This almost killed me so I am out for good :(

I think the real answer is: I don't find time to MOC.

I must be terrible at time management (which I didn't think I was) but I can't squeeze even a few hours per week to do anything with LEGO, outside of getting on this website at times during my work hours. I get off of work at 6:30ish nightly, then any other errands I may have, then dinner, then hopefully some family time, then when that is all done, it is after 10:00 at night already, and I'm beat.

I basically have time to think about LEGO in my free time, but never touch it. I try to sketch out plans, but it doesn't go as well as just putting the bricks together to see it in 3D.

At the same time, affording pieces is nigh impossible. I have too many financial commitments, I can't really call this a hobby. I'm so far behind on set purchasing, I can't even begin to think of piece purchasing for projects. I did do LUGbulk this last year, and recently got the order in (after 10 months wait time), but I wasn't as excited after that amount of time. I bet I won't even find a use for most of those pieces, so that was a waste. I doubt I will do it again this year.

The best way to find time is to get kids and pretend you're playing with them as you're building on the floor together. (I say pretend - because my kid is three years old. She likes the Friends though!) You get to combine your family obligations with your MOCing!

Edited November 19, 201410 yr by myr_heille

I do my MOCs at night, usually before going to bed. I think it may help me sleep well.

I used to have time but after the young one appeared, the only time I have for MOC-ing is when my wife is away with the child at her parents. So not too much time...

An alternative I have is to build sets - I don't need to have all my collection spread out then, I can have the pieces that came with the set only. It's a good enough substitute.

As for buying the pieces, it's sets, BL and lugbulk combined planned about 1 year ahead and bought almost exclusively on sales.