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So I'm the owner of a small retro game store. I've been a gamer and collector of games and electronics my whole life. While growing up I was some what poor, I learned how to fix things when they broke instead of buy new.

About three years ago my hobby of collecting and repairing exploded. It started taking over my small man cave and spilled over into the apartment, which was already small enough. I talked with my landlord and was able to get an amazing deal on the store front right under my apartment (it hadn't been rented out in years anyway, so something is better than nothing).

And so my hobby shop was born.

Took me about a year to get everything all squared way and setup.

Well within that time frame my wife and I have had another kid, and my oldest just started school.

I still work a 9-5 to make sure bills are paid and I would work in the store after that.

About a half year ago my oldest says to me "Dad, you work a lot. I miss you." Ouch... right in the feels.

So I cut back to having my store open only 3 days a week. One of them being Saturday, one of my days off from the 9-5. So I really only got 1 day off a week.

Within that half a year I've done a lot of thinking about the whole business.

The last two years have been spent pretty much every hour of the day inside. I didn't get out camping at all this summer which I love to do. In fact, we only made it to the lake a few times.

I want my summers and weekends back. I want to spend time with my kids.

So, I'm closing my business.

It's bitter sweet really. I get to spend more time with my kids, but I really enjoyed running the business. I got to do what I love and make money doing it. My customers are the fucking best.

But in the end, family comes first. I only get so many years where they want to spend time with me. I'll probably reopen once they hit teenage years and want nothing to do with me.

Sorry about the wall of text and thanks to anyone who read it all and got this far. It's just something I've been dealing with the last week or two and just needed to get it out.

Tldr: Closing the business so I can spend more time with my family.

I'm gonna pour myself another drink here and listen to some tunes.

Cheers

So I'm the owner of a small retro game store. I've been a gamer and collector of games and electronics my whole life. While growing up I was some what poor, I learned how to fix things when they broke instead of buy new. About three years ago my hobby of collecting and repairing exploded. It started taking over my small man cave and spilled over into the apartment, which was already small enough. I talked with my landlord and was able to get an amazing deal on the store front right under my apartment (it hadn't been rented out in years anyway, so something is better than nothing). And so my hobby shop was born. Took me about a year to get everything all squared way and setup. Well within that time frame my wife and I have had another kid, and my oldest just started school. I still work a 9-5 to make sure bills are paid and I would work in the store after that. About a half year ago my oldest says to me "Dad, you work a lot. I miss you." Ouch... right in the feels. So I cut back to having my store open only 3 days a week. One of them being Saturday, one of my days off from the 9-5. So I really only got 1 day off a week. Within that half a year I've done a lot of thinking about the whole business. The last two years have been spent pretty much every hour of the day inside. I didn't get out camping at all this summer which I love to do. In fact, we only made it to the lake a few times. I want my summers and weekends back. I want to spend time with my kids. So, I'm closing my business. It's bitter sweet really. I get to spend more time with my kids, but I really enjoyed running the business. I got to do what I love and make money doing it. My customers are the fucking best. But in the end, family comes first. I only get so many years where they want to spend time with me. I'll probably reopen once they hit teenage years and want nothing to do with me. Sorry about the wall of text and thanks to anyone who read it all and got this far. It's just something I've been dealing with the last week or two and just needed to get it out. Tldr: Closing the business so I can spend more time with my family. I'm gonna pour myself another drink here and listen to some tunes. Cheers

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[–] • 3 pts

Man, that is a roller coaster of emotion, I feel for you. I closed a business myself for very different reasons. However I can relate to your pain. Just thinking about it my chest hurts. Someday I hope you get back too it. I also hope you have great times with your kids while they grow up. I can't imagine how hard it would be to choose to do that. I didn't have a choice so it was easy.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

My chest has been hurting since my daughter told me she misses me. It was the catalyst that led to me deciding to close the store.

I only told my wife a day or two ago that I plan to close. She didn't like the idea. After laying all the cards out on the table she completely understands. Still doesn't like it (neither do I) but it truly is for the best.

I plan on making up for lost time here. My kids will be sick of me before the end of the year ;)

[–] • 3 pts

Well that sounds like a good damn plan too me, if your kids are not sick of you, then your are doing it wrong. Admittedly My kids are not sick of me but they damn well should be. I wish you the best of luck. I wish you a good luck with your kids.