What to do next???
Discussion
Some of you will know of me from the watches forum as I have been running a thread on there for a few years. I own a successful jewellery manufacture / repair workshop and have been in the trade since late 2007. Before that I was in the Royal Marines, serving from early 1999 to early 2008 (had a 3 month overlap). The move from the forces to the jewellery trade wasn't the easiest and wouldn't have been my first choice, but I was clearly capable of doing the job and made swift work of the training and learning / adapting that went into the new role. I always knew it wouldn't be a long term thing for me as it's too sedentary, too solitary for my normally outgoing and active nature. As time has moved on I feel that I am becoming less of who I am as a result of my time in the business. I've had my health issues too. In 2013 I was diagnosed with stage 3B bowel cancer and I count myself very lucky to be here today, and with a young son to boot. But that's also concreted the desire that one day I'll drop the jewellery thing and find some other way to fund my passions without being so heavily relied upon, so emotionally attached to the job and away from what is an increasingly corrupt and dangerous business.
It's not something I can do immediately as I have a bit more of my mortgage to pay off and a couple of years at least in the shop with the outstanding lease and my son's education that I don't want to unbalance, but good ideas early mean I can pave the way to my future. So, the long term plan for me:
Sell or close the business. Selling would be great but the business relies heavily upon my skills and they are not easily replaced, so the value in the business is largely in me. I do have an idea to expand the retail frontage a little next year maybe.
With the capital in the business and my home I plan to move north and buy somewhere nice..... outright. No mortgage.
My son's education is a key factor. Ideally we'd move when he moves from primary to secondary education to save any huge trauma. That's a few years off but is flexible.
My needs:
Healthier lifestyle. Being a goldsmith is not a healthy occupation.
More family time. I'm forever needing to reply to WhatsApp messages and emails. And then there's the FaceBook and PistonHeads pages that require content. I am looking for something that I can apply my enthusiasm to at work, and then leave it at work. My 4 year old son is my joy and I want to invest in that and the memories he'll have when he is older.
Less stress.
More activity / human interaction (see my bad bits
).
The ability to take a day off when I'm ill. It's a rare thing but as a business owner that is the workhorse of the business I cannot afford a day off. I have not had a lunch break or a tea break in years and if ill I have to just suck it up. I worked through all my cancer treatments and even after surgery was back to work in 5 days. If I'd done it differently then I'd be out of work and stuffed.
What I have to offer:
A grafter. I'm no stranger to man hours or hard work. And always on time.
Attention to detail and standards.
No bulls
t attitude.
Good GCSE education but no further education other than modules in the military. I'm proven to learn though.
Mechanical and scientific understanding.
Trustworthy.
Public speaking. I've given talks on my trade to interested groups, demonstrated products and processes in my shop. I've instructed and assisted in students / customers making their own items and taught various tactical, practical and survival subjects to all levels of the armed forces in most environments.
Pick up new skills easily.
What I'm bad at:
Customer handling. If you give me a normal human being with a good idea of what they want then I'm the guy for the job. I like to work efficiently, with clear objectives and no messing about. What you see is what you get. If you give me 2018 man / woman / other with airy fairy ideas and a belief that my time is theirs to waste then I'm an ex-Marine. I struggle with people who struggle with themselves.
I'm not a good reader. I can read and I do read, but only really what interests me. I can't focus on any old story or subject. But, if I was to read to learn a skill then again I'm good at absorbing information.
Accepting that stuff goes on that doesn't fit with my moral values. I believe that hard work should pay off and offer a good living. I see too much going on around me that doesn't sit well with me or my business and the lack of assistance from the authorities is another reason why I will soon want to get out of this trade. Life is cheap and my business is easy money for modern criminals. I didn't survive my military career and cancer to be bent over by the scum who currently walk our streets. Off topic there, i do apologise.
What i'd love to do:
Something outdoors.
Something where I can see the benefit f what i'm doing.
I enjoy making people happy.
Flexible hours.
Something in motorsport, or in cars.
Photography also interests me.
What I'm asking is, do you have any ideas based on the above. I know it's a while off happening but I can enquire with a view to learn before I make the jump. I've literally no idea what to do as I've never been in the position where I have been looking for work. It's all very new for me.
Many thanks in advance.
Eddie
It's not something I can do immediately as I have a bit more of my mortgage to pay off and a couple of years at least in the shop with the outstanding lease and my son's education that I don't want to unbalance, but good ideas early mean I can pave the way to my future. So, the long term plan for me:
Sell or close the business. Selling would be great but the business relies heavily upon my skills and they are not easily replaced, so the value in the business is largely in me. I do have an idea to expand the retail frontage a little next year maybe.
With the capital in the business and my home I plan to move north and buy somewhere nice..... outright. No mortgage.
My son's education is a key factor. Ideally we'd move when he moves from primary to secondary education to save any huge trauma. That's a few years off but is flexible.
My needs:
Healthier lifestyle. Being a goldsmith is not a healthy occupation.
More family time. I'm forever needing to reply to WhatsApp messages and emails. And then there's the FaceBook and PistonHeads pages that require content. I am looking for something that I can apply my enthusiasm to at work, and then leave it at work. My 4 year old son is my joy and I want to invest in that and the memories he'll have when he is older.
Less stress.
More activity / human interaction (see my bad bits
). The ability to take a day off when I'm ill. It's a rare thing but as a business owner that is the workhorse of the business I cannot afford a day off. I have not had a lunch break or a tea break in years and if ill I have to just suck it up. I worked through all my cancer treatments and even after surgery was back to work in 5 days. If I'd done it differently then I'd be out of work and stuffed.
What I have to offer:
A grafter. I'm no stranger to man hours or hard work. And always on time.
Attention to detail and standards.
No bulls
t attitude.Good GCSE education but no further education other than modules in the military. I'm proven to learn though.
Mechanical and scientific understanding.
Trustworthy.
Public speaking. I've given talks on my trade to interested groups, demonstrated products and processes in my shop. I've instructed and assisted in students / customers making their own items and taught various tactical, practical and survival subjects to all levels of the armed forces in most environments.
Pick up new skills easily.
What I'm bad at:
Customer handling. If you give me a normal human being with a good idea of what they want then I'm the guy for the job. I like to work efficiently, with clear objectives and no messing about. What you see is what you get. If you give me 2018 man / woman / other with airy fairy ideas and a belief that my time is theirs to waste then I'm an ex-Marine. I struggle with people who struggle with themselves.
I'm not a good reader. I can read and I do read, but only really what interests me. I can't focus on any old story or subject. But, if I was to read to learn a skill then again I'm good at absorbing information.
Accepting that stuff goes on that doesn't fit with my moral values. I believe that hard work should pay off and offer a good living. I see too much going on around me that doesn't sit well with me or my business and the lack of assistance from the authorities is another reason why I will soon want to get out of this trade. Life is cheap and my business is easy money for modern criminals. I didn't survive my military career and cancer to be bent over by the scum who currently walk our streets. Off topic there, i do apologise.
What i'd love to do:
Something outdoors.
Something where I can see the benefit f what i'm doing.
I enjoy making people happy.
Flexible hours.
Something in motorsport, or in cars.
Photography also interests me.
What I'm asking is, do you have any ideas based on the above. I know it's a while off happening but I can enquire with a view to learn before I make the jump. I've literally no idea what to do as I've never been in the position where I have been looking for work. It's all very new for me.
Many thanks in advance.
Eddie
Wedding car hire?
http://www.vintagerollsroycecars.com/sales/1022/19...
Throw in some in-car photography package to distinguish yourself from others.
Something outdoors. Tick
Something where I can see the benefit of what i'm doing. Tick
I enjoy making people happy. Tick
Flexible hours. Tick (only take bookings for when you want)
Something in motorsport, or in cars. Tick
Photography also interests me. Tick
http://www.vintagerollsroycecars.com/sales/1022/19...
Throw in some in-car photography package to distinguish yourself from others.
Something outdoors. Tick
Something where I can see the benefit of what i'm doing. Tick
I enjoy making people happy. Tick
Flexible hours. Tick (only take bookings for when you want)
Something in motorsport, or in cars. Tick
Photography also interests me. Tick
bks. Before you go can you knock me up a couple more rings, perhaps a set of diamond earings, a necklace and a bracelet or something? That should cover the wedding anniversaries and birthdays etc. Cheers mate 
Joking aside... I know a load of marines and ex-marines living near Lympstone and I’m pretty certain none of them could turn themselves into the level of jewellery maker you are so you definitely have a skill for learning - you’ll succeed at whatever you find next I’m sure.
