Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Dave Anderson on April 28, 2016, 03:41:13 pm
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Hi Guys...used to spend far too much time on here but for the past couple of years kind of lost heart with window cleaning...boredom got to me and of course a complete lack of real interest.... and started seeing it as a job and not my business.
Lost my wfp'ing mojo....tried podcasts, taking pics during the day, even started doing exercises during the day from time to time but to no avail..... try explaing to a customer why your doing burpees in their garden! ;D
More and more found myself creating excuses not to work...too wet, too windy, to shiney!...whatever..... was doing enough to make what I needed but each window and house became a real chore.
Yes realise how lucky I am, no bosses, no-one to watch over everything I do....the list of positives is endless but when you're in a rut.... everyday other than Sat & Sun is just not fun.
Anyone who knew me when I started on here would know that I paid attention to everything about my business.
So....... started to realise that whilst I doubt I will skip to work each morning thinking I have the best job in the world I need to do something to at least give me some intrest back in what I do.
For me...I am now back to being a 'data-ocd' and recording everything.... this week I now know how much water I use, how many hours door to door, how much per hour earnt, how much per minute worked..... everything is now being recorded purely so that when 2 of my work cycles (8weekly) is complete I will have a detailed view of my business and what needs to happen to ensure I can make my work life better, more productive.....
So other than the normal ....save up for this and that, go on holiday, make money for bills, holidays, family etc ....when you have found yourself in the dumps long term what have you found that gave you at least 'will' to get back out there long-term?
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Oh my it's a sad day ;D
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I have found that if my job ( or in this case my biz ) is making me that unhappy that I can't give it 100% then it's time to move on. This is the case for many people, life is too short to dread going to work, this is defo the case as its your biz, quality starts to suffer, as you say loads of reasons not to go out and clean so eventually people will drop you because of bad cleans and unreliability.
I got bored of cleaning after 4 years, but by expanding and developing I have kept a great interest in cleaning, and my role constantly changes with new challenges.
Recording all your stats may peak your interest for a short term but I'd put money on you will still be mojo less in a few months time
Darran
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The only thing you could do is to do another job or go to another country to see how they live or what they have to live on day to to day,I found it a real eye opener when I went to the West Indies and spoke to locals when they said that they do actually live day to day they literally have nothing a shed to live in if they are lucky. You would be surprised the amount of people I speak to in so called well paid dinner party bragging jobs that would swap places,any job gets boring from time to time I'm looking to earn as much as I can in the littlest time possible try getting involved in a hobby that takes your mind off work as it can be mind numbing day today.
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Set yourself a target to see how many custies you can bed on an 8'weekly cycle that should keep your pecker up lol 😂😂
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I seem to go through cycles of being totally fed up, bored and suffer from a total lack of motivation. That's on a good day ;D
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Were you Pingu once?
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I think is time to shake things up.
Maybe start a new career or business? Or employee and get big, whatever.
As soon as I'm in that position, I'm selling up and making something new.
New ideas get rid of boredom...
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Dave Willis >>>> Yup was pingu when I first started here ;D
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Can't help I'm afraid I'm bored senseless same as you really. The excitement is building a round gaining, work. Now I'm bursting at the seams it's just a job.
Coming on here is addictive and a complete waste of spare time. Always someone to laugh at though. ;D
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I remember Pingu, you're in another country if I remember- ex forces?
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burpees in customers gardens, you will hear the sirens coming. the autumn and winter does get you down, this weather now is crap. sunny days are what we all need, or as of now just a few dry days will do. ;D
do you do additional services to your window cleaning. if not try some.
you can also get board of some customers, maybe a change of scenery, get away for a couple of days, spontaneous a national holliday , all ages use these now, young and old, and cheap. look on there website plenty of choice, have a weekend away, why, because you can. recharge vbyour batterys.
2 weeks time im heading to SALOU, , seems a long way off yet, but its something to look forward to.
all them titties :o :o ;D & DRINK & SUN
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Not been doing this game as long as some on here but 14yrs in. Ive always viewed it as just a job and better than when i was employed and all constant stress of that.
But then i enjoy meeting people and lets face it in this game we meet people from all walks of life. However since iv upgraded to wfp last yr, its gave a new lease of life. Im sure joy will die down like rest have said but for now i enjoy i can still earn and not lose days due to rain. Im now gaining more customers due to wfp (even tho it does peeve me when i loose work still) so that keeps the joy going.
Like some have mentioned on here, ive now expanded my service and offer powerwashing. Iv got my mates who are window cleaners to put me forward for jobs at a small commison to them and today its paid off. Ive a £500 job next week to do, so variety is keeping me going nicely.
