Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: AuRavelling79 on August 09, 2018, 07:30:51 am

Title: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: AuRavelling79 on August 09, 2018, 07:30:51 am
In the old days a one man band might typically sell up for 3x monthly income his round value and flog his van if he owned one. So a guy turning over say 2K a month might walk away with 5 to 10K. Not much good.

Now you can sell for more and if say you were doing 4K a month with a reasonable system using the above formula but upping it to 5X you might get 25K to 30K. Better, but not much in the great scheme of things.

But other options spring to mind ...

Keeping the cream and continuing part time, reducing as the years go by.

Renting your round out at say 20/25% (but as the years go by and the new guy gets a relationship with the customers may be you are vulnerable to him taking it off of you or him simply walking away as he gets "better work" and you having to switch "your" customers to someone else.

Could you franchise a small round?

Employing someone full time and you manage it and go out with them occasionally to keep contact with your customers.

Other ideas?
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Stoots on August 09, 2018, 07:48:47 am
I suppose it depends on your financial situation.

If you have done everything right, I.e got a nice pension, house fully paid off etc I suppose I would flog it for what I could get and truly retire.


I think renting it or employing is really semi-retirement.

How about employ a part timer say 3 days a week and get it done between you in those 3 days.

Or just employ a full timer and just help out occasionally to cover holidays, bad weather delays etc.

Rent it out
Franchise it

Build a bigger business, how about getting 2 vans out, 2 full timers just under vat and have yourself a nice little earner before flogging say 10 years down the line when you truly retire.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: John Mart on August 09, 2018, 08:01:48 am
The only comment I’d make is with regard to employing someone. Your prices need to be good so that you can employ properly a good worker. From day 1 I’ve always priced with a view to employing and therefore a good margin has been built in.

£60 a day, self employed cash in hand (around here) will never get you decent people. But most have only priced at a rate that allows that sort of arrangement.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Dry Clean on August 09, 2018, 08:04:31 am
Unfortunately if you're a one man operator and cant walk away from a round then you're not really in the position to retire,
your only option would be to sell off the harder work and keep a small amount of the easier work to top up your pension/savings.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Smudger on August 09, 2018, 08:30:27 am

good thread - this is the problem - the worth of the round is subjective, but i wouldn't be selling it as a round i'd pitch it more as a business with an established customer base and income - they get it lock stock and barrel - this would be more attractive  - its a clean break (other than showing the new owner the ropes) and should command a better price  - id try a price of 1 years turnover

Darran
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: John Mart on August 09, 2018, 08:40:36 am

good thread - this is the problem - the worth of the round is subjective, but i wouldn't be selling it as a round i'd pitch it more as a business with an established customer base and income - they get it lock stock and barrel - this would be more attractive  - its a clean break (other than showing the new owner the ropes) and should command a better price  - id try a price of 1 years turnover

Darran
The formula that I'd heard in the past was 3-5 years profit was the right range for an established business. Probably that's going to be about a year's t/o coincidentally. To calculate profit on a one man round you'd obviously add the cost of a man to do the work.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Smudger on August 09, 2018, 08:44:08 am
i knew there was a formula somewhere but no idea what it was !


Darran
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Tom-01 on August 09, 2018, 09:21:24 am
Take two days worth of work out to give to a franchisee, whilst working three days a week yourself.

Those two days you're not working use to canvass to build up your franchisee to a full round.

Once he's there or nearly there take another two days work to give to franchisee number two. You've then got four days to build him up whilst still working a day a week yourself. Plus you'll be getting the franchise royalties.

Then do the same with the last day you have this time using five days to build him up.

Have a proper franchise business set up to do it. Might be worth speaking with Ian Lancaster.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dd on August 09, 2018, 09:53:00 am
It highlights an issue for the self employed. If you really want to be able to retire you will need to have paid a substantial monthly premium in to a pension/ISA for 30 years or more, to give the kind of income most would want.

Other options are to release a large sum from your house by downsizing, or some may be fortunate with an inheritance.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: brynley on August 09, 2018, 03:10:17 pm
I have been thinking about this for the last year as I plan to retire in 4 years, I have agreed with a neighbour who has a young family and helps me out,  he will rent my round off me for 5 years and after that it is his , he is not in a position to pay out right and I will earn more money  than could expect to earn by selling up, I think it is a win win for both of us and I think the customers will also benefit, he is a hard worker , ambitious and my customers like him.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dd on August 09, 2018, 04:47:37 pm
I have been thinking about this for the last year as I plan to retire in 4 years, I have agreed with a neighbour who has a young family and helps me out,  he will rent my round off me for 5 years and after that it is his , he is not in a position to pay out right and I will earn more money  than could expect to earn by selling up, I think it is a win win for both of us and I think the customers will also benefit, he is a hard worker , ambitious and my customers like him.
Be good if it works, but can you really predict what your neighbour will want to do in 4 years time?

Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Stoots on August 09, 2018, 05:22:45 pm
I think you would be mad to sell it.

