Quitting my job to start a lawn business, was it worth it?
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- čas přidán 13. 09. 2024
- In this video I’m going over the past few years quitting my $80k a year job in the oilfield to go fulltime in my lawn business.
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Waylon, been there done that. Took my kids to school and didn't miss their extra curricular stuff. Entering year number 21 in the lawn business. Always put God 1st. ✝️
Absolutely, there is no shortage of extra curricular activities either. I don’t know how my wife did it all these years by herself. Thanks for watching and good luck this season!
Good information and you are definitely wright about jobs 👍
best of luck. n keep grinding
Good stuff! I'm actually up in Benton/North Bossier and working on a very similar plan.
I love Benton, beautiful land up that way. Awesome to hear man, let me know if I can help.
Waylon I did the same exact thing at 36, my business is now booming.
You da man Waylon!!!
Look me up and let’s link up, I could learn from you for sure!
Congratulations Waylon, I did this exact same thing only I’m a lot older than you. I spend 40 years banging my head against the wall trying to survive working for the MAN lol I was doing some mowing on the side and finally made the decision to do it full time. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made I’m happy, My stress is gone I make my own schedule and we get it done M-F very few weekends involved unless it rains or it’s a special job. Leaving the Benefits at first was a struggle for me but once I really dug into it and realized I could go without them was a Huge relief. I’m making more money than I ever have before and found a very affordable insurance life is good… Keep Grinding
Absolutely amazing so glad to hear you have reached your success and are crushing it great job it is so good to be my own boss now too. I’ll never forget my first day nervous as hell mowing but so free and peaceful no drama from abusive jelous butthurt coworkers with thier rude snarky sarcastic cut downs and no getting yelled at for listening to a podcast while I rake in the dough. Pun intended.
You can get a part time school bus driver job to get the benefits.
Good stuff . Hard work pays off , I did similar to you . I started at 35 , four kids , wife stayed home to look after kids . I’m almost 53 start my 18 th season , now have two sons self employed in their own business . No retirement date for this guy! Nobody said it be easy , still isn’t, but so worth it !! Keep up the good work !
Hope u have great season .
Rob , Ontario Canada
Man 18 seasons I couldn’t imagine, Much respect!
What’s the main advice for clients flyers on door ?
@@mikelopez4148I have never done door to door flyers . Have done a few through the post office . Hard work , word of mouth .
Just came by your channel. New sub. What is your #1 marketing tool?
For me it’s doorhangers, I know if I put a hundred out (in spring) than that equals 2-3 calls and 1-2 new clients, if you need 20 new clients put out 2000 and you’ll get them, of course you’ll need to experiment with copy and timing but for me it’s what I know and it works perfectly.
This is valuable insight! Thanks for sharing!
$20 an hour is peanuts especially working for a billion dollar oil company. Our average pay in my state of RI for fast food is starting at $18-$20 and $20-$24 for landscaping for a company not having much experience. The catch is its expensive to live in Rhode Island.
Yea man, it was truly a trap job. We also made lots of overtime and $150 or so per diem. It was just enough to keep your bills paid and too busy to look for something else.
Started my own lawn care company this year to man! God bless you and your family!
And you as well, thanks for watching, let me know if I can help in any way!
CORP AMERICA SUCKS. Seriously thinking about quitting soon and going full time lawn care. Have 60 customers for my side hustle
60 customers is a great base, I bet you could do a price increase all the way around and make up the difference and be able to quite easily. Let me know if I can help Michael, thanks for watching!
I stumbled upon your CZcams channel on quitting your job to go full time…. Can I tell you that I needed to hear EVERYTHING you said on there.
I’m in the Alexandria area (Deville specifically) and I’m in lawn care part time and doing the 40+ hours a week gig and side hustle too I’m married with 7 year old and 5 year old…. Benefits are of great concern for me and them
I appreciate your honesty and transparency
I’m very inspired and very excited for you guys
Love it! Good luck on your journey, if there’s anything I can do to help just let me know!
Great story Dude wish you much success 💯💪🏽
Dude! I feel you! I was in corporate, dead end job, working my a** off, 40+ hours, job abused me bc I was skilled (asked for raise, they told me it part of my job description as "others task), etc. I am quitting this year and doing the same.
