Hi Doug
All the responses so far make a lot of sense but stop hedging and bite that employers bullet.
We are up in Perth and we were in the same situation as you now find yourself about four years ago. We now employ 28 "mollies"(that stands for molly mop) five window cleaners and have six vans on the go.Registered for vat with a new office in a fancy office block,spending my days behind a desk.
Was it easy? No
Do i miss my solo days out with a ladder? Yes
Do i still have a shed load of cash ? No
Are good staff easy to find?No
Why do it? cos its fantastic running your business instead of having a job,i love it when our mollies work is complimented or when a client calls to say thanks for the great job done on their windows.I take great pride to watch our team members progress from a new start to an important team player.
What do i hate?
Employers insurance, national insurance contributions,employers tax,maternity leave,sick pay,etc etc etc
Go on and try it, its not easy, yes you get let down again and again, yes it costs money but go on be brave and do it its great.
cheers
gordon
ps if it all fails i can always go back on the windys