[Ed.]

Hi am 31 years old and been window cleaning for 14 years and have always worked for company’s doing commercial work. I’m starting to think about doing a abseiling course to become a level 1 the only thing that worries me is am i to old to be going for it now ? Plus need to have 2000 hours to get to level 3 an that can take 3 years from what i have heard. I have plenty of window cleaning experience so im hoping me getting a job doing abseiling window cleaning full time would not be a problem   ?  Just would like some advice before i go for it. Thanks Edward.

[zesty]

You’d only be 34 or maybe 35 to get to level 3.

No way are you too old!

That said, how about sticking to WFP and building a business that way?

[Ed.]

I do that now WFP and traditional for a company and have done for about 7 years  working for this company. But looking to try progress and earn more money as i have been hear 7 years and only had 1 pay rise lol just would like to know if you think i would walk into a job if i got my level 1 as i have experience window cleaning already ?

[Matt.]

Hello Ed

So ur working for some now on paye,  are u paid a fair wage and why not pick a few jobs up of ur own in ur spare time to increase ur wages.
Or even start up for yourself.
We're are u based
If ur still thinking u want to get involved in abseiling window cleaning why don't u just contact a few companies that do this work and ask them, they might even pay for it if ur working for them.

Matt

[Dry Clean]

One pay rise in 7 years means its time to get out and work for yourself, there's good enough money in this game without the need to take your feet of the ground risking life and limb.

[AuRavelling79]

Hi Ed. Looking at your back posts I note that you have made some progress into working for yourself; how's that going?

[dazmond]

One pay rise in 7 years means its time to get out and work for yourself, there's good enough money in this game without the need to take your feet of the ground risking life and limb.

not all people are cut out for working for themselves...some people are more suited to being employees.....

[dazmond]

Hi am 31 years old and been window cleaning for 14 years and have always worked for company’s doing commercial work. I’m starting to think about doing a abseiling course to become a level 1 the only thing that worries me is am i to old to be going for it now ? Plus need to have 2000 hours to get to level 3 an that can take 3 years from what i have heard. I have plenty of window cleaning experience so im hoping me getting a job doing abseiling window cleaning full time would not be a problem   ?  Just would like some advice before i go for it. Thanks Edward.

go for it if you like heights and fancy doing that type of work(rather you than me!).....im sure some window cleaning company would train you up if your serious about it.....

[Smudger]

I remember reading about abseiling at JV price  - I got the impression the money for level one is pretty poor as you must have a level 3 with you at all times ( maybe wrong )

I would contact JV Price or see if Dean Tabiner pops on - he could probably give you an idea what's what

Darran

[Missing Link]

A friend of mine did abseiling for his resettlement courses when he left the army.

He did all kinds of stuff; cleaning windows, abseiling down cliffs to clear weeds that overhang railway lines, etc.

He stuck at it for a while, then tired of being dragged all over the UK, living in B&Bs and suitcases.

He drives trucks now.

[Pete Thompson]

I thought about this a few years ago and even got talking to some abseiling lads doing a skyscraper near where I was visiting (Bristol)

I cheekily asked if there was good money in abseiling work.

Their answer was approx £56 per day! I was stunned.

They went on to explain that there are thousands of experienced (and IRATA qualified) rock climbers around who are just desperate to find any way to use their skills commercially, and window cleaning is one of the very few reliable ways to do so.

This has lead to a massive over-supply of experienced and qualified rope-access technicians who are available to do window cleaning, and so the pay is really rubbish.

He even said there are plenty of guys out there who’d be willing to work for nothing, just for the experience.

And that was the end of my thoughts about doing abseiling.

[rosskesava]

Hi am 31 years old and been window cleaning for 14 years and have always worked for company’s doing commercial work. I’m starting to think about doing a abseiling course to become a level 1 the only thing that worries me is am i to old to be going for it now ? Plus need to have 2000 hours to get to level 3 an that can take 3 years from what i have heard. I have plenty of window cleaning experience so im hoping me getting a job doing abseiling window cleaning full time would not be a problem   ?  Just would like some advice before i go for it. Thanks Edward.

I did all the IRATA courses and qualified for them all. 3 years. Nope. 5 to 6 years more like. It costs a lot as well.  It's a nice dream and seems exciting but it isn't.  After all that, and I admit, it was a different life style, the constant travelling and the problem of getting work, I gave it up. You never know when the next job is going to happen.

From where I am now, would I repeat the same, yes I would. It was a worthwhile experience for me. It may not be for everyone though.

My advice, just stick to run of the mill window cleaning. You will earn more as well.

[Ed.]

Thank you for all for your advice really appreciate it. Im thinking it might be a no go then after reading some of the comments about abseiling . I think i might be best just getting my self out there and doing some canvassing and building my own little round on the side. I nearly bought a round a few months ago but it ended it wasn’t what it was and put me off as the round owed loads of money and think he just wanted rid of it and didn’t look good enough to buy so i didn’t go through with it. I work full time now and after tax and so on i clear about 385 a week, my hours are good if you like getting up early start about half 3 in the morning and home by 12 all commercial work in London. Do enjoy working here still and hours are good but is no overtime to earn extra money and wanna try bring in some more money. Thinking now the best thing for me now would be get out there and start canvassing  round my area and try build a round up ?  Thanks Ed

[zesty]

I think the only way to make money from abseiling is to own your own business doing it, to get your own jobs.

I knew of a guy who owned an abseiling window cleaning company, well he only worked 6 months a year and spent the other 6 months in Thailand.

No money if your the employee, but if your the employer, good money!

[dazmond]

im sure a lot of guys are on around £150 a day......IMO not worth it for the risks,hassle and expensive training courses.....

[deeege]

im sure a lot of guys are on around £150 a day......IMO not worth it for the risks,hassle and expensive training courses.....

Really? I’ve spoke to a few lads who do the abseiling and even the supervisors are doing well if they are clearing £80/day.

As said above, the only way to earn good money in that game is to be the person who has the contracts and is employing the lads.

[AuRavelling79]

Thank you for all for your advice really appreciate it. Im thinking it might be a no go then after reading some of the comments about abseiling . I think i might be best just getting my self out there and doing some canvassing and building my own little round on the side. I nearly bought a round a few months ago but it ended it wasn’t what it was and put me off as the round owed loads of money and think he just wanted rid of it and didn’t look good enough to buy so i didn’t go through with it. I work full time now and after tax and so on i clear about 385 a week, my hours are good if you like getting up early start about half 3 in the morning and home by 12 all commercial work in London. Do enjoy working here still and hours are good but is no overtime to earn extra money and wanna try bring in some more money. Thinking now the best thing for me now would be get out there and start canvassing  round my area and try build a round up ?  Thanks Ed

You're in the perfect position to build up a round. If you finish at 12 you could start your own stuff at 1 o'clock and do three hours til 4 pm. You will be able to do £100 in three hours once up and running. Just canvass and build up your own work.

Get a van as soon as you can as this will turn you from a £25 per hour backpack and barrel merchant to a £40 per hour van and tank merchant on steady domestic work.

Please note that when you are building up and not having compact work these rates will be goals but you'll soon get there.