Finished Course - Go Solo or Shadow?

[Claret73]

Hi

I guess the route most guys go is Solo, or Part Solo in-between their current job commitments...
I'd like to take it steady after doing the course, as do have a job that pays 'The Magic Tiling' Figure n not wanting to Jack that in a hurry until this shows itself as the route out of my Trade. I'd like to think I could find a Tiler to Assist/Shadow for some time on a full scope of jobs to build up the 'Real World' Confidence & ability...
Wondering how other guys have got on with requests for 'Tiler's Lacky' even if unpaid to get on-site experience before looking to build up & plunge head first into Self Employment.
Considering the amount of Tilers going through courses, you'd think a few would be happy to have assistance & those with a wealth of knowledge to accept new tilers into 'The Real World'...
Any responses appreciated...
Cheers
Andy

 

[IvegotsTILE]

Theres been alot of posts like this mate and I think you'll find it difficult to find a tiler to assist,most don't want to help someone who'll end up in direct competition to them.

 

[Claret73]

Strange way of thinking that?

Especially as you'll never be in same area all of the time...I can see reasons as to why but then at end of the day people must need an extra pair of hands?? & that's where you can pick up experience...surely that would be reciprocated as & when you need help?

 

[GazTech]

Strange way of thinking that?

Especially as you'll never be in same area all of the time...I can see reasons as to why but then at end of the day people must need an extra pair of hands?? & that's where you can pick up experience...surely that would be reciprocated as & when you need help?

This is unfortunate but true... Big bad world out there trying to forge a new tiling career is not a walk in the park. Eg..a member on this very forum, agreed to have a local new starter come and help, the newbie was a general labourer simply knocking tiles off the floors ( backbreaking stuff manually )..big time lacky. The tiler he was helping out..charged him for his experience. What experience? He never witnessed any tiling.....Gaz

 

[Perry]

This is unfortunate but true... Big bad world out there trying to forge a new tiling career is not a walk in the park. Eg..a member on this very forum, agreed to have a local new starter come and help, the newbie was a general labourer simply knocking tiles off the floors ( backbreaking stuff manually )..big time lacky. The tiler he was helping out..charged him for his experience. What experience? He never witnessed any tiling.....Gaz

Gaz what a good idea :lol:

 

[Claret73]

Well Gaz

Fortunately I'm not that Naiive...if he'd have asked me for cash I'd have told him to whistle!...I'm all for doing something for nothing if it gains both parties, but that's taking 'Le P**S!!' & he wouldn't be worth bothering with again...

I'm not 17...got 18 years of work behind me, plenty of time getting shafted & ain't desperate to go through that in a different arena...

Guess it's difficult to put across to others an honest persona & that you do want to get on...well, not given up Sparks yet...
Andy

 

[IvegotsTILE]

I have to say I wouldn't let anyone shadow me just simply for the fact that puts another tiler in my area to compete against.I originally thought about shadowing someone when I finished my course but what if there not that good,you'll pick up their bad habits.
Its a hard world out there and tiling is mainly a one man show so you have to look after yourself first,family to feed and all that.

 

[Claret73]

I'll cross you off my list then Mate! :lol: :lol:

If they've done the course you've been to then, they'll be working in same manner...according to one training centre...

 

[White Room]

I would like to put my case your honour, It can both way's the guy helps for nothing, learn's, go'es on his own but later if he has a big job may need your help and visa versa surly keeping in touch with other tiler's can't be a bad thing, you may be ill/bad back and need someone to cover a job for you, But do understand what you guy's are saying

 

[Claret73]

Cheers Whitebeam

Yer on my list!!

Great minds think alike & seems not everybody shares a pessimistic view that you're there to learn & take their business...
Bit harsh maybe but guess that's the rub...
Cheers

 

[Raja]

dog eat dog business mate best off going solo no one helps any one due to what the previous tiler said going into direct competition SAD i know but that is how it is if i am ever in a tile shop buying owt somtimes see tilers stood around looking at me with ill thoughts but atleast i got off my slim bum and do what ever i can to drum up business. It is hard work but if done properly very rewarding Honesty goes a long way...................

 

[GazTech]

Cheers Whitebeam

Yer on my list!!

Great minds think alike & seems not everybody shares a pessimistic view that you're there to learn & take their business...
Bit harsh maybe but guess that's the rub...
Cheers

My view was realistic, not pessimistic... I cannot help but alert people of certain modern day pitfalls associated with our trade, it is is more dog eat dog now..than ever before. If everyone starting up is fully aware of the dangers, it stands them in good stead. I for one won't say that tilers streeets are paved in gold...far from it, you have to be totally comitted, not just involved. Like an egg and bacon breakfast...the chicken was involved, but the pig was totally comitted....lol :lol:

 

[DHTiling]

Such a way with words gaz....:lol:

 

[Claret73]

Gaz

No offence intended...

It's Just a headbanger! My reasons not wishing to jump in feet first after a 6 weeker is that I'm after a Career change like most. So, in 6 weeks, YES! you'll take on plenty, but I'd like to take on more with some experience of a fuller scope, build up the confidence, come across encounters in an everyday environment. I work in a Digital Studio not surrounded by Trades & Industry...

I guess it's hard to put across, but all I was asking without offending was for suggestions to the possibility of gaining experience before I take a leap from my job. If that ends up as Whitebeam states 'helping out on site another tiler' then that'd be what I'm after...not take another Tiler for a ride then disappear with his contacts...

Donvalley...I think this is as 'Honourable' M'Lord as I can Post in words...

 

[Raja]

U HAVE OBVIOUSLY TAKEN GOOD ADIVCE THE WRONG WAY enough said ur video was very funny and thank u for ur input