love the idea of running a B & B. We're both great at customer service and loved the idea of living in an old, large house. Of course I didn't realize that the owner's quarters are often less than grand. The house we live in is nothing special, but we've worked hard on it and now I've learned to not dislike it so much. I think I'm having issues with "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."
When we first started looking online and even in person, we had no idea that most people bail in 5-7 years. Our plan was to do this for the next 25 years. And also didn't realize that even when people decide they've had enough, it takes sometimes 5 more years to actually sell. And I know of a couple of places that went into foreclosure because people couldn't wait any longer to sell.
So, I don't want to make a huge life changing mistake. That's why I'm asking for what other people's thoughts were and are.
.

I am an aspiring innkeeper as well.

If you haven't already, make sure you go to aspiring seminars and possible ask local innkeepers if you can shadow them for a day or two (my state association has an aspiring program that allows this at specific inns), or even volunteer your time to help out around an inn and see the ins and outs and the behind the scenes action, if they will let you, or even offer to compensate them for their time. I've been to a number of seminars and did a shadowing and even recently returned from an aspiring weekend that had 7 innkeepers open all their doors and answered all our questions. Stuff like this will help with the cold feet or convince you it is not for you.
My biggest hurdle will be selling my house, which I am extremly emotionally attached to since I was practically born here. The economy will be a huge hinderance there as well.
Good luck!
.

Thanks for the advice. My problem isn't know what it will be like to run a place...all the hard work, long hours, etc. My problem is the risk. Giving up my secure job and the health insurance and my paid for house (all my securities) to buy and run and bed and breakfast in another state. The whatifs keep me awake at night. For now, we've withdrawn our offer. It feels very sad to give up on a dream we've had for a very long time, but when we first started this venture, we were both working full time and saving a lot of money. We were going to pay cash for a B & B so if the business failed, we'd still have a great place to live.
Then the economy failed, my husband was laid off (voluntarily) and we realized that the B & Bs that we'd been looking weren't set up to be private homes. In face, most owner's quarters weren't even big enough for us.
By the time we found this place, that we really really like, the economy was very different, we'd have to take a small mortgage....the taxes and medical insurance bills would be over $27,000/year and the house really wouldn't be appropriate to just live in...not that we could afford to just live there with the bills we'd still have to pay.
So, the reality of what we found vs. our original dream were very different.
I'm very emotionally attached to my house, as well, but I think I could get passed that part. The economy is something else, again.
If we could find a place to buy that was within driving distance of my job (and medical insurance, and security), then we could ease into the transfer and maybe not have to give up the security.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. We were actually advised against going to an aspiring innkeepers seminar...so it's good to hear that it's been beneficial.
.

It sounds like you have made the right decision for your situation at this time. As my mother used to say.."Wed in haste, regret at leisure.." That doesn't mean that you can't find another property later on that will be a better "fit" for your circumstances. Please stay around the forum. FYI, I attended both a state and a PAII aspiring class, and felt I learned as much if not more from the people here on the forum, but there are advantages to learning as much as you can wherever.
.

It sounds like you have made the right decision for your situation at this time.

Maybe so. I feel bad for the innkeepers who now have had an offer withdrawn - been there, done that. Why, oh why, don't people do their homework before they sign an offer?

 

[One Day]

amazing how a thread twists and turns........it's the same all over.....
Interesting thing regarding the "eye" person.....
Love / Hate the work, job, business.........I absolutely love what I do...not innkeeping as of yet.......regardless.......my own business..........I do at times get tired of customer BS..........I do at times bang my head against a wall regarding the business side of things.........In the end I do what I have to do......greatly appreciate what I like about what I do....and that makes the rest bearable.
This is in truth the "human condition"
From my perspective......what I have gathered from this forum......I would most likely have as much fun doing innkeeping as I do now......and probably end of not liking so much, the same things I don't like now......Today if I am feeling a bit burnt out........I schedule a day or two of light stuff........I hope to do the same one day when I make the career change to a B&B owner..........Scratch that............I will schedule easier days or days off when feeling the need.........I know, I know...........expenses may not afford some that luxury.........I hope I can when that time comes.........................my sanity is far more important.

 

[JBloggs]

I think just about every person wants to throw in the towel in any career choice at any given time. One Day I agree, it is human nature. The grass is always greener - and softer.
This is what makes entrepreneurship tho, always striving...always trying to better ourselves.