I'm Too Depressed To Work Anymore | Now I'm Broke | Help | THE HANDYMAN | 

Im a handyman. If I get feeling down, I donate my services to someone in need. Helps me get in gear.

I’ve been self employed for 43 years. I’m 73. ... a carpenter/ licensed general contractor..... and I’m booked up at least until after Christmas. I have 3 deals sold in the spring. I’m grinding through it, lately. Sometimes I’ll take off a day in the middle of the week. I wake at 5, shower/coffee and usually go to the gym . Then another shower and I sit and watch the news and argue with myself about when I should get out the door and off to work. It’s a mental thing for me....not physical. I’ve been through this malaise before. I know it will pass. It will. I just absolutely refuse to quit. Quitting is for suckers. Quitting is for losers. Today was a challenge ....working with some hand railing.....vertical braided stainless cable. Unforgiving of error and VERY expensive so miscuts/measuring errors are unacceptable. Up 3 treds, landing, turn 30 degrees, 6 treds, landing, 6 treds, landing. 15 posts....aluminum. Precision up the ass. A grind. I’ll finish in another day and a half. Then on the main deck...aluminum posts/rails and glass panels. $55,000 deck. One day at a time. Hang in Handyman. If it was easy....everyone would do it. Self employment is not for the weak. Dave Heitman dba Dave The Carpenter in Omaha Semper Fidelis.

Seems like my family responsibilities don’t really care if I’m depressed. Might as well go back to work❤

This year I really focused on not pushing and pushing jobs in the schedule. I raised prices a little bit and if I finished a job early, I didn’t cram another one in. I feel alot better this year than last year as far as burnout.

Just started an electrical contracting business a little over a year ago, 27 years old. Partially took over my uncles 30 year old business on top of it, so jumped head first into insanely busy. And this video felt like I was talking to you. Been the most stressed and overwhelmed in my whole life and constantly contemplate wether I should just get a job again. But I doubt I could go back after seeing the financial reward - but money is definitely not everything. I finally understand the feeling of depression. It takes all your time and energy and the physical isn’t the issue. Just the mental tax of wearing all the hats and keeping up with everything is soul crushing. No time for anything else. And the time you do have after paper work at the end of the day all you feel like doing is numbing your brain. I struggle everyday for the pursuit of a balanced happy life. Thanks for sharing, comforting knowing we’re all in the same boat. Would love more talks like this

I’m a dentist in the process of buying my own practice. I’ll be self employed in a couple of months. This channel has been extremely applicable to me and my career. I’ve been watching from the beginning. Great stuff.

I've been doing handyman work for over 20 years now . I'm lucky that I love what I do . I find that if I get stuck just doing electrical or one trade for too long I get bored. But I get to do different trades every day so that keeps me happy

As a self-employed person I wonder how somebody can go back to the same job day after day, week after week, year after year... I've never been able to hold down a regular 9to5 job or to climb that corporate ladder. Even if I absolutely love the job, within a couple of months I start asking myself if this is really how I want to live my life, and the answer is always a resounding no. Being a self employed handyman certainly has it's risks, but calling my own shots is worth it. I think it's just in my character. Some people want stability and security, and some just can't sit still that long. I'm the latter and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

An additional occurrence that can add to burnout is not feeling appreciated by customers. One reset that helped me is to cherry pick a job not based on the dollar amount, but based on a customer that you know is really going to appreciate the job being done. Don’t confuse this with charity work, I’m speaking of a paying job, maybe one that sucks and you dread, but you know that the customer will be so happy with you to have done. It brightens up my outlook.

So many of us tradies with our small business are struggling with the drive. Thanks for sharing. We are not alone.

I’m in a tough burnout rut. Haven’t taken any substantial break since Spring 2020. I’m legitimately worried that if I stop working and take a break I will have a terribly difficult time getting back into the swing, but at the same time I’ve never felt more fried and unmotivated in my life. Appreciate the insights shared in this video

What, the Handyman is human? I was under the impression you were a superhero. Seriously, good to hear you talk about this. Felt this way many times and thought I was just being too hard on myself. Being self employed can be great, but it also comes with baggage… but there’s always a silver lining. Time off sometimes can be rejuvenating.