Good for you bro, hope it goes well for you. If you need anything just let me know!
How did it go?
Dope
Quit mechanic job after 7 years knowing i didn’t want to do it forever. Started my lawn maintenance business. Make more and work way less. Take winters off
🙏🏻🤝
Thanks for sharing your story!
Absolutely, there’s so much I left out but I’ll do more in the future. Thanks for watching!
I been running a lawn care business part time for 2 years been thinking hard about going full time in the spring of 2023, I currently work part time at Lowes and I hate it.
I'm glad you mDe this video. I'm in a similar situation. I just put my resignation in yesterday. Last year, I grossed $94,000+ through their company. Hoping and praying it works out. Very scary.
3 kids and a wife. 35 years old
You got it brother. Don’t doubt yourself, whenever you feel that doubt just put the thought out of your head and push on. Just keep finding solutions, simplifying things, and remember that the work is abundant so price yourself to succeed. Check out my hourly rate video it should help. Good luck man!
@@waylonratcliffe thanks bro
Good for you Waylon...I did the same thing after 32 years working the corporate job. Its freedom, its satisfaction and self respect. I CHOOSE! I love the green grass in the spring time.....good luck to you and your family. SN in Montana.
Freedom… Exactly right
I quit my job to do lawn care as well…. This my 1st year and I’m excited…. 😎💯
Wishing you much success for this year and many more!
Thank you very much, and I wish you the same. The work is endless and abundant, just gotta make it worth our while.
This is exactly what I’m doing leaving the oilfield to start landscaping company. Great job bro🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I never even thought guys like me would watch this, thanks man, hopefully it helped some!
What patch are you working?
@@waylonratcliffe Yes it surely did u hit on all the points. Especially the quality of family life with the wife and kids. I haul crude oil in ND.
@@FloridamadeJay81 Awesome, if you need anything just let me know. I’d love to follow your story and help in any way possible.
@@waylonratcliffe Hell yeah. Thanks I sure will keep in touch
Pumped for you, brother! All the way from Houston!
Thanks man, I’ve spent a lot of time in peatland/ Galveston as a kid, my grandpa was a pilot down there. Thanks for the support brother!
80k is that before or after expenses? What about benefits, health insurance? It also could be a headache you’re not going to make money mowing grass only
Gross income was $120k, the $80k is net.
Do you like the exmark stand on?
Thank you for your content. This was a timely message and very inspiring. I Wish you and your family the best of blessings.
Thank you Michael, I’ll take all the blessings! Good luck to you and yours this season!
Yep, left a good easy trucking job wasn't happy there. Going to fire up my lawn service again after 4 years still have the tools and is way more enjoyable than driving throu the night from here to there.
Still sitting on a machine all day but at least it’s nice and sunny, the money’s better, and your helping everyday people instead of building another greedy corporation. Make sure and account for 4 years of inflation on your pricing, if we all charge what we’re worth maybe us landscapers will become worthy tradesmen someday. Good luck man!
Hey, your channel just popped up and decided to check it out. I truly enjoy your content and also see that family is always first. I missed my kids growing up because I constantly worked. I'm glad you found time to enjoy your family. Keep up the good work! Please enjoy your kids while they're still young. May God bless you and your family.✌✌
Thanks for the encouragement, sometimes you just have to make ends meet at all costs to keep the wolves away.
The way I see it I’m shaping 4 other lives who will go out and impact the future world, my single life couldn’t have the impact alone versus dedicating my life to improving theirs.
