Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Marc Stock on February 04, 2016, 09:01:26 am
-
I tell you what i am fed up with window cleaning. Its great pay and its given me a good living. But after 13 years im beginning to wane and want to do something else.
-
What do you fancy doing next?
-
35 years and still enjoying most of it. Bet your back in 6 months, the grass is not always greener.
-
Started in 2001 and excited I have many years left of work.
The job I am on today just reminds me why I love my job.
-
I know that feeling Marc but I don't want to do anything different just wish we could win lottery n do naf all ;D
-
Hi. Marc.
No disrespect, I maybe wrong but you seem to run your round very regimented which I'm sure makes you earn alot more than me.
But if I worked in all weathers I think I would have given up years ago.
Or told customers in advance the exact day and time I would be back that would wind me up.
Do you offer any other services?
I thinking of going into gutter clearing.
Maybe if you had a gutter vac you could do this on the wet but not to wet days as I believe it to be more profitable.
Needing less time spent out in miserable weather.
They say a change is a good as a rest ;D
Keep going mate.
Ps. I do work all year round in most weathers but as someone said intermittent windscreen wiper weather :)
-
Why. Are you just bored with window cleaning?
Sit down and think about it.
DO NOT let it get too late.
I know the feeling.
-
We all have bad days.
Take my day today, went to use my gutter vac for just the second time, damn thing won't turn on ::)roll
Thought it might be a dodgy extension reel so plugged vac directly into customers socket, still nothing. Had to reschedule the job until I get it sorted, very embarrassing.
Then on way to next job, whilst I'm still cursing my luck, a friggin stone hits the windscreen causing a huge chip :-X
Sometimes sh@t happens and you just have to laugh.
-
if you sell up you will never get the work you have now. have yourself a holliday abroad, you can go AI in Turkey 4 star hotels for £5-600 in May beginning, have a break and rethink how lucky you are to be able to do what you want and when.
no brainer.
Where are you based , if near me i ll have your work ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
-
Surrey, too far
-
Can't say I love my job anymore. Certainly don't hate it like my last one but God, it's boring at times.
-
i nearly packed in about 2 years ago ............... went for a couple of interviews back in my previous kinda employment car sales and sales management .............. the thought of doing that type of work again soon had me sprinting out of the door every morning to go clean windows
as suggested go for a holiday or some interviews soon get u back motovated
-
i nearly packed in about 2 years ago ............... went for a couple of interviews back in my previous kinda employment car sales and sales management .............. the thought of doing that type of work again soon had me sprinting out of the door every morning to go clean windows
as suggested go for a holiday or some interviews soon get u back motovated
If I recall correctly, you were given some excellent advice on the subject...
Vin
-
I think im just having a down moment.
???
Just fed up with muddy hoses, gritty poles, dog poop that goes all sloppy in this wet weather and seems to coat everything with a nice poopy whiff. The high winds and rain and dark evenings. I feel like I want to hibernate. I suffer with depression anyway so that dont help. Thanks for the positive comments
-
Hi Marc,
I think we both started up about the same time. Window cleaning is now about 30% of my work, I exploited the "add ons"
And am doing really well.
It also relieved the boredom of the same thing every day!!!
Very rewarding too if priced right.
Last year I had 3 holidays to Thailand and was supposed to be there for a month xmas and new year just gone, but was mad busy so am going around April time instead.
A change could do you the world of good mate, did with me.
I also treat myself each year, gives you something to look forward too, this year i got this....
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1454605812_IMG_1141.JPG)
-
Mick what add ons do you do?
Gutter clearing, pressure washing?
-
Mick what add ons do you do?
Gutter clearing, pressure washing?
I do gutters UPVC and conservatories.
-
I think im just having a down moment.
???
Just fed up with muddy hoses, gritty poles, dog poop that goes all sloppy in this wet weather and seems to coat everything with a nice poopy whiff. The high winds and rain and dark evenings. I feel like I want to hibernate. I suffer with depression anyway so that dont help. Thanks for the positive comments
Slowly get rid of your dog poo garden jobs and create yourself your perfect round where you actually enjoy visiting the properties. I was cleaning a property for a friends elderly mum who has 2 dogs- she lets them crap all over so it ends up with me looking at the ground more than the windows. Had enough so dumped! it makes me smile knowing I don't have to suffer anymore ;D
-
This^.
