12.14.2013

BEING A HANDYMAN WAS FUN FOR AWHILE

I know, I know, in my last couple posts I said I enjoyed my job. So what happened? 

Here's the thing: I very much enjoyed the hands-on work. I enjoyed the carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and painting. It was a lot of fun. The problem was, it was a very stressful job. It didn't have to be, but it was. After 7 months, I decided the paycheck was no longer worth the stress. 

So what's the next step? 

In my November 18 blog post, I mentioned 3 Alternate Sources of Income (ASI). 
Here they are (plus a new one):

ASI #1-- SCRAP METAL RECYCLING. You would be surprised how easily you can make money by collecting and selling scrap metal that you can get for free! I use a Dodge minivan and I earn $50-$100 per load.. If you are interested in starting a scrap metal recycling business, all you need is a truck or van and some free information. You can learn everything you need to know right here on your computer, via Google and Youtube.  

ASI #2-- YOUTUBE VIDEOS and THIS BLOG. I'm not setting the world on fire with my commission checks but they are becoming more frequent, which is a very good sign. It's taken 6 years to get to this point, but I'm doing something I enjoy, I'm my own boss, and I'm getting paid. Gotta love the Internet!

ASI #3-- BUILDING CUSTOM ELECTRIC BIKES. This is the idea I haven't put into action yet but I'm close. Worldwide, electric bikes are growing in popularity. The electric motors and lithium batteries are becoming cheaper and more reliable. I think this will be a nice little business. Nobody in my area is doing this. I will start off slowly--build a bike, sell it, repeat. We'll see where it goes from there.
                        
                                  (E-Moto 24 Volt Electric Commuter Bike)

ASI #4-- VIDEO KNIFE REVIEWS FOR MANUFACTURERS. I'm currently negotiating with a large knife manufacturer to make review videos for them for cash. They enjoyed the first one I did and they paid me promptly. Hopefully we will have a deal some time next week.

If you have any money making ideas, I'd love to hear about them. 

Now go take on the day!

Peace, out.

Check out Duane’s YouTube Channel 


11.18.2013

$ WHAT'S NEXT? $

   
(free clipart from Google Images)



Now that I've accomplished my goal of finding a job I enjoy, its time to set some new goals.

I love my job but I'm not going to lie to you, being a handyman does not pay very well. I really miss my paychecks from the laboratory work I used to do. That was the best paying job I've ever had. One of my current goals is to match or exceed that income. I have a long way to go, but I have a few ideas. 

Most of my ideas do not involve changing jobs. I'm trying to think outside the box, and come up with alternate sources of income. I have three ideas that seem very promising. Two of them are already showing small profits. The third hasn't been put into action yet. 

More to come later. Sorry for the teaser. :)

If you have any money making ideas, I'd love to hear about them. 

Now go take on the day!

Peace, out.


Check out Duane’s YouTube Channel 

11.17.2013

I'M A HANDYMAN!

(free clipart from Google Images)

This post is long overdue. I was out of work for about 16 months. I thoroughly enjoyed my time off but it was about time to get back to work. No prob. I landed a job doing something I enjoy doing. 

I'm a maintenance man at a large apartment complex here in Washington state. For the last 7 months, I've spent 5 days a week fixing, repairing and improving apartment homes. I have done this type of work around my own home for most of my adult life but I've never done it as a profession. I have to say, most days are a lot of fun and I do look forward to going to work. Not many people can say that about their job so I consider myself fortunate.

OK, so some of you who are currently looking for work want to know how I did it. Here's the truth--

I sent out more than 200 resumes to companies who were advertising job openings that I was either very qualified for or at least sort of qualified for (I honestly felt I could do the job with very little training). That was all a giant waste of time. 

So, how did I land my new job? NETWORKING!

I like to stay in touch with friends, family and former co-workers. When it was time to get serious about finding a job, I let everybody know I wanted to go back to work. I was ready and willing to do just about any type of job. My only requirements were a short commute and no night shifts. 

One day I was talking to a long time friend (of 30+ years). His wife manages an apartment complex and she was having trouble finding an honest, reliable maintenance man. Long story short--I got a great job and they got a great employee. Everybody wins! That's the power of NETWORKING. 

If you are looking for your next job, spend 80-90% of your time on networking. Chances are, somebody you know knows of a job that would be perfect for you.

Your comments are always welcome and appreciated.

Now go take on the day!

Peace, out.


Check out Duane’s YouTube Channel