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Posted by: Dead Air Dec 31 2009, 06:34 AM

The little contracting business I've ran off and on for the past 15 years or so hasn't really panned out. I take too long to do the job right and my estimates or quotes don't cover the extra time. Too much money out of pocket while waiting to get paid and customers expanding the scope of the jobs which throws off my schedule..It's on the back burner, for now.
My mechanics land-lord has a body shop adjacent to his shop. (he works on european stuff mostly, hence SPC) It's been one of my afternoon beer stops for a couple years. (I know...long thread entries suck).
A couple projects he's got going would include: MGTD, 560 SL, '82 Z28, a Gulietta, '64 corvette, early '60 British cab, his wifes 280 SL needs paint and a 280S. Plus the usual collision work that he gets in.
His plan is to show me the business so he can go out and find more work while I'm around to answer the phone.
I'll use this work to supliment my part time wages at a "major building materials retailer" and perhaps sneak a little 914 into the corner and get that someday ready to drive.
I know this may sound like an odd career change for a 47 year old motor head like me but I'm tired of hanging drywall alone and scurrying around for progress payments.
Your insight is welcome.

Posted by: zymurgist Dec 31 2009, 06:38 AM

Best of luck... you do what you can these days...

Posted by: abbott295 Dec 31 2009, 07:22 AM

Good luck with the new job. Life is simpler when you're not the boss.

I gave up trying to be my own boss years ago for much the same reasons. Always seemed to end up working too cheaply. The jobs you can do efficiently by yourself are limited, or they drag out too long, and if you have to have employees, you have to spend half your time supervising them, half your time keeping up with the paperwork involved with having employees, and the other half your time looking for the next job. If you got into this line of work because it is something you like doing, you end up not having time to do any of it yourself.

That's my insight. Re-read my first line. And let's be thankful that some people do it. It's not for everyone.

Posted by: Gint Dec 31 2009, 08:17 AM

I consider doing the same thing over and over again. Good luck.

Posted by: stephenaki Dec 31 2009, 08:34 AM

Best of luck with that, you're never too old to change careers especially if its something that you like!

Posted by: sww914 Dec 31 2009, 09:49 AM

Read the labels on the hardeners. Isocyanates do permanent central nervous system damage.
I wake up and take 3-4 Advil first thing every day. I always have a headache, 24-7-365.
Wear proper equipment. Every time.

Posted by: Dead Air Dec 31 2009, 05:38 PM

QUOTE(abbott295 @ Dec 31 2009, 05:22 AM)