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General => General Discussion and ??? => Topic started by: jason-23 on April 04, 2012, 12:10:21 AM
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I got "s" canned today at 4:30 from my dealership technician job in beautiful sunny Orlando. I was totally shocked and caught off guard, speechless. I asked why and they said we don't have to give you a reason why. I worked there for 6 years ever since the doors opened. Never been written up or talked to about anything, my csi is 85%, i have maybe 1 recheck or come back a month, my only down fall is people always think im pissed off but that's not the case, I just got tired of working with idiots that make 2-3 time more than me and they dont even have a degree and yes I do have a degree, a bs in automotive engineering and technology. Now I have to make up my mind , do i want to go look for another dealership job or do i want to try and make my business run at a 100% instead of the 10-20% I work on it now..... I know God has a plan I just wish he would let me see. I was pretty bummed out but my wife is a awesome woman and she didnt freak out or anything. She said "f@ck them, they dont deserve you and they have been treating you like crap for years!" I haven't heard her curse in a long time...thanks for reading. :(
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Well, sorry to hear that but you know what they say - "When a door shuts a window opens." Not trying to sound cheesy but it can be true. Just put faith in yourself and be prepaired to work harder and way smarter than you ever have. Watch your cash and know when to say no to a customer and above all else charge what you are worth!
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Yep,same thing happened to me in November and I am lovin it!
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Jason, as Jerry just confirmed, you know that more than one of us here were fired or laid off from our "day job" and took our printing to the next level.
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I have been very fortunate in that i was never let go throughout my working years BUT i also never had the hidden opportunity that you now hold.
You are faced with a situation of distress and unknown that you most likely would have never created by yourself. the opprotunities are really endless but you have to use your head and not make you next move ina fantasy world that you talk yourself into.
screenprinting is a great way to go but also you have a talent and skill in the automotive trade don't waste that, remember you have a lot invested in you .
Lets say you were almost the perfect employee BUT some little part of you rubbed you former employer the wrong way, you kinda already know what that is based on you comments above. Understand what that is (personally) and strip it out of your personality / work image etc and you become a better you automatically. Then you will be better staged to greater success sooner in what ever you choose to do next.
don't tell yourself what you want to hear and you will do just great...best of luck
mooseman
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The fact that they said they didn't have to give you a reason obviously lets you know they didn't care about you at all. It's tough, and you have 2 options; get another job doing the same thing, or take it all in your own hands, and get your printing business running full time. My partner and I got started part time, working nights and weekends, then graduating to full time. He left his full time job in a body shop, and I left my full time job running a screen dept. that I had worked at since I was the first employee hired 18 years earlier. Now we work about 60 hours a week, but it's our's. And by the way, it's not a job anymore, it's your life, 24/7/365. You can't walk out the door at the end of the day and leave it behind until the morning; no one is there to pick up your slack. Personally, from conversations and postings, I think you'll be fine either way.
Steve
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Yeah, I wouldn't worry about it. I know you are frustrated, but a piece of paper on the wall doesn't mean sh!t. It sounds like they wanted to get rid of you to probably bring in some new blood. I prefer to work with employees rather than replace. It sounds like they operate differently.
You'll be fine...just don't sit on your butt for long. ;)
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<snip>...it's not a job anymore, it's your life, 24/7/365. You can't walk out the door at the end of the day and leave it behind until the morning; no one is there to pick up your slack...<snip> That is SOOOOO true Steve.
Self employment has some big pluses, I've done it over 20 years and I love it. But there are some huge minuses too. If you have kids at home, a family guy, I'd sure think twice about it Jason. If you punch a clock for someone else, you never know when the pink slip might come, but you can leave it all at work and go home to the wife and kids.
I'm not trashing self employment at all. Its a good "fit" for some, myself included. But it sure isn't for everybody.
Sorry you got canned....ESPECIALLY by someone who doesn't even care enough to tell you why. THAT is beyond explanation, to me at least.
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The fact that they did not tell him why is for a legal reason not a "they dont care" issue. As a company if your state has policy like this you need to use it. Giving someone a reason why they are being terminated opens up a door to litigation. Having experience working for a large corporation and having to do the firing I know from experience. Its not always easy to fire someone even when they deserve it. They handled it in the best interest of their business.
Sure he's bitter like any of us would be but he already knows why he got canned. Its right here:
my only down fall is people always think im pissed off but that's not the case, I just got tired of working with idiots that make 2-3 time more than me and they dont even have a degree and yes I do have a degree, a bs in automotive engineering and technology.
Any one of as a business owner would do the same thing. You cant keep people around like that. In this day and age of whack jobs coming back and blowing away their former employees they handled it the only way that they could. A simple your services are no longer needed is all you need to say. It sounds harsh but its just the way it is in todays business world.
