Leaving work and going self employed?

niftythrifty33

I'm thinking of leaving my job due to stress/anxiety. There is no way of changing things in work as it's the nature of the job.

Do any of you know how hard/easy it is to go self employed? I'm thinking of just doing cleaning. Unless anyone has any other ideas of what I could do? There are no jobs going where we live.

Many thanks

asdf1982

you just need to register with HMRC as self employed and look into the insurance situation for being a cleaner.

You would also need to find clients so you could deliver leaflets or make a website

warwicktiger

I did it nearly 7 years ago, 30 years 9-5 office work, now a self employed carpet cleaner. I love it.

Many accountants will give you a half hour chat to explain the book keeping requirements. Min charges around £450 + Vat for annual accounts and tax return.

I reckon my self to be financially aware but he has been a godsend, definitely would reccommend it over "book keeping" services.

Try subscribing to relevant websites, I use two which do include general cleaning as well as carpet cleaning:

clean it up

world of clean

Also look up "The Cleaning show", a trade show on at Coventry Ricoh arena Tues/Weds/Thurs 19/20/21 March 2013. Even if you cannot make it (its free!) the site will show you a list of potential suppliers and may be give you a few more ideas.

remember - where theres much theres brass !

(PM me if you want to ask anything off here)

niftythrifty33

Thanks both, Warwick do you work on your own? £450 seems a lot to spend what do you get for that? also what do you charge? Did you start up just off your own back or use a franchise?

many thanks

niftythrifty33

Also, are there any start up grants I can get?

andyscott

if you are that stressed you could try and get a sickline from your doctor, go on sick from your job and start your business.

You could get full pay for 6 months and it would help you with finances and also give you a chance to see if your business idea suits you.

Obviously it is wrong and you would have to make sure you do not get caught but sometimes you have to do what ever it takes to look after your family.

warwicktiger

I carpet clean, not general clean, so not a weekly/fortnightly /monthly job, I visit and quote every job individually.

I started by doing a training course at one of the trade Associations ( National Carpet Cleaners Association) and built up from there.

I did look at the franchises available, but I thought it pretty clear who would be making the money!

I keep my books on spreadsheets, and after the year end leave them with accountant together with invoices in and out and bank statements, then a month or so later go and see him for a chat through the figures.

It might seem a lot but I am happy with what I get for what I pay, I know it could be done cheaper if I wanted, but you have to take a view.