Join in if you are self-employed and work from home

Horace

I have just come back from the local shops - I went out to post the form to the chamber of commerce as requested, then I went to the hardware shop to buy some nails and two geraniums (planned for) then I was tempted into the flower shop:rolleyes: Good job I did really as when I arrived home I noticed that the side of my car had been scraped by some twonk in a silver car. Now there was a silver one parked next to it last night (it had a wheeltrim missing and looked like a heap) so now I am convinced that it was he that did the deed. All my passenger door is scraped even to doorhandle height:mad: Thinking about it I did hear a noise last night but didnt pay much attention because there are always noises outside my place at night. The damage must have been done last night or this morning because the car was ok yesterday because I was outside and saw it (I always go and check on my car).

renniwano

Glad you managed to get some bits done... shame about the car though.. some people just have no respect for other peoples property..

I had a similar incident last year.. heard a noise.. looked out the window to watch a neighbours father scraping his car down the side of my cars rear end.. couldn't get out fast enough to catch up with him.. and when mentioned to the neighbour it was like I was making it all up..

I really do empathise with you.. as this is most likely the last thing you need right now..

I hope you can get it sorted.. and if it's not too bad.. the good thing is it is only metal and you are safe and well.. ( I know it doesn't make it any better, but in the long run it is better you are a healthy, happy person)

So HUGS from me.. and here's to a better tomorrow..

**

Following my 'plan' now down to just a few more items on it today.. so hopefully by the time the other half gets in from work, I should be on the home straight..

Nikki x

Horace

Hi Nikki

I did take my duster to the car and the worst is off but it needs T-cutting now. I would be mortified if I had scraped down the side of someone's car, I would leave a note. People just seem to want to take and not give and as long as they're ok then stuff everyone else:rolleyes:

I have managed to let myself be roped into more leafletting tomorrow at around lunchtime and then again on Saturday morning - Saturday is good because we get a free lunch.:j Well, it beats going to the gym and is cheaper and a better workout:rotfl: Saturday night I am going out - I have been invited to a gig but I think that my mate is trying to set me up with a new man:D I haven't been to a gig for ages - years in fact. The last concert I went to was back in 2001 (I think) and I went to see Tangerine Dream at Symphony Hall.

Hopefully I will get some more work done tomorrow - I am still waiting for my NI exemption to come through so that I can show it to the council so that I can continue getting HB, I will need to let them see my WTC details too. I wonder what they will say now that I am getting less than JSA each week:eek:

Onwards and upwards as they say.

Wordsmith

Welcome Nikki and Allison!

Haven't been on here for a while. Been too busy! Some of it with paying work, but not all. Have been away for a few days visiting parents - really puts a dent in my freelance work and have to work especially hard before I go and when I come back - but it is sooooo lovely to see them. We have some very odd conversations as they both get quite confused. Monday in Devon was reasonably sunny so sister and I took them out in convoy in their wheelchairs to a cafe for tea and cake - great fun, except tiny sister nearly tipped my dad out of his chair when trying to get on to a pavement ... neither of them appreciated my creasing up laughing (once I knew they were OK, though!). Flight left on Monday at 6.30 in the MORNING :eek:, which was bad enough, but as I had to finish a job before going I didn't get to bed until 3 a.m. ... and the alarm went off at 4. Ugh.

Been working in the shop, doing the bookkeeping for the shop and the restaurant, a bit of editing, a bit of web design, a bit of blurb writing ... now about to do a four-day stint in the shop because it's a bank holiday here on Monday and other lady is taking it as a booze holiday and thinks (quite rightly in our experience) that she won't be able to make it in on Tuesday. At least she has the foresight to realise it this time and I won't get woken by a phone call at 7 a.m. when she realises she can't make it out of bed. I also have a novel to proofread by Tuesday - oh dear, I need to make an extra and empty day appear from somewhere - a few more late nights, methinks.

