Folks,
OK, so we all know the pitfalls, drawbacks and headaches about running our own shows or at least being part of the show (if you work for someone else).
In contrast, what is the BEST thing you like about what you do? I know its tough to pick just one thing but give it a shot.
And I know this post sounds wussy-like but I was interviewed by a reported for the local paper today about our business and they guy was so excited to hear how our days went and what we do and how we do it. He got me thinking that we do have a pretty good thing here sometimes.
I’ll start by saying I really enjoy the daily communication with folks on trying to make their homes or businesses better and being the person who can help them make those things happen and make it personal along the way. I’m not just trying to sell a product, I’m trying to be an artist and leaving my style behind whether it be in the building or the way we handled the process.
Mike
Replies
My schedule is set by me. My office runs on diesel. My uniform is steel toed boots and Carharts. I don't have to answer the cell if I'm busy. I'm always meeting new people. I get to see the end results of what I do, usually daily. I don't need ever worry again in this world about things like shiny shoes, button up shirts, or ties, unless someone dies.
Granted, that's a pretty rosy take on day to day life, but those are the things that come to mind.
"Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think -- there are no little things" - Bruce Barton
Since I started copper roofing, I'd say the best thing(S) are the simple ones. I work with a great bunch , esp. Grant. I work with a relatively different material, that ALWAYS gets heads looking.
I am on plenty of both remods and new const. And I get to LEAVE those jobs after we are done, not have to do everything else that follows.
And last, I learned a new trade, in my mid 40's.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Enjoyning the finite of matter, in an infinite realm of possibilities...
The appreciation a customer expresses when the job is done. You can't buy that.
But the checks they give me for doing something I love isn't bad, either.
The tangible results of the work are a big one. Being able to drive by a house that you worked on or helped build and see it there a number of years later is always very satisfying.
I'll also agree with the part about being your own boss, not having to get dressed up, and the appreciation of a homeowner when you've really done a great job.
And for me, the most important part is being able to serve people in a unique way. I started out as a carpenter because I wanted to work with the poor in the inner city or in poorer countries. It has been one of the great joys of my life to build good homes for families that were honestly living in homes made of shipping pallets and cardboard. I am currently working with an inner city ministry in Chicago that works with guys that most people want to sweep under the rug and not think about. Being a part of a group like this and feeling like I have something valuable to contribute is by far the best part of the trade for me.
One thing I do appreciate about our work in general, is that I feel a much larger portion than normal are willing to give of their time and skills to help folks out. I know I've seen it a lot here, and most of the guys I worked for in the past were like that too. So that's my two cents about what is the best.
Peace,
CAsey
for me, right now at 26...single, no kids....is knowing that i can pack up at any time and go anywhere in the world and find a job no problem...
and so i came to bermuda lol...
I'd have to say . . .
Magic.
We can imagine something that only exists in our heads, in a form that has no measureable, tangible reality, and make it actually occur in the real world. Where there was nothing, now there is something.
I know that's as close to magic as I'll ever see.
Engineering management was not at all like this!
Forrest - makin' magic every day
I like knowing that I can get the job done, and do it right.
I like knowing that people can call me for just about any problem and I can handle it.
I like knowing that I've earned the respect of the people I work with over the years, and that I have a good reputation.
I think one of the best things is that i'm in charge of my destiny. If I work hard and create good product were gonna succeed.
If I screw off, I fail because of me too, no one else.
I got to do a job today that others said could not be done (heck I wasn't quite sure how to do it either--so I posted a question on ripping plam here--got great advise & did it).
It is a great feeling when you are the "go-to guy" for challenging projects. I like reaching for the fence.
I like ballgames and women.
Anything that includes these is a rewarding experience.
I gear my work towards that goal.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Calvin
I was trying to think of something cleaver to say but I see that you may have put your finger on it!
I prefer to put women ahead of ballgames but either way!
Doug
I get to see the best in people. We are helping our customers recognize a dream that they have imagined vividly but not in detail. We are asking our employees and subcontractors to give us their best work and we are hopefully giving them the time and resources to do this. I get to work with partners I respect and trust.
Why wouldn't I want to go to work?
My attitude - "It sure beats working".
But to be specific - a beautiful bathroom or kitchen gets me happy. I'd like my epitaph to read "He made a difference to other people's lives"
All the best...
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
In case you missed the obvious, I work as a self employed HANDYMAN, and the best thing about it is the variety of customers that I get to meet. A close second would be the variety of tasks that I get paid to perform. Trimming trees, painting anything, building stairs, all in a week. Last week I even got paid to clean a Barbecue, now that was a new one for me. After seven years, I am yet to be bored by monotony. I like my job.
Dan