Take a break from collecting?
 

I wanted to ask this to the baseball community here on BO because it’s the most active I think.

Has anyone taken an extended break from collecting? I’m not at the point where I want to sell any cards and there are definitely ones I would not sell unless they were an upgrade.

But I’m just feeling burnt out from some circumstances in life and what was once felt like a fun hobby now is just scrolling and watching YouTube to distract myself from things.

I may be overthinking things but I wanted to see if anyone has felt the same at some point


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I may at some point.

I used to collect in the 90s, then forgot all about it becasue of life.

Came back very strongly the last 3 years, but also feeling burned out, because I noticed no matter how much you try to complete stuff, there is no end. There is always one aspect of collecting that is connected to another aspect... and the string keeps going.

Here is an example:

I've been collecting autographs of my favorite player, and initially kept focusing on just finding gem mint conditions of his autos, until I stumbled on a personalized auto that wasn't gem mint. That led me to wanting to find more personalized autos until I came across his oldest autos that were neither gem mint nor personalized, which led me to wanting to find more and more of his oldest autos. So, you see... one thing keeps leading to another, and it never seems to end.

At some point, I'm going to just give up altogether... and collect more gold coins or something.

The best thing about this hobby is that you can come and go as you wish. I’ve taken breaks several times in my life and restarted again from scratch when the fire was relit. The cards will never disappear and there will always be something new to chase when you return.

If it’s no longer fun…..take as long a break as you need.

Yea I’ve done it. I’m actually just now starting to come back. I’ve been collecting my whole life and was going hard from 2011 to 2021 then I just got so turned off by all the loud mouth breaker flip boys and Topps turning up the printers to the max trying to shove taco refractors down our throats .. so I took a 3 year break and now I’m digging it again.. plus I started collecting hockey cards which I never did before so it’s a whole new avenue and it’s fresh and exciting and not tainted by fanatics yet .. (not saying upper deck is perfect by any means lol) maybe that helps you . But I did miss the good people on this forum and the chase


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[QUOTE=Geoff G;20185654]Yea I’ve done it. I’m actually just now starting to come back. I’ve been collecting my whole life and was going hard from 2011 to 2021 then I just got so turned off by all the loud mouth breaker flip boys and Topps turning up the printers to the max trying to shove taco refractors down our throats .. so I took a 3 year break and now I’m digging it again.. plus I started collecting hockey cards which I never did before so it’s a whole new avenue and it’s fresh and exciting and not tainted by fanatics yet .. (not saying upper deck is perfect by any means lol) maybe that helps you . But I did miss the good people on this forum and the chase


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Did you take a break from the social media side as well?


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[QUOTE=hermanotarjeta;20185652]The best thing about this hobby is that you can come and go as you wish. I’ve taken breaks several times in my life and restarted again from scratch when the fire was relit. The cards will never disappear and there will always be something new to chase when you return.

If it’s no longer fun…..take as long a break as you need.[/QUOTE]


That’s a good way to put it. Feels like the fire is gone a bit from collecting


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I took a break during college. I was mostly collecting comics then, but yeah, I was so poor during college that “having enough food to survive” took up most of my excess income.

Go take a break, focus on other things and come back when you're ready.

Life can sneak up on you if you're not careful. Take care of yourself!

I wouldn't sell like you said. I've taken multiple breaks throughout the years and never learned my lesson. I'd liquidate everything then when I got back in those cards I sold were now double/triple what I paid for them and never could afford them again. I'm a sucker because I've done that more than once. Put them in a box in a closet and forget about them until you're ready to get back in.

I bought 3 cards since last February. I don't want to buy anymore until I sell some of my stuff, but I really don't want to sell any of my stuff.

So....i guess you can call this a break.

[QUOTE=Jeter1020;20185650]I wanted to ask this to the baseball community here on BO because it’s the most active I think.

Has anyone taken an extended break from collecting? I’m not at the point where I want to sell any cards and there are definitely ones I would not sell unless they were an upgrade.

But I’m just feeling burnt out from some circumstances in life and what was once felt like a fun hobby now is just scrolling and watching YouTube to distract myself from things.

