Mon-Fri Job Gone: Maybe It's Time for Full Time Detailing

Totoland Mach

Totoland Mach

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I was informed today that my regular job is going bye-bye and I'm at a cross road: do I seek another? Or, go full time into detailing? The BMW dealer said he could keep me plenty busy with work and also has an extensive client list that I could draw from.

I don't know folks! I don't think at 63 that corporations are going to step up to the hiring plate...so maybe it's time to go for the independent detailer route.

Scary!

Toto
 
sorry to hear that . goodluck with what ever you decide to do i know with detailing its almost impossible were i live to make a living on it alone. but then again im in jersey anywere alse you can probably do great
 
Sorry to hear that Toto but if I may share my opinion on age. This is just my opinion only, as we all know baby boomers are slowly but surely retiring and taking a large wealth of knowledge. I see this at my day job and notice that baby boomers are taking an extremely large amount of knowledge and company's suffer when this happens. Basically what I'm trying to say Toto is that don't go thinking that just because your "old" that company's wont be interested. I've learned a few things so far and one thing I've learned is that knowledge is power. A good example would be consulting company's, consulting company's thrive on knowledge and that is what they offer knowledge to solve problems or give ideas ect.

As for detailing, there is nothing wrong with detailing I for one would enjoy seeing more details from you :D but at the end of the day you will choose what makes sense to you.

Best of luck and sorry to hear about the bad news.
 
Hey Richard,
Sorry to hear that. I have been there myself. The place I work at is looking for help.
But detailing may be the way to go.

Kelly
 
You should start your own detailing instruction class! I for one would pay to attend!
 
I share your emotions. I got cut loose a few years back (everyone over 50 went bye bye that same day) and that is what got me into detailing for more than just a hobby. Go independent and use the dealer.....they've been using you.
 
I'm relatively new to this forum, so I don't know what you do. But after seeing the number and quality of details you do already, I thought that you already were doing it full time, that's how good they are!
 
Toto, you are definitely as master detailer and one of the best ones I have seen. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

Gary
 
If you have your ducks in a row and health insurance covered you should go full time.You do some of the best work on this forum
 
Toto I'm not sure what you should do, but your detailing is about a 1000 notches above damn good, so if you choose that avenue I'm not sure you could go wrong. Your abilities are some of the best I have seen. You are a talented man with the rotary so if you feel compelled to go the independent route I'm sure you will be successful.
 
Totoland Mach said:
go full time into detailing? The BMW dealer said he could keep me plenty busy with work and also has an extensive client list that I could draw from.
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Sorry to hear Toto, That sounds like a good thing to do, since you won't have to start a new job app., and interviews. Seems you already could have a new job lined up.
 
02CAMSS said:
If you have your ducks in a row and health insurance covered you should go full time.You do some of the best work on this forum
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So sorry to hear that Toto! I agree with 02 CAMAA. I know you have some medical issues but if you have the insurance covered it could be a great choice. You do amazing work and seem to love it! I am sure you were taken back by the news and I am sorry. Sit down with a financial planner soon and review your finances. Being a small business owner is not easy, however it does have a lot of perks. Sounds like the BMW dealer would set you up. Just take some time and review your options. Don't think that just because you are more mature automatically means another company would not want you. We are here for you! :grouphug:
 
Totoland Mach said:
I was informed today that my regular job is going bye-bye and I'm at a cross road: do I seek another? Or, go full time into detailing? The BMW dealer said he could keep me plenty busy with work and also has an extensive client list that I could draw from.
Click to expand...

Toto, I agree with others here. You have the skills and you do amazing work on those bimmers. Take the deal from dealer, use his space, tools: lift, etc and you supply your own products. See if you can use space for those clients of his also. The only thing different would be at the end of the year you would get a 1099 instead of a W2 from him. Seems like he is genuinely trying to help you out. Going freelance will probably mean more money for you. You would just have to take care of benefits; health insurance, that you may be losing.

If you went mobile then you have to realize that detailing without that lift is alot tougher on the back, knees, etc.

When one door closes another one opens.

just my thoughts.
 
Sorry to hear that Toto, my dad retired from the govt. and was driving my mom crazy. So he went to look for a job and everyone he spoke with wanted him because of his knowledge. He was 60 at the time, since everyone he spoke with wanted to hire him, he decided to start a consulting business and is doing great, and not getting in my moms way.
 
That is scary Toto. It's got to be a tough one feeling that way. I don't know much but I know a little about what you face at that age. One, is everyone goes on Medicare at 65. Doesn't matter what kind of insurance that you had before. So you are close to that. A close buddy of mine just lost his job at "Sunkist" and has more answers if you need them. He's our age. Pm me with any questions and I'll ask him. Damn, and retirement so close. It just ain't right damnit. I'm on it if I can help.
 
Wow, sorry to hear that Richard. As everyone has said and you already know, you are gifted with your detailing skills. Do you enjoy it enough to do it full time? You have spoke highly of your boss and it seems like a good place to work. It's not a bad option to have. Best of luck with your decision and future, you deserve it!
 
Sorry to hear that man .But I feel you gotta do what is best for you.Which ever way you decide .I'm quite sure you will succeed.Your detailing skills are awesome.So I see you making a comfortable living from it.Plus you seem to really enjoy your work and it shows in the finished product. Best of luck in what ever you decide.
 
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions folks! What a great bunch of friends here!

I have to put some base numbers together with the BMW dealer (he is a super person and will do tons to help) and figure out what I need finance wise to make it initially and grow.

I was an independent manufacturer's rep for 10 years and know what the 1099's are. Plus the first couple of year's building accounts is tough...but then again, if it was easy...a Cave Man would do it LOL.

I really enjoy doing this work and I've done driveway details part time for several years. This present work at the dealer is another level...total reconditioning of a vehicle for resale. But the knowledge I've received from recon work is carrying over to on-site customer work.

Well, I've got some time to think this over. Quite frankly, all my prior work involved heavy travel and I'm pretty worn out on the travel stuff....especially air travel! At its' best, it is tedious and at its' worst it is a nightmare.

Well, it is early Saturday morning and I'm heading to the shop to finish a black X3. It's gonna be a knockout! I compounded for the past 2 nights and I start with the Swirl Remover and Ultrafina today.

See You Fine People! Have a SAFE holiday weekend!

Toto
 
Toto,

Sorry to hear but unfortunately the news is not uncommon these days. Others have suggested some excellent advice. Do sit down with a financial planner. He/She will look at your finances, savings and health care situation. Some companies allow an extensive health insurance package--others don't.

That said, you certainly have the detailing talent. The question is doing it more for income and less as a hobby. Many hobbiests always wonder if they could make a living at something they love doing. Hobbies are a wonderful diversion but doing it as a job requires a whole different mentality.

The dealership offer does give you a buffer in the short term and you can get a good idea if its something you want to evolve into a full time gig. Your detailing knowledge is superb--and a terrific option. Given its a BMW gig, you could get some excellent referrals to clients that don't mind spending $$$ for worthy work.

Best wishes to you and let us know how it goes.
 
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