Then when home i enjoy forgetting about work n enjoy being a dad
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So other than the normal ....save up for this and that, go on holiday, make money for bills, holidays, family etc ....when you have found yourself in the dumps long term what have you found that gave you at least 'will' to get back out there long-term?
I relate, mate. I (we) have also invested about 12 years into window cleaning - and we have a nice little round - so we're kinda trapped into it now.
The benefits do out weight the negatives and as you kind of infer, and once you're established, coping with the boredom can sometimes be the biggest challenge.
Money isn't a great motivator after a certain point (I think there's some scientific evidence to back that up too).
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yep i remember you pingu.ive read lots of your posts and it really inspired me in the early days of wfp(along with another dozen or so posters).
all businesses/jobs have different phases.im defo in a "plateau" phase.coasting along in a groove(not a rut!).happy with what i earn and in a very comfortable position.ive been like this for a few years now.
keeping working hours to around 30-35 hours a week(including admin,purifying water,debt chasing etc)keeps me from getting too bored with window cleaning.as has already been said GET A NEW HOBBY or revisit an old one.whatever you fancy doing.
take a look around you!there are a lot of people working longer hours for less money and hate their jobs and all the stress/hassle that goes along with it.i feel very lucky and blessed that im a window cleaner TBH. :)
playing drums in a band is my main hobby.i love it!also ive recently been eating a much healthier diet and going to the gym twice a week,yoga,weights,cycling,swimming etc and ive been feeling better than i have for years. :)
my work life is very organised and professional and i run it in a very efficient manner which helps with motivation.i met another window cleaner today who has recently switched over to the pole and we had a good chat(even though it was pouring down with rain!).it helped the day along.
also me and my girlfriend are going on holiday soon in june to malta for a week in a 4 star hotel.so something to look forward to.plus our band are playing a local festival beforehand. ;D
window cleaning is a good way to earn an honest half decent,stress free living IMO esp when you ve put a lot of time,effort and money into making it a success through years of refining,investing in good equipment etc.
wishing you all the best dave
regards
dazmond
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Money isn't a great motivator after a certain point (I think there's some scientific evidence to back that up too).
There is, and many people move jobs for less pay because the new oppertunity is better, whether that's vocational, envirmental, or health
Darran
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Blind Pierre >>> Yup ex-forces and still here in the land of clogs, wind-mills and bad driving :)
Thanks for taking the time guys to throw your opinions in the hat..... sometimes you just need to hear from people in the same boat...Again Thanks guys...
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Blind Pierre >>> Yup ex-forces and still here in the land of clogs, wind-mills and bad driving :)
Thanks for taking the time guys to throw your opinions in the hat..... sometimes you just need to hear from people in the same boat...Again Thanks guys...
What happened to Cozy, you were pals on here were you not?
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Window cleaning is great for funding and having enough time for hobbies and interests. Expand those?
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4 star hotel
Need to put your prices up Daz ;) ;D
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Can't help I'm afraid I'm bored senseless same as you really. The excitement is building a round gaining, work. Now I'm bursting at the seams it's just a job.
Coming on here is addictive and a complete waste of spare time. Always someone to laugh at though. ;D
Yep, usually you.
;D
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What you have to remember is most people don't like their jobs. That's why it's a job. Unless you are one of the few who are doing what they really want to do you're not going to be jumping out of bed every morning. When I was employed I didn't like my job and there were days I really had to force myself to go but go I did because if I didn't eventually I would get sacked. When self employed there isn't that threat forcing you to go so motivation is harder.
When employed my mind was occupied by thinking about what I was going to do when I get home or on the weekend, plotting the next holiday or purchase etc.
Since becoming self employed all I seem to think about is the business. Hours and hours per week thinking about work.
Life shouldn't be like that. Maybe streamlining e the business, work 3 or 4 days rather than 5 and refine your customers to the very cream profitable work. Use the other days to explore various hobbies or look into other areas of business, there's thousands of other ways to make money out there maybe explore them.
But it sounds to me you are depressed and if this is the case the job is irrelevant it will follow you whatever you do.
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What you have to remember is most people don't like their jobs. That's why it's a job. Unless you are one of the few who are doing what they really want to do you're not going to be jumping out of bed every morning. When I was employed I didn't like my job and there were days I really had to force myself to go but go I did because if I didn't eventually I would get sacked. When self employed there isn't that threat forcing you to go so motivation is harder.
When employed my mind was occupied by thinking about what I was going to do when I get home or on the weekend, plotting the next holiday or purchase etc.
Since becoming self employed all I seem to think about is the business. Hours and hours per week thinking about work.
Life shouldn't be like that. Maybe streamlining e the business, work 3 or 4 days rather than 5 and refine your customers to the very cream profitable work. Use the other days to explore various hobbies or look into other areas of business, there's thousands of other ways to make money out there maybe explore them.
