Not quite. I worked for window cleaning companies, tried a few other endevours along the way that did not pan out. But, I was working at window cleaning for 18 years, and I am now 2 years into my own business.
I should have done it sooner, but I can’t focus on that. In two years I have built faster than I could have imagined, and I am providing better for my family than ever. And, without the experience that I had gained over the years (not only window cleaning, but building for the company), I would not be able to do what I do today.
You are never too old to start something new, and you should never discount the lessons and experience that you gain from the past. Even mistakes can turn out to be really helpful in the future.
When I finally decided to start my own business, I felt like an RC car with its wheels spinning full speed. Drop it on the ground and it takes off.
I did not have to learn on my new clients, I had lot’s of experience to draw from, and there is not a single problem that I have not already faced many times in the past. I am not yet 40, but I am far more efficient and faster than any 20 year old who is trying to enter my market.
It might sound like I started late, but I don’t really see it as a disadvantage in my situation.
So this has some hidden meaning that refers that you don’t hate cleaning windows you just hated doing it for someone else.
your post ins’t a essay I am being tested on, if I see something I will coment on it, whether it being reading every detail of your post of just hand picking parts.
You jace to be carful these days. Americans get offended very easily … won’t get into why .
But if there is any statuses of Australians around here it’s very close to getting knocked down. Tread lightly
What does jace mean, been seeing a lot here lately, oh I see it easily offended people which of many carry guns… great mix, (deleted this part, it sounded like the loss of life was a joke, which it shouldn’t be)
Not sure why Americans have a problem with Aussies, but hey whatever. Most Aussies call stuff as they see it if you don’t like it maybe its the mirror you need to take a closer look at.
@Majestic66 And this whole time I thought you were in a gang and it had some crazy meaning. I was scared to ask what it meant. Thanks for clarifying. I was so nervous.
I used to work for a local company and, like you, eventually came to loath working (for not a lot of money) for someone else. I left the industry and did something else for 5 years, then had a breakdown. 6 months after that decided that I needed to get back into real life again and started my own business. Absolutely LOVE working for myself. Love the organising, love the direct customer relationships, its Sunday night and I’m here on a forum after watching some youtube videos.
Hobby/business, business /hobby? Don’t really think about it, just enjoying the freedom it gives me to spend time doing things for family and friends. Get home and do some archery, cook dinner, organise the week or see whats new on Youtube, see what new tools or techniques can help me improve.
Not a hobby, but I find it fun, a lot more fun than other jobs that i’ve had over the years, I enjoy the freedom within my day, I also enjoy talking to my clients, to me it is all part of the job. The best part of the day is canvassing commercial, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, that is the fun part for me, probably the freest i’ve felt on a job.
No heck no my business is definitely NOT my hobby. Of which I have quite a few. I love my family.
HOWEVER;
I’m the kind of guy who likes to be alone sometimes.
I’m into electronics, (Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects) even tho I don’t think I’ve ever fully completed a project.
I like messing with drones (quadcopters etc.).
I collect knives (although thats taken a back seat to the need to pay bills and eat).
I used to be into hittin’ the iron but stopped that when my wife got pregnant and regret it very much.
I just don’t see how I used to enjoy freakin’ pain!! Thats just crazy. I’ll die with a big mac in my fist and a smile on my face before I hit the weights again. Shoot I’m already married and old, I won.
I’m in the same boat you are in. I have been cleaning windows full-time (Year-round) for about 14 or 15 years. I just recently began doing some of my own work. There is no “right” or “wrong” time, only time that matters is when it’s right for you. When working for others, I have none of the headaches of running a business-- i just do what i enjoy-- clean windows. (If that makes any sense ) But, slowly and surely am building up clientele-- at my OWN pace. I have friends who have 600+ accounts 15+ years in the business, and some just getting their 2nd employee and truck on the road into their 3rd year- everybody does it at their own pace.
That being said, I enjoy cleaning windows. I enjoy being outside working. I can deal with people well, as my former job 15 years ago was customer service based. I really don’t know what else I would do, this is what I have learned as a trade and after 14 years-- there’s no reason to stop now. I like to come online and research, and browse youtube for videos—there is a lot of good information out there to learn from. Window cleaning has allowed me to pay for all of my bills and keep a roof over my head, I am forever grateful that I have the opportunity to be in this field.
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) But, slowly and surely am building up clientele-- at my OWN pace. I have friends who have 600+ accounts 15+ years in the business, and some just getting their 2nd employee and truck on the road into their 3rd year- everybody does it at their own pace.
