[Scotty_IOW]

Hi everyone. I'm Scott from the Isle of Wight. This is my first post.

I'm about to be made redundant from my £22,500 IT Support job and I'm seriously considering
taking up window cleaning, as well as a few other little bits & bobs on the side.

I'm hoping you're all going to say 'Yeah! that's a great idea - go for it!". I really need a gentle push
in the right direction - plus I'd love to be able to tell my wife & daughter that everything is going to be OK.
I'm sure many of you can relate to that...

Anyway, I'm really happy to be here and look forward to getting to know you all.

All the best,

Scott.

[craig jwc]

Welcome Scott,

Best thing you could do right now is read through the posts and ask all the questions you have no matter how stupid you think they are.

There is a lot of good advice on here and very helpful people.

Only you can decide if it's for you.
I don't regret starting up as i can earn alot more for myself then working for someone else in a lot less time, which means i can spend more time with my family.

You have to remember that you don't get paid if you don't work so you will have to make sure you have enough put away for those rainy days or that holiday you want.

I don't think that there will be many on here that regret window cleaning.

Craig

[andrew selfridge]

i have only joined the site myself, but have been cleaning windows for 9 years but i remember at the start it was very hard going out and getting the work to do, but over time it will build up, but i would say it would be much easier now i would say ur best bet would be ask about for someone selling work , and buy some to get u started alot easier , but make sure ur not buying it of a crook, gl and all the best.

[craig jwc]

You could also post asking if anyone could take you out to show you the ropes and give you some hints and tips.

[Trevor Knight]

Hi Scott,

Every cloud has a silver lining and I know from experience that you can and will earn far in excess of what you were earning.

You have to stick at it, persevere and be prepared to work very hard!!

Like the others have said, ask away, don't be afraid, thats what this forum is about, helping each other.

Good luck,

I am only across the water so if you want a couple of days over on the mainland to get some hands on experience then feel free to let me know.

best wishes,

Trev

[baldeagle]

Scotty,

Out in all weathers.

When you start off, muscles ache that you were never aware of.

You can get savaged by dogs, cats, budgies, kids, plants, washing lines, things left on the patio, taxmen, and customers!

There are some customers who won't pay.

Everybody thinks 'cos you work for yourself, you're made of money, and they will try to part you from it.

You'll spend hours trying to make the books balance, [or not].

I started last year, at the grand age of 59, [I'll be 61 next month], came into it by accident, and I'm only part time, and I intend to stay that way.

Be a b****y window cleaner? I'm full of regrets about it - all of them the same "I wish I'd done this years ago"!

I probably, even if I'd worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, have never made as much as I did in the other job,[over twice your salary], but I thoroughly enjoy it!

Just read the posts on here, and in the other sections, what a smashing bunch!

They helped me when I started, and I've watched 'em help loads more since - and they'll help you - they are helping you now. If you need to know anything, shout, they'll shout back!

Get stuck in - yes, it's hard work, but you won't regret it!

Baldeagle

[Trevor Knight]

Baldeagle,

61 an still going, nice one!!

My only question is your saying that:

I probably, even if I'd worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, have never made as much as I did in the other job,[over twice your salary], but I thoroughly enjoy it!

Think if time was on your side you would be surprised just how much money you can make?

best wishes,

Trev

p.s. Scott, The SKY is your limit and the way this industry is changing no doubt there will be a pole out soon to reach it!!

[pjulk]

Hi Scott

I originally came from the I.O.W used to live in newport.
I also used to clean windows in ryde and wootton, seaview and bembridge.

Like all jobs its not for everyone but if you find you do like the it and do a good job you won't regret it.

Paul