That said, is it an option to take on a member of staff (young lad/family friend/relative) to train up over the next few years, allowing you to take a step back when you’re ready? But still having a say and importantly, an income from the jewellery business?
ks. Before you go can you knock me up a couple more rings, perhaps a set of diamond earings, a necklace and a bracelet or something? That should cover the wedding anniversaries and birthdays etc. Cheers mate Joking aside... I know a load of marines and ex-marines living near Lympstone and I’m pretty certain none of them could turn themselves into the level of jewellery maker you are so you definitely have a skill for learning - you’ll succeed at whatever you find next I’m sure.
That said, is it an option to take on a member of staff (young lad/family friend/relative) to train up over the next few years, allowing you to take a step back when you’re ready? But still having a say and importantly, an income from the jewellery business?
sas62 said:
Wedding car hire?
http://www.vintagerollsroycecars.com/sales/1022/19...
Throw in some in-car photography package to distinguish yourself from others.
Something outdoors. Tick
Something where I can see the benefit of what i'm doing. Tick
I enjoy making people happy. Tick
Flexible hours. Tick (only take bookings for when you want)
Something in motorsport, or in cars. Tick
Photography also interests me. Tick
Up north I suppose this might work. I really hate the traffic down south and although a good driver, I'm no chilled driver. http://www.vintagerollsroycecars.com/sales/1022/19...
Throw in some in-car photography package to distinguish yourself from others.
Something outdoors. Tick
Something where I can see the benefit of what i'm doing. Tick
I enjoy making people happy. Tick
Flexible hours. Tick (only take bookings for when you want)
Something in motorsport, or in cars. Tick
Photography also interests me. Tick
ColdoRS said:
bks. Before you go can you knock me up a couple more rings, perhaps a set of diamond earings, a necklace and a bracelet or something? That should cover the wedding anniversaries and birthdays etc. Cheers mate
Joking aside... I know a load of marines and ex-marines living near Lympstone and I’m pretty certain none of them could turn themselves into the level of jewellery maker you are so you definitely have a skill for learning - you’ll succeed at whatever you find next I’m sure.
That said, is it an option to take on a member of staff (young lad/family friend/relative) to train up over the next few years, allowing you to take a step back when you’re ready? But still having a say and importantly, an income from the jewellery business?
Tried this with a half dozen apprentices. In the end we've always had to employ an older, more experienced person. Youngsters just don't understand the concept of work. "when do I get a break?"ks. Before you go can you knock me up a couple more rings, perhaps a set of diamond earings, a necklace and a bracelet or something? That should cover the wedding anniversaries and birthdays etc. Cheers mate Joking aside... I know a load of marines and ex-marines living near Lympstone and I’m pretty certain none of them could turn themselves into the level of jewellery maker you are so you definitely have a skill for learning - you’ll succeed at whatever you find next I’m sure.
That said, is it an option to take on a member of staff (young lad/family friend/relative) to train up over the next few years, allowing you to take a step back when you’re ready? But still having a say and importantly, an income from the jewellery business?
In another life it'd be the sort of business I could pass on to my son. But to do that I'd need to love the job and convince myself it was a good thing for him to get into. It's unhealthy, it's unforgiving and it's emotionally draining. On top of that the economy is becoming increasingly more unpredictable and the consumer increasingly demanding with less in favour of the provider. The demand for bargain purchases, discounts on list and then the warranty / option to throw it back for a refund when they get bored is killing every aspect of the highstreet and I don't want to throw anyone under the bus if they can't meet my standards. It's a business that lives on the quality of the work. Nobody else will put in the same effort.
Edited by ecain63 on Saturday 24th November 17:16
Jasandjules said:
Set up a gardening business?
You know, I did actually think of this recently, but then forgot. I'm not at all green fingered but having not long moved to a house with a big wooded garden I'm becoming used to life with a wheelbarrow and take. Definitely a decent way to live if you don't need a huge invoice. Very difficult/impossible to suggest things on threads like this as we don’t know what you like. For example, if you’d asked what to do when you left the army, becoming a jeweller would not have made a list and yet you’ve made a career of it and seemingly enjoyed it.