Employ/franchise/rent it to the right person and you could have an extra income stream until you croak it. If you set it up as a ltd company you could leave it in your will to family.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: alank on August 09, 2018, 05:25:58 pm
Never get rid of the Golden goose.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: brynley on August 09, 2018, 06:08:03 pm
I know 4 years is a long time and things could change, I can't leave it to my 2 sons as one is a high flying teacher and the other has adhd and could never run a business, I have taken the lad under my wing and the fact that his present company is making big changes that is not to the benefit to it's employee's.
we both believe that it will be the best outcome for both of us
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 09, 2018, 06:14:21 pm
i wouldnt want anybody but me cleaning my work.if it comes to having to pack it in due to ill health id just flog the lot and have nothing to do with window cleaning again!

my customers dont just pay me to clean their windows,they pay me for a quality job,trustworthiness and reliability... ;D

ill carry on until i croak it if im fit and active enough(even if its only 3 mornings a week!)...

im virtually part time as it is at the grand old age of 46..... ;D

i hope  ive got another 30 years left window cleaning.......
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: paul alan on August 09, 2018, 06:41:34 pm
I hope I've got another 30 years left on the planet
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: james peters on August 09, 2018, 07:28:36 pm
i wouldnt want anybody but me cleaning my work.if it comes to having to pack it in due to ill health id just flog the lot and have nothing to do with window cleaning again!

my customers dont just pay me to clean their windows,they pay me for a quality job,trustworthiness and reliability... ;D

ill carry on until i croak it if im fit and active enough(even if its only 3 mornings a week!)...

im virtually part time as it is at the grand old age of 46..... ;D

i hope  ive got another 30 years left window cleaning.......

I agree with this . I am 46 also and plan to work until I cant carry on .
I enjoy working,  but my days are around 5 hours no more than 6.
when It gets to much I will just do a few hours a day . I see it as a way to stay active and something to focus on.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Marc Stock on August 09, 2018, 09:18:47 pm
This is why i am working now to build up my business into a going concern that doesn't require my day to day input.

I am nearly at 55k turnover a year now. My target of 60k is now coming into sight. But its getting harder and harder to get the correct sort of work for one person fitted into the schedual. Its getting tight and i am also getting very bored during the week. I normallt have a day off halfway through the week and thats happening less and less.

Once i hit my 60k target; its another van and a full time employee. Then my job for the next 3 months  will be canvassing; marketing and growing the work to my stage 2 growth to 80k  a year.

Then after that its onto 120k a year with two vans and two full time window cleaners.  I hope to be at this 120k stage by the time i am 40 years old. I dont want to be working at 50. So if i keep doubling my business growth every two years from that point forward i should have a good business i can pass onto my children should they want it, or just keep reinvesting in the business all the way through my retirement
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Johnny B on August 09, 2018, 10:01:08 pm
I am 56 now and have no plans to completely retire ... ever.

My aim is to keep working full time until my kids are no longer financially dependent on me, then I will gradually reduce my working hours down and do 2 or 3 days a week. Any excess work that I can't do I will either sell, rent out or give away depending on my financial needs at the time.

John
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 09, 2018, 10:08:55 pm
This is why i am working now to build up my business into a going concern that doesn't require my day to day input.

I am nearly at 55k turnover a year now. My target of 60k is now coming into sight. But its getting harder and harder to get the correct sort of work for one person fitted into the schedual. Its getting tight and i am also getting very bored during the week. I normallt have a day off halfway through the week and thats happening less and less.

Once i hit my 60k target; its another van and a full time employee. Then my job for the next 3 months  will be canvassing; marketing and growing the work to my stage 2 growth to 80k  a year.

Then after that its onto 120k a year with two vans and two full time window cleaners.  I hope to be at this 120k stage by the time i am 40 years old. I dont want to be working at 50. So if i keep doubling my business growth every two years from that point forward i should have a good business i can pass onto my children should they want it, or just keep reinvesting in the business all the way through my retirement

sounds awful to me.......too much stress involved for my liking...i dont handle it very well and it would  affect my mental health.i need to keep things simple or itd drive me nuts.........
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Smudger on August 09, 2018, 10:12:39 pm
Marc - good plan but to double every 2 years will take more than just you but you will get a good % increase

You never know what 5he future holds I’ve been quite seriously ill since mid jan and I couldn’t even clean a single house physically, let alone a full days work

Thankfully I don’t need to that side is fully covered by employees

Darran
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Marc Stock on August 09, 2018, 10:25:21 pm
Marc - good plan but to double every 2 years will take more than just you but you will get a good % increase

You never know what 5he future holds I’ve been quite seriously ill since mid jan and I couldn’t even clean a single house physically, let alone a full days work

Thankfully I don’t need to that side is fully covered by employees

Darran

Yeah, but If i aim for double growth; then at least its something to aim for. Who was it that aimed for the Sun? Cant remember the story; everyone doubted him as no one had even reached space before; let alone the sun. He never did reach the Sun; but smashed it past the moon; more than anyone else did! Will he reach the sun? doesn't matter; he smashed it past the moon and wiped the competition with his achievements.   ;D

How are you now; are you still in hospital?  :o

Take it easy m8.  This is why i want to grow; so I can take time out and the business runs itself.  And I can choose from a room full of old Triumphs; Ducati's, and Nortons and ride them till my ears bleed!!!



