Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Dean Taberner on September 09, 2013, 09:13:03 pm
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Again I was just wondering,
Cheers,
Dean.
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Thanks for voting,
Its an interesting pole so far,
If anybody wishes to add their stories as to why they decided to become window cleaners and how long they've been cleaning then that would make it even more interesting.
I'll start,
I've been cleaning windows since I was 16 working for my dad and after a while out working for Michelin tyres I decided to go alone.
I'm now 33.
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I think I was 50 the last time I posted on here 0ne year later i'm really feeling my age does Stu Mac still post on here he must be at least 55 now ;D
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Stu Mac is more active on Facebook these days Ross ;-)
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I am 41 ye cheeky sods ;D
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I'm 35, exactly half the age of Malc Gold. ;D ;D 8)
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I went to put in 44 and find it's just 40+ -- 40+ isn't a demographic it's a question, ' What are you doing on the Earth that old ? '
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Did a bit of Saturday work for a mates dad between ages of 12 and 16.
Did my apprenticeship in Joinery kept at it until 21.
Went into teaching and window cleaning together as the teaching wage is carp.
Bloke offered me 50% of his round all expenses paid except diesel & P/L doubled my money for half the hours (quadrupled in effect) overnight.
Stayed with him for 18 months-he was really really good to me.
But got offered a business as a fella was retiring round my manor.
I had cash so cut him in half as he was desperate and started on my own the next week.
Within 3 years i had tripled his turnover.
Still going strong in my 11th year.
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I am 64 this November, Most of my customer think I am in my fifties.I still work a very full day of 30 houses with out effort. Been window cleaning for 4years.I went into window cleaning as I battled to get a job in my field in business consultancy. It was the first time in my life some else told me how I should be feeling.I was told I am past my best day. So I started my business with 136 quid.Bought my Ford Connect cash in my second year and all the fancy poles ,vacs and pressure washing in the third year and still going stronger in my forth year. Spent the second year with a Harris pole and backpack. I know I am a bit cocky for my age. ;D ;D ;D but hay, I guess I must be a true recycled teenager.
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I am 64 this November, Most of my customer think I am in my fifties.I still work a very full day of 30 houses with out effort. Been window cleaning for 4years.I went window cleaning as I battled to get a job in my field in business consultancy. I was told I am past my best day. So I started my business with 136 quid and am still going after four years.It was the first time in my life some else told me how I should be feeling.I guess I m the true recycled teenager.
Much respect to you mate.
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Used to be a Area Sales guy in a shiny car, chasing round appointments taking people to lunch etc etc.
Nice job, well paid but loooong hours, when we had kids I didn't want to miss out on them growing up, saved up set up as a windy while working the other job, and then after 4 months they gave me £4000 to leave, because for some reason I wasn't doing as well as before at my job, ;D I was chuffed to say the least.
10 years on still loving it, never miss a bed time or sports day. Long weekends most weeks
I'm 41, this is a good poll and it would be interesting to see a poll that had categories for 50+ and 60+ too.
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55
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31
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31 started when was 21 and still love it.
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55 Been on and off for over 20 years +
Had more interesting jobs, but hour for hour, this is the best paid. I like the short hours and flexibility of working when you want to and not because I have to. I'll be moving over to full time upholstery and carpet cleaning next year, because that's even better paid. May keep some of the best work for fun, but we'll see.
I thought some members were younger than they've posted on here. ;) I thought Smithie was about 30ish.
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Did a bit of Saturday work for a mates dad between ages of 12 and 16.
Did my apprenticeship in Joinery kept at it until 21.
Went into teaching and window cleaning together as the teaching wage is carp.
Bloke offered me 50% of his round all expenses paid except diesel & P/L doubled my money for half the hours (quadrupled in effect) overnight.
Stayed with him for 18 months-he was really really good to me.
But got offered a business as a fella was retiring round my manor.
I had cash so cut him in half as he was desperate and started on my own the next week.
Within 3 years i had tripled his turnover.
Still going strong in my 11th year.
31 here too!!! and a joiner too lol
but i only started recently so ive a lot of catching up to do :)
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33.
