Who here are self employed/entrepreneurs ???

[capt jack]

Fire Dpt. 27 years, Side business the whole time, started out doing anything construction related: roofing, concrete, built several new homes, + rain gutters. Finally evolved into just Seamless Gutters and vinyl siding. Have 4 GREAT full time employees who run things I'm at the fire station (thank god for cell phones) I do all sales, billing , pay bills, and still have a tool belt in my truck. Also ranch (60+ cows) and have several rental properties. It's a full life but I have the best of both worlds: Insurance/retirement and freedom of self employment. An idiot city mgr. we had a few years back was at the fire station one day and proclamed "the reason you guys are firefighters is so you can have these side jobs" One of our guys shot back "no sir we have side jobs so our families can afford for us to be firefighters". Last I heard that city Mgr was in drug rehab, and I spent this weekend on my tractor with my kids and wife helping me, then we went fishing!

 

[onsight]

I've been running my own snowplowing business for 20 years. Money is good (sometimes), but the hours suck Always had a "real" full time job in addition to the snowplowing business, too.

About 7 years ago, a lost job combined with a good year of plowing presented an opportunity to start up another business - Mobile Semi Truck & Trailer Repair. I had previously been a truck & trailer mechanic, and always thought it would be a good idea. Well, here I am now - still in business - and doing great. I have a small loyal customer base, and do my best to service them as I would my own fleet. Being on my own does have its drawbacks, though... Many nights my cellphone or pager go off in the middle of the night, holidays and even during plowing, I've had to put my family and activities on hold to service them. Since I've been dealing with the same customers, now it is getting easier to say no every (and I do mean every) once in a while

I do enjoy what I do (being a mechanic), but look forward to getting out of the elements. If you are looking to start up your own business - I would tell you to take a chance and do it. I can honestly say, I wouldn't be where I am today with out taking the chance that I did by opening my own business.

 

[chili]

Been self-employed for the past 12 years doing Structural Steel Drafting. I have had employees in the past but I like it best going solo with a lot more flexibility. Downsides are health ins. of which i have, but the ins. co excludes things that they could not in a mutiple policy. Also, getting my invoices paid in a timely manner is always an issue but i have always been paid. I enjoy working for myself and would do it again if i had to do it all over.

 

[blueberryman]

I was a superintent for construction company when to big slowdown came in the early 90's. Told the wife I'd try it on my own and if the billswern't payed by sept. I'd go back on construction. Cut wood the first winter, then never looked back. I have had up to 6 employees with most all being very loyal.

We also have Blueberries, apples and strawberries so time is very limited in the growing season.

The wife works and has the health insurance, it would be very tough if she didn't.