Even though I have five years of blogging under my belt, there is one type of comment I get from time to time that I still have no idea how to answer:
I really enjoy your site– you have a lot of great tips to share. One thing I’ve thought about though: how much is your time worth? Of course we all have finite life spans so everything we do is a tradeoff– a portion of our precious life in exchange for something. But on the less philosophical side, how many hours do you spend in gardening, canning, freezing, coupon clipping, etc. , as well as how much money spent on gas/electricity to run a larger freezer, heat canning stuff, etc?
If you subtract the extra money you spend on energy from what you save per month, then divide the result by how many hours you spend in money-saving activities how much per hour you are earning/saving?
Which is more beneficial in terms of dollars per hour– working extra hours at a job or working those hours at home and in your garden to save money? (Not that everything comes down to money— sometimes the satisfaction that comes with accomplishing or creating something is more of a reward than money).
~Beth
When I get a comment like that, it is really one of the most difficult for me to answer. Because the answer is complex and personal and unique to just me. Let’s face it, I march to the beat of my own drum. Who else do you know crazy enough to grow 2,000lbs of food in their backyard and try to live on $100 a month and actually find a TON of joy in that. I know that sentiment is not shared by many.
It’s possible I have a few screws loose! So for that reason, I want to scream from the rooftop every time someone asks me a similar question {and it’s more often than you’d imagine}: it’s TOTALLY worth it to me.
My gut instinct is to say I’d spend twice as much time doing just what I do because I love it. I love this lifestyle and I love gardening and I love feeling the dirt between my fingers and knowing I’m doing right by my family.
I SERIOUSLY ENJOY IT. And you really can’t put a price tag on that.
Don’t get me wrong, I do get where people are coming from. I had a friend once who bought a fixer-upper house with her husband a few years back. They decided to do all the work themselves to save money on the renovations. They put so much sweat, tears and hours into that house that when they were done, both would tell you that is wasn’t worth it at all and if they had to do it again, they’d hire almost all of it out. The reason? They didn’t love what they were doing. At all. I do!
A great example of the opposite of that would be my friend Jennifer’s cousin Zoë. She cooks from scratch, cans her extra garden produce, makes oodles of handmade quilts for her home and her shop on Etsy, She’s amazing. And I bet if we were to add up the hours she spends doing those “chores,” it might seem like a waste of time on paper.
But it’s not to her. And it certainly isn’t to me. I know that might seem crazy to some, but if you’re doing something that gives you joy, it becomes less about how much it’s saving you. The fact that I do save a ton of money doing what I do is a big fat bonus. The icing on the cake really.
We all do all things because we like to do them, not because it’s necessarily cheaper, faster or easier. But because our time is worth something to us. The time, heart and energy I put into something is worth more than the money I can swap out of my bank account for something cheaper off the shelf at Walmart.
Pretty much these days about 75% of what I do is accomplishing or creating something that means more to me than money. Sometimes price tags just don’t matter!
Life is short.
Be happy.
DO WHAT YOU LOVE.
~Mavis
Mary says
“Which is more beneficial in terms of dollars per hour– working extra hours at a job or working those hours at home and in your garden to save money? ”
Hmmmmm … on the one hand, the earth, fresh lettuce and vegies, observing the seasons and the growth of a garden. On the other, sitting 8 hours a day on the 12th floor of some gigantic file cabinet of a skyscraper, breathing recycled air and pushing paper … decisions, decisions, decisions!
Sydelle says
Tough decision indeed. Some people want to compare their choices to our own choices. What is boils down to is this, “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”
Kari says
Oh, for the love of Pete! I know we all have different passions, but it’s obvious you love what you are doing. Your love and passion are reflected in each of your posts. I’m with you! I find great satisfaction and joy in gardening, and taking care of my home and family. I wouldn’t trade that for the world!
coleen says
I agree with Kari! Love what you do! Life is too short to be unhappy and stuck in a building with no windows. I retired at 55 and have never been happier, I get to garden, sew, organize my house and take care of my grandson etc…..should of retired sooner.
Tammy says
I have gotten these questions too. You’re knitting socks? You know you can just buy them, right? You’re making ketchup? You know it’s only $1 at the store, right? Etc. I love to make things, even things (or maybe especially things!) you can buy from the store. I derive a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from the things I make! 🙂
E says
When our kids were little, my husband figured that with childcare, transportation, work dress standards etc, my take home pay was fifty cents an hour. Considering I’m not a little person person, we figured that was pretty inexpensive mental health! Obviously things changed significantly as they grew older. As mentioned by others, each to their own. I LOVE being outside, creating flower beds which the neighbors also enjoy, and growing our own food.
ChrisM says
I posted a picture of my day’s canning last week on facebook. I got a snarky reply from someone “that looks time-consuming”. Yes, it was time consuming, but I enjoyed every minute. Then when I’m done, I have a splendid row of sparkling red jars of cherries, and deep purple jars of black raspberry jam. (And it’s not easy to find black raspberry jam at the store!) Let’s face it, we do what we LIKE. If I didn’t like canning, I wouldn’t do it. Besides, isn’t it more useful than watching TV?
