Window cleaning and depression

[riggy]

this depression seems more common than I ever could have thought.  suffered it myself for some years, althow im way better now. it brought on very badly by being in involved with a bussiness that went under. I was only an employee but id been there near 20 years. it was my hole world being there. it was all i knew. i wasnt trained in anything else. I knew every inch of the grounds and buildings. I was the mainatance caretaking there. It gave me purpose in my mind cause knew something so very well. no one else in the world knew that job or place better than me. if anyone needed to know how something worked or what the problem was i was the go to person. It made me feel like I belonged to something.  and it belonged to me or thats how it felt.  when the place closed over night I felt like I had lost my hole identity. like I had lost my hole world, and everything I knew and all the knollage I had was completely redundant.  

I never felt so lost, like a ghost difting the streets. Iv no eduaction, no formal tradesmans skills. nothing I could turn my hand too. to old to start an aprenticship even if I could even find one. 37 old old at the time.  I was back to sqaure one i life,  after 20 years of full time work felt like i got nowhere.  it reminded me of when I left school at 16  only now I was middle aged and with far less choices becaue of that. when ur young so many doors are open to you, loads of people r happy to give u a chance if you show willing and are honest.  

all i had was time after that. I had nothing else but time and my own thoughts.  I reilised that what I valued most in life was knowing something and being able to apply myself to it and do it well, it wasnt the money, it wasnt some respectble clever mans high ranking job. it wasnt being involved in somthing big.  just having a skill in my own mind that my hands could apply and know this is me and this is what i am do.  befor i lost my job i like it and i didnt want to do anything esle but i still used to moan and get fed up with the money it paid. it was low payed.  I never once in all that time there relised just how massively important having some where to go and somthing to do was that i knew I could do,  till I had nowhere to go when i got up in the morning and there was nothing I knew that I could aply myself too. for me thats where real is value. 

I ended up in a supermarket working part time for a long while. It was one up on having no job. and gave me something to get up for in the morning, but being  surrounded by school leavers doing it for pocket money while getting eduacted and retired old people all just doing it for a afew quid to cover the bills.  its a hash place to end up when ur the one inbetween these two age groups. all the young ones thinking hope i dont end up here when im his age...all the retired ones thinking hes too young still to have ended up here yet.... only ones ur age are the few power hungary abusive mid managers who get off on making people jump for them talking to you like ur an idiot that dosent know anything. 

if i can learn a skill and a trade again and not be dependant on any one person, cause thats when ur open to being used and exploited,  and know I can do somthing well in life again i'll be glad with just that. screw the big money and screw the status. having somthing where you can walk away from someone if there trying treat u like ****. my brother is a one man band landscaper, he dosent want staff hates the idea of it. and hes got enuff customers where he can walk away from any one of them if thay try and muck him about. he knows his trade he knows hes good at it and there in lays his independence. for him he vaules that above all else.  

some time after i was made redundant a guy i knew same age as me died suddenly from a heart condition he knew nothing about. he and i worked at the place i was made redundant from when i first went where as a young lad. his death really hit home to me how lucky I still was. there was me being made redundant and there was him losing his life.   he never drank, smoked or did drugs, was never overweight, he lived a clean life. I was the boozing, smoking  junk food eating one of the two of us.   i think of him when I get down, about how life played out for him and me. how really iv been very lucky compared to so many.  I read an old chinses proverb some time after his death that said I cried for i had no shoes till i met the man with no feet.   iv delivered near a 1000 leaflets with not one reply as yet but i cant get down about it cause im a 1000 times morely likely to have the phone ringing an getting the chance again in life to apply myself and to be good at somthing again than i was last week.  

 

[Incheck]

You most certainly are not alone my man. We all have battles and struggles we try to overcome. Green pros post was a real nice touch.

Its good to talk about things, we all go through the motions. 

As others have said, dont measure your own success against other peoples progress. As long as you can get yourself over the next hurdle, one hurdle at a time.

depression is never helped by financial struggles so do your best to just get out there, relax, & enjoy your work as best you can. Find a good radio station...mine is planet rock. Little things every day can lift your mood. Im a big fan of cats ? I make friends with them as often as possible. 

Just make sure they dont get too friendly...ive had cats in the van as im driving off, and one even did his biz in the back of the van when i left the side door open ?Then its not so good  

 

[adamangler]

Its a conflict of ego Vs reality.

What I mean by this (and I'm the same) is that I believe that if I decide to just work a few days a week and stop growing that I am a failure. Anything less than continued growth seems a step backwards and it's hard to do that because you feel like a loser.