I may be overthinking things but I wanted to see if anyone has felt the same at some point


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I initially collected from 1990-2012 and I dunno just got completely disinterested in the hobby and was getting more into full game used memorabilia. I ended up selling off basically everything to acquire more game used stuff, which is hindsight was a mistake because of how the market blew up. I took a break until mid 2016 where I randomly just got the bug again and have been back since.

[QUOTE=Jeter1020;20185650]I wanted to ask this to the baseball community here on BO because it’s the most active I think.

Has anyone taken an extended break from collecting? I’m not at the point where I want to sell any cards and there are definitely ones I would not sell unless they were an upgrade.

But I’m just feeling burnt out from some circumstances in life and what was once felt like a fun hobby now is just scrolling and watching YouTube to distract myself from things.

I may be overthinking things but I wanted to see if anyone has felt the same at some point


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How long have you collected for?

[QUOTE=oldgoldy97;20185734]How long have you collected for?[/QUOTE]


Sports a few years. Cards overall since 2018


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Thank you for the kind words everyone


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I've taken several breaks from collecting over the years. I collected as a kid until about my first year of college. I packed them all away & mostly forgot about them for over 15 years. I dug them out & collected pretty heavy for about 5 years & then packed everything away again. The last 4 years have been off and on depending on what else is going on in my life at the time. I'll actively collect for 3-4 months & then not look at them again for 6 months. If you don't need the space or money just throw them in a closet or something out of sight. If you get the itch to collect again down the road you can dig them back out.

After casually collecting as a kid during the 90s, I collected hard in about 2006-2010 before collecting fatigue plus grad school life pushed me in other directions. I regretfully disposed of a few cards (but kept most of them) to help fund other hobbies over the years.

I got back in during the summer of 2024 and I regret selling off most of the pieces that I did before. I didn't think I would be back, but life is funny. Some days, I feel a bit of burnout again already but I know that if I take a break I'll circle back and therefore I've decided to keep everything this time around.

So, my advice would be to step away if it's not enjoyable (or as enjoyable as it was) but keep what you have. Because you'll most likely be back at some point. My two cents.

I took a break for about 10 years from start of high school to after college. I missed out on the whole 90's insert golden age. Do what you love!

I find my collecting vigor (spend) coincides with stress levels at work. The more stressed I am, the more I collect. I think its pretty much how I cope. I've been buying a lot (for me), lately.

Thank you for taking the time to respond everyone. I’m going to do what is suggested. Put everything away in the safe and take a break. I’m not going to sell anything because like you said I’ll probably be back at some point. I appreciate everyone’s help and input


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I took a break from roughly 1993 to 2001.....Topps Heritage is what brought me back into the hobby.....

[QUOTE=NYRE2PECT;20185936]I find my collecting vigor (spend) coincides with stress levels at work. The more stressed I am, the more I collect. I think its pretty much how I cope. I've been buying a lot (for me), lately.[/QUOTE]

This speaks to me. The more I get stressed, also mostly work related, the more I need a mail day to look forward to.

I did from 2023-2024 after a relative of mine passed away and I helped a lot with his collection.

I wouldn't say I stopped completely but I felt refreshed coming back except I can't afford wax anymore...lol

[QUOTE=SaveMeTheGum;20185910]I took a break for about 10 years from start of high school to after college. I missed out on the whole 90's insert golden age. Do what you love![/QUOTE]

Remarkably similar arc here. Collected from '84-'94 then focused on the second half of HS/college/social life. I popped back into the hobby for a few months when LeBron came up, when KD/VY emerged as Horn heroes and then for Strasburg/Harper mania but didn't really get back into collecting until 2018 when my middle daughter seemed to take an interest. Been back ever since...

Luckily, my dad kept collecting when I was at college so I have a couple decent '90s inserts but he mostly bought retail and piled up big stacks of base RCs. But there are definitely times where I wish I had kept collecting during what must have been an incredible time to collect in the late-90s-early 2000s.

I took a break in my 20s. I didn't sell anything just never felt like actively collecting. Started dipping my toes back in a little bit in my early to mid 30s (2016-2021) got whole hog back in it in 2022. I went pretty overboard the first year and half I was back in it. by the end of 2023 I settled into a better groove of only collecting my team and a handful of other players. I'm still too general but much better than I was 2022-most of 2023.

