Colin,
I have always found your posts to come across as intelligent and polite. You seem to like the cc industry - or why would you be on here ?
You have a dilemma, good regular ( while it lasts ) well paid employment, turning up when they require you to and taking orders from a boss/supervisor person. Going to the same premises 5 days a week ( or whatever ), possibly for the rest of your life.
On the other hand, you have the chance to build a business for yourself and your family, doing something you obviously enjoy. Work the hours to suit your lifestyle and family commitments, working in the knowledge that you are your own master and making your own decisions ( right or wrong ) . Standing on your own two feet and taking personal responsibility for your future.
Some people are cut out for self employment whereas some are not. It is not easy, as I am sure most on this forum will agree. There are good times and bad times in business, as in life in general. I think if you really want to do something, you have to have, commitment, belief in yourself and a sense of satisfaction in what you are doing every day.
Colin, I believe if you were to poll the members of this forum on why they are cc's, many would say one of the biggest benefits of being in cc is the satisfaction they get from their chosen profession. In my working life, I have been a mechanic, newsagent and carpet cleaner. I have enjoyed them all. But when I stopped enjoying them, I changed course. I have never continued in a job I did not enjoy. For the last 21 years I have been in carpet cleaning and to be honest, it has been my favourite job - the one with the most satisfaction. My only regret, is that I did not start until I was 40.
It does take years to become established, if it was too easy, everyone would be doing it. It does not sound as though you are desperate for the money? If that is the case and you wish to make a go of it in cc, burn your bridges, commit totally and become proactive in your marketing. Also, to pick up on an earlier point someone made, diversify !!
Don't spread yourself too thin on the ground, offer more cleaning services such as powerwashing. Equipment costs are reasonable and returns are good. Or perhaps work in conjunction with other cc's in your area to aim at commercial jobs occasionally.
You have had lots of good advice on this forum, it is up to you to decide what is best for and suited to you.
IF IT'S GOT TO BE, IT'S UP TO ME!!!
Best of luck Colin in whatever is your destiny.
Regards,
Jim
