Is it time to stop collecting?.....

[Tom L]

....or how do you know when it is?

My enthusiasm for toys has not diminished one bit over the years, but my ability to find time for the hobby has. In my mind, I can not devote time for collecting guilt free unless EVERYTHING else is done (which is basically impossible). Even when I am able to find a few minutes, I feel guilty as I could be spending those few minutes with the kids, or on something else. At times it is torture battling to find time, only to feel guilty when I finally do.

Does this mean I'm done? Does anyone else feel this way?

[VintageMike]

I think you are being too hard on yourself. Everyone needs time for themselves. I know if waited to do things or enjoy my hobbies until everything else was done, I wouldn't have gone to nearly as many events as I have or obtained the collectibles I have. I don't endlessly put things off either. I just look at the calender and plan days/weekends where I will be doing household stuff, etc and stick to it. No guilt because I know the the stuff will get done and I can enjoy my hobbies. Basically whenever possible I try to schedule life rather it scheduling me. It's an easy trap to fall into.

[vulcan2074]

Not for me, I need collecting. Without it I wouldn't be the same person. Even when I'm super busy and have no time I still try to break away and make some me time. It's what keeps me going and it makes me very happy.
Sammy

[bondtoddbond]

I think it ebbs and flows like the tide. When life gives you time, you collect more. When you're too busy, you keep it all on the shelf or in the bins until you get back to it. It's a past time, a hobby. Don't feel pressure to or not to collect. Keep it fun.

[megalomaniac001]

Ditto what has been said. I find it helps to have some time set asside for my hobby. I have cut back on my hobby a bit in order to have more time and money for my family. I am not about to give it up, my hobby is helping me to stay sane!

[Mr Mego]

I quit collecting Megos for 1-2 years and almost to selling all of my Megos collection because of almost no one selling a loose Maroon Cuffed Ape for me. Finally, got one from my great friend... I thanks him so much for sold my original Maroon Cuffed General Ursus back!

I'm still VERY happy with my Megos, EMCE and others go with my Toys collection.

I think you should kept your all of Megos and other Toys collection, you'll finding complete Megos from this MM that ya may never know.



[Edited on 3/12/12 at 4:30 A.M]

[megoscott]

Nice try, Tom, but you stopping collecting is like stopping the sun from rising...but I do admire your determination to have a good balance.

Despite having way too many hobby projects--the Museum, Didas, customs, other stuff, I think I keep a good balance between work and family and hobby. Like others have said it keeps me sane and it's an important part of who I am. Sane isn't the right word actually, more like it keeps me...satisfied.

[jimsmegos]

Sane isn't the right word actually, more like it keeps me...satisfied.

Brilliantly put!

[sauce]

Word. Sometimes you just can't eat any more flan. And other days, it's all over your knees.

I'm satisfied with keeping myself a little insane.

[clemso]

I think your collection needs a vacation Tom, send them all to me

[Toy Talk]

Ditto to nearly everything said. My man cave full of toys is my happy place that I go to when I need to calm down. Everybody needs a few minutes to themselves once in a while.

[MIB41]

What's been happening to me is what I imagine happens to most long time collectors.... Space is beginning to dictate what needs to stay and what needs to be sold off. I've been working on remodeling my basement now for months. The hard work and sheer volume of stuff I've had to move to storage has made me stop and consider how much of this needs to stay if it all can't be displayed. As a result, the newer age toys are finding themselves relegated to the auction block. So any modern toys I buy now, I buy with the sole purpose of enjoying as a display. I'm getting very particular. Packaging for new stuff also dictates what I buy. If companies get too crazy on the packaging, then I back off. I think having to move your collection is when you truly KNOW what your doing right and where the train has left the tracks.

[Wee67]

I'll echo what others have said- Just as it would be wrong to allow the balance to lean too much towards collecting and ignore your family/friends/work, its not really right to allow that balance to go so far as to ignore things that personally bring you joy. It makes you a happier, healthier person for your family/friends/work.

Now if collecting is no longer brining you joy...