There's always something to collect and you can always go back and find cards from the years you were out of it (I definitely have) that you decide you really want.

I'm glad I didn't sell anything during my break so would recommend you don't if you think there's any chance you'll be interested again sometime down the line.

Go spoon with FCG

You’ll be fine

You guys are nuts

I've been out since Fanatics bought Topps. I was already getting wary and that made it a good time to check out. At some point I need go through my stuff and sell it all off (this is not a sales post, please dont message me, I will ignore it). I will keep a few things, but I'm ready to be completely out. It just doesn't bring the joy anymore.

[QUOTE=Callmethevreez;20186489]I've been out since Fanatics bought Topps. I was already getting wary and that made it a good time to check out. At some point I need go through my stuff and sell it all off (this is not a sales post, please dont message me, I will ignore it). I will keep a few things, but I'm ready to be completely out. It just doesn't bring the joy anymore.[/QUOTE]


Oh so you’re leaving collecting completely?


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[QUOTE=Jeter1020;20186494]Oh so you’re leaving collecting completely?


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Cards, for the most part yes. I like the hobby in general (one reason I am still on this message board) but cards yes.

I also really enjoy collecting legos and building. I finally decided to focus my energy on it. To me, I became frustrated because all of my cards are in boxes stored in a closet. I really dont want to display my cards (of value) because I dont want to risk them being damaged. I lost time in keeping up with card values when I set up at shows. Again it just wasn't fun for me.

Legos became the opposite, I can build, display, and enjoy. If the market bottoms out in cards, I have fire starter. If the market dropped out of legos then I still get to use them.

Hopefully that makes sense :)

[QUOTE=Callmethevreez;20186681]Cards, for the most part yes. I like the hobby in general (one reason I am still on this message board) but cards yes.

I also really enjoy collecting legos and building. I finally decided to focus my energy on it. To me, I became frustrated because all of my cards are in boxes stored in a closet. I really dont want to display my cards (of value) because I dont want to risk them being damaged. I lost time in keeping up with card values when I set up at shows. Again it just wasn't fun for me.

Legos became the opposite, I can build, display, and enjoy. If the market bottoms out in cards, I have fire starter. If the market dropped out of legos then I still get to use them.

Hopefully that makes sense :)[/QUOTE]
I probably have more money in dis-assembled Lego sets than I do baseball cards...I raised three boys and we've kept all of them.

[QUOTE=Callmethevreez;20186681]Cards, for the most part yes. I like the hobby in general (one reason I am still on this message board) but cards yes.

I also really enjoy collecting legos and building. I finally decided to focus my energy on it. To me, I became frustrated because all of my cards are in boxes stored in a closet. I really dont want to display my cards (of value) because I dont want to risk them being damaged. I lost time in keeping up with card values when I set up at shows. Again it just wasn't fun for me.

Legos became the opposite, I can build, display, and enjoy. If the market bottoms out in cards, I have fire starter. If the market dropped out of legos then I still get to use them.

Hopefully that makes sense :)[/QUOTE]


It did!


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Currently not on a "break" but I have slowed down considerably. Prices are just too much, and putting extra funds towards the house and kids instead.

For first time in 25 years

I’m pretty much out of opening wax part of the hobby

I complain. But I’m actually happy about it

Been building a Psa 56 set and buying some watches I have always wanted

The worst value in life has been opening wax. It’s a brutal thing since fanatics took over

I don’t need it anymore

I started collecting in 1989. My main PC was getting rookies of my favorite players and HOF players. I crossed the last card off my list somewhere in 2009 and started getting bored with the hobby. I was still in my "grading is stupid" phase, and so didn't think to pick up graded copies as a new challenge. I still enjoyed buying wax, but the joy was dwindling, and I decided to make a deal with myself that I'd stop buying when I pulled a Griffey auto. One 2012 Griffey auto later, and I pretty much laid off cards from 2012-2020 with the exception of a few blasters and a couple of hobby boxes. Then I saw an article about the Topps 2020 cards about to come out, and I thought they were fun so I started buying them with card #1. The prices went insane, and I turned my P2020 collection into a nicer graded version of my earlier collection. Within just a few years, I've pretty much sworn off wax completely, but I'm enjoying the hobby more than ever. I do have other hobbies (comic collecting, book collecting, Lego building) that I focus on as well, and it varies which hobby I'm prioritizing. I think having multiple hobbies/collections helps prevent boredom with any one collection.

