[Morph]

Well?

Self employed since 1983.  Thriving little business, but..Business not good in !987.  Didn't want to go back working for someone else, slave labour.  Good friend showed me how to clean windows.  My wife and stepson went canvassing locally for me, I had no confidence.  They got me some work.  1st house: 4 bed detatched, I said £4:50.  He followed me round every window!  It took me 2 hours.  He said thanks, I never went back!
Well that is how I got started.  It grew.  I kept at it, helped a few others on their way.  Had a good steady round building all the time.  I never canvassed, all word of mouth.
Raised 3 children, now grown, flown. paid the mortgage, moved, 4 grandchildren! 
Joints wearing out...Knees, fallen arches, ankles, elbows, wrists, neck.
What do I do?  Press on.
2003 age 49, not wearing as well as some of you..BANG..
HEART ATTACK!  Diagnosed heart disease and diabetes.
6 weeks after heart attack I couldn't walk 50yds!
Headed into deep depression too.
what am I going to do?  Doctor says retrain, and earn £65 a week at same time...Yippeee???
So I went back windowcleaning against his advice, part time.
Plodded on not doing much, but soon getting £65 a week.

A good friend showed me what he was doing.. wfp.
My days were numbered climbing ladders..but I disagreed with him for 18 months.  I found this forum, and realised he was not going mad after all.  I studied up on here and spent time with my friend.  I decided to go for it!  I had nothing much to lose.

I am in my 5th month building my work wfp.  I  had given up ladders anyway.  Now I can reach 1st floor even 2nd floor.
I have a future in work I had given up on.

[gaza]

PJ:CONGRATS ON GETTING UP AND RUNNING AGAIN,WISH YOU ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE.
DONT MAKE PEOPLE LIKE YOU ANYMORE,BUT TAKE IT EASY .
  GAZA

[Morph]

Don't get me wrong, I am no wimp.
I thought nothing of climbing my ladder to 28/30 ft stepping off onto sills and cleaning away.
I remember a couple of victorian places, I used to go up my big ladder onto the flat roof, put another ladder up, then stick my mop on a pole to reach the windows.  10 years or more ago, that paid me £65 an hour.  I had a few like that.  When I started at 4.30 am.
If I was 35 - 40 now, I probably would do the same!

I'm the sort that never thinks too far ahead.  Thats why I chose w/c.  It's easy to get into.  Small outlay, not much future planning, just make enough and don't worry.

I hope I can keep it that way, even though wfp now.  

So, theres a bit of insight into my reasons for change, I couldn't climb a ladder on a regular basis even if I wanted to.  But I can use telescopic pole to reach second floor windows, and yes, the pure cold water washes bird poo off, if you take your time.  I haven't found poo I couldn't remove yet!  I also do inside a lot of my work, so I see clearly the results.

Is wfp as good as trad?  Overall...Yes..better.  For me!
If I was 35 - 40 again, I would argue...But your health doesn't last, believe me, it goes quicker than you imagine possible.
A shrewd man considers his steps, A wise man learns from the mistakes of others.

[Morph]

Thanks Gaza,

You don't do so bad!
I remember.  Got your round ripped off.
then set fire to your van!
Just keep on keeping on

[Morph]

My point is, really, that everyone has their own reason for doing what they do.  If I was fit 35 and not many resposibilities, the type of person that I am, Why would I bother.  Ladder, bucket, mop, squeegee, away I go!  Good money easily earned!

But my priorities and reasons have changed.  I have not chosen wfp lightly.

It is the only way I can carry on in a self respecting way remaining in business, not claiming benefits, and my grandchildren think I'm doing something constructive other than dying!

So carry on supporting your ladders..
I can "hand on heart" say, "BEEN THERE DONE THAT"

[Spoonbill1970]

Just keep on keeping on...

Like a bird that flew, Tangled Up In Blue!

A line from my favourite LP of all time! Couldn't resist

Glad you're enjoying what you do. Good health to you, Pj

JSP