Cleaned my first window for money at the ripe old age of 12 :o
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32
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32 started 27 needed a job looked at it as a means to N end till I got a better job 2 years in I started my first day at work again £27k It felt rubbish bare in mind I was earning much much less before as a not as serious window cleaner I went on lunch break and never came back they were gob smacked lol;) I said to my self if I walk away from this job ill have to try that water system thingy and go all or bust never looked back
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32 started 27 needed a job looked at it as a means to N end till I got a better job 2 years in I started my first day at work again £27k It felt rubbish bare in mind I was earning much much less before as a not as serious window cleaner I went on lunch break and never came back they were gob smacked lol;) I said to my self if I walk away from this job ill have to try that water system thingy and go all or bust never looked back
Nice story, glad has all worked out for you.
I don't think I'd be happy being employed ever again, it's too much of an easy life when all the pieces slot together.
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57 next week
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32 started 27 needed a job looked at it as a means to N end till I got a better job 2 years in I started my first day at work again £27k It felt rubbish bare in mind I was earning much much less before as a not as serious window cleaner I went on lunch break and never came back they were gob smacked lol;) I said to my self if I walk away from this job ill have to try that water system thingy and go all or bust never looked back
Basically its the freedom that the jobs gives you or self employment gives you which is priceless sod the money I'm sat at home now with a cup of tea watching mayweathers greatest hits while my girl friend has to endure rush hour working late everyday being told what to do sod that! Ill work late when its required !
These are the things which make it great!
Nice story, glad has all worked out for you.
I don't think I'd be happy being employed ever again, it's too much of an easy life when all the pieces slot together.
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46
Slowing down every year now ;D
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32 started 27 needed a job looked at it as a means to N end till I got a better job 2 years in I started my first day at work again £27k It felt rubbish bare in mind I was earning much much less before as a not as serious window cleaner I went on lunch break and never came back they were gob smacked lol;) I said to my self if I walk away from this job ill have to try that water system thingy and go all or bust never looked back
Basically its the freedom that the jobs gives you or self employment gives you which is priceless sod the money I'm sat at home now with a cup of tea watching mayweathers greatest hits while my girl friend has to endure rush hour working late everyday being told what to do sod that! Ill work late when its required !
These are the things which make it great!
Nice story, glad has all worked out for you.
I don't think I'd be happy being employed ever again, it's too much of an easy life when all the pieces slot together.
Lol same here finished work at 2pm been gym, walked the dogs! now im playing with my African grey parrot in front room chilling watching sky and on iPad without a worry in the world whilst my mrs is slogging away in her office until 5pm with rush hour traffic to attend to before she has to come home and make her superior other half dinner...
Wouldn't want it any other way. ;D
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32 started 27 needed a job looked at it as a means to N end till I got a better job 2 years in I started my first day at work again £27k It felt rubbish bare in mind I was earning much much less before as a not as serious window cleaner I went on lunch break and never came back they were gob smacked lol;) I said to my self if I walk away from this job ill have to try that water system thingy and go all or bust never looked back
Basically its the freedom that the jobs gives you or self employment gives you which is priceless sod the money I'm sat at home now with a cup of tea watching mayweathers greatest hits while my girl friend has to endure rush hour working late everyday being told what to do sod that! Ill work late when its required !
These are the things which make it great!
Nice story, glad has all worked out for you.
I don't think I'd be happy being employed ever again, it's too much of an easy life when all the pieces slot together.
Lol same here finished work at 2pm been gym, walked the dogs! now im playing with my African grey parrot in front room chilling watching sky and on iPad without a worry in the world whilst my mrs is slogging away in her office until 5pm with rush hour traffic to attend to before she has to come home and make her superior other half dinner...
Wouldn't want it any other way. ;D
Haha that's it ;)
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My Goody gum drop, I am the O A P on the forum. Old windies never die there poles just get to shorter and shorter and cannot to the job any longer.Its the faulty clamps I say, that were the problems lie. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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12.
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22 ;)
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32 years young... only been cleaning 2 months :o
Spent last 10 years as a psychiatric nurse
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I don't think I'd be happy being employed ever again
+1,000,000
I have had 1 other job, working for someone else, for about 10 months. The thought of being employed by somebody gives me the boak.
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Don't know why but I always thought Mick was about 55.
I don't know any 30 year old Mick's. no offence bud
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Don't know why but I always thought Mick was about 55.
I don't know any 30 year old Mick's. no offence bud
Lol cheers i guess.
Well funny though. :o
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27.
I worked with a guy throughout uni, i cleaned the bottom and he cleaned the tops. Really loved it and got the bug for working outside.
