I Can See Rock Bottom From Here

Virginia is nice in the spring/summer.

A lot of west coast folks are moving to the Austin area and Colorado from what I hear. I don't think I'd move to New Orleans but that's just me. My ex went back home for a visit and said it's just not the same, so it's not the New Orleans of the old days that is at least how I think of the city.

Sorry to hear about your situation. I know what if feels like when you feel like your looking up to see rock bottom. "I hit rock bottom, and then I fell in a hole
and then I fell through the floor, of that hole some more"

"It's only once you've lost everything that you are free to do anything"

Tyler Durden, Fight Club

Wow! I'm really sorry to learn of all you're going through. I hope that the forum can help you make a plan to get through this time.

Your plan should involve product sales that don't involve service or support, unless you can team up with someone who can handle any customer questions while you're on enforced hiatus. If that was possible, could you have regular phone calls to keep updated on the business? What skills, talents, interests do you bring to the business? Are there certain things you definitely want to avoid in business, if possible?

If your passport has expired, and there's not currently a legal action against you, get your renewal application in immediately. It might get processed before a negative record makes it complicated.

The countries you mentioned only allow American tourists to visit for something like three months. You'll probably need to show immigration that you have enough money to support yourself during your visit (something like $1,000/month) and a ticket out of the country. If you get a serious enough conviction, you might not be able to visit at all. Of course you also need to add the cost of getting there.

For the same amount of money as a three month trip, a used pickup with a used fifth-wheel trailer would give you longer-lasting independence in the U.S. You could visit different places, parking for a couple of nights at Wal-Mart, visiting a full hookups RV park once a week, and live for cheap while you try out different cities. If you get a membership with a national gym chain, you'd be able to get daily showers and exercise wherever they have a facility. With a cellular data card and plan, your online business could keep going from anywhere inside a coverage area.

With a separate tow vehicle, you could get repairs done to the truck and even rent a replacement if you need, while the home is parked somewhere safe. This would be more convenient than repairing an all in one RV motorhome that puts your bed into the shop if the engine needs work. When you decide where to stay, you'll be able to sell the rig for close to what you bought it for and then use that for a rental deposit.

Look up the weather for Las Vegas in the summer. It's hot in a way the Northwest never gets hot: never below 90 at night, typically well over 100 in the day, bone dry, for months at a time. Some people do well in the desert heat, some find it exhausting.

Outside of the summer heat, Vegas has a lot to offer. In addition to the resorts, there's a lot of natural beauty to explore that's totally different than Northwest scenery. It's almost always very bright. And it's a few hours drive from S. CA without the high cost of living there. Unless you really, really, really love intense desert heat, it would be far better to arrive in Vegas around October or later.

Many public libraries have the book "Places rated almanac." It's a good start to think about what really matters to you in a new city. For example, some people have to be where there are great sports teams and don't care about the museums, other people don't mind heavy winter storms if the crime rate is low, etc.

I think you'll almost certainly be able to find some kind people who can provide a good home to your cats for a few months. To start, try calling the ministers at liberal, social service minded churches like Unitarian, Methodist, Quaker, etc., tell them your situation and let them know you're asking only for a temporary home for your pets, if they could spread the word for you. Even if you don't have much interest in spiritual things, while you're at it, you might find a dogma-free community that would welcome you around the country if you're a member.

Local vets might also have a lead, as might pet stores with a bulletin board, and agriculture schools, and 4H. If there's a farmer's market in town, ask around there too. Put up flyers at yuppie stores like Whole Foods. If you're able to pay for the cats' food & basic supplies, that might make it even easier to find a temporary home for them.

If you'd like further brainstorming beyond this thread, feel free to PM me.

Hope this helps!
Chris

I'm not 100% sure, but I think one of the humane societies here in Austin will house your cats for a little while. I remember some cats would stay there for months when I volunteered there.

With the exception of 100-degree weather, Austin's a really good place to live. The cost of living is lower than Washington's as far as I know, there's always a lot of events going on and a ton of off-the-wall, laid-back people live down here.