Decide for yourself if it must be inside/outside, autonomous/managed, shifts or regular, local or not, etc and see what fits the bill.
Decide for yourself if it must be inside/outside, autonomous/managed, shifts or regular, local or not, etc and see what fits the bill.
Badda said:
Very difficult/impossible to suggest things on threads like this as we don’t know what you like. For example, if you’d asked what to do when you left the army, becoming a jeweller would not have made a list and yet you’ve made a career of it and seemingly enjoyed it.
Decide for yourself if it must be inside/outside, autonomous/managed, shifts or regular, local or not, etc and see what fits the bill.
Fully understand your point. I'm purely looking for suggestions that offer a low stress, active, healthy lifestyle but with a half decent income. I'm happy to be an employee (on agreeable terms) and also happy to run a business..... just not a stupidly busy one. Decide for yourself if it must be inside/outside, autonomous/managed, shifts or regular, local or not, etc and see what fits the bill.
Outdoors preferable. Local ideally but I enjoy driving nice roads. If hillwalking was a paid hobby I'd happily do that
ecain63 said:
Fully understand your point. I'm purely looking for suggestions that offer a low stress, active, healthy lifestyle but with a half decent income. I'm happy to be an employee (on agreeable terms) and also happy to run a business..... just not a stupidly busy one.
Outdoors preferable. Local ideally but I enjoy driving nice roads. If hillwalking was a paid hobby I'd happily do that
Postman?Outdoors preferable. Local ideally but I enjoy driving nice roads. If hillwalking was a paid hobby I'd happily do that
Teach how to do what you're already doing? I mean, there's Uni degree courses in just about everything nowadays - are there any technical/vocational training institutions around where you could be a lecturer hands-on type person?
Bonus would be to spot talent early and bring them on yourself.
Bonus would be to spot talent early and bring them on yourself.
OP: I have to say what an eloquently articulated post that is.
Writing is clearly a key skill.
Thing is, in business, you kind of have to deal with such people - not always but often. It goes with the territory regardless of the sector. There's no training you can do to overcome this, just the self-acquired ability to put such things in a box (metaphorically speaking despite the temptation) and focus on the money.
You can always take a leaf out of this bloke's book though and make money from your distain of such people:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i4rgxOi73c
Writing is clearly a key skill.
ecain63 said:
What I'm bad at:
Customer handling. If you give me a normal human being with a good idea of what they want then I'm the guy for the job. I like to work efficiently, with clear objectives and no messing about. What you see is what you get. If you give me 2018 man / woman / other with airy fairy ideas and a belief that my time is theirs to waste then I'm an ex-Marine. I struggle with people who struggle with themselves.
This resonates with me a great deal and I fully understand why you take this view. I've a few friends that have come out of the armed services and ended up in the Police force (or service or whatever it's called this week) and struggled with this very issue.Customer handling. If you give me a normal human being with a good idea of what they want then I'm the guy for the job. I like to work efficiently, with clear objectives and no messing about. What you see is what you get. If you give me 2018 man / woman / other with airy fairy ideas and a belief that my time is theirs to waste then I'm an ex-Marine. I struggle with people who struggle with themselves.
Thing is, in business, you kind of have to deal with such people - not always but often. It goes with the territory regardless of the sector. There's no training you can do to overcome this, just the self-acquired ability to put such things in a box (metaphorically speaking despite the temptation) and focus on the money.
You can always take a leaf out of this bloke's book though and make money from your distain of such people:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i4rgxOi73c
Cant you pick one aspect of what you do already and narrow down
For example, just specialize in rolex servicing or similar (I dont know if you offer this)
Or just target a certain clientele you know are least stress
A lot of other jobs will earn you less when you start and possibly more negatives
You could reduce your workload down to a couple of days per week with existing clients and do some volunteering the rest
What about building work, or some specialist element of it
For example, just specialize in rolex servicing or similar (I dont know if you offer this)
Or just target a certain clientele you know are least stress
A lot of other jobs will earn you less when you start and possibly more negatives
You could reduce your workload down to a couple of days per week with existing clients and do some volunteering the rest
What about building work, or some specialist element of it
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