Time to call it a day ?

[danroker1987]

48 minutes ago, Treerover said:

Dan mate. I think any of us who have been doing this a while have mulled over exactly what you’ve described in your post.
It’s stressful as hell when the ‘phone doesn’t ring.
How long have you been trading ?
Like Silky says, I also try to get some sub contract work for people I like/respect when I’m up against it (sometimes it’s almost a relief to just go in and climb/ground without the organisational headaches)
Look also to contact mortgage company/any credit providers and ask for a ‘payment holiday’ if things are really tight.
You’d be amazed how many will stall payments temporarily.
Most importantly, if you love this industry, and you’ve still got at least something left in your tank, you’re not out the game yet amigo.
Surf the highs and doggie paddle your way out of the lows if you have to.
It’s all cyclical . Survive this one and the next one you’ll be stronger still.
Good luck

Hi treerover,  i hear ya , been trading on my own since 2011, i know its going to go mental again soon but definitely prolonged this year! i volunteered to go do some subbie climbing to help someone out, wet london planes and phone lines galore ,it is nice to just rock up then bugger off with no stress! I'm literally a pro at riding out the little s**t storms when everything breaks one after another . or things just don't go to plan, i think I'm probably a workaholic but as I've been a bit idle it feels like a lifetime!!

[Mark J]

27 minutes ago, Mark Bolam said:

Cutting the amount of days you work will fix that mate!

I try to be pretty vague about dates, I try and work with the weather a bit.

Nowt worse than booking in a slippy beech rj three weeks ahead then finding out it’s lashing down and you have no plan B.

I ring Mrs. Miggins the night before and say we can rip her bush out instead.

 

I totally understand that my business model doesn’t suit bigger firms.

Bet the beech is still needing tickled...

[danroker1987]

51 minutes ago, Joe Newton said:

Good luck to you mate. Saw your card in Verdes and couldn't help thinking the only business you'll get from that is tarmaccers and council workers!

what card joe lol

[danroker1987]

54 minutes ago, arbogrunt said:

It never gets easier....feast or famine. I was in this boat a few years ago. I soldiered on, largely because I can't do anything else!. There are easier ways to make more money...and there's always the option of selling up and going freelance. I did just that years ago, less hours, no stress...weekends off, time for hobbies. Now I've got my own trainset again....back to 6 days a week and the aggro that goes with it, but I'm happier with the reality of the situation now. Only you can make the call. I hope it turns out well for you mate

I have just bought myself a lovely little welder and I'm really enjoying the welding life!!! tempting!

[john p]

Cutting the amount of days you work will fix that mate!
I try to be pretty vague about dates, I try and work with the weather a bit.
Nowt worse than booking in a slippy beech rj three weeks ahead then finding out it’s lashing down and you have no plan B.
I ring Mrs. Miggins the night before and say we can rip her bush out instead.
 
I totally understand that my business model doesn’t suit bigger firms.

Aye, think my ‘business model’ is pretty similar to yours, one man band and subbie labour, and I do love the flexibility of it, Im off doing festival work for most of May (dicking about in a telehandler and trying not to ogle the scantily clad women to obviously) so can stack a lot of work for when I’m back, really wouldn’t want the hassle of three gangs and 12 week lead times.

[tree-fancier123]

2 minutes ago, danroker1987 said:

I have just bought myself a lovely little welder and I'm really enjoying the welding life!!! tempting!

Wouldnt recommend it, maybe last longer with an airfed mask. Stainless fumes prebook your chemo

[Treerover]

It’s definitely partly that Martin, I bet a lot of folks haven’t ventured in their gardens since November.
It’s also partly that people want work done, but don’t want boots across their waterlogged lawns, so they haven’t picked the phone up yet.
 
The work is building up, just in time for nesting season....
 
Keep your chin and prices up Dan, dropping either isn’t the answer (insert bitter learned from experience emoji here).
 
I’m looking forward to a ‘I can’t cope - I need a Mog/Bandit/Crane’ thread from you in June....

Mark Bolam, I continually like very much and enjoy, nay look forward to, the cut of your erudite wisened jib on a routine basis on these posts.
The industry seems somehow that bit more lovely with you in it. Great advice to Danners and as usual wonderfully humorous

Much respect
TR /Stephen

[Khriss]

Is that right TF ? Stainless welding ?? ( tho' mild steel bad enuff ) K

[danroker1987]

4 minutes ago, Treerover said:

Mark Bolam, I continually like very much and enjoy, nay look forward to, the cut of your erudite wisened jib on a routine basis on these posts.
The industry seems somehow that bit more lovely with you in it. Great advice to Danners and as usual wonderfully humorous

Much respect
TR /Stephen
 

Agreed and its always been the same since I've been on here ,Top man!!!

[danroker1987]

I've just been welding mild steel, smells nice.........