 
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Smudger on August 09, 2018, 10:33:12 pm
Had the op - just a small complication but being resolved 👍

Darran
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: AuRavelling79 on August 10, 2018, 12:18:00 pm
Thanks for the responses.

I am quite happy to just reduce my hours as I age and use the job to keep me active.

BUT - as Smudger highlights (get well soon BTW) - and several others my age or even less can suddenly have quite a sudden health reverse that stops them working. If my health collapses and I'm still able enough to drive/sit for several hours at a time I could at least employ and be the driver, slip writer and light duty man with an employee doing the graft. If my health was so bad I could just do office work then I could employ and keep in touch with my customers and manage it.

It might cost me £2000 a month (inc stamp/tax/employees liability/pension/holidays etc.) but I'd have a reasonable amount of turnover left over after costs.

If my health holds - once state pension comes on stream it might be worth employing and coming off the tools except for say a half-day or two a month going out doing my own cream jobs and keeping my relationship with my customers with the employee a half-day a week.

Then if my wife's health holds and she gets her state pension (4 years after me) I could stop altogether/ rent/sell the round to the employee on a monthly basis or just get rid.

Nice to be able to think it through.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Klean07 on August 10, 2018, 02:44:57 pm
I'm 60 in a couple of months but still fit and able to work. However after reading a few posts on here regarding retirement and cutting hours down etc I decided to grow my business again with the view to employing someone next year. I still intend to work but not as much as I am now hopefully my worker will be earning some for me meaning that I can concentrate more on generating new business for both of us and maybe number 2 worker!
There is a well known windy I know that has just been told that he has MS he's 49 that's all but luckily for him he has a couple of employees to help out!
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Go on August 10, 2018, 03:52:01 pm
Thanks for the responses.

I am quite happy to just reduce my hours as I age and use the job to keep me active.

BUT - as Smudger highlights (get well soon BTW) - and several others my age or even less can suddenly have quite a sudden health reverse that stops them working. If my health collapses and I'm still able enough to drive/sit for several hours at a time I could at least employ and be the driver, slip writer and light duty man with an employee doing the graft. If my health was so bad I could just do office work then I could employ and keep in touch with my customers and manage it.

It might cost me £2000 a month (inc stamp/tax/employees liability/pension/holidays etc.) but I'd have a reasonable amount of turnover left over after costs.

If my health holds - once state pension comes on stream it might be worth employing and coming off the tools except for say a half-day or two a month going out doing my own cream jobs and keeping my relationship with my customers with the employee a half-day a week.

Then if my wife's health holds and she gets her state pension (4 years after me) I could stop altogether/ rent/sell the round to the employee on a monthly basis or just get rid.

Nice to be able to think it through.

Where are you based? Near the bridge innit?
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: AuRavelling79 on August 11, 2018, 12:40:55 am
I'm near several bridges, Go. Which one do you have in mind?
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Tom-01 on August 11, 2018, 06:38:40 am
This is why i am working now to build up my business into a going concern that doesn't require my day to day input.

I am nearly at 55k turnover a year now. My target of 60k is now coming into sight. But its getting harder and harder to get the correct sort of work for one person fitted into the schedual. Its getting tight and i am also getting very bored during the week. I normallt have a day off halfway through the week and thats happening less and less.

Once i hit my 60k target; its another van and a full time employee. Then my job for the next 3 months  will be canvassing; marketing and growing the work to my stage 2 growth to 80k  a year.

Then after that its onto 120k a year with two vans and two full time window cleaners.  I hope to be at this 120k stage by the time i am 40 years old. I dont want to be working at 50. So if i keep doubling my business growth every two years from that point forward i should have a good business i can pass onto my children should they want it, or just keep reinvesting in the business all the way through my retirement

Mate, if you're getting bored already growing a business with all these exciting plans for the future I think you're only going to get more bored. If you're bored earning good money with a good future in view how bored will your employees be? 
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Go on August 11, 2018, 03:34:59 pm
I'm near several bridges, Go. Which one do you have in mind?

The Severn?
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: John Mart on August 11, 2018, 04:10:29 pm
I'm near several bridges, Go. Which one do you have in mind?

The Severn?
Which one?  ;D
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: AuRavelling79 on August 11, 2018, 04:52:53 pm
 ;D

I'm "near" the M48 Severn Bridge, the M4 Second Severn Crossing, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, The Wye Bridge, the M5 bridge over the Avon, the Iron Bridge at Kingsweston, The Plimsoll Swing Bridge, River Trym A4 road viaduct, the River Trym railway viaduct etc, etc, etc.

