"Way of Life" or back to job hunting?

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

I've often wondered why your not a consultant. The amount you know about the subject we should be calling you Dr. Hamadryad.

Saying that, after recently doing a few surveys myself, it is a much duller side of arboriculture. If it wasn't for my hip getting worse I would be more than happy swinging in the trees for a long time to come.

 

Surveying can be dull, I know, I did a large site last year and it was a tricky one too, but I cant climb nor want to forever, least not fulltime and as you say I am over qualified, sorry over, unqualified for the consultants role.

 

As for the dr bit, that is the ultimate ambition, but the Hamalab will see that goal sorted in due course, self funded research is my only route to that goal.

but dont overate me just yet, theres a lot of weak areas in my knowledge that I need to adress, taxonomy, wood anatomy, genetics and the soil sciences:blushing:

 

the sentiment is appreciated though:biggrin:

[hazzygawa]

Interesting thread this one.

[onetruth]

I love working for myself. I love my job. I get an immense sense of satisfaction out of what I do.

 

There arn't many people that can say this.

 

From what you wrote it sounds like business is viable, albeit hard work at times. Also, being paid a salary is not the same as having a dependable income - it just seems that way until you are made redundant.

 

I think it's pretty obvious what to do.

[aob9]

I'm thrilled at the response to this post. I have yet to meet a S/E person that has never considered throwing in the towel. I'm not at that stage but there are times when you have to ask yourself if you're doing the right thing. It would be foolish not to continually revue your present situation IMO. Somebody mentioned that becoming S/E by default is a possible precursor to failure, this is true but I was given good notice of impending redundancy. I had plenty time to consider my options. My decision to go S/E was very well planned and thought out. I knew it would be tough. Business is growing slowly and I'm confident it will continue to grow, I'm also certain that there will be days when I'd love to walk away, such is life. I was curious about peoples opinions and I'm glad I asked.

[elfinwood saws]

You need a good wife, that can make the house keeping go futher and is happy with you and does not feel the need to out spend the nighbours, new cars big tv,s are not important, also kids love their dad been around, we live on £100-£150 a week and are well fed and happy, Your life needs to match your income!

[brewx1]

I reckon two years is about what it takes to get a new business known and running ok in this industry. Certainly was about that length of time when I started out that it seemed to become a bit easier, with repeat customers and referals bringing more work in without so much legwork.

I've stopped for a few years and got back into it again, which was easier than starting from scratch, but it still takes a while for things to start ticking over again.

The economic climate won't have helped any over the last couple of years, so if your business is keeping it's head above water, even only just, you should be proud of that. Stick at it, you've probably done the hardest part already.