I love your videos!!! The corporate world does not care about family time. The divorce rate is sky high because no one has time for family. Employees are conditioned to trade their soul for a paycheck. I love how you speak your mind. Benefits are a laugh in a 9-5 job. Make triple being self employed and you don't have to sweat the small stuff anymore. 🤩❤🤠
Exactly, corporate will get theirs in time when the workforce all moves to being independent small business owners. The race to the bottom dollar to pay employees is a loose loose system. Thanks for watching J
I opted out of the standard 9-5/corporate world due to several factors including those mentioned by you. I’ve spent 15 years of my life as an employee. I’ve seen what it’s like to be treated great, and like absolute trash. I’ve seen abusive bosses and co workers and excellent leaders. I have the skills and desire to lead the way and become my own boss so I can deliver a quality service and built a team of 2-3 employees that I will treat right and take care of. Also I plan to purchase the nicest equipment for them and myself. My last job as a mechanic for a tire shop needed a new tire mounter/balancer because we specialized in doing tires and when I suggested we get a new one and showed him how broke the machine was the boss humiliated me in front of everyone and laughed it off saying basically I’m an idiot it’s fine you just don’t know how to use it. That was my last straw with corporate. Also I got screamed at for minding my own business listening to earbuds while way off in my own bay on the other side of the shop doing an oil change because they were too controlling and power hungry. “How dare you”! Listen to a podcast or music in one ear while safely working on an easy job take that out now! I said no more! No actually I say no more. Goodbye I’ll run my own show from now on and I’ll never forget how peaceful my first job was traveling to work when I showed up did my work on my own terms drama free. I’m in charge now. We’re all in charge now. So go crush it and be your own boss.! I’ll never be too cheap to fix what’s needed or repair broken or damaged equipment especially when I hire someone else to help. I don’t understand what’s wrong with corporate they aren’t all like that but it only takes one to be enough for me.
Congratulations! I'm gearing myself up for my jump also. I chose an enclosed trailer. Glad to see you excited about your move.
Good luck brother, it hard but it’s worth it!
Congratulations 👏 wish all the best luck and u made a great decision
and the best to you as well!
Keep your head up God will continue blessing you
Hey brother keep grinding. I also am in a dilemma, having to make hard choices. Love doing part time yards but I also work a full time job. Glad to see you being real.
Thanks for watching Bryan!
Good videos!
Keep up the good work
Great vlog brother
Is it scary to quit your full-time job and start a lawn care business and worried about the bills n that what I’m trying to do
I do not know how you popped up in my feed today, but I watched your video. We are almost in the same exact boat other than the fact that I am trailing behind you. I working the oil field and have a lawn care business on the side. I'll be watching you very closely this year to see how you do and hopefully you will teach me some things. So when I get ready to quit a job and focus solely on my business. Best of luck to you, make all this the right decisions and all correct money moves. I'll be rooting for your success.
I’m honored but I’ve far from figured it out. If your able to do both than you’ve got what it takes man. I’m inspired that there are others like me pursuing independence. Good luck Sammy!!
Keep rolling. Keep pushing. You can do it.
Good luck pal👍🏻 family is #2 in life. God obviously #1. You will be more then ok. Enjoy your new life with the family👍🏻
Yessir, everything’s got an order to it. Thank you for the encouragement!
Im on the same path you are on. Congrats on getting out of that job and I wish you all the success with your lawn care business!
Good luck to you too brother, did you already go full time?
@@waylonratcliffe This is the year Im gonna make that transition. Wanted to make sure I had the paperwork side right.
Love your outlook and I pray this upcoming year is even better
Hey man we all been there and done that. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel you done the right thing in your heart then it will show up sooner than later. Happy New Year and wishing you the best this season!!!
Thanks! Happy New Years to you as well!
That’s very smart lawn businesses succeed and always been succeeding I want to be like you
May God bless you and your family. In Jesus name. Wishing you the very best!
Hell yeah brother grind now shine later. Best of luck 👍👍👍👍👍
Keep grinding! It's worth it, enjoy as much time with the family as you can. Best of luck to you brother!
Congrads on making that big risky move. Hope it all works out for you Waylon! Keep the videos coming.
Good for you buddy! Keep on grinding
Good video man! We are from Louisiana as well 😉 👍just subbed
Keep going bro
That’s all we can do right brother, you do the same and let me know if you need anything. Good luck 🍀
Keep em coming dude! Keep your head up! Im here watching ya this year im rooting you on as I go through the same struggles with my business & starting up crew number 2 this year is also super exciting. Dont know how itll go but im just gonn roll with it and hope for the best!
Man I’m rooting for you too, thank you for the kind words, they were much needed this morning!
Be blessed and pray your business grow beyond measure.👊🏾
Hey, Dude!