Too many bridges; bridges, bridges everywhere ...

Is that Lloyd, Jeff and Beau I espy?



   
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Frankybadboy on August 11, 2018, 05:29:09 pm
after my serious accident i am still in two minds what todo

one day its down size and keep a bit,then it build and employ then its sell the lot,getting to sound like dazmond lol ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Go on August 12, 2018, 07:36:36 pm
;D

I'm "near" the M48 Severn Bridge, the M4 Second Severn Crossing, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, The Wye Bridge, the M5 bridge over the Avon, the Iron Bridge at Kingsweston, The Plimsoll Swing Bridge, River Trym A4 road viaduct, the River Trym railway viaduct etc, etc, etc.

Too many bridges; bridges, bridges everywhere ...

Is that Lloyd, Jeff and Beau I espy?



 

The plimsoll swing bridge sounds ace.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 12, 2018, 07:49:35 pm
after my serious accident i am still in two minds what todo

one day its down size and keep a bit,then it build and employ then its sell the lot,getting to sound like dazmond lol ;D ;D ;D ;D

This is one area I've made my mind up on......I'm gonna work until I die.....or physically can't work anymore.......the end. ;D
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Missing Link on August 12, 2018, 07:58:35 pm
Yeah, but If i aim for double growth; then at least its something to aim for. Who was it that aimed for the Sun? Cant remember the story; everyone doubted him as no one had even reached space before; let alone the sun. He never did reach the Sun; but smashed it past the moon; more than anyone else did!

Icarus!  He was warned not to fly too low ('cos he might end up in the sea), or fly too high, otherwise the sun might melt the wax on the wings his father made for him.

Well he flew too high, the wax melted...

SPLAT! ;D

It's a story warning against personal over-ambition.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 12, 2018, 09:12:59 pm
Iron maiden also wrote a song called 'flight of icarus'..... ;D
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Cookie on August 12, 2018, 09:38:33 pm
after my serious accident i am still in two minds what todo

one day its down size and keep a bit,then it build and employ then its sell the lot,getting to sound like dazmond lol ;D ;D ;D ;D

This is one area I've made my mind up on......I'm gonna work until I die.....or physically can't work anymore.......the end. ;D

Me too! I see too many of my customers wasting their lives away watching TV volume up loud, subtitles on. Work whether paid or voluntary gives you a purpose in life. When the time eventually comes I'll gradually wind down the work and just do a few bungalows a day.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Dry Clean on August 13, 2018, 07:04:03 am
after my serious accident i am still in two minds what todo

one day its down size and keep a bit,then it build and employ then its sell the lot,getting to sound like dazmond lol ;D ;D ;D ;D

This is one area I've made my mind up on......I'm gonna work until I die.....or physically can't work anymore.......the end. ;D

Me too! I see too many of my customers wasting their lives away watching TV volume up loud, subtitles on. Work whether paid or voluntary gives you a purpose in life. When the time eventually comes I'll gradually wind down the work and just do a few bungalows a day.

I do feel for people who have nothing in their lives but TV and work, very sad.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Steven Biggs on August 13, 2018, 07:32:29 am
Granville . Do you have a personal pension . Or are you just relying on the state pension ?  That can make s big difference.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Stoots on August 13, 2018, 07:52:21 am

The thing is in this country we have the NHS and a benefits system.

So you can't win...spend all your life building a business and security and they take it all off you to pay for your care should the worse happen, this happened t my grandma...had a few quid she wanted to leave to the family in her will but recently fell ill and all her savings etc is going on her care. They will even take her house and downsize her eventually...what's the point.






Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 13, 2018, 08:20:29 am
after my serious accident i am still in two minds what todo

one day its down size and keep a bit,then it build and employ then its sell the lot,getting to sound like dazmond lol ;D ;D ;D ;D

This is one area I've made my mind up on......I'm gonna work until I die.....or physically can't work anymore.......the end. ;D

Me too! I see too many of my customers wasting their lives away watching TV volume up loud, subtitles on. Work whether paid or voluntary gives you a purpose in life. When the time eventually comes I'll gradually wind down the work and just do a few bungalows a day.

the older window cleaners i know(both trad by the way)look great for their age and still working part time(69 and 71)....my dad is still working and he s 72(not window cleaning but packing perfume/driving)....my dad is a lot happier now he s gone back to work....he was getting depressed sometimes in retirement and getting on my mums nerves!

im working class and come from a long line of workers....my gran was still working right up to her death at 74 (she had a stall in a local town selling second hand clothes)...she loved it....... :)
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Dry Clean on August 13, 2018, 08:47:30 am
My parents where the same, they spent all their lives working and when it got to the stage where they no longer needed to work they had nothing else. I will be cleaning other peoples windows today because I need their money, the minute I don t need their money they can clean their own.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Steven Biggs on August 13, 2018, 08:48:00 am

The thing is in this country we have the NHS and a benefits system.

