Hobbsurf

How long did that take fella?

One year in with my 130, haven't looked back.

I entered this field of work at 46. I had just sold a small business that allowed me to get set up with equipment and get my tickets (see my signature to save me putting them up again). As soon as I got my 32 I spoke to the local Forestry Commission, who fortunately turned out to be a decent bunch and we agreed I would give them one day a week, when required to assist in the felling of trees following their Dangerous Tree Survey. I worked as a volunteer, under their supervision, using their saws, mine when I wanted to, under my own insurance, having shown full paperwork evidence that I had the tickets and insurance. According to the Beat Manager it was the first time the FC had allowed a volunteer to work with saws felling throughout the UK. The outcome was a fast track insight to ground felling, later to include windblown of which I am forever grateful to Wally, Nick & Ray for giving me the chance. I now am on the list of Approved Contractors with the FC. Once I got my climbing tickets I worked the local Sub Contractor circuit for six months and saw a lot of varied work along with a lot of varied skills sets from my fellow subbies. As it stands now, I am full time running my own small outfit having taken the plunge to buy a chipper last Oct. The benefits of being on the circuit allowed me to see good and bad practices, which mean I now link into 4 other Sole Trader types who sub into me and viva versa. These guys have a lot more experience than me and have mentored me to a point where I feel comfortable with most stuff but have the benefit of falling back on them when required. This approach suits us all but I would stress that I only use these guys because I trust them and respect their experience. I consider myself fortunate to have these contacts, but it has come after hard work on my own part to prove to them that I'm not a "Handbag" that needs carrying everywhere. My advice would be: How long are you going to be retraining, as in not earning. Know how much getting the gear and tickets costs. What is your goal, employee or employer? Whilst subbing works, the pay long-term isn't great after you take off the expense on gear and replaced parts etc. Taking the plunge to be the business owner and providing a service and more income means vehicle and chipper, which means big outlay. Also security to keep things safe. I couldn't have done this without the support of my amazing Wife, allowing me to take a break from the 50/50 split on bill payments over the last 3 years and me putting in when flush hasn't just helped - it's made the difference in being able to do this successfully. The fact her own business is successful made this possible. Fitness & health are important, I'm ex HFM and a keen kitesurfer and don't struggle with strength & stamina, however I do shy away from kitesurfing since a broken rib a few years back, when you need to be proper fit and well to bring the money in as a Self Employed type, it makes you think on your social activities. I don't normally post long winded comments and this is the longest on here. The reason that I did was to say "yes, it can be done & go for it" as others have said - but before you "go for it" work out where you want to be in 3 to 5 years and doing what and get a basic business plan set up. This has come from the heart and apologies if it goes a bit all over the place, hope it helps. Russ

Over Nitrogen treated lawn by the "expert" lawn treatment franchised operations maybe? Gotta love them :-)

Ask Stumpbusters?

31 days behind you fella. Happy Bday, and I'm sure like me you still think you're 28, and still coping. :-)

I've just purchased a Henchman 14 ft tripod ladder with adjustable feet on all 3 legs. Got a lot of hedge work on at the the moment on sloping ground, and for just under £500.00 the first two jobs have paid for it - really stable, great to be able to work each position at a different setting as you move along. Leg adjustment easy, carriage very light. Goes on top of the Ranger with roofbars no worries. Actually makes the tricky hedge jobs that I used to dread straight forward and dare I say - enjoyable.........

Allegedly is a really good term. Look at any satirical TV show, Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You - etc. Akin to - Arbtalk is a Paper Tiger given how emasculated some of its members feel by "Mods" actions when trying to establish who on here may or may not be a robbing low life. Allegedly...... Copied & pasted BTW :-)

Forget all the tipitoe dancing around. If someone is out of order and wrong in actions then why ffs not just give a serious "allegedly" link or post to the area that gives us all a heads up on who to avoid - "allegedly". Doh and grrrrrrr, with another ffs. BTW - 4756 views as I write means someone is keen on how this goes........

Really like that - I have creative thoughts that need transformation to carving!!!! I'd be more than happy with him as my first job, well done fella. How many hours?

Had a 20 Metre MEWP fully extended on a recent job, noticed when the wind picked up. Been in a basket on a crane job at 40 Metres when it was raining, but not windy. Those camera guys at St Andrews in those crane extended booms must know about it......... Bet the odd empty Oasis bottle gets filled up there too.....

Golden rule in Kitesurfing - never drink from the opened Lucocade bottle left in the surfbus - even if it really looks like Lucocade.

Oasis & Lucocade. ;-)

Probably getting lazy and getting in the lorries to pop over with the other insects.......

The Maples form a Union. Rush? Great carving BTW Russ

Go Green, TW lost my custom due to a poor lead time. Went the Arb 130 route and its awesome. Do a search on here to avoid it being repeated. Don't get a TW 125 - go green & get a demo. Russ

Evans time is gone, he's annoying now to listen to. I started listening to him on the day he took over from Sir TEL, the same day I went self employed. Never listened to Wogan BTW - felt like sitting with my parents watching Eurovision Song Contest (sick noise). For the first 3 years he was great. Now he thinks everyone still feels that way, but honestly his stale stuff is groundhog day - he's boring but worse.....he doesn't know it. I actually turn over when he's on in the morning to a local channel, I'm in Lincolnshire so draw your own conclusions as to how much I don't want to hear him wax lyrical.............. Hearing him is one thing, seeing and hearing - please do us all a favour. Retire - although if you do do TG, would that mean I didn't have to listen to you in the morning? Bring it on if that is the case. Russ

Kitesurfing / Surfbus Rule No 1: Whilst on road trips - Never drink out of any widenecked bottle (Oasis, Lucocade, other brands are available) which is open & has a non fizzy yellowish liquid inside).

How about getting a PA 1&6 course booked for her as a pressie, and when you've recovered from the laser eyed castration look, point out that it could bring in some house keeping when she subs out? Just a thought........

Do you guys use the ZigZag in every job? I revert back to a Hitchclimber for tight stuff like conifers to avoid the possibility of cross loading - just in case. Russ

Not an exhaustive list but; Don't ever turn up for an interview wanting the job. Get fat and encourage family members to do same - morbid obesity is now a disability in UK and equates to more £££££ in the benefit bucket. Have no pride - none at all. Breed - despite the fact you have no income (that you actually earned yourself). Breed - try a few partners to add to the benefits £££££ Shop at at naff sports shop. Own a Staffy type dawg. Rehome above, because your feckless. Breed. Repeat above. Hope that helps. Russ

I really enjoyed that - until the bath sharing bit........ Cracking post - direct labour, they've never had it so easy. This should be a pre read before any prospective interview for staff whilst smelling some coffee. Russ

Well there would have to be another switch of time stopping the spineless groups from even attempting a landing in the name of Blighty but I'll leave that to Spielberg. Russ

Steven Spielberg has seen this and thinks "ummm, good story line for new movie". Troops in 1940's get caught in time warp and see footage of the future via Benefit Britain. Result? - Mass mutiny when realisation strikes that despite putting the Nazi plague into the ground and fighting for what you believe in to preserve this green and pleasant land, it creates this parasite culture with a jellyfish spined government supporting it. Switch to film end. Present day Government MPs and Benefit Scoungers are also caught in time warp that reverses time which puts them in landing craft on D Day....... I like the last bit a lot. BTW - I'm ex HMF and proud to have served. Russ

What would you charge for that fella? Russ