Maybe it time for a career change, ideas ?

[Big Daddy]

I have been in commercial drywall since getting out of high school in 1981. Gone from sweeping floors, to college, to estimator, to VP and finally starting my own 15 years ago. But seems like it is time for a change. Don't know if it is the economy, burn out or state of our labor force. So at a young 50 I am thinking about a change. I am still young enough to change but if not soon I am going to look up and I have missed this window. Daughter graduates this year so I am really not tied down. Wife ready for me to change too, maybe stress has me me grouchy. So with that being said any ideas for the Ol GS ?

[mikeb1206]

bunch of us getting out it seems.

I wish you luck

[Buckshot4900]

Maybe it time for a career change, ideas ?

It's hard to compete in that industry against people who pay no taxes, workmans comp, SS etc.
I'm just glad I was 10-12 years ahead of you or I would be right there with you.
Good luck in your new adventure.

[flywise]

Any ideas on what path you might take?

[ckamp52]

hard to make it out there these days unless you can get in with a big company and do a lot of high end commercial jobs, other than that you cant make a buck due to other submitting extremely low bids, then the company getting the work done usually ends up getting screwed with change orders etc

[Texas Stalker]

Maybe it time for a career change, ideas ?

I feel your pain buddy. I run Southern Cross Remodeling. Every year from about October until about February I contemplate changing careers but then I stick at it for two reasons. One, it just so happens that's deer season and two, it's what I love when it's busy. So for me it's work hard during the busy months and try to keep head above water when it's dead. As for suggestions.......... I got nothing. And yes the low competing bids are a joke. Folks need to realize you get what you pay for period. If you think taking the lowest bid is smart just ask the people that call wanting me to come fix or redo it. Happens more often then you'd think.

[Big Daddy]

It's hard to compete in that industry against people who pay no taxes, workmans comp, SS etc.I'm just glad I was 10-12 years ahead of you or I would be right there with you.
Good luck in your new adventure.

Thanks and that is my biggest problem. It has always been a problem in residential but a real problem now in commercial. I really feel if Texas had a license for all trades it would get better. But people would figure out how to skirt that too.

[Texas Stalker]

Thanks and that is my biggest problem. It has always been a problem in residential but a real problem now in commercial. I really feel if Texas had a license for all trades it would get better. But people would figure out how to skirt that too.

I'm all for them making licenses required. A tax ID # should be required to take the test also.

[Big Daddy]

Any ideas on what path you might take?

Ya know I really don't. There has to be a field in which my experience, and have been successfully self employed, could be an asset. Seems like petroleum or pipeline is where the money is right now, I am to old to be a hand.

[Big Daddy]

I'm all for them making licenses required. A tax ID # should be required to take the test also.

Yes sir

[BigL]

ever thought of flipping houses? I wish I was better at doing the manual labor or I would do it... Either take it on or find someone to finance it and you do the remodeling.

That or find someone with a lot of rent houses and be his maint. guy.

[Digitalhunter]

I think I was bidding against the same folks you guys have been. Landing a contract in the apartment business in any trade was tough. After I finished my last apartment project 12-14 years ago I didn't bother to bid any more of them.

Big Daddy, there are many jobs in the oilfield. Most I really do not have enough information on to even talk about. A guy could get a CDL though and at your age should be no problem starting out hauling water for a well services company. Myself and other drivers that are older than you walked in and went to work with no experience. If something such as that interests you. I also hauled crude oil down south for a while. About time for me to get back at it too. This temporary retirement has gotten old.

[Burntorange Bowhunter]

They are currently killing the small business in the Cable/Broadband industry as well. You either have to be nationwide or they don't want you, even if your performance is tops in the state. I am thinking of a career change as well.

[miket]

I dont have any advice but i have been contemplating a change also, or possibly starting my own shop. ( I have already taken some steps to do so ). Good luck to yall!

[justincorbell]

Have you looked into industrial inspection work? Not back breaking at all, to be good at it you need to pay close attention to detail and i imagine you have that quality down pat being a business owner. You can be at 50-60 @ hr in under 5 years if you excel, get your experience under your belt and get your api 510 and 570 certifications along with a CWI and you will honestly be able to pick and choose what jobs you want to work. Im 27, started in this industry fresh out of highschool, no college degree or advanced learning other than classes pertaining to my craft and i cleared 92k last year in 9 1/2 months and slept in my own bed every night. Before my little girl came along i chased turn arounds, i made sure work didnt interfere with my hunting and fishing habits lol. Pm me if you would like more info.