So you can't win...spend all your life building a business and security and they take it all off you to pay for your care should the worse happen, this happened t my grandma...had a few quid she wanted to leave to the family in her will but recently fell ill and all her savings etc is going on her care. They will even take her house and downsize her eventually...what's the point.
there are ways round that . So it doesn’t happen . You need to get things in place in advance. You need to get advice from a good solicitor. Might cost a few hundred but we’ll worth it .
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: John Mart on August 13, 2018, 09:07:53 am
after my serious accident i am still in two minds what todo

one day its down size and keep a bit,then it build and employ then its sell the lot,getting to sound like dazmond lol ;D ;D ;D ;D

This is one area I've made my mind up on......I'm gonna work until I die.....or physically can't work anymore.......the end. ;D

Me too! I see too many of my customers wasting their lives away watching TV volume up loud, subtitles on. Work whether paid or voluntary gives you a purpose in life. When the time eventually comes I'll gradually wind down the work and just do a few bungalows a day.

I do feel for people who have nothing in their lives but TV and work, very sad.
Yes. I find it amazing when I see people watching tv in the daytime when out working.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Dry Clean on August 13, 2018, 09:27:18 am
after my serious accident i am still in two minds what todo

one day its down size and keep a bit,then it build and employ then its sell the lot,getting to sound like dazmond lol ;D ;D ;D ;D

This is one area I've made my mind up on......I'm gonna work until I die.....or physically can't work anymore.......the end. ;D

Me too! I see too many of my customers wasting their lives away watching TV volume up loud, subtitles on. Work whether paid or voluntary gives you a purpose in life. When the time eventually comes I'll gradually wind down the work and just do a few bungalows a day.

I do feel for people who have nothing in their lives but TV and work, very sad.
Yes. I find it amazing when I see people watching tv in the daytime when out working.

Amazing ? nothing wrong with watching daytime tv as long as its by choice and not because you have nothing else, same goes for work when financial need is no longer the main driver.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: John Mart on August 13, 2018, 02:47:43 pm
after my serious accident i am still in two minds what todo

one day its down size and keep a bit,then it build and employ then its sell the lot,getting to sound like dazmond lol ;D ;D ;D ;D

This is one area I've made my mind up on......I'm gonna work until I die.....or physically can't work anymore.......the end. ;D

Me too! I see too many of my customers wasting their lives away watching TV volume up loud, subtitles on. Work whether paid or voluntary gives you a purpose in life. When the time eventually comes I'll gradually wind down the work and just do a few bungalows a day.

I do feel for people who have nothing in their lives but TV and work, very sad.
Yes. I find it amazing when I see people watching tv in the daytime when out working.

Amazing ? nothing wrong with watching daytime tv as long as its by choice and not because you have nothing else, same goes for work when financial need is no longer the main driver.
Surely you’d only do it IF you had nothing better to do.

And do you mean financial need? If the driver was just need, benefits would probably meet the need.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Marc Stock on August 13, 2018, 09:11:19 pm
This is why i am working now to build up my business into a going concern that doesn't require my day to day input.

I am nearly at 55k turnover a year now. My target of 60k is now coming into sight. But its getting harder and harder to get the correct sort of work for one person fitted into the schedual. Its getting tight and i am also getting very bored during the week. I normallt have a day off halfway through the week and thats happening less and less.

Once i hit my 60k target; its another van and a full time employee. Then my job for the next 3 months  will be canvassing; marketing and growing the work to my stage 2 growth to 80k  a year.

Then after that its onto 120k a year with two vans and two full time window cleaners.  I hope to be at this 120k stage by the time i am 40 years old. I dont want to be working at 50. So if i keep doubling my business growth every two years from that point forward i should have a good business i can pass onto my children should they want it, or just keep reinvesting in the business all the way through my retirement

Mate, if you're getting bored already growing a business with all these exciting plans for the future I think you're only going to get more bored. If you're bored earning good money with a good future in view how bored will your employees be?

Sorry mate only just noticed this response.

I don't get bored growing my business. I get bored cleaning windows. Been doing it now nearly 16 Years; i think i am entitled to feel bored with the job by now.

And your comment about how bored will my employees will be? I don't flipping know do i! I don't care either; as long as they do the job they are paid to do and are happy enough doing the job; that's all that matters.




 
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Stoots on August 13, 2018, 10:14:42 pm

Window cleaning is boring and gets tedious day in day out...most days I can't be arsed with it but i just get on with it for the money and that's what an employee will do.

The thing with it for me is that I know I could earn really good money working say 9-5 x 5 days a week as a solo operator. Probably 60k a year which up north is excellent money...however I just don't have the stomach to do that much window cleaning, I would be bored to death, knackered and depressed... it's ok for 5-6 hours a day with plenty of days off here and there but full time no thanks. That's why id rather employ someone else to do it!





Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: John Mart on August 14, 2018, 06:58:32 am

Window cleaning is boring and gets tedious day in day out...most days I can't be arsed with it but i just get on with it for the money and that's what an employee will do.

