The Arb Endgame

[Matthew Norman]

On 09/02/2024 at 11:27, dmtowduall said:

. Is there much demand in Tree consultancy or does it face the same problems? (Allows me to still climb. However, gives me some rest and options long-term).

 

. Anyone who's worked abroad, NZ, CA and AU. Do they face the same issues? / would it inject a new lease of life into my job?

 

. Has anyone who's done rope access, found its a viable option alongside tree work?

 

. Is there anyone who's transitioned into a new job that was in a similar situation, that has advice, that may be of interest/suitable? 

 

Good morning,

 

It's good that you're thinking now about your future as a climber. The last thing you want is to wake up one morning and think, "No, no more climbing for me today!" and not have anything to fall back on to instead. 

 

The thing with consultancy is that it takes a lot of skill and expertise in many different areas to be good. I am not saying you don't have that experience now, but it may be a good start to highlight what you have and haven't got to make it as a consultant.

 

Being able to look at a tree and find its faults and failures may be one thing, but there's the associated paperwork, computerwork, mapping software, legal knowledge, meetings to attend, reports to write... the list goes on.

 

There's a huge shift in responsibility too. At the moment you're working for someone else, and it is that person who shoulders much of the responsibility, to a point. As a consultant who puts their name to a report of their professional findings the onus is on you to carry the burden of ownership that comes with it. Do you feel you have what it takes to own your report and accept the consequences? 

 

I'm 45 and still climb trees for a living, at the minute. I love my job, and I love climbing trees. It is what has held me back from doing other things. My shoulder, knees and other parts are complaining more and more and it is apparent that I should've looked at moving into other areas sooner. 

 

So with that in mind I recently undertook a load of training in health, safety and environmetal management and have got a new full-time position at Network Rail that will still enable me to climb a little, and carry on surveying and reporting etc. 

 

Take the opportunity to travel if it comes up. Venture out a little and see what else is out there. Understand your transferable hard and soft skills, and work out where else they can be applied. 

 

The trees will always be here for you when you get back. 

[Mark Bolam]

36 minutes ago, Doug Tait said:

Thought everyone was just playing it cool, not the done thing for older gents to publicly admit to an OF subscription.

There’s a difference between having a subscription and running your own site.

[Doug Tait]

2 minutes ago, Mark Bolam said:

There’s a difference between having a subscription and running your own site.

 

Wouldn't know mate, I listen to the archers twice a day and get excited when I see a tractor

[Mark Bolam]

Funnily enough Shutler runs his OF site from his tractor.

[Doug Tait]

Now I'm interested, I've seen his tractor!

[sime42]

1 hour ago, Doug Tait said:

Thought everyone was just playing it cool, not the done thing for older gents to publicly admit to an OF subscription.

 

My friend asks why anybody would bother paying for a subscription to see "adult content" these days?

 

 

[Doug Tait]

11 minutes ago, sime42 said:

 

My friend asks why anybody would bother paying for a subscription to see "adult content" these days?

 

 

 

They think it means they're interacting personally with a woman?

[GarethM]

 

 

 

[dan blocker]

Glad the main point is cleared up? I thought OF was a further abbreviation of F OFF😳

[Mesterh]

9 hours ago, GarethM said: