My husband and I own a small plumbing business specializing in service work. He has been talking about quitting and getting a job. We are broke, living in one of our rentals and just had a baby. He is too talented, in my opinion, to work for someone else.Not only do his customers love him, but the supply house that refers him out to people report that he is the only one in 20 years that their customers have called to say how wonderful he was. I am trying hard to convince him to stay in business, despite our current situation.

We have struggled along for 5 years.I still haven't
figured out how people live with an unstable
salary;never knowing what's coming in. It's impossible
to plan. The economy is bad, and we are aware that
this is not helping. I keep telling him that when the
economy gets better, he will be doing better. But when
we work the numbers, it works out to be about the same
that he could get working for someone else, with less
headaches.I think living here and with a new baby,
this is looking more and more appealing to him.

This is based on what hear is industry standards: he
can only bill half of the hours he works, so a 40 hour
workweek = 20 * 60 =1200. If he made 30 working ft for someone else it would be the
same. The only way to make more is to raise rates
and/or try to recoup more hours. I am hoping that this
"industry standard" is inaccurate. According to the taxes, it appears that he is
getting more efficient. He seems to consistently be
making a higher percentage every year when compared to
sales.

I see other people in business for themselves and they
are successful. I know it takes time, but what else
are they doing?

I guess what I need from you is an explanation on how
it all works. Will it really get better at some point
and how?


I'd appreciate any and all advice.
Thanks!
Jeannie