No shortage of Internet access, either... I've been able to walk into just about any college library and tie up a computer for hours on end, and the librarians always leave me alone.

I'm sending you a PM now.

As for your cats, is there any way you can get your parents to keep them for you the three months? Otherwise you might get a boarding kennel to give you a good deal for three months if you can afford it, or barter a little web design for it.

I think you do some web design, don't you? You could try bartering for some of your immediate needs. I know someone that bartered a website for a $7,000 ceramic tile floor.

For money, have you thought about setting up an affiliate program for your WSO products, or other products you have? I'm guessing as much as you contribute around here at least a few Warriors would promote your products for you while you spend 90 days planning your fresh start. I would if they fit. Serious.

Edit: Don't come to Wisconsin unless you like high taxes, cold weather, and cheese.

I you have nobody left i would seriously consider moving to a cheap ass place like India or Phillipines where you can earn your money in USD online and live like a King!

Caliban, I am truly sorry to hear this, however I have no doubt that you'll rise from this low point and accomplish amazing things, wherever you choose to go.

It's been less than a year since you started posting on this forum and in that short time you've become one of it's most respected members, at least in my eyes. Your unique style, your humor and intelligence have always been welcome additions to any ongoing debate and I always look forward to your posts and value your opinions.

I think I speak for many of us in wishing you all the best in whatever you choose to do, and also in saying that if you ever wanted to collaborate on a project I'd welcome the opportunity.

As for the cats, you should be able to find a fellow cat lover who would be happy to take care of them, an ad on Craigslist may help there.

All the best to you

Bill

If you're comfortable with web design, then you can create wordpress theme and sell it online (especially war room). Your sales/download-distribution can be made auto-pilot, only thing to watch for is promotion and support. (Just little bit work on documentation, set up knowledgebase/support site) This is just one option.

Well, write a book while in jail.... or read a lot. Either that
or enjoy the company.

Seriously, focus your time.

I dunno about placing cats.

As far as place - I live presently in western mass for
relationship reasons and it sucks ass. Cold winters
seem to make everybody (including me) difficult, to
say he least. Cultural coolness of hippy city Northampton
notwithstanding, cold frozen winters suck, imo.

As a Caliornia boy I'd say, if you're gonna start over, go where
it's warmer.

'cause the people are nicer.

Juts my experience bro'. Cold climates suck.

Ernie, to relocate to India for more than a few months requires a business visa. That in turn requires an extensive application process including providing the financial resources to launch a business without needing to get a job. In the Philippines, investor visas require at least $50,000 invested a Filipino government approved project. First world countries are even stricter. (For example, it takes millions of dollars of investment to become an "investor migrant" to NZ.) Applications take months to years to process, depending on the country.

Just search for "[name of country] immigration" and you'll easily find the relevant government web sites, along with third party sites that explain the poorly done government sites. (For example, NZ's is a model of clarity in online service, while the Philippines site is baffling.)

Unless there's a desire to bounce to a new country every few months, it's not realistic for someone in his position to look at relocating long-term to another country within a matter of months.

If Internet access wasn't an issue, a long cruise by freighter across the Pacific, then a few months in various pleasant lands before a cruise back, might be a delight. But I don't know if they have any online access at all for freighter passengers on the open ocean. Might be a better option after the business is on autopilot, Tim Ferris style.

"Help me save my cats while I'm in jail" is a damn good reason for a short-term "fire sale!" I hope that next year, we won't have to discuss all those copycat marketers mailing about their cats and their jail time!

Oh, have you read Gary Halbert's Boron Letters from prison?

I'll check back tomorrow & see how your plan is shaping up.

By the way, if you do start an affiliate program let me know and I'll help you out. If you have some websites going right now where you sell product PM me the URL's and I'll see if they fit with anything I do.

Get an affiliate program set up . I will promote it hard for you as I am sure a lot of other warriors would also.

