So how long has everyone been in business and have you ever thought about doing something else?
I have been in and out of my own business for 16 years (doing this line of work around 22 years) and have often though of doing something completely different. Just not sure what…
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I always say I've been in this business for 20+ years. I did other stuff in parts of the early years - retail, warehouse, etc.. But just kept stumbling back into home improvement. I'd rather make my living online, using my websites, and do the house fixin' stuff as a hobby. '
I doubt I'll ever completely retire from home improvement. I truely love the crafts, but I'd rather do everything my own way. Is that really asking too much. If the customers would just give me the keys and the checkbook... >g<
Then again, I sure am glad to be workin' ;)
See my work at TedsCarpentry.com
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Edited 11/24/2008 10:40 pm by Ted W.
Grew up with the trades.
Started doing building maintenance in about 1962 as a high schooler. Jobs in that field until the 2 yrs. in service, then after the service as a carp. helper at SUNYCOW for 1 year .
Moved to west coast and started again as carp apprentice, moved into a partnership, then corp.
Still doing it but now either self employed or working as a super for other people.
Only break was 84-86 when I tried my hand at sales in the field of building materials.
getting to be close to forty years of this behind me now.
I have occasionally thought of teaching, nursing or police work ( all of which have much in common with each other BTW)
I even considered being a gigolo once or twice. It has more in common with remo work. ( Giving the customer what they want)
;)
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Piffin.... After forty years.......I think you should do what you do here at BT. You mentioned teaching , write a book,teaching do a DIY newspaper column, teaching a Saturday radio talk show,Tech manual with real world experence, teaching on a volunteer basis at a local H.S. or junior college.
Sometimes, my friend ,what we do outside our daily work ,that is right ther in front of us we don't really consider or look at from different angles but we keep going back to it because we like and what greater life reward can there be than doing something we enjoy.
You have a special gift that was "earned"over those forty years..........teach it.
Thanks. One reason I am here is to give outlet to that part of me. Now making it pay...)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Mike,
36 yrs. Started out alone, last 20 yrs alone. In between, worked for others, worked union, worked commercial.
Always been a learning experience, never specialized in a single area.
Over the years I have given thought to and actually hoped to have been doing something else. Every so often I still give it some thought-but what? When you are successful and appreciated for what you do it's hard to take a step in another direction. That's even if it's related to the trade or not.
I know one thing for sure, and the recent economics have little to do with it, retirement isn't in the picture. No way we could live on what we've put away. So for now, a slave of the workingclass.
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Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
20 years now.
Was a carpenter for about 15 years then transitioned into designer... and the new business.
Did Commercial Work, Residential, built restaurants, cabinets, tile, high end residential...
Settled on outdoor woodwork because at heart I guess I am a bit of a show off.
Maybe that's why I went through so many back tires in high school.
L
GardenStructure.com~Build for the Art of it! Decks Blog
Edited 11/25/2008 8:38 am ET by Lawrence