Self-Employment VS Working a Job

You are not alone if you are thinking about a career change. I've been there too...and I have
a few things for you to consider before you do anything drastic. Cutting wood soon?


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[karatCC]

I would really suggest anyone that wants to be a general contractor/superintendent.. first, , actually build something. Actually wear the same tool belt and experience life in the shoes of the people you want to boss around. As a carpenter, I can’t tell you how many project managers I’ve come in contact with that have the glimmer of big money and building someone’s dream home with the false catharsis that they’re building something special .. meanwhile you shake their hand and can instantly tell they’ve never swung a hammer in their life. Those are always the most nightmarish builds for everyone involved.

[dannywilsher]

I've been on both sides of the fence. Worked for people who didn't have a clue what side was up. And I've also started or bought 35 different businesses. And managed to get 2 engineering degrees in my spare time. And I still haven't figured out what I want to be when I grow up. I retired at 55 but haven't stopped working on things I enjoy doing. I hope I can continue for another 30 years at least. I still have a lot of things I need to do!

[badriver]

age 73-45 years in business and still counting. with a ladder rack and a 72 F-150. from hanging gutters and roofing to stadiums, art centers to GC. it's a hard road and not for everyone. a few people a long the way were a huge help. find those ppl. pick what you do best and hoan that skill or biz model. minimize your mistakes-support your community. ALWAYS-be honest-Chief

[tate]

"People don't quit jobs, they quit bosses" This is worth repeating! But I suppose also, just because you don't like your boss, doesn't mean you want to be your own boss, I've seen many people make that mistake, when all they really wanted was a job with a better boss.

[levibarros]

Even the WORST day I've had while self employed as a mason was still a trillion times better than my best day working for someone else. I might have to give up being self employed someday, but for now, I am happier than any person I have ever met or even heard of.

[Sjwolosz]

43 year ..I was an eager beaver in the beginning . Work hard and it will come, Study hard, Become the best you can and learn as much as you can .My career has gone from the penniless pits to standing atop mountains then back down to the pits and wondering what happened . Back to the top and seemingly learned from my mistakes and back on top of the mountain, Then penniless once again, My last surge . I finally arrived and had my chess pieces in place, Then life came along and weakened me with stage 4 cancer and the only way I knew to fight it, Was go hard and climb again, Can't climb anymore . The best advice I can give ..Fall in love with the work, Don't seek it for the money solely, Make it your love and build with love, Always give thanks for the talent you have been given . Build as if you are building for God . Glory to God

[kevenweaver]

I have been blessed enough to get into the Boston Carpenters Union at 25. By 28 I was promoted to foreman and have been happily employed with 1 company for 8 years now.

Working FOR someone, the most important factor is WHO you're working for, and I hit the jackpot in that department. However, my employer knows that I know what I'm worth and will take off at the slightest hint of bs. Competent employees have the power these days, you just need to take control of it.

[glacius]

I ve done that..quit my job in sales..borring as hell..10 years having to deal with alot of people that would ruin your day...so i left to UK..and realised i m like a wish in the water there..stayed 9 years..learned a few trades..such as painter and decorator, plumber, electrician, carpenter, builder ..and then came.back to Romania and build myself a nice house, and i thank every day to those 30 famillies plus or minus..that always kept me.busy and apreciated me..cant wait to go on a holliday and have a cup of tea with them😊

[cortexdb]

Working for yourself will be the hardest thing you ever do, if you can pull it off you are extremely talented.
Working for someone else is the easiest thing possible, just realize it's not yours, and you will be cut loose with no notice when you are used up.

[StoneysWorkshop]

I actually went from owning a business to working for a company last year.
A lot less stress and weekends are back!!!

[charlesgill]

I love that I found this guy. Started my own company 5 years ago. This video would have helped me immensely when I did it. This guy is talking about things no one tells you when thinking about starting your business. A lot of mental will and things that scare most people, this man explains the rationalization you do within yourself and with your spouse before taking that risk. Glad I stumbled on this mans account.

