[PURER CLEAN]

This run of weather has got me thinking about doing something else. On and off ive been cleaning windows for about 22 years, ive been back at it for about 8/9 months again now.
I was known on here a few years back as THE HITMAN, but got told off a few times  lol.
I've was on and off work since 2006 when i feel off my ladder and burst 3 discs in my lower back. Now im about 50/60% of the man/worker i used to be. The time ive had off over the past week or so has done my head in. Its ok being off work when unwell or in my case could hardly walk, but to be off work because of the weather i just cant do anymore.
All i want to do is to go to work every day (with out fail) and get paid every week/month for what ever it is i do, and you will never get that doing the windows.
Just thought i would share whats going round in my head. Feel free to leave your comments below

[John F]

i get that feeling every year too. just get on with it mate. ive been going a long time too. ive not worked now for a few days but i have money in reserve. stick with it. you would hate to work for someone else now.

[Richard iSparkle]

All i want to do is to go to work every day (with out fail) and get paid every week/month for what ever it is i do, and you will never get that doing the windows.
Just thought i would share whats going round in my head. Feel free to leave your comments below

we go out everyday and work, all weathers.  only missed 1 day last year due to weather.  we use a hot wash wfp.  is that a possibility for you?

[simbo]

the key is work smart, price correctly and make the most of good days then you should have a reserve put by so its not a problem!! money eventually balances out over the year so why worry unless you arent making the most of it when you can.
paul

[Helen]

This run of weather has got me thinking about doing something else. On and off ive been cleaning windows for about 22 years, ive been back at it for about 8/9 months again now. I was known on here a few years back as THE HITMAN, but got told off a few times  lol. I've was on and off work since 2006 when i feel off my ladder and burst 3 discs in my lower back. Now im about 50/60% of the man/worker i used to be. The time ive had off over the past week or so has done my head in. Its ok being off work when unwell or in my case could hardly walk, but to be off work because of the weather i just cant do anymore. All i want to do is to go to work every day (with out fail) and get paid every week/month for what ever it is i do, and you will never get that doing the windows. Just thought i would share whats going round in my head. Feel free to leave your comments below

Good for you to keep going, alot in your situation would have just cried off and claimed benefits
You're just bored at the moment, only a few weeks and the weather will pick up
22 Years is a long time though to be in any one profession, be it S/E or employed.
Why not try and get some part time employed work and reduce your window cleaning to suit that. It may just be the tonic you need to build up again

[britishwill]

I am certainly bored with the restrictions the weather puts on us at the mo. Helen is right it will pick up soon and we will be back in shorts and enjoying the sun shine.

Why dont you get a list of clients that are on a list that require their inside windows doing and say that you do insides on wet weather days?

The other thing would be to work more when you feel good/not in too much pain etc so that u can have a guilt free day off as you have already earned extra.

Every job has its downers and as being active people we may get downers when we cannot work but I assure you the benefits for me are in my favour.

[steven ainger]

Im bored to,  havent been out this weekbut
Things could be worse, go and work in a factory for minimum wage,
You'll then see its not so bad.

[mike roberts]

Only you can make the decision...

We are not wcs as such but the majority of our work is exterior cleaning. It is really frustrating at mo as we have work booked in just unable to complete due to minus temps.
But to be honest this years weather has been great compared to the last few!

I think the key is to keep yourself busy - update office database repair / service m/cs set yourself daily targets to relieve boredom! Give it a couple of wks and it will be another winter completed  Sounds like you need a well deserved break mate - come back refreshed!

[A & J Owen Window Cleaning]

It's probably not the right time to decide to sell up. The weather is awful at the moment and it's a struggle if you can get out there. We are just trying to do some canvassing and make sure all our admin is smack bang up to date and getting any o/s money chased! Might go out and freeze for a bit later - if we can avoid all the ice!
If you still feel the same in May then it might be different and there are many worse occupations than being a window cleaner and being your own boss.
Hope you feel more positive soon.

[Pureclean Essex Services]

This run of weather has got me thinking about doing something else. On and off ive been cleaning windows for about 22 years, ive been back at it for about 8/9 months again now.
I was known on here a few years back as THE HITMAN, but got told off a few times  lol.
I've was on and off work since 2006 when i feel off my ladder and burst 3 discs in my lower back. Now im about 50/60% of the man/worker i used to be. The time ive had off over the past week or so has done my head in. Its ok being off work when unwell or in my case could hardly walk, but to be off work because of the weather i just cant do anymore.
All i want to do is to go to work every day (with out fail) and get paid every week/month for what ever it is i do, and you will never get that doing the windows.
Just thought i would share whats going round in my head. Feel free to leave your comments below

This kinda weather always gets you down,cant get out and earn your wedge,falling behind,best thing to do is just shrug it off and plod on,it happens every year,you just get used to it,cant beat working for yourself,but if you do decide to sell up send me an email as i'm based in essex aswell and may be interested depending where your work is based, dont be to hasty in your decision making though.

ferry66@btinternet.com

[PURER CLEAN]

Thanks everyone one on all your feed backs  after reading all your thoughts & comments, maybe i should stick it out. I'm so not a quiter, i just find things much harder to do these days with the way my back is.
I can average about £120 per day workin alone. But have done £190 a day, but tend not to work the next day as my back is way too stiff & painful, so i tend to stay around the £120. Altho £120 is an ok turn over for me & the hours i do work. The one thing i've found i cant do is make up for lost time like i used too. That really p's me off  cause if i dont get it covered the 1st time it is a loss on my turn over. Maybe i will adjust to that in time & stop thinking about what i used to be able to do, and work out & be happy with what i can do.
Thanks again evryone  sometimes i do love this forum 
 

[Gav Camm lammy 283]

keep smiling paul me old m8

[Tom White]

keep smiling paul me old m8

I always highly respect this kind of positive mental attitude.

Give me some of that Gav! 

[Gav Camm lammy 283]

tosh paul knows his limitations
he as struggled with his back
he's not going pack in doing windows
he's been in the game too long
is he going work for sum one else ?
i very much doubt it , what he needs is
what we all need sometimes he just needs a gee up
or even a cuddle 

[Roy Cauldery]

Hi Purer
Sorry to hear about your accident
Good effort on keeping going-would have stopped a lot of lesser men
If you have a good loyal customer base,do they know of your accident? If you have a good relationship with them,let them know that you are commited to them but find it difficult in the cold weather- i'm sure they will respect you for your honesty and would welcome you at any time as it shows that you are a grafter and dont want to let them down(maybe 8 weekly cleans-that way if the weather is pants,you could afford to miss a few until the sun decides to show up again)
Plus, the weather is awful at the mo' but we are in feb(nearly half way) and spring is surely just round the corner-hang in there and it wont be long till your inyour shorts again

Roy
p.s I could never,ever work for someone else again and I been self employed for nearly 20 years

[trevor summerfield]

it does my head in not working, cut down this week, 125 litres of water in kitchen tonight, it goes up to 19 degrees over night, any dosh is better than no dosh, we are a two man team so we watch each others back as far as safety is concerned, customers are fine, the andy pandies get a bit cold though.

[PURER CLEAN]

Hi Purer
Sorry to hear about your accident
Good effort on keeping going-would have stopped a lot of lesser men
If you have a good loyal customer base,do they know of your accident? If you have a good relationship with them,let them know that you are commited to them but find it difficult in the cold weather- i'm sure they will respect you for your honesty and would welcome you at any time as it shows that you are a grafter and dont want to let them down(maybe 8 weekly cleans-that way if the weather is pants,you could afford to miss a few until the sun decides to show up again)
Plus, the weather is awful at the mo' but we are in feb(nearly half way) and spring is surely just round the corner-hang in there and it wont be long till your inyour shorts again

Roy
p.s I could never,ever work for someone else again and I been self employed for nearly 20 years

what a great idea Roy  many thanks for that, i will crack on with that this evening.

[dazmond]

imo the weather has not been bad enough to have any days off this year apart from the first few days in jan when it was blowing a gale for 3 days.

its not been a constant sub zero working day for days on end has it?it hasnt in manchester.im well on top of my work at the moment.

maybe your back is restricting you?just do what you can,when you can.


best wishes


dazmond

[BVC]

anyone got back problems and still just gets on with it?? I had one disc go, no accidents just wear and tear plus 6"4 and 17 stone dont help. Hardly worked for a year, Took a lad out to do most of my decent customers and lost the rest. Woke up in tears most mornings for 3 months. Mate 3 discs and still going, take my hat of to you. Get a lad to do the work and you drive and deal with customers. Plus coz your out if he leaves you just get another lad.

If you want to go alone. SLX, HOT and POWER REEL.

For what its worth

BVC.

[birdymiller]

In sheffield since xmas we have had a few days off due to rain, a few for extreme wind and this week we have had 10 cm of snow. Side roads and pavements are near enough clear now but start of week was a no go. Iv been out for first time this week today for 5 hours, rose to 1 degree. So although its not been as bad as last year, its been rough. Enough to get you down, keep at it mate. Another few weeks and then we will have april showers to contend with, now they do get on my nerves.