Hello all,
This is Mrs. Maxryde. I have been reading this discussion on the spouse’s opinion of self-employment in windshield repair and I just felt the need to respond. So I hope that this is alright.
It is scary to suddenly trust that a business is going to bring about the security that a 9-5 job (or whatever hours it may be) has. There is a lot of information available on self-employment on the SBA website (url:
www.sba.gov). A way of addressing that fear factor is to have a sound, well written business plan. Do your market research. Contact dealerships and other potential customers to do a labor market survey. That was what I did when Scott started to look at the windshield repair business. We were also able to secure a small business startup loan from the SBA which covered that initial training period. These loans are relatively easy to secure and for many programs, credit is not an issue. Check with your local SBA office for local government council, or economic development monies that are available. Usually the economic development funds have a requirement of hiring someone (eventually) that is under the poverty level, but that can include the business owner- it is $35000 yr in Washington State.
The way I figure it, if I would have rather lived with a little fear than to watch someone I love be completely miserable in his job. Not encouraging this opportunity would have also been contrary to everything I believe in my profession as a vocational counselor. You have to follow your passion. Just make sure you are following it on a well developed foundation.
This business has been extremely beneficial to our family. I am in grad school and having Scott only have to work ¼ of the time to earn what he did at his 9-5 job has made him available to provide care for our 4 year old. This has greatly enhanced our son’s development over being at a daycare. We have more time together, the bills get paid, and I have the benefit of living with someone who is HAPPY, not miserably stuck working for the bunch of idiots that he was.
So I say..Go for it and follow your passion.
Thanks,
Pebbles
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