Why I don't work for myself anymore

Izzy the Bricky

24 Jul 202410:43

Summary

TLDRIn this video, the host discusses a comment from a previous video, reflecting on the nature of his work as a builder. He addresses the notion of being a 'glorified laborer' and his decision not to pursue self-employment or business education. The host emphasizes the importance of enjoying physical labor and the simplicity of working for someone else, valuing work-life balance over the stress of running a business. He also shares his perspective on the transient nature of work and the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life, inviting viewers to share their thoughts on the topic.

Takeaways

🔨 The speaker is currently working on an extension project and is waiting for additional steel materials to arrive.
📅 The steel materials are expected to arrive the next day, allowing the project to progress further.
🛠️ Today's tasks include minimal brickwork, backing up the block work, spreading stone, and receiving deliveries, making for a relaxed day.
💭 The speaker reflects on a comment from a previous video, which questioned why they stopped working for themselves and didn't pursue business education.
🏗️ The speaker identifies as a builder who enjoys physical labor and finds satisfaction in the hands-on work involved in construction.
🛑 The speaker chose not to work for themselves due to a lack of enjoyment and the stress associated with running a business.
💼 The speaker believes that being good at one thing does not necessarily translate to being good at another, such as business management.
💡 A key realization for the speaker was that money is not the ultimate goal, and they prioritize happiness and work-life balance over wealth accumulation.
👵 The speaker's grandmother's advice that 'money is borrowed time' influenced their perspective on the importance of a balanced life.
🏡 The speaker is content with their current job and appreciates the ability to 'switch off' from work after their shift ends.
👍 The speaker commends those who own businesses but acknowledges that it is not the path they wish to pursue due to their personal preferences and values.

Q & A

What is the main task the speaker has to do today?
-The speaker has to pull some minimal brickwork, back it in with blockwork, spread some stone, and take some deliveries.
Why does the speaker describe their day as 'relaxing'?
-The speaker describes their day as relaxing because they are not running around like a headless chicken as they usually do, and they are having a more chill and relaxed day.
What comment from a previous video prompted the speaker to discuss their career choices?
-A comment suggesting that the speaker is a glorified laborer and questioning why they stopped working for themselves prompted the discussion.
What is the speaker's view on being a 'glorified laborer'?
-The speaker acknowledges that they do a lot of physical labor as part of their job, such as taking down walls and filling skips, and they enjoy working physically hard.
Why did the speaker choose not to learn business and work for someone else instead?
-The speaker chose not to learn business because they did not enjoy it and preferred an easy life without the stress of finding their own work.
What is the speaker's main motivation for their work?
-The speaker is motivated by enjoying what they do, rather than just making money or running a business.
What was the speaker's experience with running their own business?
-The speaker struggled with organizing pricing, jobs, and balancing work with subcontractors, and they did not enjoy the business aspect of their work.
How does the speaker feel about money and work-life balance?
-The speaker values being present and happier at the end of the day over chasing money and stresses the importance of a good work-life balance.
What advice does the speaker give to those considering starting a bricklaying business?
-The speaker advises doing research, finding a good client list, and partnering with builders who will use their services, but also warns that it's hard work and not everyone is motivated for it.
What is the speaker's current focus in life?
-The speaker is focused on maintaining a decent work-life balance, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying his work without it consuming his life.
What is the speaker's plan for the future regarding his career?
-The speaker does not see himself starting his own business again in the near future, as he prefers the stability and balance of working for someone else.

Outlines

00:00

🧱 Relaxing Monday and Viewer Comment Discussion

Today, the speaker continues work on an extension, with minimal tasks such as brick and block work, spreading stone, and taking deliveries. The relaxed day prompts a discussion about a comment from a previous video, labeling the speaker a 'glorified laborer.' The speaker reflects on enjoying physical labor, the simplicity of working for someone else, and the importance of work-life balance. They emphasize preferring a job they enjoy over the complexities of running a business, citing personal contentment over chasing money.

05:01

🤔 Why I Choose Not to Run a Business

The speaker explains why they didn't pursue a business career despite having the skills of a bricklayer. They acknowledge the difficulty of running a business without motivation and express no shame in working for others. The speaker values the ability to switch off from work after hours, prioritizing personal happiness and a work-life balance. They admire those who successfully run businesses but prefer to focus on enjoying their job and spending time with family and friends.