[skygh]

Find a niche few or no others do. I have reinvented myself as needed from locksmith to carpenter to contractor. I started learning locksmithing in high school which has been amazing. I worked for others learning what I needed along the way. I ended up at the top of the food chain in my 100, 000 population city. I now do about anything with doors installing mortise, multipoint locks, hinging you name it. I regularly work for the millworks here repairing, reversing door swings, whatever they can't do and they treat me like gold. No advertising needed, folks call me every day for work now. I am the only person in the state that works on some locks so I can charge whatever I want, but I am not exploitive. I am 68 and happy as can be with no intention of quitting at this point. This could be good or bad but do what everyone else does, get what everyone else gets. This is hard work and takes more than a 40 hour week, thoroughness and self motivation required. The unambitious need not apply

[zbowen]

The freedom of being self-employed is hard to give up.
Even with all the challenges.
Feast or famine is a rough life, though.

[coastalgeorgia]

$ 15 / hr to run cash register vs $ 20 for trade job with tools needed.... glad to have kearned my trade well, and it was a living but wages never kept up with expected work required.

[nolanthompson]

As a young man at 27 years old I've felt that burning ambition to throw everything away and reach for the stars, but I've recognized the security in working a steady paying job with decent pay and great benefits. I am exceptionally thankful that I work with my managers directly to determine my scheduled working hours so that I can have the free time I need when I need it most.

What you say about having a side gig rings so true though, Scott. Just do a little on the side. Having the security of my day job has given me the opportunity to experiment with my craftsmanship skills at no risk to my livelihood. I get to gunsmith, work on and develop my fathers homestead, help friends and family fix and maintain vehicles, help with home renovations, and in general flourish to my hearts content at whichever craft I choose.

I am very thankful that others and I alike can tune in to your channel, website, and podcast to listen to your advice any time we like! Keep up the good work, and God bless!

[bruceb.harrison]

Those questions to ask yourself about the possibility of making a change are genius… genius borne of experience and wisdom. Thank you, sir.

[algoneby]

I went through many of the struggles you are so eloquently describing. Some very tough times, especially when family is relying on you. Sometimes sick with worry. I had my own business for around ten years, and the idea of pounding away at it, and putting up with not being paid, or lack of work was extremely stressful, as opposed to working for someone. Another quandary, do I expand my business beyond working alone, and pay for workman's comp, insurance, take bigger risks ? It's a jungle out there.

[adamguinnmusic]

I spent just about the last 10 years working construction for other people. Different trades but mostly carpentry.
I was working the last year for a timber framing crew.
So last this last December right before Christmas I just dipped, with the full support of my wife who is a stay at home mom, and decided to work for myself. Started advertising around town and got some jobs. Then I decided I was done doing anything but carpentry and woodworking. So I started turning down any job that wasn't just working with wood. Now things have taken off. I'm becoming known as the woodworker. A specialist and I'm getting jobs left and right.
My point is you don't always need to be scared. Sometimes you just need to believe and get after it.
We have three kids and about $200 to our name when I made this decision. I never let myself doubt that we wouldn't be provided for. You are always provided for if you do what God is telling you to. You are living in the land of abundance. Let it pour on in.

[johnwidell]

64 year old carpenter/ self employed contractor here. I can't say how much your experience has paralleled my own. You have explained perfectly what is needed when considering the trades, self employment and being a contractor. Being at the end of my career, the wisdom I have spent years acquiring and the time and experience honing the skills needed, there is a strong desire to share it with the youth of today. Sadly, almost no one I know has the desire, drive or ambition. It can be a hard and dangerous life but it can also be an extremely satisfying life.

[XavierExel]

I'm just discovering this channel and loving it so far:-)

I thought my own career path might be an interesting note for somebody.

I come from a family of plumbers where I thought I didn't have to learn anything blue collar. I taught music for 3 years while studying to become a massage therapist. For a couple years I had trouble marketing myself and wanted a consistent job instead.

Fast forward and I've been working with home Depot for 5 years. After proving myself to them after a couple years I've been able to only work weekends and have been doing apprenticeships Monday through Friday. I've done moving, hardscaping, and am now learning irrigation. The grind working 7 days a week is definitely taxing but the physical therapy knowledge I've learned as a massage therapist has helped me mediate the repetitive stress of these jobs. Still playing jazz and church music, and am excited to be able to forge more paths in the future as I gain skills and crucial connections.

Keep up the great work 👍