I recently took about a two year break from buying cards. I don't ever see myself selling everything. I have too many rare cards that would be too hard to replace. I have taken several other breaks through the years.

I have taken multiple year+ long breaks. Collected as a kid, stopped in 93 when I was 13 until I got back into it in 2001-02 before stopping until late 2010. That lasted until 2013ish, before stopping until 2018 to present

[QUOTE=MiamiMarlinsFan;20185711]I took a break during college. I was mostly collecting comics then, but yeah, I was so poor during college that “having enough food to survive” took up most of my excess income.[/QUOTE]



Same with me. From 1990-2000 I was completely out of cards for various reasons: College/women/buying a house, etc..

I got back into cards in 2001 with the ichiro/pujols craze and have stayed in it ever since, though I have seriously cut back on buying unopened over the last few years and have started getting back into comics as I'm finding better deals there.

[QUOTE=kyle1707;20187105]For first time in 25 years

I’m pretty much out of opening wax part of the hobby

I complain. But I’m actually happy about it

Been building a Psa 56 set and buying some watches I have always wanted

[B]The worst value in life has been opening wax. It’s a brutal thing since fanatics took over
[/B]
I don’t need it anymore[/QUOTE]



Agree with this. I have a few 2026 topps series one value packs to bust on opening day, but that's it.

No shame in taking a break from time to time. I took a break when I realized how much money I was burning from entering breaks and ripping wax. Once you develop the willpower to buy singles at a fair price that you truly have a connection to, it changes the game. This hobby is designed to make people FOMO and spend more than they can afford chasing the big hits. The truth is, buy what you like, do it for the love of collecting above all else and if you can do it in a healthy fashion and appropriately budget for it, go for it

[QUOTE=kyle1707;20187105]For first time in 25 years

I’m pretty much out of opening wax part of the hobby

I complain. But I’m actually happy about it

Been building a Psa 56 set and buying some watches I have always wanted

The worst value in life has been opening wax. It’s a brutal thing since fanatics took over

I don’t need it anymore[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=blackbears86;20187255]Agree with this. I have a few 2026 topps series one value packs to bust on opening day, but that's it.[/QUOTE]

I've got two Stadium Club Megas coming to me in the mail but I'm done with wax after those. Will re-evaluate when A&G 2026 comes out. Getting back into HPDE events so I need to divert the funds.

My whole life has been collection stop/starts-
First packs were 78 and 79 Topps from the Eddie's Jr Liquor Mart in Cypress, Ca. I collected through 81(age 9)
jumped back in in 84' with the Mattingly craze- stayed until 89 Donruss(age 17)
Got back in 97/98 when McGwire started going nuts through Pujols/Ichiro and stayed in until 2008 when I closed my card shop
Returned the most recent time in 2017 when I hit a Judge gold and Belly Blue from Bowman Chrome retail I bought while in line at KMart
still hanging around

I've taken small breaks but not in quite a while. Nowadays instead of breaks from the hobby I shift my collecting focus to something new.

I recently went to the west coast card show and one thing that fascinated me was how little wax there was. In fact I don't recall ONE person opening wax at the show. And there was very limited tables of wax compared to those moving singles.

Fanatics really has made opening wax an experience like going to a club or bar

[QUOTE=NYRE2PECT;20186682]I probably have more money in dis-assembled Lego sets than I do baseball cards...I raised three boys and we've kept all of them.[/QUOTE]

Very nice, I have my own lego room (that I do share/play with my 3 year old daughter). It brings a lot of zen!

[QUOTE=Callmethevreez;20187745]Very nice, I have my own lego room (that I do share/play with my 3 year old daughter). It brings a lot of zen![/QUOTE]

When the day comes to dis-assemble the Ultimate Collector Millenium Falcon I will have a lot of stress (and sadness).