Setting up an affiliate program is a great idea and it could provide the passive income you will require. I've known some folks that were forced to leave their online business in the hands of a fellow marketer due to circumstances beyond their control (military deployments). Sounds like you have a good following here in the forum, perhaps someone here can help you out.

Can't help you with the cat situation but I would recommend Vegas - There are plenty of ways to make money in that city.

Tim

AS someone that has spent the better part of the past 25 years living in Las Vegas, now is NOT the time to move to LV. I just left about 6 weeks ago, and I'll go back, but LV may be hurting worse than any other city due to the economy. Actual unemployment is over 20%. Unless you have some "juice", you'll likely struggle to get any job, even a fast food job.

On the other hand, it's a great time to visit LV, as rooms have never been cheaper. Or if you're making money online and can take your income with you, LV is a good option.

Have you researched living in South America? Panama, Belizes, Argentina? Just a thought.
If you have no propery or ties in UK -and no intention of ever returning - with a passport you could've been there now with your 'Get out of jail free' card.

Hey C,

man alive, I want to say something supportive but what can I say I mean this sucks.

Making money over the next few months.Set up an affiliate program the warriors will rally and betwixt us I think we could drum up something that way.

I would not recommend just running away geographical changes make no difference but if you feel you need to go somewhere I suggest you take some time and think and research places where you would most likely want to be. Man alive this only leaves you open for a miracle C but having done all else to stand my friend STAND!

Your pal
-WD

Hey Caliban,

Here's something that might interest you. It's a site where you answer questions about what's important to you in a place to live, then it will give you several locations based on your answers. Might help you with your "where to go" problem.

Best Places to Live: Compare the Best Cities & Small Towns for You!

So what is problem?

I can second Austin, TX. The place is supposed to be booming and incredibly cheap. I've had a few friends move there (from Los Angeles) already. I could never be away from a big city, so if I were to have to move to an inexpensive area, I'd definitely go there.

It's kind of like a best-bang-for-your-buck type of area, but I'm not sure if I'd be able to tough out the Texan seasons. I rather enjoy my sunny winters here in California .

Sorry CD,

I don't have any great advice.

But I am a cat person. Funny, when I lost my house three years ago I went and lived in my parents basement. (felt like jail). I don't know whats worse...steel bars or a constant emotional guilt trip?

When I tried to give my cats to a rescue organisation (The name of the org. was W.A.G.) they wouldn't except them. They said they had no room for more cats. I even donated to them a few years before. Should've got my $40 bucks back!

Anyway, since you already know how to earn a living online, you should be doing fine in a year or so.

Don't know what else to say since much has already been said:

Sincerely, Good Luck To You,

Dale

...................

Come down-under, the sheilas love travelers, especially yanks, should make you forget about your ex in a heartbeat.

Melbourne is the best city, screw Sydney and Brisbane.


Chris

Caliban, I'm sorry to hear about your predicament. I had a somewhat similar situation with my two dogs a couple of years ago (I'll expound on it some other time, as it is a long story), but that together with my living/job situation at the time really put me through hell, so I cannot even begin to imagine what you must be going through at the present moment. You may have to give up your cats. I was lucky enough to have adopted one of my dogs from a very hospitable no-kill shelter, and I was able to keep her there, but I ended up having to give up my other dog. It's a really frustrating situation with pets when your living conditions are unpredictable and uncontrollable, but it may not be as bad with your cats as they're lower maintenance than dogs, on the whole. If you asked around and put up notices/post on CL, you may be able to find a kind samaritan that may be willing to help you out.

On the other hand, if you intend to move about and travel, having pets may be a tremendous hindrance that would really hamper your plans. You just have to sit down and think about what you want, and if it is to travel and roam, then maybe giving your cats away to a good home would be the sound and responsible choice to make.

Regarding your intention to be able to make some passive money while away in jail, have you ever thought about creating a whole slew of 'google sniper' style sites that would generate income through affiliate programs, CPA offers, and maybe even some Adsense? Of course there's no guarantee that every site of yours will be a home run, but if you work consistently on putting sites up I'm sure you'll create some good ones. The nice thing about sites like these is that you would also have the option of selling them for a nice, quick payday later on down the road if you want. You could just work intensively on setting up your real estate virtual empire now, and reap the rewards several months down the road.

