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[plumb-tech]

Hi,

Just wondering how the industry is at the moment (i.e is there much work).

I quit self employed plumbing 3 months ago, as after a year of studying I managed to get an office job in the finance department of a big company. I though I had made up my mind that I no longer wanted to be a plumber and I would study to be an accountant, but 3 months in and im missing the freedom of being out and about (also self employment).

Would I be crazy to jack it in and return to plumbing??

 

[missplumb]

yep!!

 

[lame plumber]

been very quiet this week, been thinking of going back to accountancy and being a bursar

 

[tomplumb83]

Nothing positive to say so I'll leave it like that...!

Do what makes you happy? Bit of a contradiction....

 

[Ray Stafford]

How long were you plumbing for?

 

[plumb-tech]

How long were you plumbing for?

Just over 10 years.

 

[Ray Stafford]

In answer to your OP, I don't think the situation has changed much in the last year.

There is plenty of work about, but there are also plenty of people chasing it. I think new build is a bit busier that it was last year, but the domestic market is much the same. The upturn in new build is probably not doing much more than cancelling out the reduction in Eco-scheme work.

Same-oh same-oh I reckon.

 

[iain85]

Grass is always greener syndrome. Write down pros and cons to each role and decide from there. At least you have an informed opinion on both roles. Decide what's most important to you (ie being out and about, secure wage ) and compare those aspects to the pro's in both roles.
One thing I would say is 3 months is a very short time to get cold feet. It may well be worth giving it a year and then at least you've given it a good go, especially as you've trained up specifically to do the job. The good thing is you've got your trade to fall back on were as most accounts have only got their huge bank balances to do so!

good luck

 

[PlumbersMate]

Do both to test the water

 

[Destroyer2813]

Work for me has picked up lately seems to be a small revival going on

 

[jtsplumbing]

Was reading in one of the trade mags today that they recon about another 5 years B4 the new build sector gets back into full swing, that's unless we hit another dip in the economy !!

 

[TimFallon]

I'd say stick with accounting for another three months anyway. See if you hit your stride and if you're going to get much fulfilment out of it as a career. There's a reason that you left plumbing and if you want to be able to really compare the two and make the best choice make sure you've got enough exposure to the alternative (accounting here) so you can make the best choice and know for certain which area you prefer

 

[plumb-tech]

I might give it another 3 months, I think I want to quit more because my dad who was a plumber as well has recently had a stroke and is unable to work and needs looking after, I feel like I could help him out more if I was doing the plumbing as I could take the odd day/half day off and could help him by doing a few of his jobs, maybe bring him along with me to work to get him out the house.
Also my kids keep telling me they never see me anymore since I started my new job.

 

[SimonG]

I might give it another 3 months, I think I want to quit more because my dad who was a plumber as well has recently had a stroke and is unable to work and needs looking after, I feel like I could help him out more if I was doing the plumbing as I could take the odd day/half day off and could help him by doing a few of his jobs, maybe bring him along with me to work to get him out the house.
Also my kids keep telling me they never see me anymore since I started my new job.

Forget looking after your dad and plumbing. My wife was her mothers carer for over a year, it nearly killed her. Lot of work. You might want to talk to a few people doing the same sort of thing. Not trying to put you off, but check it out first.

 

[newcastle phill]

I say only you can answer.
Follow your heart

 

[wetdrip]

Hi,

Just wondering how the industry is at the moment (i.e is there much work).

I quit self employed plumbing 3 months ago, as after a year of studying I managed to get an office job in the finance department of a big company. I though I had made up my mind that I no longer wanted to be a plumber and I would study to be an accountant, but 3 months in and im missing the freedom of being out and about (also self employment).

Would I be crazy to jack it in and return to plumbing??

Ain't much going to change in 12 weeks, except runner beans.