Becoming a tiler, what to expect

[rtm]

I’m looking for balanced opinion and any real life experiences from those that have recently completed tile training courses and gone on to work self employed. I have decided after 20 years in the same industry to get out and learn a new discipline. My intention is to complete the 2 week training course at NETT followed by the 4 day plumbing course.
I accept that my first year will be thin, my earnings will be down (drastically) and things will be a bit raw. My father in law has a cab business so driving on my days where there are no walls/floors to tile will provide a support income. I also have significant savings I can use as a parachute. Previously I had my own company for 9 years so I understand the mechanics of running a business and what it takes to be successful - graft!
I live just outside of Gleneagles which is surrounded by towns and villages, there are, as you would expect a core of trades based locally, all of which seem busy most if not all of the time.
Thoughts?

 

[jay]

:welcome: do your research well have a look around forum some interesting posts:8:

 

[hillhead]

Hello and good luck to ya,sounds good with the back up from taxiing and savings
:welcome:

 

[rtm]

Yes thanks, Ive read everything from guys that are stacked to guys that are on suicide watch. Im slightly fortunate that my mortgage is not depandant on me getting 5 jobs a week (well not at the moment anyway) Theres enough in the tank to support me for at least 1 to 2 years. At the end of the day I will put in all the effort required to get this opportunity started, long days have never been a problem.

Im curious to here from others.

 

[Daz]

There are a lot of threads (both positive and negative) on this forum so take your time to have a good look around.

Putting the financials and success / fail aside, you should take the time to research what the physical implications may be. I'm guessing that you are approaching middle age and experiencing (much the same as I did) a mild mid-life crisis. You do need to be physically flexible and fit as you will find yourself carrying a lot of heavy loads, bending and contorting into positions that would make a yoga expert scream. There are many mornings when I climb out of bed wondering why every muscle in my body hurts :incazzato:.

Good luck, do your research and identify your potential market but don't just consider the financial side as there are many other implications that will have an influence in your success and enjoyment.

 

[rtm]

There are a lot of threads (both positive and negative) on this forum so take your time to have a good look around.

Putting the financials and success / fail aside, you should take the time to research what the physical implications may be. I'm guessing that you are approaching middle age and experiencing (much the same as I did) a mild mid-life crisis. You do need to be physically flexible and fit as you will find yourself carrying a lot of heavy loads, bending and contorting into positions that would make a yoga expert scream. There are many mornings when I climb out of bed wondering why every muscle in my body hurts :incazzato:.

Good luck, do your research and identify your potential market but don't just consider the financial side as there are many other implications that will have an influence in your success and enjoyment.

Thanks for the post, fitness wise Im in my prime you might say. Ive enjoyed my career up until the last two years, Im now utterly disillusioned. I believe I will find it rewarding - Im hope Im right...

 

[Dale44]

I did my training at nett and it is a great place to learn. Not only does Darren teach you how to tile but does the 'Getting work in the tiling industry' too.
You will learn all you need to know and multi skilling with the plumbing is a great idea. If you can afford it, also do the plastering course there. It has brought me loads of work and is a super course. Do all three and advertise like mad.
Good luck mate.

 

[CJ]

Try and start out part-time.

It worked for me...........and at least in the quieter times you have some money coming n to pay the bills.............your back up savings won't last forever.

Buy reasonbly decent gear that will last and do the job.........but don't go mad, second hand can be as good.

Don't expect to retire soon :smilewinkgrin:

Get decent knee pads

It all worked for me.............and I've never had any training

 

[brian c]

Whas like us? Were aw jock tamsons bairns .

 

[CJ]

Brians Pi55ed :yikes::lol::lol::lol: