Self Employed

[Gas Man]

Just wondered if there are many of us out there that are self employed?
If so are you feeling the pinch?
As Ive said on another post I'm a SE Gas Engineer/Plumber and have been for the last 4yrs & been in the trade now for 15yrs.
I've really noticed this last year that its getting a lot worse and I'm even contemplating signing up to one of those sites like Trustatrader whoem I have an absolute hatred for  ::)
No disrespect to those who luv this country but I so cant wait till I'm able to put the future plans into action and get off this island!!

[fatharry]

i lived abroad for many years......the grass is not always greener!! (although it was in Germany), i work for a small company, which is only step up from being self employed...and yes it's tough out there at the moment

[Gas Man]

i lived abroad for many years......the grass is not always greener!! (although it was in Germany), i work for a small company, which is only step up from being self employed...and yes it's tough out there at the moment

It may not be greener FH but it will certainly be hotter where Im planning to go  ;) :D

[Ziderman]

Im self employed.  I have stuck with contracting to Utilities on over head Electricity for years now. Every one needs electricity. So fortunately alls well with me. Fuel costs not good  & paying what amounts to 41p in every £ i earn in Tax & NI . That's what it adds up to. Just to read about scroungers in the paper & those getting Benefits , even for feeding the Dog. They all smoke & got Sky TV it seems. That's the piss take. As for fuel , I just drive a lot slower & have crammed 2 days work into one, at least one a week.  which means two less journeys.

[Gas Man]

So you dont actually do domestic work then Ziderman, wise man  ;)
God dont get me going on the scroungers  >:(
What pisses me off the most is the way this country is run. They could actually wipe out the defecit just from stopping the wastage alone instead of hitting the every day public who work hard for a decent standard of living  >:(
I'm gonna have to stop watching despatches  ::) :D

[Ziderman]

So you dont actually do domestic work then Ziderman, wise man  ;)

When every one was bragging about Private contracts & how much they were earning , didn't need to do work for Utilities as making much better living out to Private sector....I decided to stick with Utilities. Seen recessions before. Of course now there all banging on the Doors of the Utility companies looking for work. You didn't want to know us then , so we don't want to know you now.
Continuity of work is the best plan....greed over takes many. Look after what you got & never bite the hand that feeds you..

Gwad I sound like a Prophet now....!

[Gas Man]

So you dont actually do domestic work then Ziderman, wise man  ;)

Gwad I sound like a Prophet now....!

Prophet Ziderman!! Kinda has a ring to it  :D
I've looked at various options like boiler manufacturers and service engineer for certain utility companies so if things get dire I'll have to take 1 of them up... theres always a safety net when you have certain qualifications ;)

[Ziderman]

Just keep it there. When things pick up again you can combine the both , may be.