I know the feeling of what has happened! I felt the same way, I felt i was just a number and not worth a damn to who i was working for.. I felt more valued in life then to be that way in life, Now working for myself for 10 years the simple smile makes it all worth it! It’s been a blessing for me to get out of what i use to call life and i thank god everyday for me being able to go to work to make a difference in life! These days it’s all you, you do what is best for you and your well being!! Keep hustling guy!
Keep ‘em coming bro. I have a good job I’ll be keeping but looking forward to picking up a few paying customers soon. I respect your dedication to your family.
I respect that, would love to hear about your progress. Those first customers may change your mind, if I could give you any advice it’d be to charge more from the start, and measure everything you do! Good luck friend!
This really spoke to me…I’ve been doing lawn and landscaping all through highschool and after highschool took a job with the city I lived in. I started my own lawn and landscape business and it been going great the past few years and I realized it’s something I wanna build and soon do full time. Thanks for the inspiration!
Awesome man, just measure everything you do and get your hourly rate straight. Once you have all the time to build the business it will explode!
Great video. Best move I've ever made. Happiness and peace of mind are priceless. I'm the happiest I've ever been doing Lawn Care.
Just found your channel! Subscribed! God bless you and your family!! Looking into your eyes, I can see the truth of what you are saying! I wish you all the best!
I'm right where you were when you first started. Thoughts of going full time are in lawn care are slowly becoming a real possibility. Very exciting times. Keep making those videos. New sub
That’s great to here brother! I’m putting together a lot of new content just for guys like you, thanks for watching!
Great video. I’m sure this will help out a lot of people on the fence doubting themselves and give them that boost. Keep on keeping on !
Thanks Mr. Ron, I wish I had done it sooner!
Great channel
Just found your channel and subscribed. Keep putting out the content!
Yes sir I will! I’ve got more in the world but I’m focusing on quality over quantity.
Right on, best of luck this season🤙🏽💰
Loved your story Waylon. Working towards that same goal. One thing at a time, one day at a time.💪🏼👊🏼🤙🏼
Absolutely, it’s worth it man!
Sometimes you just gotta take a leap of faith and trust the process!
Love the video man! I'm subscribing. I'm going on my third year and am now taking this winter to work on new systems for my business to hopefully be as efficient as possible for 2023!
Congrats brother. I'm also a father of 4, working the day job but building a junk removal business in the evenings and weekends. Thanks for sharing your story, wish you and your family the best 🙏
I get out the military in a year…. I can’t wait to get out and start my lawn care business full time
It’s a very free life, I’d imagine coming from the military you’ll come out swinging. Good luck Damon, and thank you for your service to our great country!
good that you stayed focused, that's all I know is landscaping,cars, and pressure washing said fuck work and following my dreams
In the same boat bro. Always been in lawncare in some shape or form. Had a bad few years taking over my Dad’s lawncare business after he passed leading me to try out the “job with benefits” deal and slowly realizing working for myself is way better than what I’m giving up working for a company. I’m part time now but planning to get back full time with my own company. Lessoned learned and this video helped me move forward with the decision! Good to hear from a fellow Louisianan! ⚜️
How are you doing bro? I'm in the same boat as you. Keep pushing forward because backing up is not a option. Keep working hard and eventually everything it will pay off
In my case I'm having a hard time quitting my job because I have doubts and I'm scared to not be able to provide for my family. But you pass that bridge already. Good job
Good for you I'm proud of you and your choice to be with your family. I'm giving my notice this year at work going full-time as Lawn & Order special grass unit lawn care. Projecting the busness to double this year from 43 lawns to 80ish.
Windell
Awesome man, how’d everything go for you this season?
Subscriber 510. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Thank you brother!
You’re brave and smart!! I wish you the best. I haven’t gone full time yet. I am a teacher and plan to make the leap at the end of this school year.
That’s awesome John, if there is anything I can do to help you on your journey just let me know!
Good video man. Also watched your hourly rate video, good thoughts man! Subscribed. Keep it up you guys will definitely achieve your dreams! God bless
Great channel. I’m a commercial driver who chose to do lawn care. Same pov as you . Good luck.
