A downward spiral

Dumb_Blonde_3

Empty_pockets wrote: »

Noted on the drinking.

I am generally feeling better about things and haven't had a drink since Sun. This is more due to trying to improve fitness more than anything else but its def had a positive affect on my work.

Thats great news - don't let the demon drink take a hold - drinks a depressant anyway.

I'm glad your feeling better !!!!

Empty_pockets

Hi 'TheAble'

I'm a private hire driver. I have to pay £111 a week to the firm. In return, they provide me with work. I can work whatever hours I wish.

The training fee isn't essential however I do feel it's quite important. Firstly, it keeps me fit physically and mentally and works a damn sight better than antidepressants. Secondly, I've been at it a few years now, if fact due to grade for black belt next Sun, I'd loath to give it up now.

R.e the life insurance, I think it's needed for my mortgage?? I took it out several years ago with Tesco finance. I think if I moved it elsewhere or cancelled it I would end up paying more when it was reinstated.

Food bill. I can't remember what I put before. I guess I spend about £30 a week. Is that exessive?


Hypno - Thanks very much. yes, this board has been of great help. I was feeling very very bad when I started this thread. I'm not really any better of yet but I do feel if read and listen to the advice on this site I have a chance of sorting this mess out.

Phoned L&C this morning (suprised to get an answer on a sat!) Gave him some details about the mortgage and he is going to have a look at it for me. Fingers crossed.

frosty

Hi emptypockets,sorry your having such a hard time,could you get a job as a courier?
In our town some home delivery services advertise for couriers that have their own cars.

tallyhoh

Empty_pockets wrote: »

Noted on the drinking.

I am generally feeling better about things and haven't had a drink since Sun. This is more due to trying to improve fitness more than anything else but its def had a positive affect on my work.

Try & keep up the not drinking. I did'nt realise what a bad affect it was having on me till I stopped. Stops you thinking straight even if you think you are ok.

Good Luck

mel19632

Hi empty pockets, just read through your thread, and i want to say good luck. you sound as though you are beginning to get everything back on track, and i hope the taxi work picks up!

just a thought, but there is a college near me which offers free training courses in IT, business etc etc.

have a look at this website if you are considering a career change, as it could help you get some qualifications? hope it helps

xxx

http://www.vision2learn.co.uk/

Empty_pockets

Thanks Mel,

I'm really not one for acedemia. It's just not for me. I left school with 2 GCSE's and not much else. I paid nearly £300 to do some courses at York college and the local Uni last year, I went to 2 or 3 sessions and dropped out. Just couldn't do it.

If I wasn't driving I don't know what i'd do as I've no other skills or qualifications whatsoever.

TheAble

Empty_pockets wrote: »

I'm a private hire driver. I have to pay £111 a week to the firm. In return, they provide me with work. I can work whatever hours I wish.

Hi Empty Pockets,

Thanks for clarifying - have you considered going self employed? £450 is frankly a massive overhead - add this to your fuel and you're barely making any profit so it's no wonder you're feeling the pinch. If you're not getting much work from the firm anyway, is it worth it?

Maybe you could take out a good advert in the yellow pages and your local paper etc and see how you go?

Empty_pockets

TheAble wrote: »

Hi Empty Pockets,

Thanks for clarifying - have you considered going self employed?

Technically I'm private hire. To be able to go on my own as it were I would need a Hackney licence as York still regulates these.

To cut my weekly cost I would have to own one. They are currently strictly limited I can join the council queue and wait forever, the more common route is to buy one from an existing owner (black market). The going rate is £60,000+. Yes that right, SIXTY THOUSAND POUNDS!
York licences are have been under discussion for a while and they are considering deregulating which would mean anybody that and parted for cash would lose out as any joe bloggs could just go get one from the council.


I could rent one but i'd be looking at £200+ a week instead of the £111.

BizzyBek

Could you add a niche section to your taxi services for instance - would you be willing to taxi people and their pets to and from vets (this is very much in need for older customers) if so contact all your local vets and give them your details and put a poster on their notice board and perhaps in local pet shops.

Any chance you could squeeze in some delivery jobs - I know with Christmas people who do catalogues etc often need more help.

In_Search_Of_Me

Just caught this & wanted to say welcome. I can only talk from experience but the little things are what does make a difference! Hard to belive but keep a spnding diary & you'll see what I mean! Re the drinking you need to cut down at least and stop if possible. I used to drink a fair bit and that was part of the reason I think I got into debt. It was only when I stopped that my life improved, although it was hard initially. Now I drink at weekends (occasionally in the week!) and within healthy limits & feel much better for it.
I would echo the advice others have given. Have you thought about getting an HGV liscence? Always work around for lorry drivers it seems & also good suggestions there re vets etc plus doing odd jobs.
Just wanted to say welcome! Lots of support on here from people who get it!