-
i nearly packed in about 2 years ago ............... went for a couple of interviews back in my previous kinda employment car sales and sales management .............. the thought of doing that type of work again soon had me sprinting out of the door every morning to go clean windows
as suggested go for a holiday or some interviews soon get u back motovated
If I recall correctly, you were given some excellent advice on the subject...
Vin
this is true :) :)
-
Hi Marc,
I think we both started up about the same time. Window cleaning is now about 30% of my work, I exploited the "add ons"
And am doing really well.
It also relieved the boredom of the same thing every day!!!
Very rewarding too if priced right.
Last year I had 3 holidays to Thailand and was supposed to be there for a month xmas and new year just gone, but was mad busy so am going around April time instead.
A change could do you the world of good mate, did with me.
I also treat myself each year, gives you something to look forward too, this year i got this....
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1454605812_IMG_1141.JPG)
I can vouch for this cos if you google any add on services in the north west your ads appear ;) .... however hopefully u may be getting a little competition ;D
-
I think im just having a down moment.
???
Just fed up with muddy hoses, gritty poles, dog poop that goes all sloppy in this wet weather and seems to coat everything with a nice poopy whiff. The high winds and rain and dark evenings. I feel like I want to hibernate. I suffer with depression anyway so that dont help. Thanks for the positive comments
I've felt the same before and its perfectly normal. I'm generally a very self motivated person and whenever this feeling of throwing in the towel comes into my mind then it usually means something has to change.
set yourself a personal goal or challenge outside of work. perhaps a fitness goal? a place you've always wanted to see? your'll be surprised how focusing on yourself and finding what makes you happy outside of work will intern make you happy at work, regardless of weather and dog cr@p
jon
-
I hate window cleaning from time to time. The job is poope sometimes but it allows me to take time off and do anything to relieve the boredom. It pays well so I can pay my mortgage as a single person and all the other bills without having to watch my bank statements. I earnt more today than people on minimum wage earn all week. Yeh the job really is boring and depressing as hell at times but just go for it when you're working and earn a decent wage so you can afford to take time out every now and then or else you may crack up. My only motivation for this job is my earning potential, if it was for job satisfaction I would have given up years ago. Bin all your bad payers, awkward access jobs, all the moaning customers who never seem please to see you and start cleaning the work you enjoy. I binned a customer yesterday and picked one up for half as much again and less windows. My new years resolution is to bin all my hassle work when I've picked up new, better work. Take time out and have a life outside window cleaning, it's just a job!!!
-
Get a bluetooth headset and chat with your fellow window cleaner mates whilst working, speeds the day up no end
-
oh, and an unlimited minutes phone tariff
-
Most jobs are repetitive and boring
Be nice to get 6 numbers
-
I tell you what i am fed up with window cleaning. Its great pay and its given me a good living. But after 13 years im beginning to wane and want to do something else.
hi marc how many hours do you work a week on average?and do you take weekends off most of the time?i seem to remember you saying in previous posts that you work a lot of hours?
i very rarely get really fed up with window cleaning as i dont work myself to a point where i want to jack it all in.its 6 or 7 hours "on the glass" a day 4 or 5 days a week with a few days off at the end of the month.ive got a busy week next week then im taking most of the next week off after that and decorating my bedroom(painting,wallpapering,new bed,carpet,curtains etc)im really looking forward to it! :)
a change is as good as a rest as they say.
weekends i love taking the dog for long walks,a bit of gym work and im still keeping my hand in drumming in a band with a few of my mates.
what hobbies do you have and do you make time for them?if you just live and breathe window cleaning and put all your focus and energy into your business and rarely take time off then your health and relationships are gonna suffer and eventually you ll have a breakdown.
my day to day work schedule has to be manageable and by being organised with a little bit of flexibilty it works very well for me.
as has already been suggested drop the dog poop jobs and PITA jobs if their getting you down.compact your round as much as possible,up prices if your have underpriced work that your struggling to get round and dont take on too much work that you cant handle comfortably.
all the best
dazmond
-
Although good money can be earned, I don't find cleaning glass particularly fulfill;ing. It's why I have little hobbies that are nothing to do with my main work. I'll probably never make a penny from them, but the pleasure and mental stimulation are important to me. Obviously the type of hobby will vary greatly from person to person. Personally I find reading, writing and general studying a great help. For someone else it might be gardening or pets - or whatever.
It's a tired cliché, but it's so true about 'all work and no play ... '
-
I think there's a certain mood of doom and gloom with a lot of people at the moment.