I collected as a kid, stopped around 2001, after I got into MLB Showdown card game. Thought about it after college and working when Bryce Harper was the next thing and bought some packs and sets. Got my childhood collection back around 2016 and in 2017-2018 started to sell off some random bulk cards and get back into collecting.

I opened an eBay store and that has been my thing on the side but now with young kids and a new job this past year I slowed my store down a lot. Bulk selling a lot of cards now too. I have done shows but not sure if I will continue since the timing of a lot of them and just the hit or miss of it. May do one or two more this year before calling it quits and move that stuff to eBay or bulk it out. I imagine I will always keep an eBay store (just go a free one) and either have a few items listed or just remove it all (only sell random things).

A buddy of mine who got back in recently said he is probably done, but is buying a card he always wanted first. I can see him slowing down too.

I've recently contemplated taking a break from the hobby (while keeping my PC cards).

Main reason being that my time/energy to list singles/wax is decreasing by the day. Work + caretaking for 2 kids (1 & 3 y/o), chiefly the latter, is draining me of a lot of energy (1 y/o recently started waking up between 5:30-6:30am). Parenting is still incredibly fulfilling and worthwhile, I'm just not as young as I once was....and my body often aches now haha.

Not to mention, I generally package around 15-30 sales (mostly PWEs) each week and that whole process takes a few hours (locating the cards, preparing the packages and dropping off at a USPS office/dropbox [2 batches per week]). I'm only able to find time to do this at the end of the night after I've helped wash/change/play with/put the kids to sleep, taken care of household chores (cleaned up kitchen/living room/laundry), etc.

But I still really enjoy the whole hobby experience (selling singles/wax and buying singles [low-to-high-end for PC or future flips]) though. That's probably why I haven't taken a pause yet. As tired as I am, I'm still too addicted to the hobby to give it up and/or take a break....but it's crossed my mind!

[QUOTE=Jeter1020;20185650]I wanted to ask this to the baseball community here on BO because it’s the most active I think.

Has anyone taken an extended break from collecting? I’m not at the point where I want to sell any cards and there are definitely ones I would not sell unless they were an upgrade.

But I’m just feeling burnt out from some circumstances in life and what was once felt like a fun hobby now is just scrolling and watching YouTube to distract myself from things.

I may be overthinking things but I wanted to see if anyone has felt the same at some point


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Yes. My comeback happened early last year after a hiatus of something like 7+ years.

It's good to be back. The break was nice, too. Grew the fam during it.

[QUOTE=eastbayak;20187834]I've recently contemplated taking a break from the hobby (while keeping my PC cards).

Main reason being that my time/energy to list singles/wax is decreasing by the day. Work + caretaking for 2 kids (1 & 3 y/o), chiefly the latter, is draining me of a lot of energy (1 y/o recently started waking up between 5:30-6:30am). Parenting is still incredibly fulfilling and worthwhile, I'm just not as young as I once was....and my body often aches now haha.

Not to mention, I generally package around 15-30 sales (mostly PWEs) each week and that whole process takes a few hours (locating the cards, preparing the packages and dropping off at a USPS office/dropbox [2 batches per week]). I'm only able to find time to do this at the end of the night after I've helped wash/change/play with/put the kids to sleep, taken care of household chores (cleaned up kitchen/living room/laundry), etc.

But I still really enjoy the whole hobby experience (selling singles/wax and buying singles [low-to-high-end for PC or future flips]) though. That's probably why I haven't taken a pause yet. As tired as I am, I'm still too addicted to the hobby to give it up and/or take a break....but it's crossed my mind![/QUOTE]


Very nearly mirrors my situation. Full time job, full time dad/husband to a couple young boys so cards take a distant 3rd nowadays but I still dig it.

[QUOTE=Jeter1020;20185650]I’m just feeling burnt out from some circumstances in life [/QUOTE]

Is it your choice in usernames? You might be able to have an admin change it. May I suggest a non-yankee theme?

Although you did say circumstances, plural, so it must be related to more than just an overrated shortstop. Could it be the Jalen Hurts avatar? I could hook you up with some nice photos of Sam Darnold if you wanna feel like a winner. Let me know how I can help get you back in the game!

[QUOTE=PuddleMonkey;20187885]Is it your choice in usernames? You might be able to have an admin change it. May I suggest a non-yankee theme?