I have a brother-in-law who has a two boats, over 60 fishing poles, lures, doo-dads and what-nots for fishing. I don’t think it’s all to catch a few salmon to save money! It’s what he likes to do.
I also LOVE to hang laundry on the line outside. I love going out in the morning and hearing the birds, feeling the sunshine and breathing fresh air. I love to see the colorful clothing flapping in wind. Then I love bringing it in, folding it, and smelling the fresh-air smell on my clothes. I don’t do it just to save 45 cents!
I don’t u pic fruit just to save money. I LOVE to go to farms and spend the day in an orchard or blueberry patch! In fact, I’m picking blueberries tomorrow!
Tina says
I hear you Chris. It is a love and a passion. Did I have to freeze 26 quarts of blackberries last year, no but I did, for free. Why did we raise and butcher 52 meat chickens annually because I have to, no but I did. People either get it or don’t. My hubby was a masterdiver and spearfished cod and such. What a luxury, freshest fish you can have. Loved what he was doing. I know the feeling of accomplishment as well. We canned 30 quarts of tomatoes last year and I loved how pretty it looked on the shelves.
Great job and do what you love irregardless!
Mindy says
Amen – to all of it!!!!
Tina says
I was an executive for 10 years before getting married and having kids. I loved the travel and the flexibility it offered but it was no lifestyle for being a “hands on” parent. When the kids came we bought a farm and my hubby was always at work anyway at Boeing with mandatory overtime, so I was it. I turned my business passion into gardening, raising our own organic beef, chicken and lamb, and decided to homeschool our two kids on the farm. Our lifestyle had our living expenses including mortgage down to $850 per month. The benefits far outweighed the $$$ of what I was doing for my children and family. We had routine and healthy living, were together, and never had to see a gym :). We became very seasonal in that we loved spring and all the babies being born and planting the garden. Summer on Whidbey Island you didn’t need to go anywhere else you were already in paradise. Falls was harvesting, canning, freezing, and sharing all our abundance with friends, family and the food bank for those who needed it. We snuggled into fall with smells of apple pies and beef stew simmering in the pot. Reading by the toasty fire. My daughter got married this weekend and she is already drying her herbs and has her canning supplies and cast iron fry pans ready to go. I have no doubt those traditions and joyous memories will be passed on.
Karli says
This is beautiful. It nearly made me tear up. Thank you for sharing!
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
Comments like that drive me batty! Like others, I’ve received them via my blog and my personal FB page. We all chose how to spend our time. Some people hunt or fish or fix cars or paint furniture or sew baby gifts or fix elaborate meals. No choice is better or worse. I sew every baby gift I give. I can’t even tell you the last time I shopped, let alone looked at, at baby registry. It always ends up taking me twice as long and costs not a penny less than buying something similar from a big box store. But I find joy in the journey. And I feel so satisfied at the end of the project. That’s what it’s all about in my opinion.
KK @ Preppy Pink Crocodile
Diana says
Neat post! One more item of value that you need to factor into what you do, is to account for the wholesomeness of the food you are feeding your family. Sure, you could buy for less, many of the same foods you make or produce at home. But that’s assuming all tomato sauce, and all bread is the same–which is ridiculously incorrect. You can’t control what’s in the stuff you buy. When you grow, preserve, and make so many foods from scratch, your family is avoiding the high fructose corn syrup and other chemicals and compounds used to doctor up the processed foods you would otherwise buy at the store. Personally, I think the nutritious meals and other wholesome side benefits you and your family get as a result of your efforts are worth a fortune. Anyone who doesn’t want to feed their family a bunch of processed crap, will know the value of the meals you produce.
Tracy Sch says
I am a single Mom with two kids so working outside the home is a must, BUT I would much rather do what you do Mavis. I have always had trouble finding a balance between work and home/family. To try and even the balance I do my best to be at as many as my kids events as possible, I make dinner from scratch as mush as possible, I make and can blackberry jam, strawberry jam and applesauce, and can peaches because my kids LOVE it. I can’t have a garden so I container garden tomatoes and green beans to make me happy. All of this makes a HUGE difference in my mental health. Do I always succeed at gaining that balance? No. But I have good kids that know they are loved because I’m involved in their lives and care about their well-being. Another parent’s expression of wellbeing for themselves and/or their children may be entirely different and that’s ok. That’s what balances this world. Thank you so much for your blog!
Diana says
Kudos to you for striking a manageable balance. You sound happy, and it surely your reflects on your kids in numerous ways.
Andrea says
Those asking the question about your personal lifestyle don’t deserve an answer. Makes me wonder why they read your blog. I’ve read it daily for about 3 years now because I, too, have similar interests and love the topics you share. Mavis, enjoy your life, your organic veggies, healthy recipes and beautiful family and pup! I guess others just rather spent tons of time away from home and family at a job to work for money to spend on stuff…
Cecily says
I don’t think Beth was questioning Mavis’ lifestyle choices just wanting to know if she had calculated the costs of gardening, canning, etc. As someone with OCD, I calculate the cost/savings of my garden each year because I Must Know! After 20+ years I have always come out ahead (grew $1500 worth of fruit and veggies last year) and I would grow a garden and can produce regardless, but I still want to know what I’m spending.
