Budget Wars - A New Hope (with apologies to George Lucas)

Bobarella · 25 July 2016 at 7:16PM

A New Hope is a very fitting title for my first ever DFW diary. For the first time in around 18 months I really have hope. I am one of those people who has always seen September as the start of the year. Because of back to school I suppose. And this year is the first September I can honestly say I am 100% looking forward to in years.

My situation is complicated but to simplify, I took the enormous step to not only become self employed but to sell my family home to finance my new business in 2011. I turned my back on a very well paid career to go out on my own.
In that period I have had many challenges. Gone to hell and back owing wages and HMRC. Dont worry the wages were paid back long ago as quickly as I could. And I repaid HMRC.
The stress of being responsible for other peoples lives is intense if you've never been there. At my lowest point I deactivated my voicemail to avoid the energy company being able to contact me.

At one point I owed around £40,000 all business related. Primarily on a loan, but some CC.

Time and again I bashed my head against my mental bars and wondered if I could physically carry on. But I did. Through hell and high waters. Quite literally in fact....

This last year has not been easy. I worked as the sole employee of my business during my entire pregnancy with DD and went into labour whilst still at work. When my baby was 4 months old I got seriously ill and spent a week in hospital. My lovely FIL was diognosed with the big C 2 months ago. And life has wobbled along precariously as always.

The reason for my new hope is I finally made a big decision. To stop the business I am running & build another. It wont be easy but it will get me out of the hole I am in & allow me to take on paid employment around the new business. I have 4 days left of my old situation and then good night vienna!

I love MSE. It and the people of it have been such a comfort. And now I am hoping to use this diary as a place for me to record my baby steps towards a life less stressful, adrenaline filled & chaotic.

Bob

juliejim · 25 July 2016 at 7:33PM

Looking forward to it!

Jue

hugglemonster · 25 July 2016 at 11:26PM

Ah sorry didn't see your post earlier, still great minds! I'll have a proper read of your diary, good luck with the new business.

Bobarella · 26 July 2016 at 7:27AM

Morning

Today I am meeting with a business consultant to try and thrash out exactly who I need to target with the new offer. This is not cheap. But I actually think I need the help. So many times I have said to my husband, I think we could do really well if we just changed the use of our premises. But every time I have bashed my head against it and given up. So outside eyes appreciated.

Its a tricky time. I have to officially stop what I have been doing to start the new. But that means no income for me until I can get the new business running. I think after the end of this week I will have the head space to focus on what to do next properly. I have a fixed sum I need to keep the business premises going. Rent. Rates. Water. Electricity. Which is roughly £1,000 a month. Anything over that is profit.

I also need to work out exactly how much I need to contribute to our houshold pot as I usually pay for all our food. Travel. And any childcare needed for my older son.

I am proposing to work evenings/weekends in the next month if I can get work. DD is old enough for my husband to look after now so that is fine.

Rambling away now. Time to get us all up and out.

Bob

Bobarella · 26 July 2016 at 7:28AM

juliejim wrote: »

Looking forward to it!

Jue

Thanks Julie

:T

Bobarella · 26 July 2016 at 10:33PM

lego_mum wrote: »

Bob, great title Good luck with your new business

Thanks lovely

Bobarella · 26 July 2016 at 10:41PM

So today was very busy. Have managed to go from having no real enquiries to several. Had a childrens party enquiry that looks like it will convert to a booking. A 90th birthday party gathering. A week long arts exhibition, including late night view, & an email from a supper club. Oh and 2 small 1 hr hires to childrens class providers.

I met with the business coach. It was a very useful meeting. Im going to see her again. I think the money is well spent for the mistakes I wont make.

Put an ad on Gumtree for the new place.

Recieved an offer on ebay for the meat slicer I am selling. I have it on for £250 & they only offered £150 so I countered with £200. I haven't heard back yet but have my fingers crossed.

Also sold a comic off. One of the many we have to shift but it all helps.

DD has started properly crawling now, & her furniture surfing has gone to the next level. So eyes in the back of my head needed now

Night all

Bob

Dizzy_Imp · 27 July 2016 at 7:55AM

Good luck with the next phase of your journey Bob. Hoping the new business is a great success xxx

Bobarella · 27 July 2016 at 5:55PM

Thanks so much Dizzy that means a lot.

Today has been busy. And hot again.

Came home to a letter from our current mortgage lender saying there was an early redemption fee to pay. Which is odd because I dont think there is. We are just at the end of our fix so remortgaging because of that not borrowing more. Have emailed the broker to question this.

I had a really good conversation with someone today about the cycle of life for artists. As in when art students are preparing work and when in the year they may be looking to show. It was really helpful in thinking about how to target marketing at that group.

Then ran into another mum who is in publishing and thinks the space would be great for book launches. I took her email so that reminds me to follow up now with a linkedin invite.

Just having soup and bread for tonights meal as Im shattered.

Late last night I had an ebay notification to say a big portable stero I am selling had sold. Its clearly marked collection only but the person is in north london. I have queried it but its amazing to me how many people dont respond to ebay questions. I wont touch the money until I hear but suspect it will be a refund.

Have a sleeping baby on me. Will sit for a while and enjoy it.

Night all.

Bob

juliejim · 27 July 2016 at 6:17PM

It all sounds really positive Bob. Hope the bookings come in thick and fast.

Jue

apple_muncher · 27 July 2016 at 9:37PM

I am always amazed at your energy, and how much you get done bob!

Budget Wars - A New Hope (with apologies to George Lucas)

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