Good luck man! Keep up the work and I wish you massive success. I do junk removal on the side and have a full time job. One day I am looking to quit my job too. The great thing is one day your kids can come work with you and learn what you do.
How do you do this full time in the winter?
Personally I use Commercial contracts, some arrange their residentials to pay monthly through the winter. Some also utilize winter services, where they continue to go to the customers property for the same amount of time and clean gutters, roofes, whatever else needs done. Some use Christmas lights, landscape lighting is a good one too. Just have to get scrappy and find what works for you.
I'm headed in the same direction. Keep pushing Brother
Awesome video man glad it’s working out for you. I have two kids. The baby was born last winter and I fired my boss at my 9-5. Was a good boss but cheap corporate world I can’t stand working for. Went full time in lawn care but only had a day or so’s work booked out each week. Started late in the season so this year, my second year I’m hoping to get into the spring rush and hustle. Hoping to fill 3 days of work at least and go from there. My whole first season I only earned 3k so I’m ready to roll this spring can’t wait.
Same path brother will keep up with your channel. Just subscribed 👊🤘
i want to go full time its all i think about.. my back has kept me from doing it i think i would be better off doing it but if i end up hurt (like i currently am.. ) it wouldnt be good
Good for you follow your heart/ gut be your own boss.. my father quit his 3 jobs 25 years ago and started his own landscaping business with only a van, push mower, weed whacker, and blower and now the business is 600+clients with four crews/routes and my two older brothers taking over as he enjoys retirement with mom..
I’d love to hear your story growing up in that way, I really hope my kids will be able to say something similar!
@@waylonratcliffe they will as long as you believe in yourself and never give up, thats what my father always said
@@waylonratcliffe wasn't easy alot ups and downs but he was happy because it was his own and no one else's
Preach….. Job = Just Over Break
I AM EXCACTLY working a full-time job, struggling to make the leap. My concerns, are having enouf $ to get through winters, insurance costs, & benifiets. Would also like to have a couple more pieces of equipment too.
At some level it will never be perfect, I’m pushing myself this year to take risks, to get ahead, I’ve honestly been pretty stagnant trying to get things just right. If your single I’d just take the leap, but I understand it’s different when your the provider for others. If there’s anything I can help you with, don’t hesitate to ask. Wishing you much success this season!
You have the right attitude to be a business owner l have been self employed most of my working years 45+ now and still going my only advice would be try to get some kind of medical insurance you will need it with the little kids l wish all the best for you and your family follow up every day with call backs and you will have more work than you can do
Thank you Mr. Sutton, I appreciate the advice, I would love to here what you’ve seen and learned in those years.
Just this one video made me subscribe. Iam going through the same thoughts and what you said is dead on and it’s time for me to sit down and really think this though. Wow 4 kids I bet your money is strapped tight but like you said so much more worth it at the end when you choose something you want and not something someone chose for you.
Thank ya Jeffery! I don’t have much to offer but my perspective, I had a lot of hate for working for the man, and I now have a ton of gratitude for being self employed!
Good luck on your journey brother!
I'm making 53k to 62k. This is my third season with weekends mostly running my business. Last year me and my guy did really well. This year I didn't take or bid on the big ones that called me but I can say the bids were and are worth more than I make working. I'm on cs and my benefits is what's keeping rn plus personal bills and no help whatbso ever. But I want to go full time cause the schedule fills up really fast now.
If the schedule fills up then that’s a good sign man. If you can’t leave the full time job I’d keep raising the prices on the weekend work. Raise all those customers 25%, and you’ll loose a few but then fill those in with new leads and keep doing that until you hit a ceiling. At that point your making the absolute most with the limited time you have.
Did you quit?
Nope I’m alive and we’ll buddy!
good stuff man, im about to do the same thing over here in Australia, also worked fly in fly out and yes the money is great but you have no satisfaction and are away a lot, miss my dogs and my partner to much, sub'd!, keen to see how you progress brother
It's not gonna be worth it during the drought and when 8 out of 10 customers send you that text saying, they bought a mower and don't need your services no more
Well I can always sell my body on the street if things get to rough.
@@waylonratcliffe hey that's an option!
@@Press1for I like your attitude friend.