However the reality is for most people that we could work 2 days a week turn over 5-600 quid and that would probably do us. Pay off a mortgage, reduce all outgoings and live a simlle stress free life with a well paid part time job 

I've thought about doing this all the time, I suffer from depression and anxiety and have down since a child, had all the meds, cbt, counselling etc. I'm worse on a morning, I hate the thought of going out most days but usually by afternoon I feel fine.

Everything in life in yin and yang, you can't have something without an opposite effect. You can't have a big business and money without hard work, sacrifice and a lot of Pain. On the flip side you can have an easy life but with little money and little sense of fulfillment.

That's the irony of life though.

For me I'm happy with a balance right now, I have 1 employee and myself. I work 3 days a week but earn after his costs probably what I would do if I was 5 days a week solo. I'm happy with that balance.

 

[Deleted member 7446]

I have ptsd depression and anxiety and find my job to be a lifeline. 

Meeting new people daily and getting into a routine really helps me. 

There is also the bonus of working alone with no distractions that often helps also 

Have have bad days but the main important thing is not to let your business suffer 

Talking to clients about you and your illness can be the saving grace 

Just remember you are not alone and it's okay not to be okay 

 

[Davy G]

Depression. I expect most people, including me have a taste of it sometimes. As was well said by APW "you are not alone, it's ok to not be ok'. I'm glad to be able to say that in my case it's not very often too serious and I have coping strategies that work for me. First : I see depression as similar to waves on the sea, sometimes I'm down in the trough but I accept that, and I know that it will pass and I will be back to my normal state of personal balance provided I allow myself a little time. I will not tolerate persistently negative personality people dragging me down in my life, even if they are relatives. Folk in trouble is a different situation and they will and should be supported through their troubles, of course.

Positivety. Not always easy on a permanent basis, except for a complete idiot who doesn't see what's going on around them. Aging, illness, family and friends in difficulties, money worries, fragility of the environment, world conflicts and threats to peace, to list just a very few things of real concern.

Positivety, Part 2

Try to surround yourself with positive people. Be polite, good humoured and friendly in your daily life. Share a laugh when you're able, with strangers: on the street, in the shops, with the dustman, the dog walker and of course with customers. Give yourself something to look forward to all the time: a nice meal out, a new piece of kit, a catch up with a buddy or buddies, a holiday or a hobby in the near future, whatever gives you a lift. For me, it's being out on the sea for a good trip in a kayak, with good buddies to share the experience, the adventure, the brewstops and the laughter. 

This bit a lot of people will probably disagree with.

I'd consider working with a business partner/friend who is willing and able to contribute financially to your business and work with you like for like with equal dedication. I know it's not that common and it's not easy to find the right person but it works incredibly well for me and my son with my wife as manager. I do know two very successful buddy partnerships that have been in this business a lot longer than I have.

Reasons : shared costs between two people. Only one van to finance and maintain, companionship and shared workload, double speed of job completion (provided it's worked right). If it is done right with the right partner you'll bounce off each other and 'eat the work up'. My son and I complete jobs at twice the speed of either one of us alone. We know this as all our jobs are timed when new, and again periodically and have also been timed on the rare occasions when it's only one or other of us working.

We're rooting for you mate, everyone's in trouble at some time. 

 

[Clisty1989]

Odd questions @JBC88 but do you do any hobbies or exercise? Reason I'm asking is that exercise or doing something you enjoy releases endorphins, which are the bodies natural anti depressants and mood enhancers . I have ptsd, had it for 8 years but have found on a rough day in the past a walk, or jog made me feel a lot better. The last really bad time I had was about 18 months ago, and I climbed pen y fan just for the hell of it! If you live a secluded life it can make the feelings feel stronger, so if you like sports join a local team, socialise and try to have fun. 

I know it's easier to say than do, but break it into baby steps, on a good day start something new with a group, or find a country walking route, then after a while on a bad day give it a try.

As for the business side I'm a firm believer that you can't give your best if your not feeling your best. Put the plans on hold, work on yourself, who else cares if it take 1,2 or even 10 years, putting that pressure on yourself when your having a bad period will compound the feelings.

Hope you start feeling a bit better soon, just carry on where you are with the windows and work on yourself, the business will only work as long as your working on yourself.

 

[Damo]

Hi @JBC88 Thank you for the compliment. 

Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and have a read through of this thread as it gives you an idea of what I went through up to 2015. I decided to franchise in 2016!