Thanks Handyman! I love your videos and your comments, I feel we are so in sync in a lot of our beliefs especially as it comes to mindset and work. I think work is good for the soul, but it comes with us having to find the balances we need to find joy at the same time. I have found focusing on not losing consistency is the key for me, reminding myself why I've done something for so long and schedule out evaluation time and down time. Never spur the moment.

Great video. Glad to hear I am not the only one that goes through this. Thank you for all the content you put out!

This was a great video! What you said applies across the boards to all self employed people, whether in construction or not. This will be helpful to many.

Welcome back! Good advice, even for non handymen. I enjoyed watching the beer can move ever so slightly after hidden swigs!

This is hand down the best and most valuable video you've made

Run a handyman business on my days off from my W2 job. Sitting here at work thinking about this very thing. Have a drywall job tomorrow... Thanks for the motivation. Trying to save for an investment property

Thanks for the advice over the years, I got my plumbing license today so now I’m duel licensed in HVAC and plumbing

Good video Handyman- I definitely felt a lot of this! When I hit the rut it’s just a matter of get in the office hit the white boards and try to block out all the other sh$t that life brings!

This is a great video. More people need to hear this! My hardest is when done with Job and starting next. Some jobs I start when almost done with first just to keep moving

Thanks for just saying it how it is man! Always a pleasure to watch talk story with a beer!

Good talk today Handy. Always take time to sharpen the saw. I have found my business has been feast or famine in 2022. Everyone seems a bit jumpy about green lighting a project. They seem paralyzed by the news. Can’t let that effect you. Confidence in yourself is key. BTW, prefer bottle over the can. Enjoy ‘em Handy!

Thank you for sharing...keep coming back!

I'm 3 years in, just went through Ian. I will say, I am way overwhelmed right now! I understand and feel, everything you said!!

Great video, just what I needed... Real voice , saying real things to real people, appreciate it

You gotta love the work you do. TRUTH❤❤❤❤

Thanks for the video. I've had my own business since 2001, and I liken these "slumps" to writers block. I know what needs to be done and how to get it done but feel like I'm wading through thick pea soup and even the smallest task seems like it takes extreme effort. I've found getting away from my desk and getting fresh air with a walk outside helps as long as I immediately try to complete a small task after the walk. I've also found that looking at a completed project and reflecting on how much effort it took as a way to remind myself that I can do it now because I've already done it before. Anyway I'm in a slump now and needed this video to help me realize that I'm not alone. I relly appreciate you making this video.

Mannnnn, I needed this video right now. The holidays have me not wanting to go back to work. Glad I'm not the only one! I had a good year in 22' and no rush to get going as I've been working on my own home finally. I've got some booked jobs coming up so I can't continue all the down time but it's sure been a great little reset for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as always Handyman!

On sale for full price, right on Handyman!

Finally the video I’ve been looking for. I feel like this. It’s nice to have someone to relate with.

Great video Handyman !! Hope the family and yourself are feeling better now 🙏....... Stay Safe......Handyman

Invoicing is a big problem for me too, I also like getting small jobs done first, that helps me move on and build momentum. Good stuff Handyman! Thanks.

Just ordered your shirt. That will give me some added motivation on those days when the burn out looms.

Alot of helpful relatable things in this video I'm glad you made it

Great video, very informative. I have recently started my own Construction business, I greatly appreciate the advice given. My hurtles may be easier to jump over now that I am getting a clearer picture of the other side. I will be building greenhouses and tackling food insecurity for my community. I will accept any and all tips or tricks from you and all the viewers. Thank you.

Thanks for taking the time to post this.

Great topic! All points made, exactly what’s happened to me! Get-R-Dun

Handyman.. the fact that your discipline is there by setting small goals to achieve your long term goals are key here. There will always be setbacks & we don't live in a perfect world so learning how to adapt & overcome is how we survive.