Two years after graduation and a round comes up for sale near me, decided to go for it and im a lot happier now. earning good money, feeling very happy and sleep like a log every night
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36 & 1/2 today :D
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36
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60
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I am 64 this November, Most of my customer think I am in my fifties.I still work a very full day of 30 houses with out effort. Been window cleaning for 4years.I went window cleaning as I battled to get a job in my field in business consultancy. I was told I am past my best day. So I started my business with 136 quid and am still going after four years.It was the first time in my life some else told me how I should be feeling.I guess I m the true recycled teenager.
Much respect to you mate.
i will 2nd that.
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49
Been a windie for 26 years. Seen hot summers and terrible winters where you think it's never gonna end and you nearly run out of money but survived in the end. Been a good life out in the fresh air away from office bugs. Hard work tho but a descent living now I'm reach and wash. Earn much more than I did in the old days of trad. Slowing up a bit but can still give the youngsters and newbies a run for their money.
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24, works well with my other job as a fire fighter 8)
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32
Been cleaning 4 years now, added window cleaning as an add on 2 years ago liked it and seen the potential to grow so changed my business name at start of this year and windys is now 80% of my work. Used to build blocks before this, upto my knees in sh*t everyday, think thats why i like window cleaning so much ;D ;D
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:) 32
Step-grandad is a lifelong trad window cleaner still going at 72
Step dad is lifelong trad window cleaner 52 years old
I started licking glass during holidays for school, collage and Uni.
Got a degree in sports science (outdoor recreation management)
Got myself fully qualified as
Kayaking, sailing, powerboating, climbing & mountain biking instructor
Lined myself a job in the alps working as a ski rep, got told by my mrs that she was up the duff so I came crashing back to reality!
Been window cleaning ever since!
I also set up a cafe bar business then a chip shop business, then leased out an indian takeway with my lovely mum. Not any more :'(
Also help run a CROSSFIT gym with a few friends :)
Windows & crossfit = happy Dan
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25
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33.
Started window cleaning in 1996 in London around the west end,soho and mayfair.
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40 + vat ;D
Originally started windows in 1982 til 1984 when the Mrs wanted me to get a proper job ::)roll so I got a job as a van driver ??? (proper job!)
Then went to work in a foundry for 17 years, ended up as foreman on £25k. in that time the Mrs popped out 5 kids ;D
Always did window cleaning part time tho!
2004 left the foundry to train as a plumber, qualified in 2006, did that for about 18 months and hated it.
Had a chat with my step brother, who had been window cleaning for 20+ years and he said I could give him a hand. My first go on a pole was in 2007. 2008 went out on my own and haven't looked back.
Wish I had stuck at it 1984!
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26 just.....
Started at about 18 part time, been going fulltime about 5 years. HAve a very love hate relationship with windows...
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25
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My Goody gum drop, I am the O A P on the forum. Old windies never die there poles just get to shorter and shorter and cannot to the job any longer.Its the faulty clamps I say, that were the problems lie. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Get back in line ;D
There's me and Terry Angel way up in front - as well as a few others ;)
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63 this November, catching you up Smithie!
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63 this November, catching you up Smithie!
He'll always have that head start.
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I've been around the sun 54 times and I'm getting giddy.
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32 years young... only been cleaning 2 months :o
Spent last 10 years as a psychiatric nurse
You'll feel right at home on here then. ;)
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64 going on 20. Still fighting all the way. They always said you will mellow with age I have not.rand Me old Yorkshire Granddad got into a lot of trouble tackling a plod at 69 who lay a hand on him.He was sober as a judge and not a drinker at all.
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23
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36 but look 20,still ask my ID when i buy alcohol ;)
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32. Started 2 years ago part time as regular job is quiet.
Love my three days a week on the glass.
Hope to pluck up the courage to go full time soon.
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53 In January and just taking up WFP..
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Some times when I am on here I think I am 2 years old. Its only the old age pains in I disagree that remind me I am not. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Me old Yorkshire Granddad got into a lot of trouble tackling a plod at 69
:o
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23 started just before I was 18 for a local window cleaner then started up on my own the last couple of years slowly building it up but gonna kick on over the next 18 months and expand a bit :)
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im 21 started working for my uncle at 17 then went it alone with 1 weeks work every 4 weeks at 18... here I am at 21 still going strong ;D
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52 been on the glass 37 years.Getting good at it now