The recession, benefits, the safety net, and the learning curve

PasturesNew

carolt wrote: »

I run my own school - v small scale - but allows me to set my own hours. Plus self-employed examining/writing and consultancy work.

Ah. Specialised. Thought you were going to say something low level like "I'm an Avon lady", or "I sell candles".

carolt wrote: »

..why not ...

I think the "from the heart" answer is: lack of confidence, I don't believe in myself, I've never been supported/encouraged but instead knocked back, I don't want to let anybody down, fear of failure.

All of those old chestnuts rolled into one, I guess.

That's the truth.

carolt

I did sell handmade cards on ebay briefly - made some money though probably not enough compared to the time involved; more a labour of love, kind of a hobby that grew. Is that more the kind of 'candle' thing you meant?

What I do is sort of specialised I suppose, to the extent that not just anyone could have the idea and go off and do it, but it's built up over a number of years, out of need, as when I moved out to the middle of nowhere, there wasn't the amount of work I'd had available in London, so I just had to create work to fit in with the (very limited) time I wanted to be away from my family.

That's not to say that it isn't generally applicable; I know several people - usually mums in similar situations - who've set up similar businesses - I know of 2 au pair agencies (both folded recently, though, as the internet has done away with a lot of that need), plus one v successful babysitting agency. She employs her friends, all mums themselves who need a bit of spare cash. So she gets a cut, the mums get some cash and people who use the service (I have) know they're getting a grown-up, a friend of a friend, who's got kids of her own and knows what she's doing, not some spotty 16 year old. So another win-win-win situation.

And besides, PN, you do have specialised skills, clearly - what you do is a very long way from what 'anyone' could do - and what you do is in demand. All marketing/selling is really doing, in your/my case, is connecting the willing buyer with the willing seller - not trying to hit people over the head and force them to buy something worthless that they dont want or need. Internet skills are useful, essential for all businesses, esp in this climate. You'd be doing local businesses a favour.

I do so know what you mean about the confidence thing - I'm quite confident in some ways, but it made - and still makes, though less so - my insides squirm having to talk to people about money and 'selling' my business. Obviously I'm used to teaching, and don't feel any nerves about delivering a class or a paper or whatever - but even so, the looking for new business thing I still hate. But you'd be surprised - not that you'll necessarily enjoy it, but you can act despite your lack of confidence. It might still stress you out - that's why I suggested a business partner or marketing assistance - but on the positive side, it would free you up to expand in new and possibly very profitable ways.

That said, I understand the desire not to bother; if the stress is too great, then does the money compensate adequately? Would the sress reduce once the first hurdle is overcome? Who knows?

You say you've never been supported/encouraged - hope it's not too twee if I say that's what we're doing. I had lots expected of me academically as a kid, but self-employment is something my parents don't do - they're terrified of the idea and 'business' is a totally alien world. But it's also true that the big, easy money comes to those who work for themselves.

One day, PN - know I've said it before, but have been too busy recently to do anything about it - I'd love to use your skills for a 2 vv giant projects I have up my sleeve. Terrified, as they're huge, and I'm not yet sure I'd want to commit to things that might require more time than I wish to give. But if random strangers - like me - on the internet are impressed with your skills, without ever having seen a CV, then I'm sure that you could easily impressreal people who meet you or see what you can do.

Harry_Powell

carolt wrote: »

I run my own school - v small scale - but allows me to set my own hours.

Wow, that sounds interesting! Do you teach kids or adults? What subjects do you teach?

carolt

I'll keep those details to myself..... if you don't mind.

Harry_Powell

carolt wrote: »

I'll keep those details to myself..... if you don't mind.

Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I was just interested in how someone could set up their own school and what they would teach in it. I understand your reticence in discussing this if is so specialized that it'd give away your 'real life', so to speak.

Though if you can speak in vague generalities, I'd still be very interested. I live in a very mixed race area of London was was considering setting up a study group for people new to the UK and for those who are going through the Nationality tests. I'd therefore find any advice / insight you could give to be very relevent and useful.

PasturesNew

carolt wrote: »

...2 vv giant projects I have up my sleeve. Terrified, as they're huge,

My opinion on huge is it's better than small when it comes to projects. Easier to get 100% involved 25/8 (that's like 24/7 but on the OCD scale).

carolt wrote: »

But if random strangers - like me - on the internet are impressed with your skills, without ever having seen a CV, then I'm sure that you could easily impressreal people who meet you or see what you can do.

Oh, everybody I've ever done work for is impressed... that is how come I pick up lots of random odds/sods of work. When people have something important, or that needs doing meticulously or accurately, they call me. But as for actually marketing that skill, I slip into the shadows and just wait for the calls.

Really2

PasturesNew wrote: »

My opinion on huge is it's better than small when it comes to projects. Easier to get 100% involved 25/8 (that's like 24/7 but on the OCD scale).


Oh, everybody I've ever done work for is impressed... that is how come I pick up lots of random odds/sods of work. When people have something important, or that needs doing meticulously or accurately, they call me. But as for actually marketing that skill, I slip into the shadows and just wait for the calls.

Perhaps now would be a good time to talk breifly about the projects and talk contracts (if you agree they are viable and you could work with each other).

Not to knock Carol but I am sure you are more than aware how many people with projects pick you brains then decided to do it themselves.

edit,
Also I should add you to carol should be prepared to take steps to guard your projects (unless you are confident they can not be replicated)

As said before you are both strangers on the net so perhaps you should set up an informal meeting about it to see if it is something you would both be interested in.

Please do not feel I am casting aspersions on your intents but just trying to get you both to talk and be careful also to start with:)

carolt

I think you got confused, Really - PN wasn't talking about me, she was talking about an idea of hers a few posts up.

carolt

PasturesNew wrote: »

My opinion on huge is it's better than small when it comes to projects. Easier to get 100% involved 25/8 (that's like 24/7 but on the OCD scale).

Agree. However, for better or worse, whilst both my ideas could start small, potentially they're both huge. Which is why I'm sitting on them.

Oh, everybody I've ever done work for is impressed... that is how come I pick up lots of random odds/sods of work. When people have something important, or that needs doing meticulously or accurately, they call me. But as for actually marketing that skill, I slip into the shadows and just wait for the calls.

Up to you. But if you need a confidence boost - do pop down here.

Ah, another purple day.

Really2

carolt wrote: »

I think you got confused, Really - PN wasn't talking about me, she was talking about an idea of hers a few posts up.

Sorry, I only looked today and saw your post. Perhaps I should have gone back further.

Anyway you both get the jist by all means chat but keep your cards close to your chest ( as I am sure you all know)