[Rich]

In the near future, it's looking like I'll be throwing in the towel on my business. It's bitter sweet.

Life is steering me in a different direction. I am not enjoying being all parts of my company. (ie. operator, manager, etc etc..you know the book, lol). It's proving too hard for me and I feel like I'm losing my passion for painting, which is the thing you don't want to lose being in a painting business. Not to mention I've felt like a slave to my business. I appreciate Brian's comment on another thread..."First, I'm not trying to survive. I'm trying to thrive." That hit home.

The other factors involved are financial and family related. Financially, it's been a rollercoaster. I am the sole person in my company, so that has it's limitations in and of itself. As most of you know, I have my first youngster on the way and I'm feeling the need to provide for my family no matter what, more than ever right now. That is one area where there is no room for failure IMO.

Basically, I need set (or at least predictable) income. A place where I can save for my future (401k or similar). I don't want to end up like my mom (no offense-just an example). She's 47, has no retirement that I know of, and isn't thinking about her future at all. Well, that was me until a few months ago, but I'm 28...probably a better age to start thinking about these things .

The positives about my decision seem plentiful. Steady income, retirement plan, no company overhead...which adds to our overall income substantially, a form of security, no guessing, not as much worrying about work flow, etc etc.

I feel like if I was to have more work experience under my belt and maybe a partner in the business, things might have been different, but that's just a guess. Either way, I am actively searching for a "job". I'm sending out my resume and remaining hopeful and optimistic. I may find a job where I can be somewhat flexible. In that case I may keep a few customers to earn some extra dough. I sure will miss most of my customers.

Wish me luck. Who knows what will come. I'll probably stay on the forum here for the long haul...once a painter, always a painter. Any tips, advice, words of wisdom or maybe you've been through this yourself? Any of you guys quit and then go back?

Thanks

 

[slickshift]

I've said it before....

There's a lot to be said for a steady paycheck and the ability to say "call the office ma'am" when a customer wigs out

I often enjoy working for other people, and will probably be doing so this winter (off-season is horribly slow out here)

Having been a small (very small...lol) business owner, it really puts a different perspective on things when working for others
You tend not to have that Worker Bee mentality you see so often in Paycheck Collectors
Some employers can really appreciate that

It could be a tough search though...many companies don't have a process for dealing with the "Self-Employed" on a resume/application
Or are suspicious of your ability to Play Well With Others
It can be like those years as a Small Business Owner didn't even exist

It'll be an interesting trip though...lol
Don't hesitate to call me if you want to talk about it
Or shoot me your resume if you want another opinion
-I used to do the hiring/interviews for another company years ago

Good Luck!

 

[slickshift]

 

[sage]

Where ever you go or what ever you do, it's always best to be in a job that you enjoy. It is understandable that you want the best for you and your family. Running a business is difficult, wearing different hats at different times, being able to manage is crutial and then you throw in the seasonal swing and knowing that a paint job is not a neccessity unlike food, clothing, gas, etc., it can be a real juggling act.

I wish you well in your new adventure. Do you plan to stay in the paint trade?

Sage

 

[Brian]

Rich,

I can't begin to tell you how many times I "quit" my business. For the first 15 years it seemed like a monthly event.

I never actually quit, but I was as close as one could be. At a certain point-- after I read E-Myth-- I asked myself what was missing and what I wanted. Many of the things I listed are what you listed. I also realized that I was probably unemployable-- too many years being self-employed and an unwillingness to tolerate the corporate world-- been there, done that.

So I set out to learn how to get the things that were missing. When I made that my goal, I started seeing improvements almost immediately. The rest is, as they say, history.

Life is too short to not be happy. Whatever you choose to do, being happy should be your goal.

Brian Phillips

 

[scottyd2506]

Sorry to see you have to do this Rich, you are younger than I, but have more company experiance, will miss your expertise and knowlage.
Scotty

 

[Rich]

Thanks guys. Yeah, who knows...I may become a foreman in a local painting company or something. I am sort of shooting for a property adjuster or home inspector or something where I can use my years of painting and other jobs I held in the past as "part" of the knowledge required for the job.

I do plan on sticking around in here.

Nice video...goes perfect with my title....you didn't plan that John-did you :whistling2:

 

[slickshift]

Yes, the song is Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve
I thought it was appropriate...

 

[Tmrrptr]

Best of luck to you Rich.
Far as I can tell, anyone would be fortunate to have you on their payroll.
I do it periodically, myself, but theres only room for one *hole in an operation so I never last long. 5yrs w the big paint co was longest, but I ran my own division of the company...
I'm sure you'll do well, and hope you don't drop the forum too quickly.
r

 

[Tmrrptr]

the verve

Yes, the song is Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve
I thought it was appropriate...

You're conservative.
I would have rather heard Back in Black.
...but don't know how to embed code yet...
r

 

[plainpainter]

Rich - PM me if you want to keep the painting business and stay profitable. I can help you out if don't mind branching out your services. I did the same thing this year - and I have done well, had I stayed solely in painting - I'd be screwed right now.

 

[Workaholic]

Rich i am sorry to hear that you may be hanging it up. As slick said there is a lot to be said about a steady paycheck. I think back to a few jobs i had over the years and wonder where i would be right now if i never moved on.
You have always been helpful in this forum and i too hope that you stick around.
The bottom line is that you know whats best for you and yours, so i wish you all the luck.

 

[Nathan]

Rich,

Sorry to hear about the struggles with your business and I totally understand where your coming from. I've gone back and forth a few times. Good luck with it wherever you land.

I never actually quit, but I was as close as one could be. At a certain point-- after I read E-Myth-- I asked myself what was missing and what I wanted. Many of the things I listed are what you listed. I also realized that I was probably unemployable-- too many years being self-employed and an unwillingness to tolerate the corporate world-- been there, done that.

The E-Myth is a GREAT book and really helped me change my thinking on a number of issues.

 

[Alex PCI]

I don't think anyone of us can say we haven't felt that way one time or another. I too have my first child on the way, and although I have contemplated giving up many times, the thought of me one day wishing I didn't is what inspires me to keep going.
Good luck with whatever you choose

 

[Rich]

Have any of you guys quit and gone back to painting and how was your second go around?

 

[The paint whisperer]

Rich,

Good luck to you, Man.

 

[Tmrrptr]

quit ?

Have any of you guys quit and gone back to painting and how was your second go around?

I wouldn't say quit...

If work slacks off in a field, I'll change to what it takes to put food on the table. I started out in the trades building from the ground up.
My father built specs.

I never installed carpet, and won't do vinyl, but I'll do everything else if the opportunity presents itself. Got all the tools, ready to use 'em.

2nd go round... Well, you tend to work smarter, instead of harder.
Or at least try to !
r

 

[timhag]

Been going strong from day one here.

 

[Rich]

just wanted to update you guys...

I've decided to pursue property management. I'll be taking some courses here pretty soon. Wish me luck....

 

[DeanV]

Rich, I hope it all works out well for you. With all the Condos and apartments, I would think that would work out well for you.