S
secret squirrel
I wasn't sure of the title for this thread or where to post it but someone may find it interesting.
I'd like to write a little bit about the psychology of being self employed and starting out, so, perhaps, more interesting for newer plumbers but will remind the old ones a bit.....
This is all personal experience and my own mental state (or lack of) plays a great part in this thread.
I've been in this game for about 3.5 years now all the time running my own business (although, I work with another plumber when he needs a hand) and have experience of running another business. So, aware of some of the pitfuls.
My business has gone from strength to strength, I know the work I like and the work I can't stand but pays the bills. Pricing etc, well, we're always learning. I've had two rubbish vans and have been really busy so decided to buy a new one. Better that than throwing good money after bad!
A very nice NV200, last week worked really hard both on the tools and getting my van sorted, ply lined, racking blah blah, this Friday I'm off to get it sign written!
This week I've had no work! now, I know this is common in this industry when starting and 3 years ish, yes still starting. BUT it does my head in! completely, last week 2 jobs a day earnt well, same as week before.
Then nothing, I also know that the phone will ring again but I hate waiting. I am my own worse enemy, I end up sitting around waiting for the blasted thing to ring, I'll even phone it myself to make sure its working. I go out and I worry that someones phoned and I miss a job! My mobile number is on the answer machine so they can phone me. First thing I do when I get in is..... YEP, check to see if someone has phoned!
:banghead:
The when your really busy you worry about fitting it all in, its a double edged sword.
My point is this, for anyone just starting out beware there are aspects of being self employed that you haven't considered, for me its the phone, I'm a slave to it, we all are but some handle it better than others.
From a personal perspective, I need to chill out a bit, when its quiet enjoy it because luckily/hopefully/fingers crossed it doesn't last.
I'd like to write a little bit about the psychology of being self employed and starting out, so, perhaps, more interesting for newer plumbers but will remind the old ones a bit.....
This is all personal experience and my own mental state (or lack of) plays a great part in this thread.
I've been in this game for about 3.5 years now all the time running my own business (although, I work with another plumber when he needs a hand) and have experience of running another business. So, aware of some of the pitfuls.
My business has gone from strength to strength, I know the work I like and the work I can't stand but pays the bills. Pricing etc, well, we're always learning. I've had two rubbish vans and have been really busy so decided to buy a new one. Better that than throwing good money after bad!
A very nice NV200, last week worked really hard both on the tools and getting my van sorted, ply lined, racking blah blah, this Friday I'm off to get it sign written!
This week I've had no work! now, I know this is common in this industry when starting and 3 years ish, yes still starting. BUT it does my head in! completely, last week 2 jobs a day earnt well, same as week before.
Then nothing, I also know that the phone will ring again but I hate waiting. I am my own worse enemy, I end up sitting around waiting for the blasted thing to ring, I'll even phone it myself to make sure its working. I go out and I worry that someones phoned and I miss a job! My mobile number is on the answer machine so they can phone me. First thing I do when I get in is..... YEP, check to see if someone has phoned!
:banghead:
The when your really busy you worry about fitting it all in, its a double edged sword.
My point is this, for anyone just starting out beware there are aspects of being self employed that you haven't considered, for me its the phone, I'm a slave to it, we all are but some handle it better than others.
From a personal perspective, I need to chill out a bit, when its quiet enjoy it because luckily/hopefully/fingers crossed it doesn't last.
