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Having been keen to recruit recently, I am convinced that we need to see some of the people that have gone self employed ( for many reasons, but mostly due to economic downturn ) go back into employment.
I've spoken to a few and many seem to be 'just exsting', barely making NMW let alone the Living Wage. Many are good at what they do, but have minimal business experience so sell themselves too cheaply and thus creates the ever decreasing circles of low prices.
One guy, I really rated would not take a job because I was not offering him what he thought he'd make/charge as self employed. Really disappointed and can see him struggling in that market.
Being good at what we do does not make a successful business .... Although it helps:)
What's missing at the moment are the good guys who want a job :)
"One guy, I really rated would not take a job because I was not offering him what he thought he'd make as self employed." That probably sums it up Gary, I've had a lad who left, came back 3 times and still thought the grass was greener! Never worked out for him unfortunately.
A bit simplified I know but lots of people like working for themselves the £s are not always the most important things.
For me for example I start work after I drop kids at school and stop in time to fetch them. How many employers would give me that flexibility?
The point has been missed, Richard.....
I'm saying there are good people out there struggling with running a busiess with all the side effects - depression, stress etc beliveing the right thing to do is stay self employed come what may.
A subset will surely want to stay self-employed, to be their own boss and and can exist on what they can earn as a S/T. However, I'm talking about the self employed (if you read my post) that can't or struggle to run a profitable business.
It's not a case of "Us vs Them", "Boss vs Staff" that some make out. I've seen that also when talking to people - the 'chip on shoulder", the bitterness against someone in business with them believing they are being exploited by the 'Man'. They are the "morale killers" that bring others and a business down.
Don't forget every boss has been an employee and/or self employed at some point.
So, recognise weaknesses, but play to strengths...
It seems from your post that your concern is that these people are pulling prices/values down?
If so from reading your posts in general you are not even competing with that end of the market.
I come from an agricultural background and work and life are intertwined so far that work is not really work at all but just life. It's a sweeping comment to say even those with poor business sense should pack it in and get a job.
You will make more money than me most likely, happiness we will probably end up on a par.
I live comfortably now if I made more a could move into a bigger house then need to earn more and on it goes. I don't want that. Not everyone wants to make a fortune
Head, wall, hitting :) Read what's written, not what you want to read. Don't take it personally - I'm not talking about 'your' situation. There's no element of 'competing' - competing with whom? It's got nothing to do with what money I make or my happiness !?!
Do you not recognise from the number of posts & topics on LJN and back-channel chats that there really are are lot of people struggling out there - to the point of being near breakdowns/bankruptcy with no work or poorly paying work?
Though business mentoring I see what goes on and from both sides and to be clear... I'm talking about our trade, in general, with no reference to what I do other than as someone who'd like to recruit.
I just give up ! (Sorry to Graham, whose post has gone astray). I'm just about to drive onto the Chunnel train after queuing for ages so I'll shut up now... well for at least 35mins while underground :)
Think you may have misinterpreted my reply and made some assumptions Richard. My reply was simply giving my view on Graham's post. I'd also like to point out that I too love my job, like you I also come from an 'Agricultural background', I am of the age that I don't have to do it, I could put my feet up and I certainly don't earn a fortune, but as you say, 'work and life are intertwined'.
I have seen so many start-ups just not get off the ground, where a few years working for someone would have been a great benefit.
So saying people should give up and be employed sounds a bit too dictatorial to me!
My wife despairs with my being unable to see shades of grey too!!
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