Man good timing on this one. First year in and I’m stressing coming up on the holidays and work slowing down. I grew up helping my dad who was a contractor and just always considered myself “handy” and mechanically inclined. In 2015 I built a food truck and ran a kick ass donut biz until I sold after the Covid shut downs. I love the handyman gig so far. But the stress… the paying for leads on Thumbtack, the cancellations after you’re counting on that $500/$1000 tomorrow.

Man I swear you just quoted my life to a T other than making videos,love your content,GOD BLESS

As I watch this at the end of the day in my garage with the same cold one…keep on keeping on

Handyman! I’m a self employed graphic designer. Business is good, all is well. I look forward to these videos because every single thing you mention is totally applicable to my business. Great content! Thanks.

Wow, I needed this video. I’m going through burnout right now. I’m sitting well financially, so I’m just kickin back and trying to figure out the next move. I think self employment is the key for me. Thanks for your insight on this topic.

Totally agree with you. 35 yrs being self employed drains you. I’m currently retired part time and have thought of taking a job with the post office lmao. Think it’s time for change but that is even harder after so many years of being your own boss. Thanks

Thank you for sharing. I'm in real estate and I can feel your pain.

This is helpful. Thanks for posting

Thanks brother, I look forward to watching your vids - somehow watching other people work lights my fire. Miller guy myself...😂

Good advice Handydude. Burn out is hard, even if you’re not self employed. Sometimes the motivator is broken and you don’t wanna go to work and you don’t wanna do work when you go. Glad you covered this topic.

I look at it as a job. I work for somebody else… myself! Act like a responsible employee. Just do what the boss, (me), tells you to do. Hard to explain maybe. The boss made me work all this past weekend to stay on schedule. True story. I didn’t like it but I had to do it.

This video popped up in my feed today. I really needed it. Thanks!

Burn out is very real but I find staying organized and making myself accountable is what works for me. If I lose my organization (of process, of thought, of tools, of schedules, etc) I need to regroup, reprioritize and start over. Honestly this should be a daily process like your white board idea. Life is dynamic, so you need to be dynamic to have the best result. If it rains and you have flexibility to do a job inside instead of outside, you're more likely going to be more productive and efficient if you reprioritize your work. Make life easier on yourself when you have the chance - it all has to be done so do it in the best order that makes sense! The second thing I do is find small goals and rewards. I make it part of my routine, something that I can look forward to, that could be a reward to watch a RU-vid or to play on Social Media when I get a break or during a cup of coffee. Sometimes it's checking the news, or something that I can think about the rest of the day while working. It could be listening to the radio on the drive to work, or listening to an e-book...finding ways to double-up on value for your time is awesome. I make Friday my 'fun food day' where I do something I normally don't do the rest of the week, spend a little more or go to a new place. It's something to take my mind off of the work and it motivates me to get out of bed. There are both short term goals and long term goals, don't let either one drown you but also don't get more focused on your recreational goals than your work! I know what you mean about being 'in the zone'...singing catch phrases from songs as I skip down the stairs at work..."taking care of business"...that's summer time energy right there! Being your own boss comes with it's perks but also it's realities - if you aren't good and disciplined at being your own boss...someone else will eventually be your boss again.

Good points. Here are a couple I struggle with. Recoving form the Christmas through new years season always takes the wind out of my sales...seems like its late January before I lose the urge to quit all together. Working long hours caused me to miss out on many experiences with my kids I can never get back, which sucks over time. My other big one was just getting burnt out from dealing with difficult customers. Small goals with rewards ties too them is the ticket.

I can 100% relate to this. Thank you.

Thanks for this video man! Very honest!

one big thing for me is organizing and cleaning my van. Shop/storage area. Just resets me and makes me pumped to tackle the next little job. If i'm burnt out, Ill take a few days off, get out on the water/go skiing/sit at home and rest.

Been inbetween applying to jobs and small handyman work on the side for about 1.5 years after graduating college during COVID. I battle between the idea of a traditional job similar to my internship as a commercial construction General Contractor in the medical industry and going solo as a handyman. I like to think of it as an inertia to work or the aversion to work. Thanks for sharing how it's real and not just me

i needed to hear this today!!!!

hey love your vidoes. all so true. Thanks i was kinda just thinking it was just me. big help!

Been running my house painting business for 5 years now, and being in the great NW, I really enjoy having 5-6 months off. When rain stops, I work damn near every day, but I've recently found that shortening the length of the day from 10-12 hrs to 6-8 is super helpful to avoid burnout. On another note, I put 1/3 of every dollar I make into savings for taxes. Done that since day one, and it's never let me down. Love the channel.

I'm 69 and still kicking in the handyman business but really slowing down.The only reason I'm still doing it at this age is because I love it. I've been watching you for some time now and agree with almost everything you say. You've been there and it shows. I can tell you that you have to have a passion for this business and building AND fixing things. I've been through really good times and really bad times- in 2008 I along with lots of others were hanging on by our fingernails. After reading some of your responses I'd like to tell them to hang on and push forward things will get better!

This is a bullseye shot on how I feel right now. Thanks Handyman.

Thankfully depression is not a part of my life. Illness is killing me right now. I am way behind and jobs just keep stacking up (I am blessed to have all the work). I hear you on vacation. It is really tough for me to get my stride back after vacation or time off as well.

So true. We’ve been in business for 8 years doing telecommunications contracting. I’ve had to run payroll every week for the past 8 years and travel and everything else. It’s a grind when everything depends on you. I’m not a handyman business but I love this guys videos and take on being self employed and the pros and cons. Keep it up handyman!

Great advice Handyman. I also use the white boards. I have found that if I put things out of sight in a nice neat orderly way, I also put them out of mind, so my desk is messy if I put everything on paper with post it notes everywhere. Putting everything on white boards keeps my desk a little less cluttered and my tasks right in front of me. I wish I had a similar method for my tools. Burn out or illness? Well, it seems there is always something that hurts or some illness on the horizon, but like you, I have kids and they have to be fed. Sometimes I just tell myself, well, this is what I do. I work. Fortunately, I like what I do, but there are days...

I have been a maintenance supervisor for high end apartment companies for almost 20 years. On call on nights and weekends the entire time. Some weeks almost working a 100 hours a week. Flying all over the U.S. to help with projects on other properties as well. I got injured working over time one weekend and have had to have multiple surgeries because of it. Months of physical therapy. My injuries have changed my entire life and ended my career. I can no longer do the job. The company I worked for tried to leave hanging without helping me at all. Workers Comp is made to help the employer not the employee. The employer checked one of my injuries and refused to look at them all. I currently have a lawsuit against them and am going through court proceedings that have taken years. In the meantime I can no longer work. I have 5 kids, my wife whim stayed home with the children the past 12 years had to go back to work where she does not make nearly what I did before. I can’t even play ball with my son, run with my 3 year old or carry her for more than 2 minutes. The moral of the story is, don’t give your whole self to a company. You are just a number. Don’t spend the best years of your life working 100 hours a week for a company who just throws you away when they run you in the ground. Enjoy life, spend your time with your family.

Thanks men for the video …. We need this positive feedback to keep good vibes in this self thing loop…

I really hit my stride last year then the holidays and bad weather is here. Now it's just the week to week things making sure I spend my money properly to get me to the next month and build that momentum

Profit first for contractors. Great book has helped me smooth out the money portion, which has helped me figure out how to smooth out the work I take. spread out the schedule and hire a good second hand.

