Any body made the jump? Advice?

10 years residential carpenter and 25 years in commercial carpenters union. I have done to s of side work. Houses, furniture, tree work. Not disciplined enough to have my own legitimate business. The extra money from night and weekend work is nice and at times it's a nice change of pace from tons of metal studs and truckload of drywall. Just my opinion. I could be wrong.

 

I have no interest in owning my own business or owning real estate as some sort of landlord. Those two things take a special type of person. There is plenty of money to be made by working for the man and investing a large portion of your earnings.

 

We've often joked about my Water Heater and Lawn Care Service side business.
I'm 57½. Planning to retire from plumbing in 4½ years. Working for a contractor was easier and I had a 401k there to stash away my extra money. Also had a company van and company fone. I can take off any time I want. I use my lay-offs to do projects. Working "construction" has it benefits for sure.
My neighbor has a tree service and struggles to find help. And the weather here in this tropical rainforest can really affect his scheduling.

 

Took few weeks off for wedding and honeymoon. Helping the tree guys while still on vacation this week. Still up in the air..

 

Are congratulations in order?

 

Maybe condolences?

 

picsor it didn't happen

 

Decided to stay plumbing full time and do trees and stumps on the side. Thank you guys for all your input!

 

Sounds like a really sound decision Cyrus after reading through all the posts. You still get to do what you love on the side, so your not giving it up completely.

I enjoy what I do, but it's not my pure love. I'd rather be doing other things. Happy for those that are doing what they truly love day in and day out, in reality that's pretty rare.

 

Now here's a pic of the hoarding that was done today.

 

Well here it is now