I franchised my business mainly because I wanted to give other people a chance to be happy, earn well and not have the stress of employing. Two of my franchisees are buying houses (one already has) and it's all down to me, their words not mine.

If you wan't help, a chat, pick my brains feel free to PM me, post here or call me. 

Good luck

 

[Bart90]

Hi @JBC88 Thank you for the compliment. 

Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and have a read through of this thread as it gives you an idea of what I went through up to 2015. I decided to franchise in 2016!

I franchised my business mainly because I wanted to give other people a chance to be happy, earn well and not have the stress of employing. Two of my franchisees are buying houses (one already has) and it's all down to me, their words not mine.

If you wan't help, a chat, pick my brains feel free to PM me, post here or call me. 

Good luck ?

Damo, you're an inspiration mate. Thanks for posting that thread, I've just read through it.  

I'm quite amazed how many people suffer from anxiety/depression.  I've had anxiety from 12 years old and it crippled me up until about 22 when i started getting counselling.  So much better now but still have bad days!  Personally, my Christian faith helped me through those tough times, made me realise there's more to life.  

 

[Damo]

Damo, you're an inspiration mate. Thanks for posting that thread, I've just read through it.  

I'm quite amazed how many people suffer from anxiety/depression.  I've had anxiety from 12 years old and it crippled me up until about 22 when i started getting counselling.  So much better now but still have bad days!  Personally, my Christian faith helped me through those tough times, made me realise there's more to life.  

You’re welcome ?

It’s 2019 and mental health is just about at the stage where it’s “ok” to talk about. 

 

[harunh]

Hi @JBC88 Thank you for the compliment. 

Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and have a read through of this thread as it gives you an idea of what I went through up to 2015. I decided to franchise in 2016!

I franchised my business mainly because I wanted to give other people a chance to be happy, earn well and not have the stress of employing. Two of my franchisees are buying houses (one already has) and it's all down to me, their words not mine.

If you wan't help, a chat, pick my brains feel free to PM me, post here or call me. 

Good luck ?

I loved reading that post haha , i like the levels lmaooo

 

[Teaboy]

your not alone and should never compare your measure of success to anybody.

Nothing is what it seems, the people on here who have different measures of success have different problems.

I have an okay sized business, but that brings its own problems both physical and mental.

I try to figure out my WHY, everyday yeah a nice motor is good and a watch is nice. But they mean absolutely nothing.

Exercise for me is a life saver, get the blood flowing first thing and its like the best shot of coffee you can have..

I feel like im whaffling a bit but most people struggle whether they choose to admit it, or not.

Myself sometimes i will tell the postman my issues other times a front goes up and we pretend its okay.

 

[JBC88]

Its a conflict of ego Vs reality.

What I mean by this (and I'm the same) is that I believe that if I decide to just work a few days a week and stop growing that I am a failure. Anything less than continued growth seems a step backwards and it's hard to do that because you feel like a loser.

However the reality is for most people that we could work 2 days a week turn over 5-600 quid and that would probably do us. Pay off a mortgage, reduce all outgoings and live a simlle stress free life with a well paid part time job 

I've thought about doing this all the time, I suffer from depression and anxiety and have down since a child, had all the meds, cbt, counselling etc. I'm worse on a morning, I hate the thought of going out most days but usually by afternoon I feel fine.

Everything in life in yin and yang, you can't have something without an opposite effect. You can't have a big business and money without hard work, sacrifice and a lot of Pain. On the flip side you can have an easy life but with little money and little sense of fulfillment.

That's the irony of life though.

For me I'm happy with a balance right now, I have 1 employee and myself. I work 3 days a week but earn after his costs probably what I would do if I was 5 days a week solo. I'm happy with that balance.

I'm practically 90% like you, I have depression but only get anxious if moneys tight. You make some good points that I relate to. I do feel like if I don't move forward with the biz then I'm not doing enough. The thought of going out does my head in but I don't know exactly why I have that thought most mornings and when I get going I'm fine and the thoughts and feelings go away.

It's funny you mention balance cos the friends that got me into window cleaning have simple balanced lives. In the end I do want to be working part time but after being in a good financial point to be able to do more in life, travelling etc. 

 

[JBC88]

So I wanted to thank everyone for your replies, its surprising how many are similar to me and very encouraging that depression hasn't stopped people being as successful in this line of work as they want to be. Its helped me put things in perspective better and theres lots of advice to implement. 

I want to keep this going abit more so I'm gonna keep giving updates.