10:01

💪 Wrapping Up and Preparing for Tomorrow

The speaker updates on the day's progress, including setting up equipment for the next day's tasks and safely removing brickwork. They reflect on the relatively easy day and look forward to lifting steel beams tomorrow. The video is described as a ramble, sharing insights from the past six months, with a promise to continue updates in the coming days.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Glorified laborer

The term 'glorified laborer' is used to describe someone who is essentially doing manual labor but is given a more impressive title or role. In the video, the speaker acknowledges this label, explaining that despite being a builder, much of their work involves physical labor such as tearing down walls and filling skips. This term is central to the video as it sets the stage for the discussion on the value and satisfaction derived from manual work versus more managerial or business-oriented roles.

💡Builder

A 'builder' is a professional who constructs, repairs, or renovates buildings. The speaker identifies themselves as a builder, emphasizing the physical nature of their work. This keyword is significant as it highlights the speaker's preference for hands-on construction work over administrative or business tasks, which is a recurring theme throughout the video.

💡Night school

Night school refers to educational programs that are typically attended in the evening, often by those who work during the day. The video mentions the idea of attending night school to learn business as a way to advance one's career. However, the speaker rejects this path, preferring to focus on their physical work as a builder, indicating a personal choice over a more traditional career advancement path.

💡Business

In the context of the video, 'business' refers to the management and operation of a commercial enterprise. The speaker discusses their lack of interest in learning business, stating that they prefer the physical work of building over the administrative tasks associated with running a business. This keyword is pivotal in understanding the speaker's career choices and their contentment with their current role.

💡Physical work

Physical work involves tasks that require physical effort and manual labor. The speaker enjoys the physical aspect of their job, mentioning the satisfaction of completing tangible tasks each day. This keyword is central to the video's theme, as it contrasts with the idea of pursuing a career in business or management, which the speaker finds less appealing.

💡Wage

A 'wage' is the payment made to an employee for their work, typically calculated on an hourly, daily, or monthly basis. The speaker discusses the importance of earning a wage and doing a job one enjoys, which is a key motivation for their career choice. This keyword is relevant as it underscores the speaker's focus on job satisfaction over financial gain.

💡Work-life balance

Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium between time spent at work and time spent on personal activities. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a decent work-life balance, choosing a job that allows them to switch off from work and spend time with family and friends. This concept is a major theme in the video, illustrating the speaker's values and priorities.

💡Stress

Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. The speaker mentions feeling stressed when they were trying to run their own business, contrasting this with their current, less stressful role as a builder. This keyword is important as it highlights the negative impact of business management on the speaker's mental health and well-being.

💡Brickwork

Brickwork is the process of constructing walls or other structures using bricks. In the video, the speaker talks about pulling down existing brickwork and replacing it, which is part of their daily tasks as a builder. This keyword is relevant as it provides a specific example of the physical work the speaker enjoys.

💡Extension

An 'extension' in construction refers to an addition to a building, typically used to increase its size or functionality. The speaker mentions working on an extension, which involves tasks like brickwork and blockwork. This keyword is significant as it illustrates the type of projects the speaker is involved in and the nature of their work.

💡Brit L

Brit L is a colloquial term for a bricklayer, derived from the British term 'bricklayer'. The speaker mentions being a 'Brit L', indicating their role as a bricklayer in the construction industry. This keyword is relevant as it further defines the speaker's profession and the type of work they perform.

Highlights

The builder is waiting for additional steel materials to arrive, affecting the construction schedule.

A relaxed Monday is experienced due to minimal tasks, contrasting with the usual hectic workdays.

A comment from a previous video is addressed, questioning the builder's career choice and suggesting business education.

The builder embraces being a 'glorified laborer' and enjoys the physical work involved in construction.

The builder values the simplicity of not having to find work and prefers an 'easy life' over the stress of self-employment.

A preference for a decent work-life balance over the pressure of running a business is expressed.

The builder admits to not enjoying the business side of construction and prefers physical labor.

A philosophical outlook is shared, suggesting that money and work are not the ultimate goals in life.

The builder reflects on the importance of being present and happy, rather than stressed and focused on work.

The builder discusses the challenges of self-employment, including finding clients and managing a team.

A personal anecdote is shared about the builder's grandmother's perspective on the value of money and time.

The builder emphasizes the importance of doing what one enjoys and not just what one is good at.

The builder shares insights on the mindset needed to start and run a successful business in the construction industry.

A comparison is made between being good at a skill and being a good business person, highlighting that they are not the same.

The builder talks about the benefits of working for someone else, such as having a fixed schedule and not worrying about business aspects.

The builder shares his current focus on personal life, including spending time with family and friends, over business ambitions.

The builder discusses the upcoming tasks for the day, including brickwork removal and blockwork backing, as well as material deliveries.

A day of general building tasks is described, with a focus on lifting and placing steel for the construction project.