The thing with it for me is that I know I could earn really good money working say 9-5 x 5 days a week as a solo operator. Probably 60k a year which up north is excellent money...however I just don't have the stomach to do that much window cleaning, I would be bored to death, knackered and depressed... it's ok for 5-6 hours a day with plenty of days off here and there but full time no thanks. That's why id rather employ someone else to do it!
I don’t think it’s any more boring than any other run of the mill job. Less so mostly. In general you have to be self sufficient and enjoy your own company though. I like it on the whole even though for the time being I’m not actually doing it.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 14, 2018, 08:51:21 am

Window cleaning is boring and gets tedious day in day out...most days I can't be arsed with it but i just get on with it for the money and that's what an employee will do.

The thing with it for me is that I know I could earn really good money working say 9-5 x 5 days a week as a solo operator. Probably 60k a year which up north is excellent money...however I just don't have the stomach to do that much window cleaning, I would be bored to death, knackered and depressed... it's ok for 5-6 hours a day with plenty of days off here and there but full time no thanks. That's why id rather employ someone else to do it!

well imagine working full time and getting a lot less money!as thats what an employee will be doing! ::)roll

i dont mind window cleaning at all even after 25 years.mainly because of short hours and good money,fresh air and beautiful surroundings/views......
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Dry Clean on August 14, 2018, 10:12:02 am

Window cleaning is boring and gets tedious day in day out...most days I can't be arsed with it but i just get on with it for the money and that's what an employee will do.

The thing with it for me is that I know I could earn really good money working say 9-5 x 5 days a week as a solo operator. Probably 60k a year which up north is excellent money...however I just don't have the stomach to do that much window cleaning, I would be bored to death, knackered and depressed... it's ok for 5-6 hours a day with plenty of days off here and there but full time no thanks. That's why id rather employ someone else to do it!

well imagine working full time and getting a lot less money!as thats what an employee will be doing! ::)roll

i dont mind window cleaning at all even after 25 years.mainly because of short hours and good money,fresh air and beautiful surroundings/views......

Tell yourself something over and over and eventually you will believe it, lol, theres a reason why this forum is full of dreamers and BS'ers, clue, is not because window cleaning is a career or mentally fulfilling job.
I hate cleaning windows (you would need to be some sort of Zombie not to ) but its serves its purpose which is to put money in my pocket when I dont have a lot of other options.

Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Smudger on August 14, 2018, 10:33:59 am

Window cleaning is boring and gets tedious day in day out...most days I can't be arsed with it but i just get on with it for the money and that's what an employee will do.

The thing with it for me is that I know I could earn really good money working say 9-5 x 5 days a week as a solo operator. Probably 60k a year which up north is excellent money...however I just don't have the stomach to do that much window cleaning, I would be bored to death, knackered and depressed... it's ok for 5-6 hours a day with plenty of days off here and there but full time no thanks. That's why id rather employ someone else to do it!

well imagine working full time and getting a lot less money!as thats what an employee will be doing! ::)roll

i dont mind window cleaning at all even after 25 years.mainly because of short hours and good money,fresh air and beautiful surroundings/views......

Tell yourself something over and over and eventually you will believe it, lol, theres a reason why this forum is full of dreamers and BS'ers, clue, is not because window cleaning is a career or mentally fulfilling job.
I hate cleaning windows (you would need to be some sort of Zombie not to ) but its serves its purpose which is to put money in my pocket when I dont have a lot of other options.

Yes regular window cleans are mind numbing

I enjoy first cleans and the pressure washing 😁

Darran
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 14, 2018, 04:18:07 pm

Window cleaning is boring and gets tedious day in day out...most days I can't be arsed with it but i just get on with it for the money and that's what an employee will do.

The thing with it for me is that I know I could earn really good money working say 9-5 x 5 days a week as a solo operator. Probably 60k a year which up north is excellent money...however I just don't have the stomach to do that much window cleaning, I would be bored to death, knackered and depressed... it's ok for 5-6 hours a day with plenty of days off here and there but full time no thanks. That's why id rather employ someone else to do it!

well imagine working full time and getting a lot less money!as thats what an employee will be doing! ::)roll

i dont mind window cleaning at all even after 25 years.mainly because of short hours and good money,fresh air and beautiful surroundings/views......

Tell yourself something over and over and eventually you will believe it, lol, theres a reason why this forum is full of dreamers and BS'ers, clue, is not because window cleaning is a career or mentally fulfilling job.
I hate cleaning windows (you would need to be some sort of Zombie not to ) but its serves its purpose which is to put money in my pocket when I dont have a lot of other options.

i feel sorry for you sean.....fancy doing a job that you "hate"!i certainly dont hate cleaning windows........its one of the best,easiest underrated jobs in the world(now we have WFP,electronic payments,etc) ;D 8)
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dd on August 14, 2018, 07:10:31 pm

Window cleaning is boring and gets tedious day in day out...most days I can't be arsed with it but i just get on with it for the money and that's what an employee will do.