Also got a bit busy and torn away from work when some !!!!!! torched my car (luckily not the one I need for work), broke into my home (not while I was there fortunately) and pulled all my stuff about, stole my generator ... and you do not want to know what he did in my bathroom. Luckily I got the generator back as it was dumped and found, but unfortunately the car wasn't insured (yes, OK, I know ... but I couldn't afford the insurance and as I wasn't using it on the road I decided to take the risk). He also stole the scythe I keep by my bed for protection in case someone breaks in while I am asleep.:rolleyes: Apart from all the annoyance, it has made me feel very vulnerable as I am quite isolated and a mobile home is not the hardest of places to get into.

And I still haven't done my accounts ...

Anyway, must crack on. Hope everyone else is productive and happy.

Horace

:grouphug: sorry to hear that you have been visited by a !!!!!! - it seems to be the month for them:rolleyes: Glad you got the generator back though.

I have some news and I am feeling rather chuffed with myself - my advert has gone into Your West Midlands Wedding magazine which goes on sale tomorrow in WHSmith and Menzies. I also appear in the editorial in the useful contacts list as well as discussing wedding invitation management and choosing the venue - how this is one of my favourite parts of organising a wedding:j The only thing missing from the ad is my heart logo but I am not too fussed about that as the ad still looks great without it (less is more as they say).

On Thursday 4 June - I am attending a showcase event at Hagley Hall which has been organised by Worcestershire County Council, this is for people who organise corporate events and conferences and is to showcase the businesses of Worcestershire and their food. This is a great networking event and another way of sourcing some fantastic venues.

Hope you have a grand day and that you get to enjoy the lovely sunshine.

nzmegs

Wordsmith - i just wrote an article yesterday about car insurance and how the govt will be fining us if we do not remember to renew it - whether the car is on the road or not....glad the rule isn't in yet though!
Today I have to write this cray article comparing no claims discount promises on insurers websites. It is ALOT of work filling in forms....blah blah blah.
It is friday and a good weekend weather wise is in store. However it is the end of the month and as usual I have a load of work to do to finish my deadlines. Hate the last weekend of the month. I am always running behind. I like a bit of pressure though!

Suziebea

Hi all,

I've been reading this thread with interest, as I am contemplating becoming self-employed, and hope that someone will be able to help answer my question.

Six months ago I was made redundant, and there are no jobs in my area of work (I am a conveyancing solicitor). I am thinking of trying to get work as a locum, on a freelance basis, but wondered at what point I would be regarded as being self-employed.

I am receiving JSA at the moment, but this will stop soon, but I don't know if any work will be forthcoming. Does contacting potential clients, and basically marketing myself, count as being self-employed, or would this only apply when I start my first assignment?

I am keen to get back into the workplace, but don't want to get the technicalities wrong, particularly regarding JSA.

I look forward to your replies.

Horace

Hi Susiebea - I recently came off JSA to become self employed.

Firstly re the JSA if you are claiming contributions based and it is due to run out then you can claim for income-based instead.

You need to notify the HMRC within 3 months of starting self employment as you need to register with them for tax and Class 2 NI. How close are you to getting a client? If it is imminent then I should set up now. You can claim working tax credits if you are on a low income which is what I have done but it is less than JSA.

HTH and good luck:D

nzmegs

Hi Susie,
When I first called the HMRC to register as self employed they asked me if i had completed my first assignment as yet - I said no as all I had done was decide to be self employed at athat stage. They told me to call back when I had my first paid job. I gues that prevents lots of people having to fill in self assesments when they haven't earned anything.
So the answer is to wait until you have your first job and then register within 3 months.

Good luck with your business. I work part time in the house building industry so i am familiar with your area. I think that quite aside from the current economic situation it will pick up quickly and probably in the next year. I think setting up now is a good idea and you'll be best placed for when the upturn comes around.

ally_bally_3

Hi all

Not exactly a productive day today as my little brother is visiting me from Scotland so went to a meeting with one of my band's management this morning to organise some bits from Glastonbury then actually took the afternoon off! First time off in a while and with this amazing weather made me feel positive. Suppose we all have to remember there are definitely SOME perks to be had being self employed eh!?

Hope you all had a nice day and are enjoying this sunshine. Always puts me in a better frame of mind...
x