As for living somewhere else, I really wouldn't suggest leaving the country until you have a somewhat stable income coming in first. It would not be nice at all to run out of money in a foreign land, romantic as the notion may seem...lol. Once you do though, a cheaper country with a decent internet connection would be the way to go, in my opinion. Thailand is pretty cheap, the beaches and food are fabulous, and the internet connection isn't too bad (don't expect ultra fast 6 Mbps connections though). Another place to look into would be Panama, which is also cheap and seems like a great place to live. I had a classmate in grad school that is from Panama, and she tells me such great things about the place, and it truly seems like a wonderful country to camp out in for a while that has pretty low living costs, AND the official currency there is the US dollar, which would only make things easier for you.

Paul

i really recommend you buying the book "secret" heard of it? its basically about the law attraction where you attract things that have the same alignment as you? yea take a look

If you need £600 - £800 for bills why not sell some stuff you already have and put aside the money to pay those bills?

Any auto income must be totally hands-free because you may not be able to offer customer support for 3 months!!!

Australia is probably not possible. A criminal record used to be a pre-requisite for guaranteed entry but not any more.

is your aff set up yet?

What ever you do, make sure that your hosting -etc is paid up front. Would hate to get out and find out that your stuff hasn't been running for the last 3 months.

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation, Caliban. You're truly one of the few warriors whose posts I look forward to. That said, I have a small suggestion about your cats. If at all possible, make friends with their vet. Oftentimes veterinarians will board animals for patients, especially in emergent situations. If your pets don't have a regular vet, check your area for veterinarians who offer boarding.

For a cost effective solution, see if you can find one without a website, and barter the board and care of your pets in exchange for building a site for the practice. I don't know what your skills are in that area, but I'd certainly be willing to donate my time to help you build it - I'm a cat person myself, and can imagine what a heartbreaking decision you're facing.

wish you the best and if you get time drop in downunder, speaking of coming downunder do not bend down to pick up the soap when in the shower block or there could be a lot of long timers wanting to pay you a unwanted visit downunder.

stand straight at all times and see you on the outside.

I can't really think of anything to add for suggestions but did want to chime in to let you know that another person will be thinking of you. I will be keeping my fingers crossed that jail does not happen and that things turn around quickly for you.

Tina

This thread is an awesome show of moral support and mutual brainstorming. I hate that it has to come about for such a lousy situation, but I love that it makes me proud to be part of a strong community that looks out for their own.

Relocation:

Caliban, since you want to establish some roots somewhere, Kurt's suggestion of van + low budget rental might be as good or even better than my 5th wheel idea. Within a few weeks you could explore different parts of town, by van or bus. Craigslist could then help you find a rental, or pleasant housemates with a room for rent, in that part of town.

City-data.com has excellent forums about different cities. Dennis's link is another cool comparison. Make sure that you don't let other people's criteria push you into any particular place. If someone else loves their town because they're nuts about ballet, or can't live without light rail, that might not have anything to do with your own choice!

Pets:

Jessalyn's suggestion of a website for a vet sounds like a great idea.

Paulie's right that until you're settled, it might be tough to be responsible for a pet's welfare.

Get a free account on fark.com, and on Saturday morning, wait for the big "Caturday" thread to show up on the main page (it always has "...in time for Caturday" in the title). Post your story there and you'll get advice and kind words from cat lovers all over. Since it's Fark, you'll also get some obnoxious BS trolls too, but I think you can ignore them! Instead of trying to explain Internet marketing to them, might be better to simply say you have consulting gigs you can remotely do through the Internet. That's something the tech geeks will better relate to. Gotta warn you that "Mom's basement" is a recurrent joke line there so you might want to reword that too if you post there.

If you were to travel around for a while, a big smart dog might be a better travelling companion. If you're going to be in Vegas in the summer, probably shouldn't get a hairy warm breed like an Akita! A greyhound, dalmation, shepherd, boxer, would be better able to handle the heat.

