Career change - advice needed - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

steg90 · 26-06-2007

Hi all,

This is a great forum, I've read lots on it and everybody seems so friendly and full of great advice.

My dilema is, I hate my job now, I've been a software engineer for over 14 years now, I get paid a good salary ( 40k+ ) but have to put up with so much stress and c**p off the bosses it has started to do my head in. I did think of setting my own software business up, but I am so bored now of it I want a career change and I've decided tiling seems a good option.

I am thinking of going on a 4-day course, will have to book the time off from work as can't pack my job in for obvious reasons. Are these 4-day courses really any good? Would it be possible to set up myself after it, maybe doing it at weekends firstly to see how it goes ( I won't pack my job in straight away )? I really do want to work for myself and want to work in the building trade.

I have done tiling at home and friends houses in the past without any training, just went ahead and did it, all looked ok, but obviously not as good as how the pro's would do it!

Any advice please is needed on the road to the change of career, I really am feeling so down with my job and want something new like tiling to do.

Best wishes,
Steve

stevemilne750 · 26-06-2007

Hi i was in excactly same position until i booked the 5 day ceramic tiling and natural stone course at north east tiling training.Learn,t a lot in the 5 days and after tiling my kitchen walls and floor had the confidence to go out and do it in paying customers homes.Highly recomended.

steg90 · 26-06-2007

Hi,

Thanks for that. I've only 8 days hols left this year so I'm wanting to save them for a tiling course. I really want to change career, being my own boss sounds like heaven. I'm even now not looking forward to going into work tomorrow...wish I never went to uni and just learnt a building trade!

Which course was it that you did?

Regards,
Steve

stevemilne750 · 26-06-2007

It was the 4-day ceramic tiling and 1-day natural stone course at norh east tiling training give them a call soon if your serious about it as its booked up well in advance.The number is 01914274529

BrhTiling · 26-06-2007

I'm 21 with no previous practical background, I did a month long course and now I've set up... I have the confidence to do a good job and charge for my work...

Just don't expect to be earning 40k!!

It is a lot harder getting work in, building up a customer base & portfolio than actually learning to stick tiles on the wall IMO.

Without meaning to sound funny, but if you are earning 40k+, I would seriously consider paying extra for a 2-week course or at least go to one of the recommended training centres and not an unknown provider.

Start up costs... well, My tools cost about £650, course was £1300 (ish).... van... 2k...

make sure you can afford the out-goings before you start, do yourself a little business plan just to make things clear in your own mind first m8.
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Quote:

Originally Posted by steg90

I have done tiling at home and friends houses in the past without any training, just went ahead and did it, all looked ok, but obviously not as good as how the pro's would do it!

Steve

PS, once you have done a course you will be surprised at just how much BAD tiling you see out there... all over the place! there is a coffee shop near me with HORRIBLE floor tiles, they look like a blind man stuck them down with a staple gun or something, even I could see they are bad!

You really only need to be able and confident, not superman! Don't offer to tile your local swimming pool in 1inch mosaics for £10 m2 for your first job and you will be fine :-)

**brian c** · 26-06-2007

welcome to the forum STEVE.First of all you are on a v/g salary so dont pack it in yet!I like stevemine750 also did the NETT course which you can read the feedback for yourself by clicking on the tiling courses button at the top of this page.

Although you are on a good salary you are obviously unhappy.This was me 3 months ago and i took the plunge and went it alone,although i love it there is always the worry when the phone does'nt ring and bills need to be paid etc.Tiling can also be a very lonely job and it is not for everyone and you probably will not reach the same salary being realistic for a good few years as you need to establish your business and contacts etc and also you will need to get up to speed with the tiling jobs themseves.Although i am doing ok i just thought i should warn you to be cautious and not hastey.I enjoyed the NETT course but its not until you are out on your own that you need to get over any sticky situations you will find yourself in the working day.I would recommend the course to anyone as Darren is good at explaining all aspects of tiling and business alike.Good luck STEVE whatever you decide and remember to let us all know that decision.

ps i am sure some of the other lads will agree whole heartedly with myself on this one.

GazTech · 26-06-2007

The love of money is the route of all evil,so many people walk the earth miserable doing jobs they hate.Your fate is in your own hands my boy!

**IvegotsTILE** · 26-06-2007

Wow Gaz your so deep mate,ha.Have to agree with everything Bri said mate.Good luck.

steg90 · 27-06-2007

Thanks a lot everyone for your advice and comments. I am unhappy in my job, even if it does pay a good wage, you always spend it all! I just want to earn a decent wage and just be responsible for my own work.

What I'm thinking is doing the 4-day course first as I've not many holidays left to take in my current job and then trying to get some work at weekends maybe. If things go ok and I feel confident enough to do more jobs I will advertise more and get myself a van ( will use car at first ).

I guess I just need to take a chance, after all, you are only here once!

BTW, if anyone wants any software writing...lol, only joking!

Best wishes,
Steve

**Dave** · 27-06-2007

good luck steve, it is a make or break situation and you will always regret not giving it a go so go for it mate. You always have ur sofware career to fall back on.

steg90 · 27-06-2007

Thanks mate,

Going to book four day course and also the one day natural stone course at NETT from 30th July to 3rd Aug, anyone else booked on this?!

Will need to sort digs out as I'm in Manchester, don't want to travel everyday!

I feel my life is changing quite a lot at the moment; having just gone through a divorce and having to leave the marital home, I need some new focus in life and a change in career could just be the tonic

With my software background I'll at least be able to do myself a good website

Many thanks,
Steve

steg90 · 27-06-2007

Now booked the course