Transition to self employed (wages etc)

[skyhuck]

1 hour ago, Steve Bullman said:

I think the real question is, if you're running 3-4 teams and not able to pay yourself that then what even is the point!

Bang on!!!

[benedmonds]

1 hour ago, Steve Bullman said:

I think the real question is, if you're running 3-4 teams and not able to pay yourself that then what even is the point!

Its a good question...

[eggsarascal]

3 hours ago, benedmonds said:

Eggs statement was: 

"Any subby/freelancer going out for much less than £200/day is on a hiding to nothing" 

 

I agree, the few might be able to get top rates for either VERY specialist work or for occasional work for a gardener or someone who has the job priced really well. But 5 days a week doing regular domestic tree work it is not realistic in my market.. I wish it was as I would like to pay myself that much as a company owner running 3-4 teams..

Yes I did say that, the reason for saying it is quite simple in my mind. If someone is selling themselves as a freelancer/subby they should be able to do all aspects of the job they do.

 

Turn up on time get the job card, or even better email it over, and off you go. Quick phone call when the job is finished to say all is ok.

 

Thats how I work anyway.

 

 

[Joe Newton]

6 hours ago, Steve Bullman said:

I don't think anyone is suggesting that EVERY freelance climber should be on that money Ben, but those who are at an adequate level should absolutely be looking towards that sort of money.

I reckon people are overlooking location. Yourself and Rich were based in areas where the cost of living is substantially higher than other areas.

 

I usually charge £150, but occasionally significantly more. It depends on what's involved, and how much I like repeat work from that client. 

 

In any case I reckon my £150 goes as far if not further where I live than a freelancer in London on £180 a day. 

[john p]

I reckon people are overlooking location. Yourself and Rich were based in areas where the cost of living is substantially higher than other areas.
 
I usually charge £150, but occasionally significantly more. It depends on what's involved, and how much I like repeat work from that client. 
 
In any case I reckon my £150 goes as far if not further where I live than a freelancer in London on £180 a day. 

True, but it’s when you start blurring the lines between running your own show as well as freelancing that it gets tricky, £150 a day goes nowhere if you’ve got pl/el chipper and other overheads (which is of course not your main contractor s problem). But even so even as a pure freelancer £150 is quite tight IME

[Mick Dempsey]

s’right, so many variables.

 

Just turning up with saws and ropes, never picking up a stick once it hits the floor and just signing autographs from soggy knickered teenage girls is one end of the spectrum.

 

Taking your own Truck, chipper and groundy to do the other guy’s job and talk to the client is another.

 

I still do a bit of both. (Not the autograph bit of course)

 

 

[Joe Newton]

20 minutes ago, john p said:

True, but it’s when you start blurring the lines between running your own show as well as freelancing that it gets tricky, £150 a day goes nowhere if you’ve got pl/el chipper and other overheads (which is of course not your main contractor s problem). But even so even as a pure freelancer £150 is quite tight IME

Yeah, its true. Many employers see £150 as top dollar, but the fact that most freelancers end up running their own firms is testament to the fact it's not really enough. 

 

A comprehensive climbing kit is going to be around 1500, the saws I take cost a minimum off 1500 too, then there's the climber who can take on any job, they seem to be pretty rare. 

 

That said I'm keen not to price myself out of the easy work. If I started charging beyond what most climbers do then I'll be expected to take on all the difficult stuff. 

 

End of the day every worker reckons they're worth more.

[Mick Dempsey]

3 minutes ago, Joe Newton said:

Yeah, its true. Many employers see £150 as top dollar, but the fact that most freelancers end up running their own firms is testament to the fact it's not really enough. 

 

 

Surely it’s a testament to the idea that freelance climbing is the natural step between employed climber and running your own thing. 

 

At at least it has been for many folks.

[Mark Bolam]

Most workers are worth more, the industry is notoriously underpaid.

That’s just a fact, everywhere.

Freelancing on £150 every working day isn’t too bad.

Climbing kit and topper would be all I’d ask, I can supply everything else.

Including topper, but most climbers like their own.

5 days a week, 4 weeks holiday and 2 weeks off for really bad weather would get you £34.5k pa.

Replacing all your kit every year and you’re still on more than £30k.

[Joe Newton]

4 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

Surely it’s a testament to the idea that freelance climbing is the natural step between employed climber and running your own thing. 

 

At at least it has been for many folks.

Maybe for most. If I could earn good money by freelancing i'd be far less tempted to do my own jobs. I'd rather not have all the hassle.