Taking the self employed plunge?

[sparkyphil1]

Hi I have been cards employed since qualified over 23 years now and am getting fed up of companys taking the pi@@ ie no wage rise,no price work, target work, tracker on van
I have worked in all sectors commercial, domestic, industrial and wonder at 42 could I go self employed would it be worth while?
Can I have your thoughts on this and what would I need to get going.
Cheers all

 

[J.C.E]

PL insurance (poss PI if you will be doing alot of testing)
registered to niceic/napit etc
vehicle- insured correctly
website/cards/ads
register as self employed with hmrc (can do online)
get your own tester- if don't currently have our own

 

[Guest77]

when your self employed there are two situations, when it is good it is great, when things are bad it is a nightmare and sleepless nights, being employed is easy, but bordom of the Job is a factor at times, if you have agood steady job with sick pay and holiday pay plus overtime etc then IMHO stick with it.

 

[Jay Sparks]

when your self employed there are two situations, when it is good it is great, when things are bad it is a nightmare and sleepless nights, being employed is easy, but bordom of the Job is a factor at times, if you have agood steady job with sick pay and holiday pay plus overtime etc then IMHO stick with it.

Yes, I found that as well. When I was subbing for a firm, all was good. The money was great and the work was varied. But when that dried up, I was always worried about paying the bills. I'm one of those that needs to know where my next pay check is coming from and is one of the main reasons I am now a PAYE, not on the tool's though but still involved in the trade.

You do get a feeling of satisfaction when your self employed though and work is steady.

Jay

 

[Guest77]

Yes, I found that as well. When I was subbing for a firm, all was good. The money was great and the work was varied. But when that dried up, I was always worried about paying the bills. I'm one of those that needs to know where my next pay check is coming from and is one of the main reasons I am now a PAYE, not on the tool's though but still involved in the trade.

You do get a feeling of satisfaction when your self employed though and work is steady.

Jay

Yes Jay your right, I have enjoyed working for myself and it can be great I agree with you 100%, I have also found though being in a secure job easier, I suppose it depends on personal opinion and whether you really need to take the risk of a non guarenteed wage.

 

[sparkyphil1]

I do get hol pay , but if no work dont get paid also have been on £12.50 per hour for last 8 years which is now bugging me

 

[Dizzy_Maskell]

I'm at the same stage myself but a little younger I've the opportunity of a large contract through a mate who has been self employed for a while abs it's working really well for him.

Tbh the job I'm in is great on paper but not in reality it's good money, on the doorstep and little responsibility but just boring.

I'm thinking of starting Eve a weekends for myself see how it pans out and if goes well drop the 9-5 there are usually another job in engineering you can pick up if things fall through.
"I hope anyway"

 

[Octopus]

Best peruse the Business Section - there are heaps of thread in there with constructive useful advice.

If you take the plunge you will need cash in the bank .......... lots of it.

 

[Farmelectrics]

Good luck it's certainly rewarding if you work hard I did it for a while but took over my life I went back in the building service world a lot less stressful and once you finish your finished phone never stopped going when I worked for myself so yes give it a go you can always go back to site work

 

[Dave OCD]

I 'took the plunge' in May 2014 at the age of 50 and haven't had any shortage of work since, in fact I have to turn work away sometimes,it can be very hard going on occasions but generally it's great with massive job satisfaction - I had none of that at all for 20- odd years. :smiley2:

 

[assegayer]

Im sorry to say this really, but have you really just stayed in a company for countless years on £12.50 again sorry to say but you have either been ripped off or you just have not put the effort in looking around for other oppertunities while working in your job. Improvers and mates on agency work get that.

 

[sparkyphil1]

to be honest what you say to me means nothing!! mr trainee!!
i work over 80 hours a week and have stayed at this company because of the amount of nightwork

so while you are looking at your nice new ck driver and pliers set your mum bought for you . think before you speak or rather come back to me when you have experience thanks !!

 

[assegayer]

Just telling you how it is m8. You took it offensively when all im asking is why didnt you look for another job while in this job. With the amount of experience you have you would of got one with ur eyes closed. NOT EVEN SOCIAL HOUSING PAYS THAT TO SPARKS.

 

[PEG]

to be honest what you say to me means nothing!! mr trainee!!
i work over 80 hours a week and have stayed at this company because of the amount of nightwork

so while you are looking at your nice new ck driver and pliers set your mum bought for you . think before you speak or rather come back to me when you have experience thanks !!

Calm down,fella,i have highlighted that one word,because you do not know his family situation-and that is rude.

I,on the other hand,am shock-proof.

You can say what you want to me....teflon coated,i am...

WHY? ...because i HAVE,worked for myself,almost all of my life,from the age of 9,i have done paid work for customers,and much later on,for very large companies,here and abroad.

Two of the most pertinent skills,you will require,for absolute certain...are patience...and a sense of humour.

If your pin comes out after one forum reply,i would very much urge caution before throwing yourself to the dogs of trade!

Take a breath,and ask me anything you desire about the wonderful world of S/E :cyclist:

 

[sparkyphil1]

Calm down,fella,i have highlighted that one word,because you do not know his family situation-and that is rude.

I,on the other hand,am shock-proof.

You can say what you want to me....teflon coated,i am...

WHY? ...because i HAVE,worked for myself,almost all of my life,from the age of 9,i have done paid work for customers,and much later on,for very large companies,here and abroad.

Two of the most pertinent skills,you will require,for absolute certain...are patience...and a sense of humour.

If your pin comes out after one forum reply,i would very much urge caution before throwing yourself to the dogs of trade!

Take a breath,and ask me anything you desire about the wonderful world of S/E :cyclist:

Sorry I but didnt remember posting the question `tell me about how great you are?'
Bored now with childish back chat
Yes rubbish rate but van fully expensed phone blah blah
Yes i should of looked around earlier but I was actually looking for positive feedback rather than a 'oh you should of done this etc'
So I thank all the previous qoutes for there helpful info
And take no notice of people who seem to think there clever. Ta