New Skills Meant A New Business
New Skills Meant A New Business
I needed new skills for a new venture so quit my job as a lorry driver to take care of my daughter, I had no idea what my future held. I just knew I couldn't take care of my daughter and still be on the road. After 2.5 jobless years struggling to make ends meet I retrained as a locksmith. It’s fantastic being my own boss and wished I'd done it years ago. I was waiting to see a doctor at the surgery and I read something in a newspaper about training to be a locksmith.
For some reason it just appealed. I’d been looking for something which would give me new skills and yet allow me to be there for my daughter who needs me around. It felt so good to be learning new skills. I was nervous but over the three days my confidence grew and grew. I now start the week wondering where the work will come from but, sure enough, it does.
From lock outs to changing locks after burglaries. From broken doors to windows needing boarding up. Some days are quieter than others, but you get used to it. The business has grown slowly but steadily. I've found that word of mouth is the best advertising I can get and, of course, it costs nothing except doing a good job.
People want a thorough job for a good rate by someone reliable – and that’s what I’m doing.
The business works perfectly alongside caring for my daughter however I do turn a lot of out of hours work down. This is not a 9-5 business.
The great thing is I work in a 30-mile radius from home so I’m never far away. The average call out takes about an hour which means I can get back quickly should I need to.
I was entitled to a year on the Back to Work scheme which meant I had £40 a week to rely on. That helped a great deal as I continued to learn the trade. I knew we wouldn’t go hungry, no matter what happened. That help has been invaluable.
It's so good having these new skills but always dream of being able to do all the work 9-5, 5 days a week.
Categories: Uncategorized, Blog, Locksmith News
Tags: Locksmith, New Business, New Skills