I am not trying to kick when your down but you better wake and smell the ink. If you come off this way as a business owner you wont make it. You are going to deal with way more idiots in your daily business activities than you ever have before. Good luck and it sucks to get canned from any job but you can make it if you do it right.
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I had an employee here that thought he was better than everybody else. He's gone too.
Jblue is right, you are going to deal with more idiots in a week now than you did in a year before...this industry seems to attract them. That reminds me, has anybody seen sonny in a while? ;D
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I should clarify that after getting fired in November I have not been able to replace my salary with the business, as a matter of fact I have not taken a salary yet at all. I had savings and other income to get us thru. If it were not for that I would not have went ahead full time with the business. I would say if you have a family and no savings I would at least get a part time job. It is great that you have a skill in the automotive field. I had none. I'm a 6th grade dropout and I'm in it to win it, I don't have a choice like you with your automotive experience. Either way, especially if you have kids make the right choice to be certain to be able to care for them. And yes your business is 24/7/365 even though you leave the shop everything essentially comes with you in your mind.
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How did you drop out in 6th grade? I failed 6th, FYI. Best thing that happened to me...made me work harder and take thing seriously. Made it into the gifted program 2 years later.
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Actually I should have said 7th grade. They took mercy on me and passed me thru to 7th but I really didn't earn it. After that I was so screwed up and depressed because of my family situation that I did not try at all in 7th grade. I enrolled in independent study where all I had to was show up once a week for 30 minutes and I got some credits. As soon as I hit 16 I quit altogether and got a job pumping gas. That was 20 years ago.
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Gerry
that is crap..get a part time job? really? how about go get one more order...that will more than replace any pay you would have made at a job.
but really dude...sorry you lost your job...but it is either time you sac up and make a go of the business or get back looking for a job...yeah it is 24/7 but it also offers a lot of flexibility...I have yet to miss anything at my kids school. that makes it all worth it for me...i have never missed a game or a dance recital...
now it is up to you to see if you WANT to do this...but remember you cannot fire yourself...so live the dream and make it happen...
sam
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Sam I have to disagree. If the man has no money to his name he needs to do something to secure that his family will eat but I will agree if he hustles and gets his print jobs going he can do it.
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I think sam was talking about you.
I agree that if he can't make a go of it now, he needs to explore other options. He could go out and cold call and generate enough business to replace his income.
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nope..I am talking in general..everyone wants guaranteed money. it is such a scam....if he make 400 bucks a week partime...(which is high) he can go sell one job and replace that income and not have to work...
this is for anyone...but then again not everyone is cut out to be the boss or self employed...today I had to reprimand an employee and she was crying and all...it is not about emotions it is about what is right for the business...you negatively impact the business you will correct it or you will be gone...plain and simple...
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Only Jason knows his situation and his familys needs. It took 4 months for me of networking, emailing, meeting people etc etc before it produced anything. The first 4 months were very SLOW but the work I put in them with those people is now starting to pay off. Jason may have everything lined up already we dont know but again he knows what it will take to keep his family fed with a roof over their head.
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Yeah, I say instead of a part time job, spend the same amount of time selling work. As Socal said, you can easily make a hundred or more bucks profit in a couple of hours of printing. A part time job might pay $10-$15 an hour for a few hours a day. $40-$60 as opposed to $100-$200 for a medium size print job.
You're more fortunate than most people who lose their jobs, because you're already set up to produce your own income. You might even make a couple hundred bucks by tomorrow!
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Sam, you aren't supposed to beat employees. Or is that legal in MA?
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I agree with those who say now is the time to go get printing and art orders and focus on your own business. You have nothing to lose because you're already set up and are already doing it on "the side."
If it works, great, go with it and grow it. If it doesn't, then go look for more steady income.
Don't be afraid to try it. Also, don't be afraid to fail. It might take a couple layoffs before it clicks for you. Or, it might happen tomorrow. You'll never know if you don't give it a shot.
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I'd also throw it out there that although it seems counter-intuitive, for me, the less work I'm doing the more work I get--whenever I take a few days off, and BS with people I haven't seen or hung out with in too long, orders start going just like that--Get together with some people who share your interests--take a little time to volunteer for a cause you love, or get on a summer league team. Even if you don't get any business out of it immediately, it will pay off in one way or another.
And who knows, even looking for a part time job could be an opportunity for multi-tasking. Not hiring? OK, need work apparel? ;)
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Wow thanks guys! I'm choking back the tears from all the encouragement. I'm still in shock about it a little, I've never been fired like this. Just to answer a few questions: I've been printing part time for 5 years, I have two little ones and a great wife that works and makes more than me turning wrenches. She is very supportive and told me today that she is behind me in any thing I want to do. I really am burnt out on the car thing. I'm printing a job now as a matter of fact and I'm going to push the business. I have a few good friends that are in the industry that are willing to help. my biggest thing is I don't really know how to target and approach potential clients. I mean it just me really, what do I say, what do I bring with me, do I just introduce myself and that's it or what? What do you guys do or did you do in the beginning?
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That is one of the things most of us struggle with most is how to bring in more business.
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Hey Jason sorry to hear that... but I do know where you can pick up a nice growing business a couple of hundred miles north of you... Take care man and keep me in touch. We don't always know the reason but it is not for us to question if your one of his.
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my advice would be to go to the bookstore and read and read and read...go to the internet and read and read and read...get as much info as you can...make your website robust, get your marketing in line and make it all look the same....
sam
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I agree with Sam even though he comes across like an %#$ sometimes but I like that! ;)
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ass? or just not what people want to hear? I am honest and sometimes that is hard for people to accept...the way I see it you have two options...fail or win...failing is not an option in my book...so i will take A$$hole anyday of the week...
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ass? or just not what people want to hear? I am honest and sometimes that is hard for people to accept...the way I see it you have two options...fail or win...failing is not an option in my book...so i will take A$$hole anyday of the week...
Exactly!
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And Jason that is great that your wife is working. I was the sole provider and it made it tougher to make the decision but like you my wife didnt stress and said lets do this!
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So, Sam can go on the record with the following quote:
"I will take a$$hole any day of the week."
Does Jill know this?
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what are you the media now cutting out important info and reselling it as the truth? just sayin....
hahahah
you got me on that one Brad..
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;D
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lmao!
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HAHA! Brad got Sam.
Jason,
You know my situation! Congratulations on your first new day of FREEDOM! Don't look back. Be your own man and don't work for anyone. Well, technically, I still work for a bunch of printers, just not any one in particular. :D The good thing is, we have a lot less butt holes in the business. Now, we DO have some, but not as many. I think it's because we all know what we go through.
I suggest to keep doing art and seps if you do seps, so you are diversified and not relying on one method of income. Dont make your life outof doing art. Thats my tip. Ask yourself this, "How many screen print artist have reached $300,000 as a personal income a year? $200? How about 100? Just say'n.
FOCUS on apparel SALES. Print them yourself (when you can) but don't rely totally on your own small business capabilities. Sell yourself BIG. You can take on any order (as long as you can back it up) financially when you have to eat an order. Consider that one.
If you do run across a huge order, get one of these larger guys to join in with you on the deal.
Ever watch the Shark Tank show? These guys are your sharks.
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another thing is to offer more than screenprinting...how about embroidery, how about banners...how about promo products....you need to find your unique selling proposition...once you have that you will do well
sam
yes Brad...I said proposition do get all excited....
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another thing is to offer more than screenprinting...how about embroidery, how about banners...how about promo products....you need to find your unique selling proposition...once you have that you will do well
sam
yes Brad...I said proposition do get all excited....
we have an engraving machine and it runs constantly and never calls in sick... Pretty good money too.
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engraving is an excellent thing to offer. I had friends that started with a diamond and went laser, they made serious money with that thing.
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engraving is an excellent thing to offer. I had friends that started with a diamond and went laser, they made serious money with that thing.
Mine is not laser, it is just the metal and plastic engraver. I am really busy after youth sports cause all the kids wants trophies and the mark up is pretty nice. We also do plenty of plaques for business and churches. I would say it is a market to look into if your in a area that has this type of work needed, of course the internet is loaded with bargins but I compete without a problem. Mine is a New Hermes and a real work-a-holic!
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Sam, interesting you say read, read and read. I think you and I are the same in that manner. I don't comment too much, but I read and research everything as much as possible. I've read many times about "Unique Selling Proposition". What is your USP? Just curious.
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I got laid off from a position of State Manager of a large International Computer Company in 1999 and could not find a job as I was over 50 and overqualified, so I took my 2 computer degrees and 30 years experience into this business and although I make less than half what I used to make I am much happier.
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I would consider possibly doing some contract printing for a few promotional product distributors in your area. the margins are thinner but its decent income and cash flow while you are making decisions about what direction to take your company. I would never even consider a job. you know the potential of what you have printing and doing art.
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And go auto, the sooner the better.
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quad...not a snowballs chance in hell letting you all know what I do....but I will tell you it is marketing marketing marketing....
sam
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Can you sell?......Sounds like you can print but if you are not a sales person, printing skills are useless.....Most of the money is in sales....
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Sales are indeed the bottom line.
However, some have a creative itch to scratch, and can hopefully either balance the selling and doing, or delegate that job.
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I would consider possibly doing some contract printing for a few promotional product distributors in your area. the margins are thinner but its decent income and cash flow while you are making decisions about what direction to take your company. I would never even consider a job. you know the potential of what you have printing and doing art.
Contract printing is probably the easiest way to build your business. All the better if you have the printing experience and know your craft well. With that rep, you'll grow fast. Our industry is littered with many contract print shops that are busy and generating solid profit but are lacking in production skill. It's a common complaint from marketing firms who use them, especially when they have a high profile client that requires better than average results. In most cases they're forced to use whatever local Jethro is available. Some go national for their production but more often than not, they'd rather give their business to a screen printer who is local. It doesn't take much to differentiate yourself from the mediocre to your clients. You don't have to work as hard to generate sales as you would with a custom shop.
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My concern would be having Heath insurance for you and your family. If your wife has it for the family from here job then go full steam ahead with screen printing. If not get a parttime job to help with the insurance .
It took God talking to me three times, getting fired from 3 different restaurant, to point me into this job.
We have just started years 24 and I'm not looking back.
Good luck
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Contract can be a good source of cash flow. I have a handful of sign shops, embroidery shops etc that I do work for which has been great the past couple months. Easy cheesy, you dont have to do any legwork, the garments show up, the art is sent correctly, we print and ship. I love it.
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Just a heads up as of now. My wife and I have decided to pursue the building of the business for the next two months and then reevaluate. This has involved some bill cut backs, some reaching out to friends, family and good customers, pulling my oldest child from day care ($ASS LOAD monthly expense) and basically me becoming MR. Mom which really I dont have a problem with. I like cooking and I love my kids when they are good ;D. So I take my boy to school (1st grade) in the morning, my wife drops off the little girl at day care for the day then she goes to work and picks her up on the way home, I pick up the boy in the afternoon i think it will work out. My best friend that is in the sign and t-shirt business is sending me all his art work stuff and im doing some contract printing for him(he doesnt screen print anymore). So come to find out I really only have to bring home almost SO MUCH a week. I did A LOT in just art work between wednesday and saturday and guess what i didnt bust my ass or knuckles for anyone and it feels really good i must say. I just wish i did this like 5 years ago. So If anyone needs any vector art redraws or original vectors done shoot it my way. Thanks again for the support and keep me in your prayers or thoughts. ;D
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Thats awesome Jason, you should come up with a price list for your art, seps, vectorizing and such.
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Thats awesome Jason, you should come up with a price list for your art, seps, vectorizing and such.
its on my native vector services site, the link is in my signature.
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Ok cool!
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Each case is different. your needs might be larger than mine. I would not use 2 months as a gauge for whether you can make it or not. You need 6 months at a min. and most business failures are during or after the 2nd year.
I've been on my own since my layoff in March of 09, going on 3 years. I am happier than ever. I have hit one or two times of re-considering and am glad to say, I came to my senses. I still don't make more than I did at the other Co. but enjoying what I do is far better than $. Luckily, I have a sugar baby wife who brings in the beef of the income.
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marketing y`all got that right
if you pay attention on the internet there some dudes that comes with the idea for selling tess in a website
their designs are pretty crappy, and still making money not because of quality but because of marketing
you seems to know what works best in the screen printing part as well in the art department .
you got it all, don`t stop keep it going bro.
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Jason if I can help in any way give me a call or text. Good luck with the adventure your sure to have some ups and downs but always look up and give thanks for the good and the bad.
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Love ya like a brother, but try to hold on to a few details that you don't need to share with the www. ;)
I think you'll do fine. Just stick with it.
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Just a heads up as of now. My wife and I have decided to pursue the building of the business for the next two months and then reevaluate. This has involved some bill cut backs, some reaching out to friends, family and good customers, pulling my oldest child from day care ($400.00 monthly expense) and basically me becoming MR. Mom which really I dont have a problem with. I like cooking and I love my kids when they are good ;D. So I take my boy to school (1st grade) in the morning, my wife drops off the little girl at day care for the day then she goes to work and picks her up on the way home, I pick up the boy in the afternoon i think it will work out. My best friend that is in the sign and t-shirt business is sending me all his art work stuff and im doing some contract printing for him(he doesnt screen print anymore). So come to find out I really only have to bring home almost $500 a week. I did $750 in just art work between wednesday and saturday and guess what i didnt bust my ass or knuckles for anyone and it feels really good i must say. I just wish i did this like 5 years ago. So If anyone needs any vector art redraws or original vectors done shoot it my way. Thanks again for the support and keep me in your prayers or thoughts. ;D
Jason, love ya like a brother, but try to hold on to a few details that you don't need to share with the www. ;)
I think you'll do fine. Just stick with it.
GOT IT! FIXED IT BUT MAYBE TO LATE... i forget that there are www a-holes, but everyone on here is like brother,sister or father to me and some are like the HOA president that lives across the street from me.... ;D
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haha, good luck with the hoa.
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I edited it out of mine. Now just edit from yours.
Oh good luck with the hoa too :-)