When it rains, it pours I guess?

[OWJones 1,981]

For the past 3.5 years I've been a part time city employee and I started this business for a little extra income and for something to do to fill my spare time.  For 2+ years I've had no problems keeping up with customer demand, often times enjoying entire days of doing nothing after my "real job" and even having some weekends to myself.

 

The 1st of April I went full time and I swear, I've had 3x the number of customer requests since then and I'm actually starting to feel burnt out!  I've been home from "work" for 5+ hours and I've made two more banners, a multi-color layered coroplast sign and 5 dozen buttons...  Oh, and a printed 11x17" poster for a party tomorrow at "work"...  I actually do less "work" (by the definition of exerting energy for a desired result) at "work" than I do when I'm at home on my "time off".

 

Shouldn't I be rich and able to retire by now?

 

[Dakotagrafx 7,297]

I feel ya - it was easier before I retired from the regular job. . .  but this just means the economy is picking up and people are spending, so good for us as long as we can keep it up

[MadHatterGraphix 1,258]

I have to differ with economy picking up, I'm thinking people are just spending to try and get the economy going. That plus how many got tax rebates and using it on items such as banners, decals, and other things we make. I'm glad they are it helps all of us. I live at home take care of my dad and basically run the house, paying bills, shopping, cleaning, and cooking plus I do this stuff for income, and with me getting older I'm getting tired quicker. So I feel for you OW and Dakota and I'm only 37 yrs old.

[mabscotthandyman 1,410]

For the past 3.5 years I've been a part time city employee and I started this business for a little extra income and for something to do to fill my spare time.  For 2+ years I've had no problems keeping up with customer demand, often times enjoying entire days of doing nothing after my "real job" and even having some weekends to myself.

 

The 1st of April I went full time and I swear, I've had 3x the number of customer requests since then and I'm actually starting to feel burnt out!  I've been home from "work" for 5+ hours and I've made two more banners, a multi-color layered coroplast sign and 5 dozen buttons...  Oh, and a printed 11x17" poster for a party tomorrow at "work"...  I actually do less "work" (by the definition of exerting energy for a desired result) at "work" than I do when I'm at home on my "time off".

 

Shouldn't I be rich and able to retire by now?

 

[img=http://forum.uscutter.com/public/style_images/master/attachicon.gif] 1459137_10151779660461314_181132336_n.jpg

When I first started working for my self over 40 years ago I was sure I would be rich in no time ....after many years of working with many times wondering if I would be able to feed my family back in the begining I have decided I will never be rich and who really cares as long as you pay the bills. And by all signs the economy has slowly turned around and has become a little more stable with a declining unemployment rate which helps companys feel better about hiring new employees. I have worked 12 to 16 hours a day 7 days a week to carry out commitments to customers and it gets really old after a while but just be sure to make time for family and your self because in the end that is all that really matters anyway.

[Cal 393]

Madhatter, you may be right about the tax return part.  The first part - I am not so sure.  When I spend my money I usually have one of several reasons.  Never once have I thought "if I spend money for this item I will be helping the economy to get going".   Do you spend money with that in mind?

 

I do see signs of an improving economy, not great, but improving.  A few new houses being built, a new warehouse distribution center up by the interstate, a new hospital down the street and up in Macon; Geico Insurance has announced plans to hire 500 (that's correct - 500) new people.  And best of all, my son graduates from college in a couple weeks and already has a job in his field!!!

Cal

[slice&dice 2,450]

Cal asked if people think to themselves "if I spend money for this item I will be helping the economy to get going".

 

I do, all the time.

I'll eat more at restaurants.

I'll upgrade electronics even though the old one is OK.

Buy things on credit.

Spend cash at yard sales on stuff I don't really need.

 

Etc. etc.

[jaybyrd 3,770]

I spent money all the time, actually more like bleeding money lately but I never do it with consideration for the economy. Only consideration is personal need.

[Cal 393]

I am with Jaybird; if I need it I will buy it.  I don't buy it "to help the economy"...

Cal

[skarekrow 1,842]

Most folks DO want to help the Economy... Their OWN Economy.