Mainly owing to the crappy weather and the shorter day light hours at this time of year.
Must admit I struggle with motivation myself at this time of year.
Then come Spring this all changes and the mood lifts.
-
I started boxing training before Christmas. My mate wanted to go and kept nagging me, which is all well and good, but i'm 51. As it turns out I love it. I feel fitter but more importantly, I feel mentally more motivated and focused (I reckon it's them chemicals in your body that everyone goes on about). I also get a bit depressed now and again and it really has helped! Can't even explain why.
So my recommendation is:
1. Find a sport you ENJOY (don't just go to the gym if you don't enjoy it)
2. Dump miserable custys, annoying custys, custys that talk down to you...bad payers, late payers, non payers...dog sh*t, bull sh*t and any other sh*t you don't fancy putting up with...bad access houses, can't park houses, gate locked houses, awkward houses, can't be bothered to go 'round the houses!
3. Get a holiday (somewhere hot with all inclusive drinks and food)
4. Talk to other people, you'll find that 80% f**king hate their jobs. Your job is good.
5. Realise that any job you do for 13 years will pee you off.
6. Start drinking heavily (only joking...ish) ;D
-
I take my dog with me sometimes, can't feel down if you've got a dog as they need walks and lots of love and attention. They are good therapy for depression. One of my customers takes a van load of rabbits to old peoples homes to relax the residents and they look forward to it like kids being handed candy. Got a job keeping my dog out of fish ponds so bought some waterproof seat covers for when she's soaking wet. As mentioned above, get a hobby or treat yourself or do something you enjoy. Too much work and it will drive you nuts and relationships suffer. I work my socks off when I'm working but I also have a lot of time off as well. Hate to plod along as time drags. Everyone said to me how cold it was today but I was in just a t-shirt roasting with built in central heating from working hard. Don't feel the cold until I stop, then it's back on with a jumper. having time out from work gives you something to aim for and look forward to.
-
im just so grateful that ive got the round i have now!i had a delivery guy moaning at me the other day(i see him at least once a week!)about this and that.he gets 80p for delivering a parcel.he s always rushing about while im mincing around with a brush on a stick! ;D
nearly every week he says he s jacking it in.i really dont know how he makes it pay. ::)roll
even today in wind and rain i just have a deep inner drive to get my scheduled work cleaned and get home which of course i did with a few brews and choccy biscuits off good customers.im blessed.i really am.
as for wishing my numbers would come up on the lotto I DONT DO IT!so i dont even entertain the thought of winning loads of money! :)
-
im just so grateful that ive got the round i have now!i had a delivery guy moaning at me the other day(i see him at least once a week!)about this and that.he gets 80p for delivering a parcel.he s always rushing about while im mincing around with a brush on a stick! ;D
nearly every week he says he s jacking it in.i really dont know how he makes it pay. ::)roll
even today in wind and rain i just have a deep inner drive to get my scheduled work cleaned and get home which of course i did with a few brews and choccy biscuits off good customers.im blessed.i really am.
as for wishing my numbers would come up on the lotto I DONT DO IT!so i dont even entertain the thought of winning loads of money! :)
Hey Daz is 'mincing around' an extra service? Is that why you can afford those luxury holidays? ;D
-
I tell you what i am fed up with window cleaning. Its great pay and its given me a good living. But after 13 years im beginning to wane and want to do something else.
hi marc how many hours do you work a week on average?and do you take weekends off most of the time?i seem to remember you saying in previous posts that you work a lot of hours?
i very rarely get really fed up with window cleaning as i dont work myself to a point where i want to jack it all in.its 6 or 7 hours "on the glass" a day 4 or 5 days a week with a few days off at the end of the month.ive got a busy week next week then im taking most of the next week off after that and decorating my bedroom(painting,wallpapering,new bed,carpet,curtains etc)im really looking forward to it! :)
a change is as good as a rest as they say.
weekends i love taking the dog for long walks,a bit of gym work and im still keeping my hand in drumming in a band with a few of my mates.
what hobbies do you have and do you make time for them?if you just live and breathe window cleaning and put all your focus and energy into your business and rarely take time off then your health and relationships are gonna suffer and eventually you ll have a breakdown.
my day to day work schedule has to be manageable and by being organised with a little bit of flexibilty it works very well for me.
as has already been suggested drop the dog poop jobs and PITA jobs if their getting you down.compact your round as much as possible,up prices if your have underpriced work that your struggling to get round and dont take on too much work that you cant handle comfortably.
all the best
dazmond
Some good suggestions there. I have a model making hobby which i love to do.
