A broken pelvis is the last thing I needed!

Paul, I think you nailed it as far as the difficulties in transitioning from craftsman to supervisor. Unfortunately the roofing trade always takes its toll on the body. Very few roofers get much beyond 50 in their production years. Eventually we all reach a point where we have to make a change. The choices are limited, leaving the trade and finding other employment, getting into a supervisory position, getting into a sales position or for those self employed roofers, taking the business to another level that does not require your roofing skills as much as your business skills. All of these are viable alternatives and at this point you alone can make the decision as to what suits you best. The main thing right now is to heal properly to minimize the effects of this injury in the future. Hopefully you are able to financially get through this. The path ahead of you will reveal itself in time and I truly believe that everything will work out for you in ways that right now are not obvious. Use this time to plan and learn and keep a positive outlook. You are going to be fine. With any luck you have saved enough to just retire and can just spend all of your time on the boat. ;) Maybe become a fishing guide. Count me in, I'll gladly be your first customer. >>>

I just hope, regardless of what roofing business decisions you make, that you take care of your health, for the good of yourself and your family.

I would have looked at a friendly competitor or qualified subcontractor to do the current jobs on the board, just to keep cash flow going, but I do understand the trust issues.

Take care and mend well.

The pain does eventually subside into a dull bruised feeling after several years, which you do get used to dealing with every day.

Ed>>>

---Sorry to hear this. I would definitely use your healing time to rethink your career. I wouldn't make any quick decisions now. In a few months you will be better able to decide which way to go. ---My oldest son went off a 2 story roof through the power lines and was back on the roof after 15 minutes. I had to make him go home. I thought he might have an injury that would show up the next day. However, next day he was fine...beauty of youth. In a year he left roofing and became a computer tech and now works for the Federal Gov't. ---I am 59 and still tear off all day long when needed. I can work the same as when I was 25 but I just don't do it everyday. I try to work 2 days/week. I plan on roofing until I'm 70 because I enjoy it. Who knows? However, a serious injury could end things at any moment. A buddy of mine who is a sheetrocker bent over last week and had his back go out and had to spend 7 days in bed. ---Get well, Lanny>>>

Gee Whiz, seen it all, now you've done it all. I'm truly sorry to hear of your misfortune. There comes a time in a lot us small time independents careers, that we have to look at a possible career change. Especially when there is injury involved, I had to rearrange myself in 96, because of injuries sustained in 92 from a bad fall. For me back then being laid up for a few months, the blues were the worst obstacle to overcome, but I did, and you will too. In agreement with most of what has been said so far. I have some info I wood like to share with you, as an alternative money-maker, if you are interested. mail me at ljgregory@bellsouth.net or go to my website or call me at 615-633-7497

www.ljgregorysr.acaistory.com>>>

Day 19 on my recovery. I weaned myself off the "hillbilly heroin" (oxycodone) over the past 4 days and the pain seems to be bearable, just a dull ache. After reading up on the oxycodone I thought that it would be beneficial to get off it as soon as possible. Did find out that a 10mg tablet sells for $10.00 on the street. I guess they powder it and either inject it or snort it. I still must have $400.00 left in my perscription bottle if I want to sell it. :laugh:

The more I think about my situation the more I am leaning towards closing up shop. The thought of starting up again seems too daunting at the present time. Some of the things that cross my mind are come January 2010 (expected WC back to work date) are:

-have to look at re-start at the slowest time of the year -have to hire and train new staff -increase in WC rates of min 75% of what I'm paying now because of this claim and it's costs. -what will the economy be like in Jan.?

If I close the doors, what should I do now? -try selling the business -try selling the phone number -sell off any assets

Maybe I need another oxycodone :woohoo:>>>

I thought of selling the business BUT who would buy it? Yes I could sell off all my equipment which is substantial, but at present I don't have many signed contracts. I my be selling all my tools any way as I put my house on the market and I'm going to try to relocate to Ohio where most of my family is now. I don't think I will be doing much roofing, maybe home improvements or handyman type stuff. One thing I learned while in my recovery is that over half of what I made went to feed the beast(business) and with out that overhead I really don't need much money to make me happy. I will be paying cash for my new home in Ohio so I wont have a mortgage. That alone will save me $2500.00 a month. Heck I could support myself on Ebay with out any problem as That is what I have been doing since January.>>>

seen-it-all, today or tomorrow is not a desicion making time. STOP. Many of your brothers are suggesting recuperation first and through that process THINK of alternatives. Too much is going through that head of yours, too soon, too fast. STOP.

Glad to hear your minimizing the Oxys', yes big market. The pill market today is HOT so keep them hidden & secure. Not kidding.

SIA get healthy first, I'm sure this isn't the first valley you have been in, reflect back to how you survived others..no different, just age. Pull from within. PC>>>