But it sounds to me you are depressed and if this is the case the job is irrelevant it will follow you whatever you do.
Good post but you missed out the bit of working all your life and just peed off at the thought of doing any more work.
A good motivator is my wife drives me nuts and also has a big stick to prod me out of the door ;D
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Life is never greener on the other side. All about attitudes and motivation. Don't appreciate what you have now until you lose it.
Take a good self assesment from time to time. Figure out what you want in life and set realistic goals or dreams or lower your expectations. Make short term plans in whatever gets you inspired and try to commit yourself to reaching it. Keeping in touch with reality can bring you back from a slump.
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This is a good thread with some really helpful advice.
I've been window cleaning 10 years now and have been through lots of highs and lows...
Last year I came to the realisation that I wanted to do something else business wise part time away from window cleaning... I have a guy who works for me (window cleaning) 4 days a week out of one van - I work 3 - 4 out of the other van and spend the other time (1 to 2 days) on my new part time business ... I'm really enjoying the balance.
Andy
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Learn to enjoy the process of making money.
You'll never be bored then. I'll tell you now.
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Dave I was in the same boat for a while and nearly called it a day, the thing is I have also found that I no longer get job
interviews that I used to get with ease, don't know if this down to age (53) being self employed for the last 9 years or even being a window cleaner not that it matters.
So like yourself I now accept that this is my lot and have to make the best of it, the thing now that I'm not thinking about the grass
being greener elsewhere I have started to focus more on my business and I am starting to enjoy/tolerate it again.
The hardest part is getting out in the morning so I follow the advice I got from Dazmond which is make sure everything is ready
to go the evening before so its just a matter of jumping into the van a driving off, I also take plenty of grub and a flask of tea/coffee with me so as I'm not tempted to go home for lunch which usually ended up as the end of the working day.
As somebody has already said very few enjoy their work so the best that we can do is look for ways to make it more bearable.
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i might have to give it a miss today!im all organised and ready to go as usual but the weather is AWFUL!ill give it another hour and if it doesnt improve im sacking it off til tomorrow. ;D
i seriously cant remember the last time i suffered from lack of motivation or real boredom.even though the weathers bad im itching to get out there and get my scheduled work cleaned.i think its down to the hours i work.i think id be absolutely sick of it if i had to work 6 days a week,10 hours a day with no time/energy for hobbies/other interests etc.
i reckon 30-35 hours a week is my sweet spot without it becoming a daily grind.
i dont faff about while im working either.i work at a steady,brisk pace and know exactly what work needs doing.of course i will stop for a brew and a quick chat with a customer or fellow windy sometimes.
i find my working days fly by and never "drag" EVER.
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I must say I thought it was only me that got peed off with job I get fed up with bad payers weather etc changing jobs aint an option I'm 53 so its a bit difficult in a small town but hey ho when the money comes in ;D ;D happy days I do have a couple of hobbies which dose help a bit I think it must be the male menopause cant wait until july I'm off to montego bay
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i might have to give it a miss today!im all organised and ready to go as usual but the weather is AWFUL!ill give it another hour and if it doesnt improve im sacking it off til tomorrow. ;D
i seriously cant remember the last time i suffered from lack of motivation or real boredom.even though the weathers bad im itching to get out there and get my scheduled work cleaned.i think its down to the hours i work.i think id be absolutely sick of it if i had to work 6 days a week,10 hours a day with no time/energy for hobbies/other interests etc.
i reckon 30-35 hours a week is my sweet spot without it becoming a daily grind.
i dont faff about while im working either.i work at a steady,brisk pace and know exactly what work needs doing.of course i will stop for a brew and a quick chat with a customer or fellow windy sometimes.
i find my working days fly by and never "drag" EVER.
Same here. ;)
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Dave I was in the same boat for a while and nearly called it a day, the thing is I have also found that I no longer get job
interviews that I used to get with ease, don't know if this down to age (53) being self employed for the last 9 years or even being a window cleaner not that it matters.
Ive been at this since 2010 and prior to that was in sales and then sales management in the motor trade last job was a sales manager for a Toyota garage but every day was potential my last day as my face no longer fitted in.
about 2013 / 2014 got fed up of window cleaning and decided to sell up and go back to sales management in the motor trade ..
