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Well, Obama policy got me .........
- Thread starter Big Dog
- Start date
Can't keep a good man down. Great news! 
Can't keep a good man down. Great news!
Thanks! The timing on that gif avatar of yours is spooking dude!
Update ..............
Well it got to the point that we had to start diving into reserves (savings). My wife's contract ended in September and we both found ourselves without work. I never fretted, I always believed that something would break. We're not that comfortable that I don't ever have to work again.
I ended up expanding our little LLC and took out some consulting/professional liability insurance and sent some feelers out to some ex-clients. Then my wife got a permanent position with the company she was doing contract work, good things start!
Three weeks ago I got a call from my biggest ex-client (Luminant Generation), they wanted a proposal for a instruction job to be completed this week. They accepted and I got the small 64 hour job, I just got back. I also won a standing one year IC contract with them and I'm scheduled for steady work as an adjunct industry "professor" at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, TX for the first quarter of 2013. I'll be able to travel at will, so I'll come home every couple weeks. Work after the winter session includes development and edits to Luminant curriculum's that I'll be able to do from home until the fall session ............
Luminant Academy is booming, not only are they busy with employee training but they are now true partners with TJC. They have setup a 2 year AD curriculum for power plant studies and are awarding scholarships to high school seniors. Next step is to help other utilities and help train their employees. I hope to be in for a good run!
Notice the author of the link below .......
Luminant Academy: Alliances Deliver Results
Where u at ETF???
I didn't know what to say because when I became self employed it was because I got laid off (fired, but they would never say the words). I'd just sold my car since I'd had a company car, company insurance, company plates, company gas and a $500 a week expense allowance. Besides, my wife had a good job with Bristol Myers. She got laid off too and was 6 mos pregnant.
So...I lost a 6 figure job with great benefits and so did my wife all in one week, leaving us with no income and 1 car between us and a baby due. I just started doing any work I could (fixing computers, mowing lawns, cleaning lakes etc.) the next day and basically went from there.All I know is that when you're in that position, you don't want to hear from someone who is sitting home secure telling you that they know how you feel. I didn't want to do that....but I do know how you feel. Did I tell you that that she was pregnant with our 5th kid and one was entering college too? Glad things are coming together for you. Looking back on things now, I can honestly say I wish I was pushed off that cliff ten years earlier! Hope you can end up saying the same.
Congrats BD. Glad to see that it's all working out.
We go to Tyler when we need to do some big city shopping. Home is about 30 miles north of you. Tied up until after the new year but I'm available for feeding or watering any time after that. When you get settled in and comfortable drop me a line and I'll finally get to meet the famous Big Dog. Woof, woof.
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Update .......................
Been very busy, finally got a week I can take a breather although I am doing some proposals and referencing for work ahead. I finished the work in Tyler. While there guess who I got a call from? My ex-employer ............ they needed me for a string of jobs they didn't have anyone with the expertise, ah they use to have that guy. I inflated my rate and said sure, they said sure. Just finished 9 weeks with them.
I'm booked a year out between 3 different clients, I think I have 7 open weeks until May of next year. If anyone is in the area I'll be working let me know and maybe we can hook up. I'll have sporadic travel in Saskatchewan, Iowa, New Hampshire, Texas, and Ohio. Should have done this years ago.
Been very busy, finally got a week I can take a breather although I am doing some proposals and referencing for work ahead. I finished the work in Tyler. While there guess who I got a call from? My ex-employer ............ they needed me for a string of jobs they didn't have anyone with the expertise, ah they use to have that guy. I inflated my rate and said sure, they said sure. Just finished 9 weeks with them.
I'm booked a year out between 3 different clients, I think I have 7 open weeks until May of next year. If anyone is in the area I'll be working let me know and maybe we can hook up. I'll have sporadic travel in Saskatchewan, Iowa, New Hampshire, Texas, and Ohio. Should have done this years ago.
Congrats Dog! Enjoy the consulting life, work comes in waves (but maybe not in your case). Save your money for the down time and try to enjoy it. That is the hardest part for me. I can't enjoy the down time because I stress about my future work too much.
Congats Dawg. That sounds fantastic.
With being booked out a year ...you don't need no stickin web site.
Thanks guys, yeah I do Doc and both you guys can help ................
Getting to the point I may need to put on some subs, if I do I don't want it to be hit and miss for them. Let's get more work .............
Dawg, I'm so glad things are working out and the "I wish I'd done it years sentiment" is one that I've heard often. Good things happen to good people.
My favorite was a life long friend who got laid off during a "reorganization". He sat around for a month and decided that the best thing to do was to start his own business. He found a niche teaching pressure/well control to oil company employees and drilling contractors. He had to use several thousand dollars of savings to buy equipment and simulators but never looked back. It provided him a very good living for his family for over 30 years.
You just have to keep after it and keep current ... and never turn down work.
My favorite was a life long friend who got laid off during a "reorganization". He sat around for a month and decided that the best thing to do was to start his own business. He found a niche teaching pressure/well control to oil company employees and drilling contractors. He had to use several thousand dollars of savings to buy equipment and simulators but never looked back. It provided him a very good living for his family for over 30 years.
You just have to keep after it and keep current ... and never turn down work.
2 more weeks and I get some time off ...... Since I started this ride I haven't had much more than a long weekend to recoup. I've had some nice stints working from home which are nice but I still have to put in long days in the office. I've found the hardest part of all this contractor work is scheduling. I found myself reluctant to refuse work but I've come to realize I need to learn to say no because I just can't do all the work I get offered.
2 months ago I made the decision I was taking the rest of the year off starting the week of Thanksgiving BUT it's gonna end up being I'll be doing a couple weeks of followup from previous projects. My schedule for 2014 is 50% full. I fully expect an audit by the IRS and ATF from revenues and firearm purchases ...........
AFA the work, I've worked on 2 of the newest technologies in fossil fueled power. 2nd largest Biomass (wood chips) generating facility that is using unconventional heat exchange using feedwater to heat combustion air.
Currently the simulator PM for Cassper Simulation (sub-contractor due to none disclosure) working on Sask Power's new carbon capture project, the largest of it's kind in NA. Instead of emissions removal to waste, sulfur and carbon is removed and the byproducts are converted to sulfur dioxide and CO2 for profit. Hoping this is a success and I have a step ahead on new similar projects.
I ended up throwing together a simple website due to contractor employment regs at the request of a a couple of my clients. I still can't believe this has all happened in less than a year.
2 months ago I made the decision I was taking the rest of the year off starting the week of Thanksgiving BUT it's gonna end up being I'll be doing a couple weeks of followup from previous projects. My schedule for 2014 is 50% full. I fully expect an audit by the IRS and ATF from revenues and firearm purchases ...........
AFA the work, I've worked on 2 of the newest technologies in fossil fueled power. 2nd largest Biomass (wood chips) generating facility that is using unconventional heat exchange using feedwater to heat combustion air.
Currently the simulator PM for Cassper Simulation (sub-contractor due to none disclosure) working on Sask Power's new carbon capture project, the largest of it's kind in NA. Instead of emissions removal to waste, sulfur and carbon is removed and the byproducts are converted to sulfur dioxide and CO2 for profit. Hoping this is a success and I have a step ahead on new similar projects.
I ended up throwing together a simple website due to contractor employment regs at the request of a a couple of my clients. I still can't believe this has all happened in less than a year.
Update ................... I'm feeling guilty in a hotel room in Iowa. I haven't been as active as I should but I do get on and scan the new post everyday.
I am busy, it was not my intent. My plan was to take the Summer off and promised my CPA my revenues would be less than last year, I lied. I got a call from a client in May that was in a bind and needed 400 hours of curriculum development and instructor led training, 200 of those onsite. I resisted, they made an offer with higher numbers than my standard fees including BC travel and expenses. Well .... I'm currently in Ottumwa, IA and will finish up my last week of this project next Friday. I go home and walk right into another 400 hour project I had originally scheduled to follow my Summer off .....
Should be done the week before Thanksgiving, I'm taking the Holidays off .... I think! I get calls often for work, 2015 back log is already at 60% (roughly 1200 hours). I have offers for my other 900 hours, I'm trying to decide how much I want to do. I struggle with turning down work, it's no fun not to have it.
FYI ................ I'm still watching and participate when time allows!
It's nice that the forum is going smoothly and admin work has been slow!!
I am busy, it was not my intent. My plan was to take the Summer off and promised my CPA my revenues would be less than last year, I lied. I got a call from a client in May that was in a bind and needed 400 hours of curriculum development and instructor led training, 200 of those onsite. I resisted, they made an offer with higher numbers than my standard fees including BC travel and expenses. Well .... I'm currently in Ottumwa, IA and will finish up my last week of this project next Friday. I go home and walk right into another 400 hour project I had originally scheduled to follow my Summer off .....
Should be done the week before Thanksgiving, I'm taking the Holidays off .... I think! I get calls often for work, 2015 back log is already at 60% (roughly 1200 hours). I have offers for my other 900 hours, I'm trying to decide how much I want to do. I struggle with turning down work, it's no fun not to have it.
FYI ................ I'm still watching and participate when time allows!
It's nice that the forum is going smoothly and admin work has been slow!!
Current project title is "Integrated AQCS Training" which includes curriculum and ILT training operators on a station retrofit with a new Air Quality Control System for flue gas scrubbing including Dry Flue Gas Desulfurization (SO2 removal), Activated Carbon Injection (Mercury removal), and Pulse Jet Fabric Filter (Particulate removal). Training also includes new (upgrades) balance of plant equipment including new turbine, ID fans, cooling tower fans, and one high pressure feedwater heater.
Keep at it bro'. Pad that retirement nest egg for all it is worth. When you get enough salted away turn out the lights and close the door for good. You and the missus enjoy what you have earned.
That's basically what I did. It worked out good for me.
That's basically what I did. It worked out good for me.
The fictitious home of Walter Eugene "Radar" O'Reilly from M*A*S*H.
Big Dog
I am glad this is working out for you. Maybe not the original plan, but it works anyway...
By the way, Welcome to Iowa!
Regards, Kirk
I am glad this is working out for you. Maybe not the original plan, but it works anyway...
By the way, Welcome to Iowa!
Regards, Kirk
What he said!
Bank the cash away. Some day you will retire whether you want to or not.
Just realized I haven't been on in a few days ................that's happening too often. I continue to stay busier than I intend, the projects I accept always seem to quell the plan. I think I can still fit in the fun time. I'm finishing up a gig in Cleveland and Monday launched a project in Michigan City, IN. That will go on until November. 2016 backlog has already started.
Don't worry Doc, I get the emails if issues arise .................. Slags you do a great job!!
Don't worry Doc, I get the emails if issues arise .................. Slags you do a great job!!
Good to hear that things are still going well.
When you're a consultant it's tough to turn down work. You dread the day that the phone doesn't ring!!!!
What I found helped during the long hours and weeks away from home was to keep the end game sharply in focus. Always remember the reason that you are doing it. Pad the nest egg and retire while you are both still young enough to enjoy it.
When you're a consultant it's tough to turn down work. You dread the day that the phone doesn't ring!!!!
What I found helped during the long hours and weeks away from home was to keep the end game sharply in focus. Always remember the reason that you are doing it. Pad the nest egg and retire while you are both still young enough to enjoy it.
NIPSCO Michigan City Generating Station, right on the lake, working on a Circulating Dry Scrubber Retrofit. Suppose to be staying at the Blue Chip Casino ......
Blue Chip - Casino is ok. The buffet not so much. The steak house is decent, but pricey. Better casino about 15 miles north just across the state line just outside of New Buffalo - Four Winds Casino. Not much of a gambler but we go to both places for stage acts and sometimes have eaten at the steak house in both places.
How long you in Michigan City? Open invite on any weekend to drive about 40 minutes north and sit on the dock, smoke some stogies, have some scotch, tequila, wine, whatever.
The new condo is a construction zone, but sound like you are used to construction zones.
How long you in Michigan City? Open invite on any weekend to drive about 40 minutes north and sit on the dock, smoke some stogies, have some scotch, tequila, wine, whatever.
The new condo is a construction zone, but sound like you are used to construction zones.
Probably run up for a site tour last week of May for a couple days
4 days mid June
6 days mid August
3 weeks late Sept - early Oct
If I win some option work another 3 weeks around mid November
I'm not a gambler, if they have a clean room, pretty much all I ask.
I'll keep in touch!!! I'll be sure to find some time!
4 days mid June
6 days mid August
3 weeks late Sept - early Oct
If I win some option work another 3 weeks around mid November
I'm not a gambler, if they have a clean room, pretty much all I ask.
I'll keep in touch!!! I'll be sure to find some time!