The joys of self employment,
Discussion
Been self employed now for 5 years ,started a home and garden maintenance business ,got a good amount of customers,especially the gardenwork,however every year I have to start from scratch (financially)ie November December and January are completely flat,overdraft is on the point of running out ,at nearly 50 years old I had hoped for more but worry that this will still be the status quo in 10 years time.
Yes it will be the same in 10 years. That's the nature of that work. End of!
Either plan your finances in such a way that you have sufficient cash to last you through winter or get creative.
Consider offering patio cleaning, UPVc cleaning...services that are loosely related but not seasonally dependant.
Either plan your finances in such a way that you have sufficient cash to last you through winter or get creative.
Consider offering patio cleaning, UPVc cleaning...services that are loosely related but not seasonally dependant.
A mate of mine has a company where the work load is very seasonal. At this time of the year he makes sure all of his gear is ready to go, goes on holiday, prices up a few jobs and also takes on a few other jobs usually on day rate that keep his (self employed) men in work and him ticking over.
You could spread your income by trying to get favourable clients to pay by monthly direct debit. Also try and hold jobs back that can be done in the Winter months. Make hay when the sun shines by doing the most lucrative jobs and high pricing the other stuff 6 sometimes 7 days a week during the season. Employ a living wage labourer and do 15 x £25 gardens a day.
I know a 68 year old who works likes this and now hibernates in Spain during the Winter.
I know a 68 year old who works likes this and now hibernates in Spain during the Winter.
Nature of self employment really, imagine running a café in a Cornish seaside town, packed out in Summer, dead as a doornail in Winter. You need the good times to cover the bad.
Who wants a gardener in November/December, other than maybe a general tidy up?
Self employment isn't for everyone, but it's good that you have tried diversifying, don't know what the answer is really, have you tried leaflet drops, having a basic website etc?.
Who wants a gardener in November/December, other than maybe a general tidy up?
Self employment isn't for everyone, but it's good that you have tried diversifying, don't know what the answer is really, have you tried leaflet drops, having a basic website etc?.
Bruce, maybe you could see about a better website, it's, er, basic! 
Being self employed is a tough old time. We have a handyman come in to do all the odd jobs at work, cutting grass, trimming hedges etc. Keeps him busy, put a letter into car dealerships locally offering your services, worth a go!
Being self employed is a tough old time. We have a handyman come in to do all the odd jobs at work, cutting grass, trimming hedges etc. Keeps him busy, put a letter into car dealerships locally offering your services, worth a go!
Thanks for the ideas,with regard to the website,this was going to be version 3 but we felt it wasnt making a big enough difference to new enquiries as to be fair most of my customers are on the wrong side of 60.On the flyer front ive pushed about 3000 or so through letterboxes and on the whole this has been very successful,every year.
Mattt said:
Chimney sweep?
On a serious note, an old school friend of mine quit his IT Manager job a few years back to become a chimney sweep. He makes a damn good wedge by charging for attendance at weddings. Apparently it's good luck to have a chimney sweep present or something along those lines. He also does the occasional chimney which is pretty lucrative too with the move to wood burning stoves. I know, I know cool story bro.
snorky782 said:
Mattt said:
Chimney sweep?
On a serious note, an old school friend of mine quit his IT Manager job a few years back to become a chimney sweep. He makes a damn good wedge by charging for attendance at weddings. Apparently it's good luck to have a chimney sweep present or something along those lines. He also does the occasional chimney which is pretty lucrative too with the move to wood burning stoves. I know, I know cool story bro.
snorky782 said:
On a serious note, an old school friend of mine quit his IT Manager job a few years back to become a chimney sweep. He makes a damn good wedge by charging for attendance at weddings. Apparently it's good luck to have a chimney sweep present or something along those lines. He also does the occasional chimney which is pretty lucrative too with the move to wood burning stoves.
I know, I know cool story bro.
Yes we pay £43 for our flue to be swept, I imagine he must be a millionaire. I know, I know cool story bro.
induction said:
Been self employed now for 5 years ,started a home and garden maintenance business ,got a good amount of customers,especially the gardenwork,however every year I have to start from scratch (financially)ie November December and January are completely flat,overdraft is on the point of running out ,at nearly 50 years old I had hoped for more but worry that this will still be the status quo in 10 years time.
My work is not so much seasonal, more weather dependant. It's literally just a case of saving for a rainy day! Something else to do as a sideline might be the key for you. I'd imagine you come across plenty of wood/logs. Seasoned firewood could bring a few pennies in over winter!Gassing Station | Business | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff