Facing Redundancy

[AndyO]

Hi all, first post although I have been lurking on here for months.

 

Basically I’m after some advice…Its finally happened, I’m facing redundancy and am looking to do a job that makes me happy not necessarily lots of money, though not that the last one done that either!

 

Having worked as an outdoors instructor in the past and an enthusiastic green wood worker I thought I would combine the two and here I am. Basically I’m wondering if it’s worth spending what will be a big hit on gaining all the qualifications and equipment to get into this game to discover that there is little or no work.

 

Im happy to start at the bottom of the ladder so to speak and work my way up. I’m not trying to steal anyone’s work just trying to make an honest living. Any and all help/advice appreciated particularly relevant to West / Central Scotland.

 

Also check out this, building a log cabin in Alaska by hand…inspirational stuff!

 

 

Cheers

[Ian C]

I would do some work for someone else to see if you like it first and to be honest i would not sink a load of money into this business thinking your going to make a good living in this climate, its hard for firms that have been going for years never mind new ones.

 

Re train as a plumber, less over heads, less money in kit and more money in your pocket.

[Andy Collins]

I was in your shoes in 1996, I had no doubts what I wanted to do, and I'm still doing it today! Best of luck, go for it:laugh1:

[Rob D]

As above try and work for someone for a month or 2 first before spending wads of cash on all the kit.... also gardening is a good way to pad out things until you get your name established - gardening season starts as soon as the grass needs cutting! Good luck

[Tom D]

Work can be hard to find at the moment and qualifications are expensive to get...

 

Better that than the dole though.

[likeitorlumpit]

why do you think working in the tree industry will make you happy?

It can be hard and the pay can be poor.

Conditions can be worse

[Al Baker]

Better than being a plumber though

[Pedroski]

Andy, make sure you claim working tax credit and child tax credit (if applicable). Too many people don't, and it really does help.

[AndyO]

Thanks for your replies first off.

 

Likeit - Iv always loved working outdoors and have done some hard jobs like labouring and outdoor instructing in the past in the West of Scotland, not famed for its sunshine, so not afraid of hard work in poor weather and in fact quite enjoy the feeling of putting my head on the pillow at night having done an honest days work and crashing straight out. Also I enjoy being active in a job rather than stuck behind a desk.

 

Andy- Any advice on how you went from where I am to where you are now?

 

Cheers

[Andy Collins]

I used my redundancy to fund my chainsaw tickets, got in with a local Arb company, there weren't many about then, stuck it out there for about 5 years, then moved on to other companies. Hard work, stick at it, no other advice really, if you want something, with hard graft you'll get there.