I want out!

[BLITZKRIEG]

I have a great job, I only work 14 days a month.....but, I want out!

I've always wanted to be self employed having my own business but realize
it is alot of work & time. Im looking for some ideas for possible business venture
and ways to get started.

My fellow Snowest'rs, those of you whom own your own business,
and are willing to share details, please post:

1)What your business is/does.
2)How many hours a week you work.
3)Any suggestions you have.

Thanks

 

[maddog21]

My brother got sick of working on his old job so he opened his own business as auto mechanic. He can work anytime he want but he work almost everyday! Independent worker. His local bank wont loan him some money because they think he wont make much money from it or I dont know the rest of story. Anyway my dad loaned him money for to buy small acreage and build a shop (not sure what the size of shop), and alot alot of tools!

before his shop open, his boss found out about it and fired him right away. glad to.. he didnt care... opened his business two months later after got fired.
its better if you dont tell your friends about open your own business.. lol

 

[HOOCH256]

What do you do now that yo hate so much?

what are your skills?

where are you wanting to open this business?

 

[WaBackcountry]

Im self employed and its a love hate thing. You will spend most waking hours worrying about putting food on the table and trying to afford a new sled.

It all depends if you are super motivated to put the time in. If not you wont last long.

 

[joshkoltes]

i got a job idea for ya, it really blows

 

[polaris dude]

I am also interested in what people will have to say.

 

[Mafesto]

I'm not saying "Don;t do it",
but think long and hard about everything you do now on your 17 days of free time each & every month.

Do what you have to to to be happy & good luck!

 

[BLITZKRIEG]

I operate a Coal Fired Power Plant, its a great job but its alot of stress &
with the EPA's "war on coal" makes me nervous about the future.

Skills: Licensed First Class Boiler Engineer, Assoc. Degree, snowmobiler!

Willing to move almost anywhere to start or buy a business.

Hopeing to hear some good ideas, success stories, failures, basically
anything I can learn from.

 

[HOOCH256]

I know what you mean with the EPA, I work in the oil industry and it's all politics up and down all the time!

Boiler systems huh? Maybe some type of HVAC? They use lots of boiler fired in floor systems where I live


Sent from my super duper sweet iPhone using Tapatalk when I should be doing something productive!

 

[ROKRIG]

I've had these thoughts before but then I decided I enjoy a consistent pay check and great benefits. So, for the time-being, I'll gladly let someone else worry about running the company.

Sounds like you've got a fair amount of free time and I'm assuming (based on your title and responsibilities) your job pays well. You have the best of both worlds. Just appreciate what you have. I don't think this is the best time to be contemplating starting a business. The fact that you are even asking for ideas suggests you are not ready. ( no offense intended )

 

[IDspud]

If you think stress is an issue now, owning your own business is the last thing you need for relief.

 

[niles]

I have been self employed my entire life and have never had a job other than my current business. At the age of 17 I graduated high-school early to pick up the pieces of my dads small construction business. He had a stroke and could no longer continue. So my brother and i started in. We paid my dad half of everything we made in the first 2 yrs to buy him out and it was rough for a few years. My brother and now business partner really kept things together for us the first few yrs. Working our tails off as framers until the housing thing changed and then headed to rural areas doing work noone else would. Now about 15 yrs into it we have 7 full time employees and do large commercial, industrial ,agricultural work as well as housing. I have worked 7 days a week since about June and there is no sign of it letting up. It will take a few yrs to reap the benefits but it will come. Good luck.

 

[chevota84]

I own a trucking company, the money isn't bad but the hours are horrible. When I'm running hard Im around 100+ hours a week, and the stress is all on you.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2

 

[WaBackcountry]

Being self employed you don't get breaks or vacations you just force yourself to walk away for awhile but your still thinking the business non stop. It is a constant battle trying to balance time for your family, friends and hobbies. It consumes you.

 

[line8]

I'm self employed and have been for the better part of the last 6 years. Not many days that you can say you have a real day off. Yesterday seems like it was May. All holidays are unpaid and the phone could still ring-hopefully. Vacations are spent worrying about what might be going on even though daily phone calls take place. As soon as money comes in it goes right back out. I don't remember the last time I wasn't worrying about tomorrow or next week or next month or next season or next year at this time. I wake up unemployed everyday and go to bed tired most days. Clients are my new boss and they are just as annoying sometimes. I will do what ever I have to-to keep this job. I wouldn't trade it for a time clock. In all seriousness, it is A LOT OF WORK to make it work and almost always is worth it.

 

[TIM]

self employed, employ 17 good people. I am in retail. There is alot of stress, but there is some flexibility. I can't remeber the last time i slept thru the night for more than 3 nights in a row. there is always something going on in your head.
However, it would be hard to work for someone. The last 4 years have been very trying to say the least, but we are making a living, and are the masters of our destiny. I say do it, but research it ahead of time. Figure out your plan and than execute it.

Oh it is alot of hard work and you need to be very self motivated.

 

[polaris dude]

I would like to add the question what is the first step to starting your business? Was it benefitial to join a business at first and what and learn from the owner/boss there?

 

[snowmobiler]

just pick what you want to do and do it.

 

[Teth-Air]

I operate a Coal Fired Power Plant, its a great job but its alot of stress &
with the EPA's "war on coal" makes me nervous about the future.

Skills: Licensed First Class Boiler Engineer, Assoc. Degree, snowmobiler!

Willing to move almost anywhere to start or buy a business.

Hopeing to hear some good ideas, success stories, failures, basically
anything I can learn from.

I own a water treatment business and have a power engineering background. It is a good business and now have about 20 employees across Western Canada. www.specified.ca

Maybe there are opportunities in your area?

 

[POLZIN]

I sold my business 7 months ago. Best decision I have made in years. Now I make more and work less.

IMO in todays economic and political climate your nuts to start a business.