Some other books written in prison include Pilgrim's Progress, the experiences behind Man's Search for Meaning and Your Body's Many Cries for Water, Don Quixote, Le Morte d'Arthur, The Prince, and some works of Gandhi and the Apostle Paul. I hope you don't have the opportunity to add to that bookshelf!

Business:

You have so much goodwill on this forum that if you offer a specific, affordable service, I think you'd get quickly booked up. Is there something you could do that takes you just a day and for which you could get paid a couple hundred bucks? If so, you might be able to serve a dozen clients in March even while you deal with the chaos. There's a couple thousand dollars right there. One advantage of making Nevada your home base, by the way, is no state income tax, although sales taxes are high.

If you do have to go away for a while, there may be people willing to prepay a small deposit to reserve your time when you get out. Just make sure you don't oversell your capacity or spend the money before you deliver.

Hang in there, except for the potential jail time I feel confident there's going to be a way out of all the issues.

Laura, if you have a separate thread here about your experiences I'd love to read more.

C,
I relate with you on the :-x about the ex's........they can bite, all I'll say. (too eerie, phone rang and #2 calling as I typed that)
Anyhoo...none of that Income tax for TX either which is nice, but that economic problem seems widespread across our country. H-town is so huge though; but there are all sorts of great places in our state <coastal, mountainous sort of, even snowy spots>..
Any man that has cats is a good guy, so I'm sure you'll find nice 'foster' homes or perm whichever you decide is best for them

Hopefully, something can happen to 'cancel' your 90 day stint. I suppose the bright side to it all.....at least you get to see rock bottom coming rather than being blindsided by it from behind ?
like Steven said --nowhere but up from there

(I'm delving around on the PIPS site, sounding pretty automatic setup) we'll see..

Good luck to you...listen to the warriors and remember 'This too, shall pass'

Best,
Andie

I'd spend the next 2 months agressively building a list offering a free course written in advance but delivered over a 3 month follow-up sequence. So if you offer one lesson per week that's 13 emails to write. Of course you'd add a number of affiliate links throughout the course (and even links to your kindle/createspace books).

Andrew

CD - you are far too bright and charismatic to see the bottom of anything. Just look up, dude - it's all up from down.

... we all have challenges and obstacles and mind-numbing bummers to contend with. "you can't fail unless you quit".

I predict whatever you do, you will land on your feet and be fine. I would definitely spend your 90 day 'retreat' writing both for business and otherwise. Great environment for the creative juices (torture, starvation, deprivation, etc)

You have lots of people pulling for you including me for whatever that is worth.

p.s. there are 'foster care' people for animals. They are not 'shelters' but people that care about critters. I know there is a whole network of them for bunnies so I can only imagine cats are much more popular.

Hey...

Sorry to hear, but you'll emerge victorious. All the difficulties are mostly
90% head game. So keep your head together which I'm sure you will.

And...

I have 3 cats, and we are family. I couldn't get rid of them. So take
care of the cats! Make sure they're taken care of. Ok?

Don't just give them to someone on Craigslist. They could be hurt
because there are sick and disturbed people out there. Seriously.

I just finished a quick tech assignment with some guys based out
of San Diego. Sounds like a very cool place to live. I would seriously
consider living there if it wasn't so damn crowded. Not a crowd guy.

I don't think you're gonna find hi speed internet in the Phils based on
things I've heard. Not positive, though.

Another thing you could do perhaps is try to land a few copywriting
jobs and pay your bills in advance before you go. Seems to me that
could be easier than trying to get a passive income thing going.

If anyone has already suggested that, I apologize. Didn't read all the
posts.

Also, if there's anything I can do let me know. If I can help, I will. Ok?

I know what it's like to be alone, and sometimes it sucks. So, don't feel
like you're alone.

Don't get misty-eyed on me, either. And it don't mean we're gonna swap
spit, either. Just sayin'...

You know how to find me.

Stay strong and cool.