I'm at this game 8 years and this has been the worst winter yet, its just been one storm after another from November.
The thing is I'm not too bad as I'm mortgage and debt free and have an income from other things but I honestly don't know how anybody starting out in life could make a living in this game especially if your not in one of the millionaire weather free zones.
its all about attitude,preparation and a strong self motivation.i can see this not being as relevant if you have another income,no mortgage etc.
how have you managed to end up with no mortgage at your age?and whats you other means of income?
and dont say housing benefit and claiming benefits! 
most of us have no other means of income and dont claim benefits at all so its off to work we go whatever the weather barring the odd really bad weather day.
The difference Dazmond is when you where faffing about in your younger days I was working hard mortgaged and in debt to the hilt which has now all been paid back, that and a few investments have left me comfortable enough.
I'm now in my mid 50s and think I have earned the right to slow down a little but just to be clear I have never claimed a penny
in benefits from the day I left school which doesn't make me better than anybody else just luckier and would be out cleaning today if it was possible to do so.
Well done Sean, I take my hat off to you.
I'm also in my 50s' and am mortgage and debt free (I rent!).
Here in Ireland if you are self employed you are on your own, so no WFTC or social benefits to be had here if you hit a rough patch.
It's been the same here with one storm after another since the beginning of November, and Henry arrived last night!
I'm trad as well, so no ladderwork while he's around. I'm going either use a trad pole (just to see if viable, although I would think not) or maybe just do ground floors and see what happens.
John