Here is my most recent model i made this took me 11 months.
Felt alot better coming home tonight cup of tea and now im sitting up in bed i might just be overtired.
Your all right. 13 years of any job is going to get to you sometime. Somehow i feel a little better just writing down my feelings lol
-
I tell you what i am fed up with window cleaning. Its great pay and its given me a good living. But after 13 years im beginning to wane and want to do something else.
I say the same every winter with the bad weather. been saying this is my last year for the last 10 years. couple of good weeks weather & i stop ranting about packing in.
-
"I think there's a certain mood of doom and gloom with a lot of people at the moment.
Mainly owing to the crappy weather and the shorter day light hours at this time of year.
Must admit I struggle with motivation myself at this time of year.
Then come Spring this all changes and the mood lifts."
Absolutely agree with you, Januarys my least favourite month, and this year seems like theres been bad news round every corner. Ive had two custys die , found out today another one has cancer, anothers had their dog put down, my mrs is being made redundant, and ive had to stump up £2000 for a new flat roof. Always seems to be just before and just after xmas that poope seems to happen. Bring on the spring.
Marc, there was a brilliant thread on here about a year ago ( possibly more) about depression, try and search for it because it really was quite uplifting. your very definately not on your own.
spot on good post.
-
i pack in about 4 years ago, the job i took in sales is about to come to a end, because of goverment . so im ready to start again and im realy looking forward to it, cannot wait to start. at work all the long faces and me with a smile.
-
Marc
Next time you're over Farnham way give me a shout and we can meet up for a beer if you like?
Andy :)
-
Im in Farnhan this morning Andy but got a lot of work to catch up on so if you want to meet up for a quick sarnie about lunchtime ill be at the Tesco express just left at the lights from the college about 1pm.
Cheers bud
-
Outside interests are good. Hobbies are good. (Don't have to be expensive) Dumping irritating customers is good. I mean - 3 or 4 days a week on the glass at 7 hours and you can have 3 or 4 days off!
What can you do in 4 days? A long weekend break - go up to that there London and stay in a travellodge and look round the sight/museums. Or Paris. Or Dublin. Or Edinburgh. Or the Lakes/Fens/Snowdonia.
Run for charity? Follow your chosen faith? Help the homeless?
Canoeing? Get the motorbike out? Cycling? Model Planes and trains? Caravan on the Gower coast - pop in and see Tosh up the highest pylon in the UK near Chepstow?
Bit of D.I.Y? Especially on rainy days - saves getting someone in and paying them. College course/further education? If money is tight go walking in the nearest beauty spot. Or just chill.
Work well and wise and use the time off to do things you enjoy or find productive.
-
"I think there's a certain mood of doom and gloom with a lot of people at the moment.
Mainly owing to the crappy weather and the shorter day light hours at this time of year.
Must admit I struggle with motivation myself at this time of year.
Then come Spring this all changes and the mood lifts."
Absolutely agree with you, Januarys my least favourite month, and this year seems like theres been bad news round every corner. Ive had two custys die , found out today another one has cancer, anothers had their dog put down, my mrs is being made redundant, and ive had to stump up £2000 for a new flat roof. Always seems to be just before and just after xmas that poope seems to happen. Bring on the spring.
Marc, there was a brilliant thread on here about a year ago ( possibly more) about depression, try and search for it because it really was quite uplifting. your very definately not on your own.
theres bad news around every corner mate all year round every year.its called normal life..i guarantee that when spring comes they ll still be customers/friends/family diagnosed with cancer and dying,people will still be made redundant and something else will need doing on the house/car/van or whatever.its how we deal with it that matters.
-
Yep window cleaning is boring, just make sure your free time isn't...work is just a means
to an end
-
Hi Marc,
I think we both started up about the same time. Window cleaning is now about 30% of my work, I exploited the "add ons"
And am doing really well.
It also relieved the boredom of the same thing every day!!!
Very rewarding too if priced right.
Last year I had 3 holidays to Thailand and was supposed to be there for a month xmas and new year just gone, but was mad busy so am going around April time instead.
A change could do you the world of good mate, did with me.
I also treat myself each year, gives you something to look forward too, this year i got this....
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1454605812_IMG_1141.JPG)
I did that one year, Suzuki Bandit 600
Yours looks nicer though ;D