Self employed gardener- Should I? Advice needed.

[sparks_E39]

I hate what I do (motor industry) and want to get out. I don't really have much in the way of education after A levels, however I have always dreamed of being my own boss. I have been left £3k in my grandmothers will. I could get a little van and some tools plus a mower and set myself up as a general gardner/handyman. I have done a bit of gardening and groundwork unpaid a few years ago and loved it. I understand that I'd likely need to work part time and build up a business slowly.. I live in a heavily rural area, North Dorset so would think there is a lot of work out there. I need to earn circa £20k in order to live decently.

I have seen a lot of stories on the Internet, some on PH saying for example "I started up 6 months ago with no experience and now I'm booked solid for the next 4 months" Am I being realistic? Is £20k a year achievable or will I be working 7 days a week? I have absolutely no adversion to being outside in all weathers.

I just need advice- as in how I'd get my name out there, what works and what doesn't..I know people on here have done it, I'd love to hear from you. Cheers.

[sparks_E39]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

The rate seems to be around £10-15 an hour. Yes it's seasonal work for the most part.. although lots of people would want their garden looking presentable all year round. I could include services like gutter cleaning to help in the winter months.

[sparks_E39]

Thanks very much

[sparks_E39]

Thank you all, this has really spurred me on.. I just hope I can make enough money!

[sparks_E39]

Thanks to all, if anyone who has done it would like to comment it would be appriciated!

[sparks_E39]

malks222 said:

quick one on the sums:

£15/hr- x 6hrs= £90/day

£90/day x 5 days/wk= £450/week

45wks/year= £20,250 a year

I'm allowing 6hrs chargable work per day, I'm allowing that for travelling between jobs, lunch, etc.... now obviously you'd hope to be getting full 8hr days, maybe longer if you get more work, but I'm being conservative to start.

again based on only 5 days a week, again weather/ seasonal stuff to be against you here, but good to average out over the year. you might get 7 days over summer but winter might go down to 3/4....

45 weeks a year- I've been very conservative, allowing for 5 weeks holidays and 2wks spare for being sick/unexpected time off..... so being very conservative with my numbers and allowing you a slower start, you are easily in the ball park that you need/want to be in.

don't forget to look at other things that you can associate with what you want to do-
- cleaning driveways- simple pressure washing and brushing
- clearing gutters- ladder + bucket
- painting sheds/ fences
- clearing rubbish/garage/ sheds and taking stuff to the dump- (although this might need waste carriers license/ paying to dispose of stuff at the tip!

All little things/ services that are quite simple, but time consuming and people would probably be quite happy pay someone else to do.

Thank you very much for that.. I worked out something similar but yours is much more comprehensive!

[sparks_E39]

I've been thinking more on how I would start this.. I can't afford to risk being out of work as I have commitments, I don't work weekends so am thinking set up for Saturday's and possibly Sunday's for now- and build it up till I'm confident in having enough work during the week.

[sparks_E39]

8-P said:

If I could live off that Id jump at the chance, if you have relatively few commitments Id give it a crack.

Just all the commitments that one normally would have. Rent, phone bills and car expenses.. I'm also engaged, but my fiancées income cannot support both of us so I need to work still during the week at first.

[sparks_E39]

TLandCruiser said:

Where are located? I will need someone to cut my hedges and grass

North Dorset, Blandford area.