Greetings:
I’m just sending out some ‘feelers’ , but after working as a self-employed Remodeling Contractor for six years, I’m thinking it may be time to make a move in some other direction…possibly using my organizational, trade and sales skills as a project coordinator or supervisor. Have any of you done that, or considered making that sort of change? I enjoy my work, but I think it may be time to start working for a company that offers benefits that I find so hard to give myself (vacation, health insurance for instance!). My current job-search area is the greater Seattle-Tacoma area but I’m also considering looking at the Gulf Coast of Florida. Thoughts?
Brad
Replies
Dude...can't help ya with the job search......but I would say it's a good idea if you are looking for something new. I'm just back into self employment...and sooner than I had planned. About this time last year.....I decided to go from self employeed to employee.
I had been on my own a few years, the jobs were basic remodeling...nothing fancy....money was ok and work was steady......but I always saw myself as a more detailed guy. So I took a job with a smaller company.....boss I thought I knew turned out to be total jerk....so I stayed there 6 weeks and quit.
Had a job lined up before I quit...and that's the place I was at for a little less than a year. One of the best decisions I've made. A coupla of us were recently laid off......as the company is changing to switch to all subs....but still a good decision.
Just realize "steady" work is someone else's decision! But....I got to do all highend/upscale work. Made great contacts. Worked with new products. Worked on bigger projects than I ever had the chance to. And the picture portfolio is much the better due to it!
Since I've been laid off.....I've been able to bid and price jobs I'd love to have a shot at before. All thru contacts. And have closed some jobs I'm not sure I would have gotten with out the pics of the high end stuff I did thru the company.
It's been said before...rich people have rich friends.......and I had the chance to wrap up a few projects and take over when the leads were sent to start a new job......and got to know those customers pretty well. And they've all been kept up to date on my situation. I've even been asked by the company to bid some of their new work. Looks like I'll have about 3 weeks of tile and 4 weeks of trim coming up thru them. Again...another form of high end contacts.
For me......it was a great decision to make. I would still be there as an employee......but now....going back to self employeed.......so far is even better than before! Good Luck...interview them as they interview you, Jeff
* Jeff J. Buck/ Buck Construction/ Pittsburgh, PA *
2nd Generation Buck Const, 3rd generation Craftsman
Dude,
Framed homes for seven years (for someone else) and new I had to retire from that before 35. Starting sending resumes to commercial GC's advertising for supervisors. Totally out of the blue I got an offer. Seemed great at first. No tool belt, dress nice, etc. Turned out they really wanted an on-staff carpenter to do a bunch of work and run the job (40,000 sq/ft 4 story brownfeild redevelopment. You must know what a pain remodel is. Salary and benies are nice but 60 hours a week? Gotta have time for yourelf. Tough job, and the pay was below industry standard, 'course I don't have a degree. Working with architects, public officials, and big money business people was something I did enjoy. Got laid off (welcome to corporate America, greedy, scre who you can, kiss up to the ones you can't, and always watch your behind), now I'm working for myself (trim carpentry) and lovin' it. Go for it Dude, you can always go back.
Looks like I may be making a change too. Work has dried up for me. Maybe time to try somthing diff.
TGW