Discussion: Quitting Job

So, who has actually quit their jobs in order to race?

I know a few out there, just wondering who will admit it.

I know I officially did once and sorta did a few times before finally starting my own company.

Once yup...new job didn't pay well but had all the freedom I needed and lots of free gear!

I quit my job in time to volunteer at the 2004 AR World Champs and Primal Quest - but I was planning to quit at some point anyway, so that doesn't really count.

I quit my 9 to 5 job to work generally with sport and focus more on training, racing and mountaineering. I quit my day job in November 2009 and currently working with kayaking, climbing and running in several places.

I took part to WPER 2010 in team nord water. Not so successful trip as I was pulled out from the race by race organization on cp15 due suspected hair fracture in my leg. After x-rays and examinations it was only hematoma.

I worked 7 years with logistics, "dying" in the office until I realized to change the course.

I bailed in 2001, not specifically to race, but after a few more expedition races the full-time-job hiatus has stuck for 8 years & counting.......

Oh man, this discussion is killing me! I spend too much time at a desk earning money to pay the bills, but I'd much prefer to run around in the woods for $ . . .

I do computer nerd work around a schedule of events & races each year, not really a conventional "full time" job. But I haven't completely quit a job in order to compete (more like, scheduled projects to start 4 months later so I have time to prep and train more seiously in the interim).

There isn't sufficient money in true "adventure racing" to just be a pro AR athlete. Prize money has evaporated. I know of some teams focussing on stage races, though, and a handful of people could earn a modest living on podium finishes there.

Interestingly one of the reasons I've stuck with my current job so long is that it pays well so I can afford to buy gear and enter a decent number of races. It's pretty stultifying 9-5 desk work but it covers most of my expensive habits and gives me time on weekends and evenings for training and racing. Essentially I work to live. Would be a dream to get paid for running around the woods though...

I originally didn't mean "who quit their job to make a living at racing", knowing how difficult that is:-). And kudos to anybody pulling that off.

I was thinking about that "running out of vacation time" or "too busy to give you some time off now" that makes one jump ship. Nothing like the few months between jobs to get all your play in.

yeah my question would be how do you afford food along with the huge amount of money it costs to be consistant with races? not to be a naysayer, i would love to work out 30 hours a week but without corp sponsorship how do you guys do it?

It seems that your job situation is key to training and racing, especially if you have a family that doesn't enjoy living in a tent. Having the right job seems to be a prerequisite for AR.

I count my time at work as rest and recovery so I am ready to head out after. good time to rehydrate and eat. Have yet to figure out how to pull off the sleeping part yet.