I struggled like hell to get an interview but the 2 I did went as follows
one interview I managed to get was by 3 owners of a new Hyundai garage who during the second interview admitted to me that they only gave me a first interview for a bit of fun. when they called me to arrange a third and final interview I told them no thanks another place a large ford dealer wanted me to be new, used sales manager, salesman and finance manger all for 20k basic ... actually laughed out at them and said errr no not for me thanks
so after this I knew this was "my lot" however was a kick I needed to change my business if its ok to call a window cleaning round a business :)
so far looked at franchising or growing the residential to expand to employ pros and cons for both however been mulling this over now for about 2 years and to be honest turns out im not convinced by either or perhaps im not the right person for setting up a franchise business. ??
then about a month ago I seen the light for the direction I want to go it was like a moment of clarity ... by end of 2017 I will be 100% commercial and just big private houses £60 min charge but more in the £200 + range - I also pressure wash as a distraction from the window cleaning so will be combining this with other services and become a commercial building cleaning company along like of purple rhino / jv price etc etc. ........... because I now feel motivated the boredom is no longer an issue.
I think what im trying to say is you can stay as you are which is nothing wrong with that just the boredom will always be an issue or keep seeking out new challenges and higher earnings.
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Totally hacked off today. Get up, same breakfast, same tv, same non conversation, kids go off the same time, say goodbye to the same wife, drive off in the same traffic, every window looks the friggin same. Frigging hate this dead end boring poope life.
Pack up lunch time, then take myself out for a nice walk, river wasn't deep enough to top myself so had to come home to the same wife watching the same cooking poope programme they show every day.
Life is crap I'm afraid.
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By the way, if I earned treble the amount I do now I'd still be hacked off, the money doesn't come into it for me it's still a mind numbingly boring job for anyone with half a brain.
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By the way, if I earned treble the amount I do now I'd still be hacked off, the money doesn't come into it for me it's still a mind numbingly boring job for anyone with half a brain.
ive got half a brain and almost enjoy window cleaning dave! ;D
mind you anyone who has suffered addiction whether its drug abuse/alcohol etc and managed to get clean and sober and deal with his demons over a long period of time(10-15 years)and has created a new life away from his old one never takes anything for granted.
i love my life/work/hobbies/friends/family etc,etc
have a great weekend chaps :)
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By the way, if I earned treble the amount I do now I'd still be hacked off, the money doesn't come into it for me it's still a mind numbingly boring job for anyone with half a brain.
I can't quite work out why you claim to be bored so quickly David!! :-X
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Another day in paradise! ::)roll
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1461951025_WP_20160426_14_32_20_Pro.jpg)
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I get bored now and again, but then I think every job gets boring at times and you just have to get on with it. I usually have a chat and a cuppa with the custys but then they usually just go on about their 'Lumbago' or how many hospital visits they've had this week, or who's died recently! Naturally i'm feeling Mr Happy after all that! The bit I do like though is the realisation that this is my 'lot'. Ok it's boring but that 'lot' can be anything you want it to be. It can be big (like some of the big players on here) or small, like me, happy and contented like Daz. It can give people the valuable time they need to enjoy life and taking the kids to school. Window cleaning can be anything you want it to be (within reason) and that's gotta be good!
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i went out in the end today and this morning was awful weather wise.all customers paid me though bar one who was out.thats what you call WELL TRAINED CUSTOMERS!! ;D
i nice 3 days off now with all work up to date although debt list is currently £920 owing.
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By the way, if I earned treble the amount I do now I'd still be hacked off, the money doesn't come into it for me it's still a mind numbingly boring job for anyone with half a brain.
I can't quite work out why you claim to be bored so quickly David!! :-X
Cheek!
Didn't help doing four huge blocks of flats this week, all with the same layout in the same area.
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I think daz has it right with the 30 -35 hours a week thing.
I need time to think and organise, i could work 6 day weeks running around like a headless chicken 9-5 and it would be good money wise, but ill bet i could earn almost as much in 4-5 days working 9-3 using the spare time to refine the round, put prices up, canvass higher paying customers, drop lower priced ones, compact and streamline your setup and workflow. Its not all about killing yourself workwise is about being smart and maximising every hour profit wise. That then gives you the time to enjoy life.
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I think daz has it right with the 30 -35 hours a week thing.
I need time to think and organise, i could work 6 day weeks running around like a headless chicken 9-5 and it would be good money wise, but ill bet i could earn almost as much in 4-5 days working 9-3 using the spare time to refine the round, put prices up, canvass higher paying customers, drop lower priced ones, compact and streamline your setup and workflow. Its not all about killing yourself workwise is about being smart and maximising every hour profit wise. That then gives you the time to enjoy life.
yep ive been doing that for a few years now mate.nothing in life worth having is handed to you on a plate.slow steady progress refining and taking new work on/upping existing prices/dropping bad customers.its a constant ongoing process.all our rounds are built on subtle shifting sand.
i have a sense of satisfaction,contentment and achievement in lots of areas of my life adam due to hard work,commitment,discipline and knowing when to relax and take it easy.
all the best