advice for the (mature) beginner

[fowler]

Well that's pretty encouraging - at least I'm not the only old boy looking to make a go of it. Maybe we'll have to set up some sort of Old Age Arborists organisation or something, to keep the kids in check

 

Thanks for all your comments. Looks like you guys are going to be valuable sources of wisdom in the coming months. I wouldn't presume to know it all on the basis of a couple of courses so ideally I'd work for a company for at least a few years (preferably one which puts the best interests of the tree above profit - read some unfavourable stuff about some companies undertaking power line clearance, for example) to get a decent amount of experience to develop the training.

 

If being able to turn up on time, organise a job and not get 'beer flu' are skills in short supply, I should be laughing

 

ps. Jason - yes, you can read it, though I've got plenty of friends with the same (and share the sentiment)

[Mr Ed]

DOnt Knock the Utility companies. They do what needs to be done.

 

[Jason James Gairn]

Is this the most common t shirt ever? Made from hemp too. So if I get marooned on an island I can smoke my clothes.

[fowler]

I don't think anyone has knocked the utility companies

[monkeyboy]

Thanks for the words of wisdom lads. i did think that working for an established set up - with the tree's AND employee's interests in mind - would be the best route to take; whilst also doing my own small jobs at weekends in order to see which best suits.

[andythesquirel]

I am new to this site and am very much impressed by it, and the people who use it.

I am also considering getting more involved with qualifications etc relating to this business. However, like some of the others on this thread, I am 35. I have read, and heard, numerous comments previously stating that I am too old and basically have missed my chance to partake in this type of work, and get involved in this industry.

To explain, I currently am working in a job which is secure and has reasonable wages/pension, and so cannot realistically pack it up due to family commitments. (I dare not state what I do due to obvious comments/abuse I will receive). However, I have never enjoyed this job and fell into it by circumstances, and would relish the opertunity to do part time work.

I am a SERIOUS PART TIMER. I have previous recreational climbing experiance, worked for council for a short while in parks dept (when qualification restrictions were ignored!) and am involved in numerous woodwork activities including chainsaw milling etc. Whilst owning Land Rovers and Unimog also, i have a lot in common with members on this site.

Back to the point, the members commenting on this site are realistic and supportive. I do not believe I can compete with the younger person entering this business, but I do believe that any participation at any age, should be encouraged by persons in the industry. I feel that no matter what the age, there is a role for the mature person, if qualified and motivated.

Sorry for the long comments but just pleased to find such a informative and useful site, and be able to be part of it.

[Jason James Gairn]

Andy as previously pointed out, Maturity can bring many attractive things to a tree business. If you want to climb then you do have to have a certain level of fitness. But also common sense and professionality too, these are qualities lacking in some younger employees. Not all of course as that would be unfair to a great number of workers. In some ways being close to 40 but not having a body that need too much care and attention can be a bonus. Are you a police officer, estate agent or traffic warden? If so, I can understand not wanting to come clean. Good luck to you mate. I hope you go for it, this is a great industry.

[andythesquirel]

Jason, thanks for the supportive comments.

** It's frightning how easy it is to narrow down my job !!! **

Fortunately I work in a rural area, where common sense can sometimes circumvent the rules and paperwork created by people in positions who have no idea how the real world works !

Love to get into the industry, just planning and biding my time.

[Jason James Gairn]

I suggested to someone I know in SO19, that officers should have a dedicated secretery for every two officers, linked via broadband and other technology to deal with paperwork. he said CASH!He also said I watched too much 24.

[treedave]

Andy,

Did I take a beech down for you recently? If so, how are the bats doing? If not, my mistake.

Welcome to the forum either way.