Quote:
Originally Posted by Diaz Dezine
I'm really gonna have to agree with Brush here Gary.
The benefits, the 401k and being in a union, I just don't know if I would leave all that. Also don't know what your family situation is at home either and wether you have any dependents or not.
Now grant it, I left my job in Ohio, whirlpool corp., and it was good bene's, 401k, and very good pay also, at least for that region, but I was very young and they also gave me a year to come back if things didn't work out.
My wife and I were very fortunate to land very good jobs in the beginning. Her in human resources in a major company and I landed a great job in a custom paint shop for , a then, major player in the custom motorcycle industry.
By the time I left that job I was able to establish enough contacts to go at it on my own but I also have my wife to support me with my decision to go at bymyself and she also had the bene's, the 401k and decsent paycheck. Otherwise I don't think I would have done it alone.
Out here in AZ there is the potential to start your own business at something like this mainly because there is year round riding weather for MC's, all terrain vehicles, great dry climate for hotrods and also alot of money out here,, but I've seen alot of artists crash and burn because of too much competition or not enough planning or just plain not enough money to get it started let alone to keep it goin'.
Obviously you are from the north east and the competition for this type of work is not as thick as it is here but there also isn't the type of people that make the money to spend on custom stuff like this or believe me I would go back to Ohio surrounded by family and friends and a lucrative custom airbrush business.
I'm not saying it can't be done but starting this type of business kind of needs a little of all the planets to align and a descent chunk of cash for equipment, material, marketing, getting completely legal and also insurance, not only for medical purposes but for the establishment that run your business out of.
Not trying to talk you out of being an airbrush artist but just establishing slowly with water in the pool and not just dry concrete. Which you seem smart enough for that not to happen being with the type of questions you are asking and great questions they are and also a great topic to discuss.
Hopefully others will join in on this discussion because this a great subject.
Good luck Gary with whatever you decide and do and hopefully we will see you and some of your work here soon!
DIAZ
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Diaz
The thing with the buyout, I would be able to buy down most of my payments (home related anyways) and have cash on hand to get things rolling since I already have 90% of what I need. I also have a some outlets for new work as well. As far as my situation, I'm married with 3 kids hence the medical insurance worry. If it were myself, I would have been gone looong ago!!!
As I mentioned, I have been doing it on the side for awhile now....maybe 5 yrs. I know that is vastly different than full time and the labors that come with that as well as the luxury of turning down work I don't want to do with certain people I don't want to deal with. Up here by Flint, I am just outside the Detroit burbs, just outside Flint, and less than an hour south of Saginaw. Lots of bikers in this area, but I don't solely focus on bikes as I do murals and other stuff too. I also have an outlet on the internet that I get work from too. Soon, I will have another webpage, which my past one did me some good and some harm. Dungeonworks isn't very marketable towards the mother's wanting fluffy bunnies and teddy bears on a baby's bedroom wall!
That will be changed very shortly.
Like I was saying, my gut feeling on the future of what is presently a good job will become "just another job" and I am seeking some more control of my own destiny. I am not near making up my mind on this by a long shot and
seriously appreciate you all's input on this, warts and all. I have not had to pay for medical insurance in over 13 yrs and am scared to find out what it is for decent coverage for a family of 5.
Thanks again
Gary