So Sad. Observations from Larry Makoski (W2LJ). Post #655.

So Sad
(http://w2lj.blogspot.com/2016/01/so-sad.html?m=1).
Accessed on 11 January 2016, 18:01 hrs, UTC.
Author:  Larry Makoski (W2LJ).

Every once in a while, I find an interesting and somewhat disturbing article related to those leaving amateur radio because of severe peer pressure to become someone other than themselves.

Larry Makoski (W2LJ) does an excellent job of examining this phenomenon as he reacts to news of another radio amateur leaving the hobby because he can't measure up to the expectations of others.  Larry calls this situation "sad", and I agree with him.

Your enjoyment of amateur radio doesn't depend on having the biggest station, the latest rig, or an expansive "antenna farm."  As some of the comments to this article suggest, it's what you put into amateur radio, your interests in the "radio art", and the ability to serve your community in times of emergency that makes the real difference in becoming a radio amateur.

Like Larry and a host of other radio amateurs I have met, we pursue our hobby with the resources we have, making sure our families and jobs come first.  I would like to have a tall tower, stacked 20 meter mono-banders, and a nice rhombic to pick out the rare DX, but that's not going to happen on my retirement income.  I having loads of fun with my simple multi-band inverted V antenna and a small collection of older rigs.  My financial outlay was modest and didn't leave me in financial difficulties.  If you have the resources and your family is safe, spend as much as you feel necessary to reach your goals.

As a teacher, I know how pervasive peer pressure and bullying can be.  You can't let others define who you are.  If you have your heart set on the latest rig or the newest antenna system, plan and budget for it.  Meanwhile, enjoy the friendship and discoveries you make with the equipment you now have.  Life is too short to fall victim to the aspirations of others.

For the latest Amateur Radio news and events, please check out the blog sidebars. These news feeds are updated daily.  You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed. Thanks for joining us today!  Aloha es 73 de Russ (KH6JRM).

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