I was very encouraged last week but didn't manage to get any work done.

Since reading all the comments I'm putting my plans with the biz on hold, I'll still take on new  customers or whatever opportunities come my way if viable but I'm not pushing for it until I can manage my day better and keep on top of my existing work. Once I've done that I will look to expand and employ again.

 @Green Pro Clean Ltd I've decided to start the c25k runs too, I did a run on Thursday and then yesterday..you did really well to be fair to keep going if you're 20st I'm 31 and 13/13.5st and after the first 15mins the first run was killing me. I'm enjoying doing it though, when it starts to get difficult you know you only have to go for 60secs before a 90sec walk so it helps you push through.

Yesterday was my first decent day at work in about 3 weeks. I set a target to clean 20 houses and managed 17. I felt alot better mentally and just eased through the day, I had some negatives too to deal with. I lost a customer to a £1 increase after 2years, it bugged me cos I've cleaned for 15years and it makes you feel unappreciated but I knew she would cancel as she kicked off 2years ago when I last increased.

I also had another nearly cancel over £1.50 but I talked home round.

I find price increases the most frustrating part of window cleaning, it's like you've insulted them when you have to put them up, I've lost 6 out of 155 so far to the price increase and this is causing anxiety but I will press on because I  know it needs to be done. I'm interested to know what everyone's customer retention rate is after a price rise though. I estimate its gonna be a 6% drop off for me based on how it is so far.

Today I'm abit late getting going but I'm gonna have a read through @Damo thread and get going. I'm aiming for 26 houses today then I've completed the area I'm in.

I forgot to mention I've had to move my tank and filters etc to my dads house due to having to move into a flat. I went to turn my tap out to make some pure and discovered someone has cut a good chunk off the hose pipe! I suspect it's another window cleaner. Fortunately I have spare hose so I was able to sort it but man what's loser that guy is.

 

[Part Timer]

I've lost 6 out of 155

This will mean that you're earning more per month than you were before the price hike, and you're working less, still a win win.

 

[Green Pro Clean Ltd]

 @Green Pro Clean Ltd I've decided to start the c25k runs too, I did a run on Thursday and then yesterday..you did really well to be fair to keep going if you're 20st I'm 31 and 13/13.5st and after the first 15mins the first run was killing me. I'm enjoying doing it though, when it starts to get difficult you know you only have to go for 60secs before a 90sec walk so it helps you push through.

Good for you, to be honest it took me just over 2 week, (I think 8 sessions) before I could finish the week one routine completely without praying for a bus to squash me.  Got one more session on the week 2 program and will start week 3 on Saturday.  

The first two to three sessions are pain but if you get past the first three outings it gets addictive and you start to look forward to it. 

The wife even started with me this morning, she didnt want to do the week one, just jump in on week two...... she wasn't taking the mick by the end of it though!  ?

Today I managed the first three runs, walked the fourth and then managed 5 and six for a good finish.  Hopefully Thursday I will smash all six.  

 

[Guest]

Work hard and learn from your mistakes.

What suits one person may be not be the best for another.

You will need to be able to manage stress if you go big.

 

[Teaboy]

You just have to break it down fella and talk,

as you grow it gets lonelier and harder to make them 10% gains,

Im great at creating big goals and how to achieve them but I dont create smaller goals that I can achieve daily/weekly/monthly.

and now I've ended up mind ****** and broken because I havent got this big goal when it all went to **** for a multitude of factors.

The best advice I can give is

Focus on the small stuff and yourself the big stuff will come!!

A house is built of individual bricks its easier to just look at the whole thing rather than think today I want to earn that brick!!

If you are struggling or want to vent Im more than happy to listen or chat dm me for my mobile.

Ive said it before on here if anybody wants to discuss anything Im happy to talk and discuss my **** ups lol

 

[Bwfc]

Think contentment is big help.

I found my faith helps give me a bigger picture. 

Anxiety and depression is awful sometimes u think why am I not enjoying this or forcing myself to seem happy as everyone else is. It won't always be like this tho

 

[ks789]

Think contentment is big help.

I found my faith helps give me a bigger picture. 

Anxiety and depression is awful sometimes u think why am I not enjoying this or forcing myself to seem happy as everyone else is. It won't always be like this tho

These can be scary times nowdays. So much uncertainty the world over, and no amount of money you can earn will make it good. We are all at the mercy of circumstances beyond our control. But yeh. about the faith, Ive recently started believing in god. Im not gonna preach to anyone, but it really has helped me. Anyone in trouble, give it a shot.