Although you did say circumstances, plural, so it must be related to more than just an overrated shortstop. Could it be the Jalen Hurts avatar? I could hook you up with some nice photos of Sam Darnold if you wanna feel like a winner. Let me know how I can help get you back in the game![/QUOTE]

[IMG]https://media.tenor.com/vSBixIk9MbYAAAAM/be-careful-cordell-walker.gif[/IMG]

Took a break when I started getting interested in girls when I was a teenager. Didn’t start collecting again until I was married, in the Marines, and had a son. Yeah, all of that took place at 18-19 years of age. I used to buy product by the cases. Stopped in 2011. I buy almost zero packs or cases since then. I look at the $hit show the “hobby” has become and I’m glad I tapped out. I sell mostly and follow the hobby but buy almost nothing.

I started collecting around 1987-88. super into it by 1989. I really have never taken a break. I stopped buying packs/boxes around 1994 or so. been a singles guy ever since. when I was seeing packs of 1993 finest selling for around $25 bucks back then i knew my pack opening days were through.

I am a player collector. have been for over 35 years now. I love it. when one player gets a little stale, I just pick right up with one of my other guys. I have not "prospected" since the days of Kevin Maas, Brien Taylor and Todd Van Popple. I prefer lower risk players.

in fact, the last active player I collected was Tom Brady. all of my "players" are all old, retired or no longer with us!

I truly cannot imagine a time when I am not collecting. It has been a lifelong love for me.

[QUOTE=LVDan;20187871]Very nearly mirrors my situation. Full time job, full time dad/husband to a couple young boys so cards take a distant 3rd nowadays but I still dig it.[/QUOTE]

Haha, we live the same life!

Words from Frederick D: "If there is no struggle, there is no progress"

I didn't buy cards for years and years. I still can't remember why but I started buying again in 2018 and it honestly could have been that I noticed Target sold cards and I wanted that nostalgic buzz of ripping....and timing worked out great bc I accumulated tons of the 2018 rookie class greats. But I'm back on break because of absurd prices.

Baseball has always been a part of my life and collecting cards is an extension of that love of the game. Building sets and checking stats on the back of the cards is what I have done most of my life. But the past few years have been getting harder and harder to justify. A couple years ago I could almost build a complete set with a hobby box then fill in with packs or blasters. But now it’s almost impossible to build a set with overpriced jumbo boxes. So, I’ve been trying to find a new hobby niche, but nothing is giving me the same satisfaction of completing a set. My next step is going to be walking away for a bit and see if I miss it. I was thrilled when Fanatics said they were going to keep the iconic Topps name but in truth it has been a major disappointment to me. I always tried to stay away from the hobby negativity but I’m starting to see some truth in it. Oh well. Sorry for the rant but to answer your question, I am well on my way to my first planned hobby break.

There is as little scalp money as there has ever been in the history of the hobby and as much gamble as there has ever been in the history of the hobby, in my opinion.

A great time to exit for some if not many folks right now if wagering is not your thing.

[QUOTE=eastbayak;20187834]I've recently contemplated taking a break from the hobby (while keeping my PC cards).

Main reason being that my time/energy to list singles/wax is decreasing by the day. Work + caretaking for 2 kids (1 & 3 y/o), chiefly the latter, is draining me of a lot of energy (1 y/o recently started waking up between 5:30-6:30am). Parenting is still incredibly fulfilling and worthwhile, I'm just not as young as I once was....and my body often aches now haha.

Not to mention, I generally package around 15-30 sales (mostly PWEs) each week and that whole process takes a few hours (locating the cards, preparing the packages and dropping off at a USPS office/dropbox [2 batches per week]). I'm only able to find time to do this at the end of the night after I've helped wash/change/play with/put the kids to sleep, taken care of household chores (cleaned up kitchen/living room/laundry), etc.

But I still really enjoy the whole hobby experience (selling singles/wax and buying singles [low-to-high-end for PC or future flips]) though. That's probably why I haven't taken a pause yet. As tired as I am, I'm still too addicted to the hobby to give it up and/or take a break....but it's crossed my mind![/QUOTE]

Honestly sounds exactly like me. Hard to find any down time when listing and shipping after bedtime.