Carol says
Wow, looks like all I have to say is “ditto.” Everyone’s’ responses were spot on! Gardening at your level is a passion and you are awesome for sharing it with the rest of us! By the way, your rug turned out beautifully!!!! Enjoy your day, Mavis!
Vicki says
Hi Mavis, I’m 56 and I don’t work outside of the house. So many people ask but what do you do don’t you get bored.Nope not me! When I tell them I garden, do crafts, bake and am also remodeling my house some of them don’t understand that’s enough for me. We bought a fixer upper house that I am always finding projects to do. I have opened up walls and made 2 rooms into one, remodeled the kitchen and baths. It’s summer so we are working on landscaping the yard. I hear from people, why don’t you pay someone to do that. I tell them because I enjoy it. I also found with me when I was working I got lazy and ate out more and spent more on junk at the store, I bake from scratch a lot now. I am enjoying life!
Mavis Butterfield says
Good to hear Vicki. 🙂 Happy retirement. Staying busy is cool, especially when you are doing something you love. 🙂
Carol says
This is one of your best posts. Yes, you could have let it go and not tried to answer the question, but I’m so glad you did! You did a nice job of putting how we choose our daily activities in perspective. I was recently laid up with a torn muscle, and my partner told me that maybe this should be the year without pickles. What??!! No way! I enjoy making them too much. (I know he was just being protective of me.) And even though I can’t dig right now with a shovel, I can go out and weed and plant and get my hands dirty. If it’s a passion, there is always a way! 🙂 P.S. The Sunday Seattle Times this week had an article about a broad scientific study that showed organically grown food has more nutrients. We all know that veggies that are trucked to the store lose nutrition en route. You are doing right by your family. Well done!
Edwin says
A satisfied mind and a happy heart are treasures beyond price. You are doing the right thing.
Mary Neathway says
“Time consuming”… but isn’t that what time is for? To be consumed? How it is consumed is up to the individual. I just spent 3 hours watching part of season two of Downton Abbey (how did I miss this show when it first came out! Thank goodness the library system has all the seasons). I consumed the time, and enjoyed every minute of it. Not every second of our life has to be used doing something productive. Besides- it’s 40.1 degrees C here (at least 100*F) and there’s no way I’m going out to the garden right now!
Wynne says
I agree that joy overtakes any hourly wage comparison (if you can afford to avoid the cubicle!). That said, I think the how-much-for-the-time is good to ask. It can be worth it to weed out the tasks that don’t give a high return in joy, flavor, health, timesavings, whatever. Homegrown strawberries? Spacehog, slug war, low yield; I’m yanking them. Homemade nut butter? Time- and motor-consuming, and it doesn’t taste better … to me. Homegrown garlic? Mmm.
Kristina says
That was my thought, too. If doing an activity is not essential to save money and it doesn’t enrich your hours, then it’s time to ditch it. I think it’s a fair question, and good to hear an answer from someone like Mavis, who has a useful and unique perspective on the subject and the ability to give a nuanced and thoughtful answer. We all have weird and time-consuming things we do which don’t necessarily improve the bottom line, but they give us the intangible profits of satisfaction or joy. (And FWIW, I didn’t notice a flavor of criticism in Beth’s question — I think it was just asked from honest curiosity.)
Ginny says
I feel the same as you do. I am questioned all the time why do you spend so much time in your garden when you could be making so much more money working. And Why? would you get your hands dirty versus having a pedicure. It’s not about status or money but the enjoyment I get from growing our food, choosing dinner based on what is ready in the garden and knowing we are eating the way we were intended to eat which is not through a drive thru. These same people are the first to say yes I would love fresh veggies from your garden if you have extras. 🙂
Kim says
The amount of research needed to answer a question like that is a part time job itself. What the person should have asked was- Even if you found out that everything you do didn’t save you any more money than having to work those hours to purchase it from someone else, would you still do it? And speaking personally I’d still do it because peace of mind is priceless! Garden on!
Gail says
Interesting comments but one perspective I didn’t see. When you do these things for yourself instead of paying others, you know how to do them, and that knowledge is a valuable commodity. Consider a job loss, health crisis or other situation where you cannot pay for services. It’s gratifying to have the knowledge that you can cook from scratch, grow your food, etc.
Isabelle says
I always said that if you don’t have time, you need money and if you don’t have money, you need time. If I would have to buy everything that I grow, I would have to buy organic food since I grow them organically and beleive me , I would’t be able to buy them at this price. Indeed, I would need to go to work outside the house and then, the cost of me being away from home, have the kids in the afterschool sitter, etc etc etc this as a bigger cost than we can imagine. So I do what I looove and save money and give the best food, education, values to my kids. What do need after that?