Walkie-Talkies

[ejb]

I know what you mean Harv. I have been independent for 12+ years now and have made a pretty good living but I can't imagine ever going back to a 9-5. I don't even own a suit or tie anymore. (I had to borrow one for the last wedding I was invited to).

Now that my work career is nearly over I can share the secrets of my success:

1. Do the job no one else wants to do (and charge a very low rate)
2. Make sure what you do is critical to the organization.
3. Do it well.
4. Don't tell anyone how you do it.
5. Do it with tools that no one else understands how to use or that anyone wants to learn.
6. Don't tell anyone what the tools are...
7. Do everthing in the most complicated way possible.
8. Make sure it doesn't look complicated from the outside.
9. Never document anything, keep it all in your head.
10. Never ever turn over the source code!
11. Raise rates dramatically now that you are a permanent fixture! /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif
12. Retire early. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Harv]

Thanks, Scruffy! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I guess I should count my blessings, in that I and my family have our health.

Sorry to hear about your own situation. I'm sending all the positive thoughts I can. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

 

[glennmac]

I left IBM Corp in 1993 and went out on my own as a solo practitioner working at home, and nearly starved.

I really admire small businessmen, but I'm no good at it. There are really 3 full time jobs involved in running your own business. Marketing to get clients, doing the legal work, and doing all the administrative chores (paperwork, billing, collecting unpaid bills, buying and installing and fixing equipment). I finally realized I only enjoy, and am only good at, doing the legal work. I hate marketing, administration and management. I like helping people but, basically, I intensely dislike being in business. (My favorite job was being a law professor, but I am too old and politically incorrect to get a job in academia again.)

So, I sent myself back to law school for the third time at age 50, got an advanced degree in a mysteriously black art--tax law--and peddled myself to a law firm in Hartford. I only work part time. Make good money when I have work to do, but many times there is no work to do. Have three kids in college and a big mortgage bought when I was a corporate exec. Wife has to work and money's tight. Health is ok so far. Fingers crossed.

Tractoring is a healthy distraction.

 

[scruffy]

Harv, I'm doing great! Just got da 'word' last Tuesday. Officially (even though not expected) in remission! Should be good for six or seven months or so anyway! At least that's the average with this type. Gives a good time to get setup for the next time around. Health insurance is a definate nice factor, but the life insurance is a stinker! I'm back to paying that outta pocket (3/4's of it anyway).

 

[Harv]

Scruffy -

I knew my positive thoughts would help! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Seriously, that's great news!!! I think I misinterpreted your last message, and I've never been happier to do so.

Next you'll be telling us you're buying a new tractor! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[glennmac]

Scruffy,

Way to go, man! One day at a time. Did you have the transplant?

 

[ERNIEB]

<font color=blue>There are really 3 full time jobs involved in running your own business.</font color=blue>
Is that why I often wish there was 3 of me? I've been doing my own thing for about two years now. In spite of all the problems, and there are plenty, I enjoy it. But Glenn, everything you said is gospel, and I can sure see why someone wouldn't want any part of it.

Ernie

 

[scruffy]

Harv, you didn't misinterpret! Things are looking very good right now! New tractor? Don't I wish! No place to use it here, and no place to store it on the Oregon property. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif Besides, I don't want to pull a 'Harv' and have drive half way across the country (you don't really have to go that far, but I would) to get in tractor time! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif Besides, I've a lot of financial catching up to do when they let me go back to work...if they do any time soon. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif
Glenn, not yet! They want to do the stem cell harvest (after doing another bone marrow biopsy), store it, and wait for the cancer to re-occur, which they say will be around 6 or 7 months down the road...then do the transplant. That is where I will really appreciate the insurance!
Any volunteers? /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[Harv]

EJB -
During my time as a software developer in Corporate America, I perfected your #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8. Now that I'm on my own, I'm free to try the rest of your tips, but just haven't had the opportunity. Some readers here may think you are joking. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Glenn -

<font color=blue>I hate marketing, administration and management.</font color=blue>

That pretty well sums up the situation with my one-man business. Although I've had corporate experience in all of those, my only "talent" lies in the technical stuff. It's what I'm good at.

Only recently have I formed an alliance with a guy who has a lifetime of experience running companies (my new business administrator) and a hard-working, smooth-talking go-getter (my new marketing man). They are both already doing most of the stuff I hate, and there is finally a glimmer of hope on the horizon. It may be too little, too late, though, since I may have to grab any job I can find right now just to pay the mortgage, but I don't mind working a double shift if that's what it takes.

A wise businessman once told me that when you're in business for yourself, you can work any hours you want -- any 100 hours a week you choose. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

 

[Harv]

Scruffy -

<font color=blue>They want to do the stem cell harvest ...then do the transplant.</font color=blue>

Sounds like something that could be done with tractors, and I know just where to find a couple thousand volunteers! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Your apparent good spirits are an inspiration, Bob. I see little doubt that you'll be back in the saddle soon, ornery as ever. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif