Thinking about it

No BS .... Need your thoughts. Talking to business owners and workers alike.

To the elders of this forum and new comers alike.

Some know my history some, some don't.

Experience: 11.5 yrs. roofing, sole office employee, covered A to Z . phones, salesmen, suppliers, payroll, audits, ESTIMATING, material orders & delivery & scheduleing & employee records & requests & umemployment & domestic relations & health insurance. Created my own spreadsheets for each form of roofing, warranties, I could go on forever, I had the personality for it. I LOVED IT. My boys loved me.

My husband died, I went off the deep end. I walked out 7 months later. Tired, depressed I guess. Went throught a serious drunk period, illness & recovery.

I suffer from short, short term memory. I haven't seeked employment feeling I couldn't be what I was and that was GOOD. So feeling inaduaquate I am still unemployed. My resume would get me in your door and very likely the job but I feel that my follow through would be disappointing and decieving to the employer.

I was just recently approached about a job with a local roofing company. They are reorginizing. I made a phone call asking for an interview. I'm still not sure of what I could offer today.

You are the BOSSMAN: I'm honest, lay it on the line, as above.

Add to that, no license, depending on a ride, it's 6 miles from home.

MY work record is impeccable, no problem with former employer.

Reason I haven't contacted him is, too far from home. Couldn't do the 1 office person thing again. I don't think I could handle the front person position again but would be great as background.

Please be honest..tomorrow is Monday, he's either contacting me or me him. People know my name in the industry. I'm a little scared about it. PC>>>

On a bus line?

Personally, I'd print this out and take it in with me and lay it on the line. Be honest and see where it goes.>>>

That works. Are you clean and sober now?>>>

I think you are on the right track. You seem to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.

I'd say be honest with your potential employer, like you have here. Something like, "My life went off track for a while after losing my husband. I wish that I had handled it better. I've recovered from the experience and am a stronger person for it."

An employer on he bus line is a good idea. Maybe don't limit yourself to roofing, consider painters, landscapers etc. It's all the same in the office. If you don't want to work the front end, I suggest making this a strong boundary, otherwise you'll get drug into it.

Everybody has issues, it doesn't mean you're locked out of gainful employment.

Good luck.>>>

Nothing great to add .............

Kick'em where it counts darlin'.>>>

Honesty..thats it..period.>>>

You can do it. (just be sure you really want it so that you don't end up needlessly at war with yourself later) Set your own limits and stick to them.>>>

You have a lot to offer Patty, help them recognise that and you'll be fine. What's past is past.>>>

My only concern would be the clean and sober part. I'm not addicted to any substance ( cept'n caffeine ). As your potential employer it would raise a huge red flag for me. Addictions are life styles that have the tendency to creep up on you . Next thing you know your looking at the curb after a night of sleeping in the gutter. Totally unaware of how you got there . I would humbly go knowing I may be rejected . Go for it.>>>

What do you have to lose?>>>

PC, If you want the job go for it! If you think you aren't able to handle it then let it be. I don't think you would have any problem with it though. But you have to decide what You want. I think you have gone through a Hell that few of us can understand and that you have reached a point where it is time to step up to the plate and get back into the work world. You know you Can do it. Don't bring up your fears. Tell them what you can do for them and then when they give you the job do it. I bet you will enjoy it.>>>

If you don't want the front person responsibility, then possibly with this new era of internet capabilities, you could probably be very effective working from a home office... telecommuting I think it's referred to..... Workroom administration is an under-appreciated job. Not having to keep an eye on the door, and answering the phones, but concentrating on what your most capable of, in my opinion is something that could be done from 6000 miles away. I have considered the same possibilities myself.... i can take a job from blue prints to turnkey without leaving the office, so what difference does it make as to where I am sitting. I can understand the local angle to customer service, but that is one of the things you would have to hand off to someone in the home office.....you probably have forgotten more than most people will ever learn about roofing...never mind the paperwork aspects of running the business. I vote "Go for it.....but leave the 357 Magnum at home" :) >>>

Called yesterday and this morning. No person answering the phone, leaving a message. Will probably stop in today.

I know they have had financial problems and have cut management personnel. Scuttlebut is too many well paid top guns. The downsizing was necessary. If this is true, that is good. Their overhead was way too much. If they keep it simple and cut out the flash their chances are good. I know most of the crew, very good workers, most have been there a while.

Thank you for the encouragement. Even part time is great for me. If working from home is possible, even better.

Mike, the bike is very feasible, for the bike....me, questionable. :laugh: I mapped it out, approximately 4.5 miles. Most of the route is flat except right outside my house. So the trek would start out pushing up the hill. :blink:

Builderr, very true, I could easily estimate from home, no distractions. I don't need any computer program, all my estimating was hands on the old way. Pencils, markers and a ruler. Spreadsheats can be created for every type roof. It could easily be set up. Anyway it will be brought up.

Ciak it is a good thing I almost like you.

I'm also researching a small gardening business. Something I have done for myself for ages but can expand this to making $$$ from home. I have the space and materials and the know how, even if the roofing thing comes to pass I'm probably following through with this anyway.

So I will let you know the outcome. Thanks again. Love ya all PC>>>

Thanks P/C B) B) :) Your a sweetheart I knew you would appreciate the honesty. David may have hit on a great idea for you. http://www.los-angeles-daily.com/finance/index.php?t202id=82311&t202kw=>>>

The gardening is going to be a better option for you maam.>>>

Ciak....I will look into it. I've made other inquiries online and it resulted in tons of spam. It was a big turn off. This sounds a bit more promising. Thanks.

Mike I agree, so much could be done from home. I can understand employers being skeptical of employee time spent on actual work but the proof is in the puddin' as they say.

roofrite........maam.....you may be right. Ideas given here gives me various options and possibly several working at the same time. I'm getting the drive back and getting restless to get busy. Thank you, sir. :) PC>>>