I’m also in the oil and gas industry and will be leaving soon to start a solo lawn care business as well. I have to say you look familiar have you ever worked for WHC? Either way good luck with everything, I’m subbed and looking forward to seeing your progress.
It’s really been beneficial for my family! I worked testing relief valves in gas plants and pads all around, I’ve forgotten more than I remember! I wish you well brother!
Wow that was a bad decision, you will never make 80 cutting grass
I understand your thinking, doing it by yourself is difficult. I’ve been open on my channel about what I make, last year my business made $120k gross revenue, I took an owners salary of $60k. That’s decent for a guy working by himself in this industry, some make more and a lot make less. The first few years I made a lot less, acquiring equipment, learning things, it was difficult. Now I’m growing the business to have help and the revenue is growing but profits aren’t due to purchasing and learning experiences.
I’m in it for the long haul, and I know it will pay off once I’ve got a few crews going but matching my $80k salary is not my goal. My goal is to build a business that helps my community and most importantly gives hard working people in my community a good job and way of life.
A big reason for leaving the oilfield was the recognition that life isn’t only about being a slave to the dollar, the business gives me independence, confidence, and purpose, the oilfield took all of that away. Overall 10/10 I’d do it all again without a second thought.
Good video and very good information! I’m also working in the oil fields and have been for the past 14 years. I’ve been very unhappy the past two years working out here, but I’ve made the decision that I’m going to take the leap and start my career in the lawn service industry. Very scared about it because have a three kids and a wife and bills and knowing if I will be able to make ends meet. Good luck sir and keep grinding!!!
Hey man, it’s scary for all of being a man you don’t won’t to fail. Especially when you have a family to provide for. My take on this is to build you a nest egg. What ever the amount is for your bills save that for about for months. A year is better but if you’re a hustler and got good clientele you should be good. Hope this help. Good luck this season!!!!
Hey man, it’s scary for all of being a man you don’t won’t to fail. Especially when you have a family to provide for. My take on this is to build you a nest egg. What ever the amount is for your bills save that for about for months. A year is better but if you’re a hustler and got good clientele you should be good. Hope this help. Good luck this season!!!!
Hey man, it’s scary for all of being a man you don’t won’t to fail. Especially when you have a family to provide for. My take on this is to build you a nest egg. What ever the amount is for your bills save that for about for months. A year is better but if you’re a hustler and got good clientele you should be good. Hope this help. Good luck this season!!!!
Hey man, it’s scary for all of being a man you don’t won’t to fail. Especially when you have a family to provide for. My take on this is to build you a nest egg. What ever the amount is for your bills save that for about for months. A year is better but if you’re a hustler and got good clientele you should be good. Hope this help. Good luck this season!!!!
Hey man, it’s scary for all of being a man you don’t won’t to fail. Especially when you have a family to provide for. My take on this is to build you a nest egg. What ever the amount is for your bills save that for about for months. A year is better but if you’re a hustler and got good clientele you should be good. Hope this help. Good luck this season!!!!
Friend! You are courageous. May God lead and direct your endevours as a young father, husband and entrepreneur! I clicked the subscribe button and will encourage you along the way. Lookout Brian's Lawn Maintenance here comes Waylon and his posse. ! Psalm 112
Absolutely, I second this 100%!!!
Thank you for the support Mr. McMillan, I don’t know what the future of the channel will be but right now I’m just filming everything I do.
“Even in darkness light dawns for the upright”
Love that, thanks for the encouragement.
Your the first I’ve seen with a leaf few. What does that entail do you blow them and then bag them? Or what
The process depends, I may blow and bag if it’s light, but usually mulch everything. I charge $1.16 per minute and I start a timer, whatever it add up to will be charged to the customer. It’s a pre-arranged thing I work into my sales process.
Congratulations, you made the right choice for your family as head of household and the payoff is being a balanced family, well done! How do we know this to be true? Our heavenly father had written it down for us to follow.
Scientists claim the scent released from the grass works directly on the brain, especially affecting the emotional and memory parts called the amygdala and the hippocampus.
I miss the fresh cut smell, I actually haven’t had my smell since getting the 🦠 I hope one day it comes back. What does the scent do to the brain exactly?