The Crossroads

Willy P · Apr 13, 2017

Oh boy- Where do I start? 4 years ago I tore my bicep off the bone moving a bed. Despite the best doctor in the city(http://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/healing-after-surgery-my-own-journey - Pamela is a customer of mine) and intense physiotherapy it never healed properly. Workers comp is available to owners here and they covered all my costs. It's been getting really uncomfortable for the last year and nothing seems to help. I went for an ultrasound and they looked at my rotator cuff. One complete tear and one partial, neither is new. I have a lot of pain and working is difficult to put it mildly.

My wife and I have been pretty frugal, made some good investments and have a decent amount put away for retirement, Workers comp has offered me a buy out and a small pension. I could retire, but at 60 I just don;t feel it would be in my best interests.What to do?

I have a person interested in buying my business but it's my baby and hard to let go of. I've tried hiring in the past and ended up with a lot of dogs.

What would you do?

Mikey P · Apr 13, 2017

Dang Willy!

What do you mean by Workman's Comp offering a buy out?

Do you own your home?
Other income?

Would you move to a cheaper area?

Willy P · Apr 13, 2017

The buy out would probably be around 600 to 800 a month. Money isn't a worry as we've squirreled away a tidy amount for retirement, we just sold a condo. We have a really good rental and there's a housing bubble so we're sitting this dance out for a while. My wife works at a good job with a decent pension, no real financial worries to speak of.
We've thought of moving, but there's too many family ties here.

My issue is at 60 I don't feel like being put out to pasture but I don't have much experience beyond this trade. One of my suppliers is interested in hiring me as a salesman, but not a lot of opportunities beyond that.

Lee Stockwell · Apr 13, 2017

Ouch again Willy! You've come through several big tests that would seem insurmountable.

You know the answer to this one.

Mikey P · Apr 13, 2017

Can I have that blue bucket before you leave?

Willy P · Apr 13, 2017

Lee Stockwell said:
Ouch again Willy! You've come through several big tests that would seem insurmountable.

You know the answer to this one.

Suck it up and get to work!

J Scott W · Apr 13, 2017

There is work available as consultant, trainer, flooring inspector, sales person, model in the booth at trade shows, etc. Many things that are not as hard on your body as cleaning every day. That chocie made sense for me.

With your experience, I think you would do well at many other jobs in the industry. Why do further damage to a body that is already having trouble.

ruff · Apr 13, 2017

Damn. I hope all goes well Willy.
Can you lighten the work load and raise the price? See if working less helps. See how you feel with a reduced load before making irreversible decisions.

This is not the only business available and I am sure you can start something new. However, starting new has its learning curve, and us o/o like doing things our way, the independence and hate other people telling us what to do.

carpetcleaner · Apr 13, 2017

If you feel too young to retire, why not a career change? If $ isn't a concern, start over with something less physically demanding.

Mikey P · Apr 13, 2017

Time Share sales sounds like a good fit.

Bob Pruitt · Apr 13, 2017

So you have been working with a portable...and have a torn off bicep... That probably didn't help. :hopeless:

Whatever you decide I wish you the very best!

Cleanworks · Apr 13, 2017

This is a crossroads that all owner/operators come to at some time. We have stayed small because we like what we do and have no desire to really grow the company. Then we can no longer do the physical work. Hard to sell a business like that and it's not really worth much. There are lots of options out there but none that seem as satisfying as what you have been doing. For all the young guys out there, you need to start planning for that day now.

Lee Stockwell · Apr 13, 2017

A porty mfg would be well served with Willy on their team, if they LISTENED to him.

hogjowl · Apr 13, 2017

You need to retire.
Idiot!

Old Coastie · Apr 13, 2017

Willy, I think Shorty made some similar decisions. One thing, men like us do not thrive without some sort of productive work.

Think it through; follow your gut.

steve_64 · Apr 13, 2017

Trade your porty for a fishing pole.

If only I could be so lucky.

Nate The Great · Apr 13, 2017

I'd take the deal and do as @scottw said be a consultant... Hell get hired to build the best portable ever (Yes @Cleanworks I know your is the best, but probably what may have contributed to Willy's condition too) :stir:

Continuing to lift and do our physical work will only speed up your process to further damaging your body...

Desk Jockey · Apr 13, 2017

Willy P said:
Oh boy- Where do I start? 4 years ago I tore my bicep off the bone moving a bed. Despite the best doctor in the city(http://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/healing-after-surgery-my-own-journey - Pamela is a customer of mine) and intense physiotherapy it never healed properly. Workers comp is available to owners here and they covered all my costs. It's been getting really uncomfortable for the last year and nothing seems to help. I went for an ultrasound and they looked at my rotator cuff. One complete tear and one partial, neither is new. I have a lot of pain and working is difficult to put it mildly.

My wife and I have been pretty frugal, made some good investments and have a decent amount put away for retirement, Workers comp has offered me a buy out and a small pension. I could retire, but at 60 I just don;t feel it would be in my best interests.What to do?

I have a person interested in buying my business but it's my baby and hard to let go of. I've tried hiring in the past and ended up with a lot of dogs.

What would you do?

Get the fook out! Go enjoy life man!

Time moves fast and we never know how long we have. Go enjoy it while you can!

Sierra Clean Care · Apr 13, 2017

Willy P said:
Oh boy- Where do I start? 4 years ago I tore my bicep off the bone moving a bed. Despite the best doctor in the city(http://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/healing-after-surgery-my-own-journey - Pamela is a customer of mine) and intense physiotherapy it never healed properly. Workers comp is available to owners here and they covered all my costs. It's been getting really uncomfortable for the last year and nothing seems to help. I went for an ultrasound and they looked at my rotator cuff. One complete tear and one partial, neither is new. I have a lot of pain and working is difficult to put it mildly.

My wife and I have been pretty frugal, made some good investments and have a decent amount put away for retirement, Workers comp has offered me a buy out and a small pension. I could retire, but at 60 I just don;t feel it would be in my best interests.What to do?

I have a person interested in buying my business but it's my baby and hard to let go of. I've tried hiring in the past and ended up with a lot of dogs.

What would you do?

Willy, get a hold of Dr. Jamie Grimes in Victoria...... The guy is a miracle worker..... He's so good @ what he does, he travels with Canada's Olympic team..... He's a deep tissue guy. My ex fiancé threw her back out 20 years ago doing ballet, and in a months time, he had her dancing again....... Just call him, it will be worth the trip(s) to the island.......

Willy P · Apr 17, 2017

After number crunching with my wife, an acceptable offer for my business, still being young enough to enjoy life, the conclusion is.......

Desk Jockey · Apr 17, 2017

Good luck Willy! I will truly miss you...with every shot!

Take care man! :rockon:

Cleanworks · Apr 17, 2017

Willy P said:
After number crunching with my wife, an acceptable offer for my business, still being young enough to enjoy life, the conclusion is.......

So when you need your carpets cleaned, you know who to call. Good luck Bill and keep in touch.

Willy P · Apr 17, 2017

It\s gonna be a few months to transition the new owner in place. And Richard - where else would I find a person that likes the abuse I can heap on him like you? :icon_twisted:

Desk Jockey · Apr 17, 2017

lol Its been fun!

Don't be a stranger...well not anymore that you already are. :winky:

Cleanworks · Apr 17, 2017

Willy P said:
It\s gonna be a few months to transition the new owner in place. And Richard - where else would I find a person that likes the abuse I can heap on him like you?

Richard is the original M&M. Masochistic Mexican. That's ok Willy, I'll redouble my efforts.

Bob Pruitt · Apr 17, 2017

All the best Willy!

Old Coastie · Apr 17, 2017

Man, good luck in whatever comes next. Travel south and I'll leave the latch string out.

steve_64 · Apr 17, 2017

Good luck in your new life Willy!
Time to reinvent yourself again.

Papa John · Apr 17, 2017

Good luck Willy--
Like me--you seem to be a hard working dude who enjoyed the physical work. I hope you can handle the boredom of retirement and find joy in the next chapter.

Mikey P · Apr 18, 2017

Lee Stockwell said:
A porty mfg would be well served with Willy on their team, if they LISTENED to him.

mytee should fly Willy down once a month

to visit Forsythe in the closet.

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