wow! this has been a lively thread, it's amazing how weekends (and perhaps a few beers) changes this forum.
to all you employers, do you think that you're better off now bearing EVERYTHING in mind (increased hassle, expense, paperwork etc) than you would have been if you had just carried on on your own, refining your round.
i'm now in the lucky position where I have plenty of good priced work on my books. this means that I can quote more expensive for any new work as I don't NEED more work.
if I was employing, I would have to qoute cheaper as I would be worried about retaning enough work to keep my employee(s) busy.
I love going to work and don't have any hassle at all to speak of.
I know my way isn't for everyone, but it suits me at the moment. who knows, I might employee if I need to in the future, but at the moment i'm enjoying refining my round so it's better each month.
i've discussed this with 3 older window cleaners near me who have employed over the years and they reckoned that if they had their time again they would probably stay on their own.
cheers from one happy stress-free window cleaner!