Getting out of the hobby forever

[AJ_77]

Originally Posted by danny zubot

I think the people who just up and quit are those who get into the hobby for the wrong reasons in the first place. Those are the people who like the "look" of a marine tank and want one without respecting the knowlege and time required to maintain a marine ecosystem.

I've read this 5 times Danny, and still don't get it - where are you getting this from? I don't know of anybody (personally) that has quit because of the reasons you mention.

Not to be argumentative, but do you have someone in mind when you say this? Because most people I've come to know through this board are more like Anthony's description.

Just wondering.

[Bob I]

Originally Posted by SeaHorse_Fanatic

taking care of the family must take precedent.
Anthony

[Bob I]

Is it a hobby, or an obsession , and does it really matter

The point is that for me it is almost my life. Yes it can be frustrating at times, but one almost lives for the small victories that sometimes happen.

What started with one small fish only tank has grown to two reefs, and a FOWLR tank. Yes it has cost a lot of money, but I can't really picture not having my reefs.

For me the most important thing is all the great people I have met because of this hobby/obsession. Some of these people have become friends.

No, I am definitely not quitting.

[G1GY]

I think most people that leave this hobby are just taking a break.

Even if they say it's forever, once you've got it in your system it never leaves you.

[trilinearmipmap]

I sometimes wonder whether the degree of obsession people have about this hobby is a form of mental illness.

[marie]

Originally Posted by trilinearmipmap

I sometimes wonder whether the degree of obsession people have about this hobby is a form of mental illness.

my family thinks so

[Canadian Man]

I called it quits because I don't want to miss out on the important times in my life that are made up of time spent with my wife and watching my daughter grow up.

It was not a drastic time issue nor was it getting into the hobby for the wrong reasons from day one. I gained alot of knowledge from this hobby and my tank required very little interaction.
I'm wanting to take that few hours a week and put it towards more important things.

GREAT TOPIC!

[Invigor]

Originally Posted by Canadian Man

I wanting to take that few hours a week and put it towards more important things.

You're a good man.

[EmilyB]

It doesn't surprise me that some have to give it up because of family pressures.....I'm just so freakin' glad I'm past all that........my kids can buy there own food now

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Heck, pretty much everywhere I'll be visiting this year will involve my addiction. Fraser Valley, Powell River, Port Alberni (maybe), Keremios, Calgary, Edmonton.... Gee if I can find enough tanks to visit, I'll see the whole country

I love this hobby & my wife already thinks I spend way too much time, $$$ & effort on it & not enough on her At the same time, I am blessed with being married to someone who allows me my addictions & enjoys them (up to a point) with me. Also, we have not kids (yet) to demand our time & $$ so for now that's where all (yes all) my $$ goes that's not used for rent & food. Haven't bought new clothes in months, but get new fish & corals all the time Yup, I have my priorities straight.

I can't imagine my life without this addiction because I have met so many great friends & acquaintances through it, especially through Canreef (thanks Titus & the gang for setting up this forum). However, I would hope that if my family required me to or if my marriage was at stake, I'd be willing to put my addiction on hold until the time is right to start up again. Like I said before, family must come first, so good for you Canadian Man. Hats off to you for doing what you must & not what would be the easy way out (allowing your addiction to keep you from missing out on your kids' lives). Just wished I was in Calgary so I could have snagged some of those sweet deals

Wow, I have to stop writing these essays

Anthony