I have a full time job with 10 hours over time per week and a fully matching 401k. So for me when metals are up my scrap money goes up and my 401k gains go down, when metals are down, my gains skyrocket. I like getting close to $3 per pound on bare bright, but I prefer to see huge gains in my retirement. I will take a good economy and lots of overtime over $1800 gold. That said, I have already lowered my escrap purchase prices and if it gets worse I may have to stop buying all together and just scrap the tiny amount of free stuff i get. I really enjoy scrapping and the extra money, but if it gets to where i cant at least double my investment i will look for other ways to make money.