[mick hay]

Thought i'd share something that happened to me last week.

At 4am Friday morning, i woke up with real bad chest pains and shortness of breath. As a typical bloke, I always shun anything thinking it'll go in bit.

It didn't. I called 111 and asked their advice, he immediately dispatched an ambulance.I asked why, he said i have the symptoms of a heart attack!

Ive never been so scared in my life! The ambulance turned up, and They put me on the ECG. They were not happy with the results, so sirens and lights on, rushed me to hospital.

I was taken to emergency ward, X-rays, more ECG, blood taken and gave me aspirin and a drug to open my blood vessels.

By this time Im really worried.

Cut a long story short.......luckily it wasn't heart related.

The consultant had a chat with me about my life style etc. He spent a lot of time and interest in my work.

He said this is a bit of a warning, you are working yourself to much and i need to start looking after myself.

I have a holiday in a couple of weeks and on my return will be looking at employing and working towards coming off the tools. So those of you who are like me and are a workaholic, take heed.

 Lots of people have been telling me to slow down, but i was enjoying the rewards and having a succesful business.

It really was a wake up call for me!!!

[Smudger]

Coming off the tools may not be the answer, there can be more stress trying to manage workers and keeping things turning over than simply cleaning windows - conny's etc.

Hopefully an employee will be a good stress reliever for you, certainly on the physical it will be.

Darran

[dazmond]

ive often wondered how you manage to do the work you do mick.

dont get me wrong i work hard  but not to your extremes.

mon- fri 6 or 7 hours "on the glass" a day 4 weeks a month is enough for me with 3 holidays a year and a few days off at the end of the month(sometimes a week depending on work due,5 week month etc).

a holiday will do you good mate

i reckon matty logan is next.his workload is scary!

[Matt.]

Yes mate good that ur ok but there is a lot more stress involved when ur relying on staff.

80 % of my problems are staff, maybe 5% while am working an the rest chasing payments looking for work.

If I was u I would consider working part time or cutting back and maybe sell up.

I am a workaholic I been home bout half hour from silly o'clock this morning and am always being told to slow down, I will do but just it yet.
Do what is best for you and your family as this is who will be affected most

[Matt.]

I hope not dazmond......... I just got a few jobs I needs to do before hand.

[paulben]

Worth considering what I do I used to work on 4 weekly system after my scare now do same work over 5 weeks using 5th week to catch up have a few days away . I try and put an extra hour in a day do odd Saturday so at end of month no worse off money wise .
Take care of yourself were only here a short time and money is not everything

[Mike #1]

Mick you're a workaholic who needs to say no to a certain level of work , If you employed someone and paid him  £15,000 per annum you would still have stress as you would not be in control of the quality of workmanship which you feel only you can achieve .


Better to reduce your overall workload by passing on some new jobs  to other lads in your area , better to lose say £15,000 a year in conny cleans and be in total control and take it easy .

Than pay someone a wage and still be stressed if people are not happy with the workmanship , they dont turn up and people are hassling you then their is holiday and sickness cover could just be a big of a headache as you have currently overworking yourself .

Lots to consider without a doubt hope you are having a good recovery . Best regards Mike

[robbo333]

Mick, can you sub out some work, reducing your workload and still having an income from the subby. I don't really know much about the pros and cons of subbying but could be an option?