The thing with it for me is that I know I could earn really good money working say 9-5 x 5 days a week as a solo operator. Probably 60k a year which up north is excellent money...however I just don't have the stomach to do that much window cleaning, I would be bored to death, knackered and depressed... it's ok for 5-6 hours a day with plenty of days off here and there but full time no thanks. That's why id rather employ someone else to do it!

well imagine working full time and getting a lot less money!as thats what an employee will be doing! ::)roll

i dont mind window cleaning at all even after 25 years.mainly because of short hours and good money,fresh air and beautiful surroundings/views......

Tell yourself something over and over and eventually you will believe it, lol, theres a reason why this forum is full of dreamers and BS'ers, clue, is not because window cleaning is a career or mentally fulfilling job.
I hate cleaning windows (you would need to be some sort of Zombie not to ) but its serves its purpose which is to put money in my pocket when I dont have a lot of other options.
If you really hate cleaning windows you should either try to change your attitude, or change your job.

Every one gets fed up from time to time, but going to work hating what you do is not a good way to live.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Dry Clean on August 14, 2018, 07:42:34 pm

Window cleaning is boring and gets tedious day in day out...most days I can't be arsed with it but i just get on with it for the money and that's what an employee will do.

The thing with it for me is that I know I could earn really good money working say 9-5 x 5 days a week as a solo operator. Probably 60k a year which up north is excellent money...however I just don't have the stomach to do that much window cleaning, I would be bored to death, knackered and depressed... it's ok for 5-6 hours a day with plenty of days off here and there but full time no thanks. That's why id rather employ someone else to do it!

well imagine working full time and getting a lot less money!as thats what an employee will be doing! ::)roll

i dont mind window cleaning at all even after 25 years.mainly because of short hours and good money,fresh air and beautiful surroundings/views......

Tell yourself something over and over and eventually you will believe it, lol, theres a reason why this forum is full of dreamers and BS'ers, clue, is not because window cleaning is a career or mentally fulfilling job.
I hate cleaning windows (you would need to be some sort of Zombie not to ) but its serves its purpose which is to put money in my pocket when I dont have a lot of other options.
If you really hate cleaning windows you should either try to change your attitude, or change your job.

Every one gets fed up from time to time, but going to work hating what you do is not a good way to live.

dd I would be very wary of a guy who's says they like cleaning windows and its the dest job ever, yes I hate cleaning window but that doesn't mean I'm not thankful for the money it puts in my pocket or that I want to take an overdose every morning.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Marc Stock on August 14, 2018, 07:53:35 pm
I think hate is a strong word Dry Clean.

I dont hate cleaning windows; i do find it incredibly tedious though.

I hate conservatory roofs though. Id happily start up a charity to rid the world of the damn things.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Stoots on August 14, 2018, 07:54:15 pm
I dont think im at the extreme of either daz`s love or dry clean`s loathing  :D.


I usually find a few days off gets me itching to go back and get stuck in, then by the end of the week im slowing down and looking for a break. 

A mixed bag.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Simon Trapani on August 14, 2018, 08:05:08 pm
Think I just hate work full stop.

Approaching my mid forties & I can see why people want to 'get off the tools'.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 14, 2018, 11:32:22 pm
isnt it strange how we all view window cleaning in a different way?

most of the time im so glad im a window cleaner.....really!.........it allows for a certain freedom that is denied you when you work for someone else....

do NOT underestimate freedom and flexibility....its truly a gift that a lot of people NEVER HAVE THE WHOLE OF THEIR WORKING LIVES!!!

couple that with good money,fresh air,WFP  so no need to risk your neck up a ladder anymore,no collecting(or hardly any!)compared to years ago makes this job so much easier and more profitable.....whats not to like?

oh i tell you what has put a smile on my face lately MY ELECTRIC REEL!!should of got one years ago it really does make a difference!!plus i have my hot water and xtreme poles....

ive also got my card machine for card payments so no dodging payments anymore! 8)...

loving it.........im so glad ive stuck at window cleaning all these years as im reaping the benefits now......
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 14, 2018, 11:34:12 pm
Think I just hate work full stop.

Approaching my mid forties & I can see why people want to 'get off the tools'.

i dont get it...i never feel like this!! and im 46(nearly 47)....... 8)
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Stoots on August 15, 2018, 08:57:09 am
Think I just hate work full stop.

Approaching my mid forties & I can see why people want to 'get off the tools'.

i dont get it...i never feel like this!! and im 46(nearly 47)....... 8)


Dont you ever wake up on a morning and think there must be more to life than this?

I also dont see how this job gives you freedom.

It does give flexibility but ultimately the work must get done come rain or shine or you will lose the customers. I don't see how having  to go out everyday and work is freedom.

Actually I think being employed has more freedom, you could have a few months off with a sick note and go back to a job without worrying how the business is coping in your absence.

