I am just 59 . Been window cleaning 44 years . Definitely finding body struggles with 5 day week now .. now wondering how much is needed in the pot? . . As someone said once you give up work it’s gone forever . Would like to gradually decrease . But with 8 years to retire . It’s a big quandary

When I was in the fire brigade I saw the police with a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. I asked them what they used it for and they told me if they get attacked by a dog. I said by cracking them over the head with it.  😂

Had about 20 mins of sheer panic today, did a job where this guy has 3 xl bullies, these dogs are known killers and every time I pull up it realy gets them angry.

The guy usualy has them in the back of the house, the snarling always makes my blood cold.

Today they were in the front window and as soon as I started cleaning they went crackers, jumped on the back of the couch which is met by the window cill. I noticed quickly the window latch was half open, then even more quickly as they were trying to bite the window one bumped the latch with his massive head and knocked it open.

I crapped myself and very quickly leant on the window to contain them, the nearest fence was around 50m away, I knew straight away that if I let go of the window and ran for the fence I probably wouldnt make it.

So with one arm I kept the window shut and the other I rang the guy, he's only in ireland and at a funeral!! I told him the situ, he said he had to get off the phone as the cars were rolling in, he said he'd ring his son to come round.

So I stood there for 20 mins with the blood thirsty beasts pushing on the window, my god it felt like hours waiting for someone to come and help.

His son turned up in his van and went in and secured the window, he said " realy appreciate you keeping them in ", I said "no problem mate, be honest though I didnt have much choice".

Hairiest moment in 15 years, I'll be honest was actualy scared for my life today, still went around and made my £40 though.

Moral of the story? Dont canvass my work!

I've got a job where they have an xl bully, and I won't do the back unless customer comes out and assures me dog is securely inside. If the dogs out, he literally creeps upto the back gate and waits for me without making a sound.
I wonder what the outcome for you would have been if the owner hadn't been available to answer his phone!

All depends on where or who the customer is imo. If you do say five in a row it makes it more tricky to get rid of the middle customer if they are playing up. You’re allowing the possibility of a new cleaner jumping in right in the middle of your run. And also how friendly are they with their neighbours?
Just have to be aware that you could end up losing all five on the run.
Also if you have someone playing up but you do several family members and friends of theirs then again more tricky just dumping them.
Sometimes I find it’s just easier swallowing it.
If it’s someone stuck out on their own somewhere then of course it’s easier to just get rid.
Been in this game for 40 years now and I still haven’t completely fathomed out completely what a customer may or may not do.
My take on it is if 99% of customers play ball then I can live with the odd messer. Just got to not let it get to you.

Sod that!

Why would you wanna clean that house?

Dump!