The Case for Working With Your Hands

Interesting article in the Times Magazine and very apropos to my situation.

I post it here because so many on this board are looking at career changes. I truly encourage encourage you all to consider service industries.

Five years ago I didn't own a wrench. Almost exactly three years ago -- after working for someone else for about a year at a significantly lower salary than I was used to making -- I started my own, now successful service business. I now sell and service commercial coffee and espresso machines -- mostly to and for chain restaurants.

You can learn how to fix stuff. Your writing and communication skills will help you grow your business and differentiate you from the competition. And manufacturers are always looking for bright, articulate distributers.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/magazine/24labor-t.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=all

 

I've been thinking a lot about this myself. I'm hoping to get into computer networking. The actual, physical building and maintaining of the networks. Beceause, as the article said, you can't do it over the internet.

 

Yep, same thing with espresso machines.

The super automatic ones I work on a lot -- every Dunkin' Donuts has one -- list for over $13,000. Trust me, they don't want to replace them if they don't have to.

I charge $75.00 to "walk in the door" and then $75.00 per hour while on site. I also bill for my mileage and parking. And I get a 50% discount on parts.

There's a need in nearly every industry for good reliable service people.

Funny too, the Honda repair man that the author trained under is abut three blocks from where I'm currently sitting.

 

I've never been very handy this way -- wanted to say "not good with my hands," but didn't want to close every door -- but this is all a very interesting idea.

 

Trust me, neither was I. I didn't know anything.

But you learn. Coffee & espresso machines are logical. They make sense. Once you learn the basics, repairing them isn't that hard. 90% of it is having the right tools and the right parts -- and the phone number for tech support.

I stumbled into my field when I was thinking about opening a coffee or tea shop.

The barrier to entry was low. You didn't need to train for years to be certified like a plumber or electrician and I only needed to buy some spare parts & tools to get started.

I work out of my home and use the same beat up car I owned before I got into this.

It's your ability to sell yourself and be reliable that are most important. If you're smart, you can learn how to fix stuff.

 

Fuck. I'm screwed.

 

My brother-in-law was a dentist. He didn't like it much and the malpractice insurance was steep.
He now fixes pizza ovens. Similar story to YankeeFan. Think about it: If your business is selling pizza and your oven breaks, you have nothing to sell. You're damn sure gonna get it fixed ASAP and that few hundred bucks it's gonna cost you gladly pay.

 

SoCalDude, sounds like your bro-in-law is rolling in dough.

 

How so?

 

Sounds very similar. A coffee shop without coffee doesn't make a lot of money.

They have to fix the machine.

The best part is I work for myself. No one can ever fire me or lay me off again. No more idiot bosses and my success is dependent on my hard work.

 

www.instantrimshot.com

 

He's cookin' on high.