career change? What would be a good career change

[Phils]

I've done a few career changes. I lasted a decade in each, which is scary because I'm now at that same point in this career. One decade in submarines, one trucking cross-country, one decade working for others, this last decade back working for myself.

And the thing I've learned is:

Once you've been self-employed it is VERY difficult to go work for someone ever again. The decade that I tried there were five different jobs. In each case the 'boss' was the one with the problem: one coke-head, one business seized by the IRS, one boss getting a divorce so the business he allowed to go in the toilet, one that the owner would rather spend the income rather than paying creditors, etc.

Of course, when you work for yourself you tend to work harder and longer than you would otherwise. The "boss" is ALWAYS 'looking over your shoulder' so to speak.

The farmers market thing sounds good. Only one day a week dealing with people. Might be good for me. And more TRACTOR SEAT TIME!!!!

Phil

 

[hazmat]

The book kind of lumps motivation into the "talent" catagory - ie Bob is a great salesman because he is motivated by his "talent" for acheivement (besting his personal best). John is motivated to be a great salesman by his "talent" for recognition (salesman of the month)...

They have "redifined" talent a bit - they use it to encompass more than the traditional definition ie Tom Brady is a talented quarterback.

 

[DUMBDOG]

In my part of the country it is seven days a week selling. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

My wife and brother do the picking, but once selling starts in earnest there is very little tractor time other than the potato digger. But must have some seat time, over 300 hours on the new tractor and over a 100 on the old. Lots of cultivation and the weeds still got the best of us.

Some parts of the country are only one day a week, some two or more.

That is one of the reasons I got into it, I missed the people contact. Also, we get the winters off to go south. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[2nstonge]

At 44, after 20+ years in the corporate world (mechanical engineer, program management, business development) my last employer decided that my talents were no longer needed. At the same time my youngest was graduating high school and off to college, and, I was tired of the traffic, hassles and general mayhem in suburbia of the Boston area.

I moved to Vermont (where I had been a 'weekender' for a few years), bought a house and after some research and a gut check started a home improvement/handyman biz. All the small jobs; decks, room make-overs, repairs...Been a year and half and no going back. Busy as I want to be, have had some great customers that are now like friends, added "Backyard Tractor Works" to my list of services last year and get to write off my 'toys' and get paid at the same time.

A little bit of anxiety starting out but having a solid business plan, realistic expectations and a little nest egg to draw on those first few months was key.

It can be done, good luck. -Norm

 

[inveresk]

I decided on a sea change in my early 50's after running a small group of design and construction companies for a decade. I sold my businesses and my house in the UK, moved country in 2003 and now develop waterfront property in British Columbia (I thought it important that I stick to what I know).

First place I bought and remodeled is shown here Lions Bay house and I'm now working on an 11 acre waterfront estate on one of the gulf islands.

It's feels very different to what I was doing before even though I'm still engaged in design and construction. I've absolutely no regrets. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[tractorwheel]

well, i enjoy working. Of course, spending time with my kids is a given. This is where I am feeling somewhat guilty I guess. I have a great passion for what I do for a living which I do hold a professional license to practice. In my work schedule I have only 2 days a month off and then 1 weekend a month off. During all this, I am on call 15 nights out of the month. It certainly takes a toll after several years. So, that has led me to ask the question I have posted!

Now, what do I like to do? I love to help people, love being outdoors, I like to have FULL knowledge of what I am doing, saying or offering for sale, because I do not believe in misleading people. I appreciate all the responses. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[tractorwheel]

welding is a great hobby i've enjoyed for a couple of years now. brush hogging and lawn mowing is big fun for me because it is like a mini-vacation. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[PineRidge]

Whatever you decide to do be wary of partners. Especially the ones that like to drive BMWs, wear Rolex watches, act like there're better that everyone else, and aren't interested in paying their creditors. You are joined at the hip in any partnership. I speak with first hand experience. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Buckcreek]

At my previous Job i worked long , hard hours, when i was home i was too tired to enjoy time with my son. I had a very serious accident wont go into details . after surgeries and rehab i tried to go back to my reg. job but they didnt want me any more but they told me to take such and such college courses and they would find me another job withen the company . so i take the courses and everthing else . THen they say well , we do not want you around ,heres a cash settlement , good luck. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif so the last few years i have spent alot of time with my son. but now the money is running low so i need to find a Job. LOL . some of my family wanted to buy out a little pizza place which is doing well right now . after some ne else has it . but i would not go into it with them , seem like familly buisness partners usually go bad too. THey were mad at me for a little while , but if we were working with each other they probably would of hated me. I quess in hind sight i should of bought the pizza place ,but i dont like to take chances . I may be broke but my son loves haveing me around. LOL

 

[scott_vt]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Whatever you decide to do be wary of partners. Especially the ones that like to drive BMWs, wear Rolex watches, act like there're better that everyone else, and aren't interested in paying their creditors. You are joined at the hip in any partnership. I speak with first hand experience. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif )</font>

Mornin Mike,
That was a good post /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I somehow believe every word you said!

Oh, the tangled web we weave!

scotty