"David Lang" wrote in
. uk:

Hi All

The day job looks like it may be going to disappear fairly soon, which
has got me thinking about the future.

Being 50+ I'd guess the job market isn't going to welcome me with open
arms.

Looking at what I'm good at and concentrating on my strengths lead me
to think of starting up as a handyman/property maintenance. I have
the knowledge, experience & equipment.

It's interesting, but I'm not alone round here, reasonably prosperous,
but not wealthy (maybe the problem is all the wealthy folks hereabouts),
who would kill (well, maim) to find a skilled reliable person like you.

I'm sort of skilled, but not multiskilled, I like to plumb and electric,
but I certainly need someone to clear up the wreckage, and tosh it over!

I also am allergic to real ie. hard, work!

I can't plaster, paint or paper or do wet trades worth a damn. I'd like
my really manky paving repointed just to keep the weeds down, not
replaced for megabucks.

I've been screwed before and marched to the bank to withdraw cash by
gypsies, who I was too slow to spot; but after you've hired them you do
what you're told, and are glad to get out and put it down to experience.
You never forget they now know where you live!

I should think with just an ounce of common you'd do very well; first
thing is to overcome suspicion in your prospective clients, who may well
have experience like mine - 0nce you've got a bit of provenance I think
you'd be turning away work.

You don't live near me, do you? ;-)

mike