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jeff1

  • Posts: 5855
Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« on: July 02, 2006, 07:40:50 pm »
Hi Guys/Gals

Over the past few months since I have been on the forum, I have read a few posts, were guy's are giving up wc,
Now over the years I've seen them come and I've seen them go.
But what I can't make out is why do they say I'm getting a proper Job???. ??? ???

Now to me WC is not only a proper job, but I think one off,   if not, the best Job I have ever had,  It is run Just like any other business, I pay my Tax's and my Insurance's, bookkeeping, make and keep appointments, pay out wages when I need to,  so on and so on.

Maybe this is what they mean when they say they are going to get a proper Job, The boaring routine of 9-5?
Any other thoughts about is wc a proper job?

JM123

  • Posts: 2095
Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2006, 07:49:20 pm »
I think it'd be hard to find a job where you can start and finish when you like, take on as much or as little work as you like - you can set your own price too, so all round I think its a great job, ok so bad weather etc can be off putting but if you can't take a bit of snow, ice and rain then maybe wcing isn't for you.
Live life in the fast lane.......if you break down you'll freewheel further

Ballymena N.I

jeff1

  • Posts: 5855
Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2006, 07:54:26 pm »
One comment I have seen from another wc is
''Its the best job in the world''
I can't argue with a comment like that.

James Giles

  • Posts: 6
Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2006, 07:55:24 pm »
Yes its a proper job, but alot of people treat it like a quick bit of cash kind of job.

Moderator David@stives

  • Posts: 8829
Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2006, 08:01:39 pm »
After 8 years the job is really getting me down at times, I am so lucky to have staff and my wife working for me.
If it werent for them god only knows what i would be doing now.

I had real enthusiasm for the first 6 years but now it feels like a millstone around my neck, i may get through this phase ,i hope.

I put it down to burn out last year.

I get really bored too.

Dave

jeff1

  • Posts: 5855
Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2006, 08:14:02 pm »
Dave I know how you feel, but with staff, and a good wife pulling you through it, they must think its all worth while.

Go and have yourself a couple of weeks holiday, and take the wife with you, if your staff respect you, and there job, I'm sure it wont go T**s up while your away,and you will feel a lot better for it. Take up a hobbie for the bordom.
there's loads of guy's on here who are willing to help you through it.

Good Luck.

DASERVICES

Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2006, 08:15:53 pm »
  After 20 odd years in office working I would say this is the best job I have
  had so far. I don't earn much but I have more time to spend with the family
  which is the main thing.

  Only stress I have now is trying to get round the red tape trying to employ
  someone.

  Doug

dai

  • Posts: 3503
Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #7 on: July 02, 2006, 08:20:53 pm »
I have always thought of it as a brilliant job. That was a big mistake, I should have been thinking of it as a great business. You start thinking of it as a job and you find yourself under pricing.
The same business principles that John Harvey Jones would apply should be applied to window cleaning. The really successful guys are the ones that think of it as a business and apply the right principles. Dai

mlscontractcleaner

  • Posts: 1483
Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #8 on: July 02, 2006, 08:27:16 pm »
It's a great business to get into, but to say it's the best job in the world is a bit of an over statement. Personally I'd rather be Kylie's gynacologist  ;D

Is that spelt right??
Come and talk dirty to us!!!

spotless2000

  • Posts: 442
Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #9 on: July 02, 2006, 10:12:52 pm »
 gynaecologist  ;)

Sorry just an excuse to post her pic!

S.C.S

Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #10 on: July 02, 2006, 10:26:06 pm »
The way i look at it:

Average office helper £6.50 per hour ( if that )
Factory worker ( labourer ) £ minimum wage.

WINDOW CLEANER £20 to £45 per hour maybe more.

You decide cause i no where im gonna be this time 5 years  :)

Paul Coleman

Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #11 on: July 03, 2006, 01:00:47 am »
After 8 years the job is really getting me down at times, I am so lucky to have staff and my wife working for me.
If it werent for them god only knows what i would be doing now.

I had real enthusiasm for the first 6 years but now it feels like a millstone around my neck, i may get through this phase ,i hope.

I put it down to burn out last year.

I get really bored too.

Dave

Dave.  I go through phases like that periodically.  It's times like that when I need a short holiday or maybe need to take a break - any break - from the routine.  Just imagine what the 9-5 would be like now.  I don't know about you but I sometimes feel that 15 years W/C ing has made me unemployable.

pjulk

Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #12 on: July 03, 2006, 10:20:39 am »
I also go through periods were you just can't be bothered and just end up plodding round and finishing early.

That is why the end of the month im off to the isle of wight for a week with the kids for cowes week.
And hopefully when i get back i will be raring to go again.

Today im off as my van is being signwritten hopefully get out there this afternoon.

But normally i love window cleaning and wouldn't change my job for anything but its like any other job it get repetative and then becomes boring and thats when you need to have a break.

When i was traditional i just thought of it as a job now im WFP and getting some fairly large jobs i am starting to think off it as a business.

Paul

David 'Duck' Clare

  • Posts: 189
Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #13 on: July 03, 2006, 10:23:53 am »
As someone that is going back to a 'normal job' i think im qualified to answer this question !

Personally W/C has been a great business, ive been able to sell what i created and have kept commercial stuff as an investment of sorts!

However for me going back into a normal job is purly a financial dec ission, the job ive been offered pays very well compaired to window cleaning and will offer a lot of security for me in financial terms for an extended period.

I dont think W/C is the best job in the world (i think its a great business and a good job) but the best job in the world is subjective - for me the best job in the world would be being a Commercial Pilot - i have toyed with this idea for a few years after i gained my PPL but i couldnt face going back to flight school for 18 months.

Again good luck to all on here staying in the 'cloth'

DC

jeff1

  • Posts: 5855
Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #14 on: July 03, 2006, 01:24:37 pm »
As someone that is going back to a 'normal job' i think im qualified to answer this question !

Personally W/C has been a great business, ive been able to sell what i created and have kept commercial stuff as an investment of sorts!

However for me going back into a normal job is purly a financial dec ission, the job ive been offered pays very well compaired to window cleaning and will offer a lot of security for me in financial terms for an extended period.

I dont think W/C is the best job in the world (i think its a great business and a good job) but the best job in the world is subjective - for me the best job in the world would be being a Commercial Pilot - i have toyed with this idea for a few years after i gained my PPL but i couldnt face going back to flight school for 18 months.

Again good luck to all on here staying in the 'cloth'

DC
Dave
Good luck with your new Job,I hope it all works out for you, as you know yourself if it doesn't work out there's always the best Job in the world waiting for your return.
Good luck Dave :) :)

Londoner

Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #15 on: July 03, 2006, 06:18:05 pm »
All jobs have their highs and lows. If you do anything all day every day it starts to get to you after a while.

Window cleaning is my release two days a week from my full time job being a London Taxi driver. Without the window I would probably crack up in all that traffic.

In truth there is probably no easier way of making money, all things considered.
If you do it right you should have enough time to put yourself through college one day a week if thats what you want. Think about it- its your future we are talking about.

marc al

Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #16 on: July 03, 2006, 08:10:59 pm »
  I have already been through college and have a degree, I love the flexibility window cleaning offers me. Sure I get days when I can't be bothered,but I like the short hours and the time I can spend with my family.

   I have no desires to turn it into a big business, but will remain as a bloke on his own making a decent living. If I was to take on staff I wouldn't be able to go and play when I wanted - like tomorrow I am at Cadwell Park on my bike for the day - a great day out and has given me something to look forward to for a couple of weeks.

    I had a job which had me running a large distribution warehouse with alot of people working for me and lots of stress and problems, the money was good, but I was in danger of losing my family - window cleaning is probably a better job than most give it credit for.

   Marc

giftedk

  • Posts: 314
Re: Is window Cleaning a proper Job?
« Reply #17 on: July 04, 2006, 09:48:44 pm »
I would like to think that window cleaning is a proper job, but try telling that to the swines that are never in when i go around to collect.
really annoys me, they would moan if they never got their
weekly wages.