Self employed again

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Jan 11, 2008 | 10:15 PM

lariat97

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Joined: Jun 2005

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From: North west La

Self employed again

I got laid off today. I knew it was going to happen so I got my commercial ins & workmans comp again. The company I was working for is just about bankrupt. It was the largest cabinet company in Memphis when I started working there. About a yr ago the best of the 2 owners sold his share. He was the man that really ran the company. The owner that is still there hasn't a clue how to run a business. He is going to kill his company. He has let many builders get 90 days behind & will not confront them or put liens on the houses. The other owner would never let anyone do this to him. He would get his money or but liens on the houses.
I've been self employed most of my life. I ran a interior trim subcontracting company for 28 yrs.I worked for my self starting in highschool doing tractor work & farming. I enjoyed the break from running a business but I'm ready to get back into it. I plan to get a contractors license & start a remodeling company. I'll hang cabinets till I can get through the classes for the license.
Wish me luck. I've been expecting this for several months so I'm ready to get back in my own business. I'm the best boss I've ever had. LOL

Jan 11, 2008 | 10:17 PM

rangerfan

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From: Southeastern Indiana

Good luck. Certain things happen for a reason.

Jan 11, 2008 | 10:25 PM

SteveBricks

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Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 42,085

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From: Lakewood, Ca.

I was in a similar situation in '93 when the company I worked for closed it's doors. I had been in Concrete and Masonry on the side since I was a kid, so I went ahead and got licenced and have been since. I kinda miss having paid holidays and bonuses, but I wouldn't go back if I could.

Best of luck to you, 97.

Jan 11, 2008 | 10:51 PM

ranger1999 Bob

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i had the same situation like three years back and i aint regretted it at all.. i work when i want and as long as i want and ive done some beautiful jobs.. go for it you wont regret it

Jan 12, 2008 | 09:19 AM

1979 Ford

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 3,495

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From: Not as far west as I want

Good luck. Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and will do well. Like running my own show.

(lawn and landscape work)

Jan 12, 2008 | 06:59 PM

ArdWrknTrk

pedant

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 23,576

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From: EXTREME southwest CT

Lariat,

I'm sincerely saddened to hear of your situation. (and that of your coworkers)
But consider it a blessing you're not working for this gentleman any longer. You don't need to be in his house of cards.
I do wish you well going back into business for yourself. Though I don't think you'll need luck, just an opportunity to show you can get it done.
We're in the same line of work, and I've been in the carpentry trades 27 years now.
Things are hurting even up here on The Gold Coast.
My advice to you: Be fair and sincere to your workers, customers and most of all to yourself. Nothing more.....or less, will bring you loyalty and respect.
In a word, be YOURSELF and I trust you'll be fine.

It's a New Year and full of opportunity's. Take the initiative.

Good Luck!
Jim

Jan 13, 2008 | 10:07 AM

lariat97

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Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 7,047

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From: North west La

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I've got a few small jobs lined up already so I'll be working the first week after the layoff.It will be slow at first because of the time of the yr. Construction always is slow this time of the yr. I have plenty of contacts around Memphis so I just need to let them know I'm back in business.I got one guy with about 200 rental houses that wants me to maintain them for him. Like I said in my first post I saw this layoff coming so I've been planning for it. I my tools & my tool trailer so I won't have any expenses in that area. I just need to get out & go to work building my business back.
Luckly I'm in fairly good shape financially. All I owe on my house is $2816. I'm thinking of taking the money out of my savings & paying it off. It would take one note off my back while I'm trying to get rolling again. To be honest I'm looking foward to working for myself again. It has its ups & downs but I like it.

Last edited by lariat97; Jan 13, 2008 at 10:16 AM.