Job Satisfaction!!!
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Old 02-10-2009, 08:44 PM   #21
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

Dittos. My story is a little different than most of you. I'm the 2nd generation to run our buisness.

My father started out working towers as a lineman. While still in his 20s he got the idea that going to collage was what he was supposed to do to get ahead in life. He got his CPA & masters in finance. Worked as a suit for 10 years & realized he hated it. The company he was with was bought out in 83 and they gave him 6 months severence when they let him go. That was the start up scratch he needed to get going.

I started out working in the buisness while I was going to collage & just got sucked in. Dad offered me a partnership in 90 & he retired in 2001. Glad I stayed, I could'nt imagine being anywhere else.

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Old 02-10-2009, 08:48 PM   #22
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldfrt View Post
You're making it sound too easy !!!
Some days it is that easy,other days
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Old 02-10-2009, 09:02 PM   #23
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

I used to Really like what I do...Now I just like it, like it...
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Old 02-13-2009, 01:13 AM   #24
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

Three years ago I noticed that guys were getting paid very well for doing very poor paint jobs in expensive homes. I had a crazy boss and office woman arn't very nice to be around all day. I walked away from my job without giving notice and started my own business. The first few months were tough. I had to prove myself. I was blessed. I had the contacts, the tools, the skill, most of all desire to do something I enjoy. Things fell into place rather quickly for me. Like I said I was blessed. Most of my business is repeat and word of mouth. I am currently in the process of expanding my business.
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Old 02-13-2009, 06:01 AM   #25
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Knighton View Post
How many of you out there really love what you do?

I was reading a thread about college educated individuals on this forum so I wanted to add my two cents...

I have a bachelors degree in accounting and am a CPA. I've spent many years of my life going to work with a shirt and tie on, getting paid a decent amount of money, working 8 - 5. I never get dirty unless I spill lunch on myself...BUT I HATE IT!

The only time I get any job satisfaction is when I'm working with my hands, cutting myself, accidentally smashing my fingers, and being sore. (no jokes here) Part time, I do home renovations and remodeling for myself and some limited customers. I wish I could do it full time, but I tell myself that I need the stability of my job and its benefits...especially the health care. I enjoy doing real quality work and it seems today that the work that I see, is so shoddy. I know I could be a real asset to your profession.

BUT I'LL TELL YOU THE TRUTH...I envy all you who can make it work, all of you who took the plunge and made the commitment to go out on your own and who refuse to sacrifice quality work/craftsmanship for a quick buck. I am plenty educated and have the knowledge and capital to create a near perfect and financially sound business plan, but I'm too scared to take the real plunge.

How many of you out there really really love what you do?

"Some of the happiest people on the planet, go home stinkin’ to high heaven at the end of the day."
I wouldn't wish being a contractor on my worse enemy!!! No all kiding aside I love what I do. But to tell you the truth in the begining I didnt think I was going to make it. I just about starved for 4 or 5 years. After that it just sort of picked up. Being a small contractor still has its flaws. Sometimes cash flow does get a little tight, but you learn how to budget for those tough times. I save all year just in case its a bad winter. Life is so much better when you enjoy your profession, and I do.
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Old 02-13-2009, 07:47 AM   #26
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

I enjoy building and remodeling, And there is good and bad in every job...
Do what you enjoy the most, if you can....! The tendency is - if you don't like what you do, you generally won't be as successful
If you only put a little effort in, you won't benifit as much as you would
If you loved what you did.........The effort would seem easy.
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Old 02-13-2009, 12:02 PM   #27
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Knighton View Post
Thanks for the response. Maybe I'm kinda different, but I want my wife right there beside me. I guess I still like her...only been married 13 years.
Me too - been married 17 years and my wife works by my side on every job, we do a lot of kitchen \ bath renovations featuring our own custom cabinets. She does all of our tile work (i help lay it out and cut - she installs), she does our drywall mud coats (she says i'm too sloppy), she does our paint work and helps design, build and install our cabinets - among the many other things she is the most capable helper I could ask for and she is all about quality since her name is on the project, she is invested...

We have seen the look of surprise on a lot of customers faces when we roll in on jobs (a chick) and a lot ask how we handle working together...

We have our moments for sure, 24 hours a day we are together and I can get snappy when things frustrate me, she is laid back and lets it go so it works for us... I would still pick my wife to work with me over anyone...
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Old 02-18-2009, 08:50 AM   #28
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

Found a cool quote for this post:

"“To work is to think. To employ the hands is to employ the brain, and that, too, in an effective way. Mechanical and farm labor is, therefore, more important to brain power and development than the college curriculum. Academic work may make a scholar, but it often fails to make a thinker.”
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Old 02-18-2009, 09:08 AM   #29
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

Having good clients makes all the difference in the world to my job satisfaction. If all clients were appreciative (or respectful) of what's involved in the job, understanding of delays, and had no budget constraints, I would be one of the happiest guy in the world.

I'm generally kind of curmudgeonly though.
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Old 02-18-2009, 09:11 AM   #30
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

I love what I do, I too went to college and can't imagine having to do the 8-5 grind on someone else's clock. My advice to you is if you have the skill set it takes to run a business and do quality work, go for it. It sounds like you've got the start up money, that's most people's main obstacle. What are you waiting on?
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Old 02-18-2009, 09:42 AM   #31
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

I loved my old job before I did this. This is for the money and the challenge. If I had a job doing what I enjoy, I'd be a **** star.
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Old 02-18-2009, 09:47 AM   #32
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Re: Job Satisfaction!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by dubz View Post
Having good clients makes all the difference in the world to my job satisfaction. If all clients were appreciative (or respectful) of what's involved in the job, understanding of delays, and had no budget constraints, I would be one of the happiest guy in the world.

I'm generally kind of curmudgeonly though.
Thanks!! You made me look up curmudgeonly!
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