Self employment isn't freedom , it's flexible but it's far from freedom.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Dry Clean on August 15, 2018, 09:21:48 am
Dazmond has that rare and needed gift in this game of being able to pull the wool over his own eyes, you see it when  he does and doesn't need or want the latest toy, Marc Stock is right to say that hate is too strong a word but I would say the majority of us wont be cleaning windows a minute longer than we need to.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 15, 2018, 04:14:17 pm
Think I just hate work full stop.

Approaching my mid forties & I can see why people want to 'get off the tools'.

i dont get it...i never feel like this!! and im 46(nearly 47)....... 8)


Dont you ever wake up on a morning and think there must be more to life than this?

I also dont see how this job gives you freedom.

It does give flexibility but ultimately the work must get done come rain or shine or you will lose the customers. I don't see how having  to go out everyday and work is freedom.

Actually I think being employed has more freedom, you could have a few months off with a sick note and go back to a job without worrying how the business is coping in your absence.

Self employment isn't freedom , it's flexible but it's far from freedom.

more to life than what?window cleaning?its a part time job for full time earnings,nothing more,nothing less to me adam.....im off to playa blanca in lanzarote in a 5 star hotel in a couple of weeks....if this job wasnt so well paid i wouldnt be going anywhere!

what i mean by freedom is you can have a day off when you want,knock off early EVERY DAY!start later after the rush hour traffic has gone ETC,ETC......YOU CANT DO THAT WHEN YOU WORK FOR SOMEONE ELSE!! :D :D :D

window cleaning is just part of my life not the whole thing!thats why i have a separate car so i can leave work behind when its leisure time..... 8)
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 15, 2018, 04:15:30 pm
Dazmond has that rare and needed gift in this game of being able to pull the wool over his own eyes, you see it when  he does and doesn't need or want the latest toy, Marc Stock is right to say that hate is too strong a word but I would say the majority of us wont be cleaning windows a minute longer than we need to.

you really are a miserable little s**t at times arent you sean? ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: dazmond on August 15, 2018, 05:51:32 pm
Think I just hate work full stop.

Approaching my mid forties & I can see why people want to 'get off the tools'.

i dont get it...i never feel like this!! and im 46(nearly 47)....... 8)


Dont you ever wake up on a morning and think there must be more to life than this?

I also dont see how this job gives you freedom.

It does give flexibility but ultimately the work must get done come rain or shine or you will lose the customers. I don't see how having  to go out everyday and work is freedom.

Actually I think being employed has more freedom, you could have a few months off with a sick note and go back to a job without worrying how the business is coping in your absence.

Self employment isn't freedom , it's flexible but it's far from freedom.

i tell you what adam im glad i havent got your attitude.........it stinks! ;D ;D


some people dont know how good they ve got it until its taken away from them........enjoy building your business and improving it every day.....its better than working for someone else!be grateful for that at least!
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Cookie on August 15, 2018, 07:51:05 pm
It's great to have such positive people on this forum like Daz!

Having been an employee for many years being self-employed is great. You decide how to operate your business, you work the hours you want (or need) to, you decide who you work for... The real bonus is that you can earn as much, if not more, than anyone in a management-type role but working far fewer hours.

The actual cleaning of the windows can be a bit tedious at times but working in the fresh air & the banter with customers easily makes up for that.
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: alank on August 15, 2018, 08:50:17 pm
Yup we have got it better than a lot of working people and we shouldn't forget it or take it for granted. When your driving to work tomorrow look at the faces of the factory or office workers driving in the opposite direction do they look happy? It's in our own hands to change things in our own businesses for the better or change location of our work or try different things and diversify into something else. It's probably not going to be a bed of roses or easy but I for one will be happy tomorrow cleaning windows in the country side and I've seen both sides of the fence. I know which I prefer  :D
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Dry Clean on August 16, 2018, 07:06:23 am
Yup we have got it better than a lot of working people and we shouldn't forget it or take it for granted. When your driving to work tomorrow look at the faces of the factory or office workers driving in the opposite direction do they look happy? It's in our own hands to change things in our own businesses for the better or change location of our work or try different things and diversify into something else. It's probably not going to be a bed of roses or easy but I for one will be happy tomorrow cleaning windows in the country side and I've seen both sides of the fence. I know which I prefer  :D

I loved my factory job and would go back tomorrow if it hadn't went to China, that said I cant remember ever looking happy on the way to work, there are pros and cons in being both employed and self employed but driving to work looking like your lift doesn't go all the way to the top floor doesn't  fall under either.


(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1534399577_happy.jpg)
Title: Re: Single operators - moving into retirement - what to do with your round.
Post by: Marc Stock on August 16, 2018, 02:45:37 pm
Dazmond has that rare and needed gift in this game of being able to pull the wool over his own eyes, you see it when  he does and doesn't need or want the latest toy, Marc Stock is right to say that hate is too strong a word but I would say the majority of us wont be cleaning windows a minute longer than we need to.

This is why i am growing my busines Dry Clean. So i dont have to go out window cleaning anymore.