Thread: How and when did you turn pro builder?

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Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

Have any of you that are on your own, or were on your own, every thought it was better to work for someone else and let them carry the load? Everyone thinks the owner/boss has it made, but we who have been around for a while know you have to be the hardest working person in the place.

Don

There's a lot to be said for doing the work and getting paid.. Not dealing with the office crap.. There's also a lot to ba said for knowing you could quit if you want to.. When I owned my junkyard it seemed like all I did was push paper and deal with employee issues.. I got to where I missed pulling parts in the field and going home at 5 oclock.. All that being said it can be rewarding to know you own the place..It is possible to take a beloved hobby, turn it into a "job" and make it not so fun.

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

Have any of you that are on your own, or were on your own, every thought it was better to work for someone else and let them carry the load? Everyone thinks the owner/boss has it made, but we who have been around for a while know you have to be the hardest working person in the place.

Don

I worked for several large companies, but once I went full time, I liked the autonomy of making my own decisions, and doing what I chose to do, instead of simply doing what I was told.

The motivation for me is not money. It is achievement, pride of workmanship, and the creativity that I enjoy.

If punching out after 8 hours, or not working hard, is what a person finds important, they probably won't make it in business anyway.

Yes, if things go badly, you cannot point your finger at the company, and go find another job. The responsibility is only on your shoulders. It is not for everyone, but you have to decide that for yourself.

Even large companies are not bulletproof, as we are finding out....but while the large U.S. automakers are in trouble, I am working steady, so size does not always mean stability.

One other thought I will throw in is that, your family responsibilities, and your spouse's goals, also will have an effect on this decision.

I waited until my wife could help support the family, then asked for her blessing, before I went full-time. I soon found that she actually felt it was souly my responsibility, to provide whatever she demanded. She did not like my decision at all, once she found out that the money was less reliable, and she actually had to spend some of her own "clothes budget"!

My "NEW WIFE", values my happiness, and takes a real pride in what I do. :-)