Unashamed Gloating ALERT!! IF GLOATING OFFENDS YOU ...LOOK AWAY NOW
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I had a very poor winter like most...in 10 weeks I had 8 workable days...
So after having a bit of a hissy fit on this forum as 'Pingu' I deleted my account and worked out how much time I spent on this forum and vowed to put in that time getting new customers. These would be the bedrock of my winter 'slush fund'.
Now in the past 3 months I have filled loads of holes in my scheduled round and have now decided that the round is full and only customer losses will be chased as new customers...(I do not want staff).
So the new work year is 22ish of Jan - Xmas Eve each year (Sunny Holiday each year during this time)...with option of not working for additional 4 weeks further owing to severe weather like we had this year.
Every 6 working weeks I have nearly 2 working weeks off in the 8 weekly schedule, only Monday to Thursday are scheduled work and fridays/Sat are for 12 weekly and catch-up. facia, guttering etc. Most days I leave the house at 9 and for the most part am home around 15:30. All of which I was told by many was impossible and could never work.
Now for those who doubt the abilty to earn a good wage..there is nothing I am able or willing to say to prove it but suffice to say it's a comfortable living.
So most weeks there are 2 days to play catch up if needed...so a scheduled service can work but I have found it take detailed planning.
For most I know tying themselves down to a schedule is akin to deep-frying your 'crown jewels' in chip fat but for me I could not count on myself getting out of bed if left to my own devices.
So regardless of how you work and to those who are starting out..don't lose faith as I started in Oct 06 same as Gazzap8 I think...and from small acorns as they say...well done Gazzap8!!
The wonderfull aspect of our profession is that we can tailor it to our own needs and re-mould it as and when required. They key I have found is planning and an absolute 100% need to communicate with the customer.
You do not need to follow the crowd but sometimes marching to the beat of your own drum can be a worthwhile pain.
Sorry to gloat but it has been a stuggle and I just felt like I wanted to share.
So this week I have 3 tattoo sessions booked in the afternoons and if I can take it another 3 sessions next week....time well spent.
So there is no need to work in a famin/feast style if you plan...unless of course you like to work that way.