All of a sudden, despite the recession, everybody wants thier work doing - and doing yesterday. After what seems like a working desert during the spring, it's caused me to reflect on what it means to be self-employed these days.
I know I'm lucky to have a lot of work on. I've been doing what I do for over 13 years on my own and I like to think I do a good job - hence the repeat work. But sometimes it's hard going.
I've been told I 'thrive' on pressure which I can honestly say is bullshit. Deadlines are horrible when they are relentlessly one-after-the-other and it's easy to get burnt out. Things like decorating, gardening, days out, buying hats etc. become treats - (God, I never thought decorating would be a treat! Actually it's not. Forget that - decorating is also horrible.)
Dealing with demanding and belligerent clients, however has become much easier of late. Since earlier in the year, I now have a much keener idea of the value of time now. I find it much easier to say the word 'NO' and that is a very powerful word I can tell you.
"Can we just tweek"..."NO!"
"Would you be able to just"..."NO!"
"Do you want help with your packing sir..." "NO!" (easy to get caried away with the no's)
Chasing invoices - what fun! It really is. I can heartily recommend it as a stress relieving activity.
It is now anyway.
After a recent chat with my bank manager, I have invested in a brand new bit of company kit. And it's gonna make the job a whole lot easier...
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| Dear Sirs, Your invoice is now overdue... |
30 comments:
chris
if the gunship doesnt work... for a small fee, I am happy to go round with a few of the girls to "lean on" any tight arse!
ps don't you dare!!!
John - I have bitten clean through my lip...
Hi Chris, That tiny word is powerful, and necessary, for self preservation. I bet 'Vinegar Tits' and the CW's would be amazing at chasing up those late payers.
Well discovered.
I had wondered where your posts had gone. Glad it's been because you've got lots of work. Nice touch... the "PAY UP" markings on your new little machine.
Elaine - hello Elaine!!! Please be careful. John does not like being called 'vingar tits'...
Tom - No is the hardest word to say. Or antidisestablishmentarianism.
Mitch - I've written the obligatory 'Have a nice day' on the hellfires.
Thats right.... tell em how its gonna be.... or they get the death copter!!! Works every time.
And you've been very greatly missed for the last fortnight Chris - glad you're back in blog land. V impressed with your early payment encourager But then John's offer looks like a bargain in these lean times - could be just as effective for half the price
Oh ya the word NO... what a lovely word that is, is it not! Use it wisely LOL...
My father's favourite word was 'Sold'. I imagine yours must be 'Received'.
The Apache pilots have a helmet-visor which pin-points targets. They just have to look at something, press a button, and it's goodnight. I'm not sure whether this is brilliant, or just plain evil.
Steve - US Army surplus. You can't beat it.
Molly - I've missed you too Molly:-) I'm worried about what will happen if I'm late paying John!
Tex - The man from delmonte - he say NOOOOOOOO!
Cro - If you're in the middle of a battlefield it's a good thing. If you're out shopping in the high street - bad thing.
I agree decorating is horrible. Sounds like you have a lot going on - hope it calms down for you. I know, forget the deadlines, come drive our tractor!
Sounds like with work you have too much of a good thing! Glad you were able to fit in a post so we know you are OK.
I think you may be on too something with that new debt collection system! You can also sell them some clean underwear after you collect your money,lol!
Self employment sounds like a dream to me... I have 20-plus more years of clocking in and out :( At least I enjoy my job, but I could easily give it up.--I just need a business (or a richer husband)!
Lisa - fire that baby up - I'm on my way!
Melodie - Some of them would dare me to pull the trigger on the gatling gun - the need for new pants would be academic after that lol ;-)
Becks - or a richer husband with a business. If he has a rich sister please let me know...
So those Apache choppers are good for something, eh?
I really do love your sense of humor.
(And buying hats? What kind of hats?)
Lucky you, I wish I could get a more stable job.
Lol! Though, now i think of it - that is just the thing we need for the greylag goose problem...
I can't think of anything clever to say.
The Barefoot Crofter has a great idea...fly that thing over here to chase away the #%&*# cranes!
m.
xx
If there's a word I NEED to use more often, it would be, "NO." Many Blessing to you Chris:)
Dia - The hat comment was directed at a guy who reads this drivel and is currently obsessed with hats (instead of his usual candlestick fetish)
DWei - Don't do what I do then. Nothing stable about working for yourself except for being able to see disaster coming from further away...
Jacqui - Hey, that's a new side to the business then!
M - those pesky #%&*# cranes!!!
Michelle - Yes! No! Blessings to you too!
Good to have you back, you work horse!
I will do anything you say sir,....well almost!
Ha, I can comment now, thanks Chris! We're having to decorate two houses, the one we're leaving and the one we're moving into (well hubby is, I just pay for the materials, I may as well have bought shares in Homebase) so agree, it is horrible! Nice once done though :) Also agree with the power of saying no, I just need help saying it appropriately. I always say no to help with packing shopping, even if I need it, overzealous self-sufficiency me thinks ;)
Its good to be occupied :) I dream one day to be self-employed, but before that I need to find a job that will allow me to make savings to invest :0)
Jim - Empty your bank account into this gym bag I'm holding. No? Worth a try...
DM - Surely you've got that the wrong way round - you 'choose' the decor, he pays and he does all the work. Don't tell me I've been doing it wrong all these years! Nooooooooo!
Shaheen - With your superb cooking skills it should be a very easy transition :-)
Self-employed for 13 years? Congratulations! Owning your own business is A LOT of hard work. My husband was/is a custom cabinet and furniture maker. We owned our own business for over 5 years. But the constant battles with customers who wanted top-of-the-line furniture, completed and installed yesterday, but didn't think they needed to pay for it got to be too much. Then the economy went to crap. After a lot of thought, we closed the business, my husband went back to school, and now has a career as a nurse, and he loves it.
He used the word "NO" several times. The customers didn't like that too much. lol
I call SHOTGUN! :-)
Amanda - That's a shame. Especially worse (I don't know why) when it's a hand craft like cabinet making. Why do people expect stuff for free?
A nurse too. He's a multi-skilled dude!
Crow - lock and load! Glad you're back :-)
Hallo stranger! Welcome back to the internet :D
Where are the bees?? xx
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