So you want to be a freelance climber do you?

[bigtreedon]

Very very wise words Adam I have been a contract climber for ten years before then 7 years employed I spent my employed younger years thinking all I wanted to do was be the hero subi climber that came in and did all the difficult take downs that everyone was in awe of the first few years of self employment I did feel a bit like I was some sort of tree hero travelling miles to sort companys problem trees but it didn't take long for reality and a recession to change things it's a lot of unappreciated hard work often often pushing ya body and sometimes safety to the limits to get jobs done that other employed climbers would have twice the time to complete I am now 34 I have a terrible bad back a terrible addiction to working at every opportunity I am given because I don't no when it may go quite and with a family mortgage and all the other expenses running 5 chainsaws countless climbing and rigging kit plus a pick up I worry even day about money I make a good day rate but like u said not getting any money for any time off sick or holiday soon makes that day rate not look that clever! Thank u for ur post I no I wasn't the only one thinking what u first wrote but I hope some young lads stay employees hone their skills and if they decide they really need a mental and physical every day and worries the rest of the time come to the dark side and be a subi climber ha

[Daythe trees]

I feel for you subby climbers, I have set myself up whilst in paye employment. As such I have had the money to build up a good compact kit and am now picking up clients with recurring work. In addition I am getting a little work from other companies. Making the jump without that salary would be bloody hard work!

[Mesterh]

Interesting thread and comments:thumbup1:

 

Although ime it isnt that bad being a freelance climber, i would prefer it over being an employee but not over being an employer.

 

Like every job in life it depends on who you clients are.

[James Atkinson]

I have been a freelance climber for a while now, but I do own my own tipper truck,lowering kit and saws too, so I try and get a few of my own jobs on the side, it also is a bonus to the company's I contract too (for extra money) but everyone is correct it's not easy, but I prefer the flexibility of been self employed, I don't have any children, and my wife also works, neither of us are very materialistic so we are happy renting a small house and travelling and spending our money on projects when we can, both of us are always trying to minimise our bills so we can afford to have days off with each other. But it's all to do with circumstances, if I had kids, I would seriously have to look into been employed, if buying a house also interested me I guess I would have to look into it too. Biggest niggle, as already been stated is rescuing jobs that people have under quoted, and people expecting a 10 hour day for the same price as a 8 hour day. if you love climbing, you advance quickly.

[Rich Rule]

I'm I have been a freelance climber for 10 years now. During that time I have had two kids and bought a house in London. Not a big house might I add but that front door is my own. I have plenty of kit, had to replace a fair bit over the years. But generally keep things in good order. Buy wisely and look after your kit. It will earn you good money in the long run.

 

To those who say that there is no future in freelancing and you can't have family or mortgage etc etc. I really wouldn't have believed you 10 years ago and I definitely do not believe you now.

 

Although I do realise this is largely due to location. If you are good at your job, word will get around and you will be busy. Charge enough or more than the others, maintain your kit, get the job done and get a good reputation behind you. There is no reason why it cannot be a means to a decent life.

 

I wouldn't have it any other way.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Superb post Adam.

You forgot to mention that freelancers don't get called in for easy stuff.

Grafting in big trees takes it's toll physically.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Arbtalk

 

but those big trees also make the rest of the working week a breeze they keep your mind and body trim and able.

 

I love it when I get calls like "oh we have this big oak real spready mother" turn up and compaired to past experience its a wimp:lol:

 

yes freelance is a tough hard game, but it is also what makes us what we are, when the going gets tough the freelancers roll in and breeze it:001_cool:

[Ian Flatters]

but those big trees also make the rest of the working week a breeze they keep your mind and body trim and able.

 

 

 

I love it when I get calls like "oh we have this big oak real spready mother" turn up and compaired to past experience its a wimp:lol:

 

 

 

yes freelance is a tough hard game, but it is also what makes us what we are, when the going gets tough the freelancers roll in and breeze it:001_cool:

 

 

Some like Adam Bourne and Sam Heath from my way but I've also had a far larger number that have been shown up after talking a spectacular game.

[Samraff88]

Been a freelance tree hero gets you 1 thing..... a knackered back!

[Steve Bullman]

You could argue that some people just are more prone to back problems. Look at the amount of people in office jobs and other non strenuous jobs that suffer with bad back problems. I myself have a few niggles, not not as many as I did in the job I worked in prior to tree work 18 years ago!

[James Atkinson]

What I have read seen to often suggest it depends how your back naturally bends and your weight