I keep a bunch of note pads with me, and everytime i complete a task i try to write it down so that when i make an invoice, i dont miss anything cause trust me if you dont pay attention you will literally miss hundreds of dollars of work that you DID do but just dont remember to put into the billing invoices. I try to take breaks every couple hours to rest my hurt back ( car accident a while back ). I noticed that if i dont pace myself i get too worn out before the day is over and that is not good. I love carpentry and cabinet work and will do it for as long as i can. Thanks Handyman for all your efforts and videos. Cheers from Seattle Washington

Weather delays, scheduling and holidays are the lesson for me this year. Thanksgiving day, and I totally did not want to get out of bed for celebrating. Knowing/not knowing what is ahead.

Seeing that cold can of Banquet on that cast iron top was driving me crazy. Thanks of sharing.

As much as we are in demand, It's not easy at all. you know this better than anyone. I've been following you for awhile, but I already know the struggles. Keep going, you've been my sounding board and inspiration.

I really admire your drive. When I slow down it's really hard to get back up. I often consider starting over in another field. But then again I'll either have to spend time in college or take a pay cut. I wonder if I'll ever be able to retire

I have felt same way lately i haven't worked for 2 months thanks for the video

having something to look forward to.....in my case it's a vacation. I will plan a nice relaxing vacation and then when things get rough I just say to myself "almost there just get through this and that sweet vacation is right around the corner"........even if that vacation is months aways it helps to have something to look forward to✌️

I've been so close to quitting my business more times than I can count on both hands over the past year. Between going through five different helpers and three shops that didn't work out, on top of all the normal business stress. I just keep telling myself, "keep on crushing." It always works out, usually for the better even. Your never a failure until you quit trying. And at the end of the day I love my profession.

No excuses!!!❤❤❤

GREAT content!

Good content brother👍

Awesome job bud! I do not plan on retirement. I see myself working forever. I can not stay still long. Thanks for the video! And yes I save and invest and have a portfolio.

When I feel like I'm not getting ahead in my Handyman business, I remind myself why I left that high paying 16 hours a day management job at a top Aerospace company. Because I got burned out and fed up with working for butt-head bosses. I'd rather be my own boss - thank you very much!

Been self employed as a welder for over 2 years and it's nice to hear you have the same thoughts as me.

So well said very good video my man all so true. As well i am self- employed so much weight on our shoulders!

Thanks for this video.

Man, I feel this hard these last few months.

I just found your channel.I have been in business for 18 years now with all the fun of being self employed.Evertime I seem to hit my stride the freaking people on D.C. make a mess and screw us all.Enough of that rant I feel this way alot and have been going through it for about 19 years now bit it's all I know so I keep doing it.Thank you for this video I happened by it by chance lol You have a new sub now 😀

I go through this exactly for last 12 years. Getting sick from your kids is like nothing you’ve ever seen. I got 3 kids and it happens to often. But i employee a few people and renovating is a small portion of my work. That’s “handyman” property maintenance or building and facility service repair is key for me. I make very high per hour rates for myself and techs and can navigate those tough days pretty well. But what he said was 1000 percent on point. Vacationing is tough. Even when you have people as they will never keep up with your pace.

I love this channel

There have been many many times when I find myself envious of my 9-5 friends.

Good conversation, been in business for 25 yrs,all true,good advice. You have to learn to say no to more work.

It's not just me?!?!? Just knowing this makes me feel a bit better. Thank you.

Great video

Facts! everything you said is what all the self employed people goes through, we make it look easy from people outside looking in that people with regular hour jobs thinks it's that easy but in reality not everyone is meant to go independent and vice versa. It's all boils down to having a routine and most importantly having a purpose, ones u get it figured out? all i can say is its the best feeling in the world! as far as accounts and collecting money, i hate doing that as well so to fix it i hired someone to do that because as u know its hard to collect sometimes and at times gets in between your relationship between the client, Having someone that handles the accounts payable and receivable will be a lot smoother and a lot less worry imho.

A mental rut sometimes get into... keep running into the same frustrations... a walk or an exercise bike or writing out thoughts helps get out... sometimes it takes until line 17 to figure a way out... just getting the funk out helps by writing the thoughts out... and moving... not moving for exercise.. just walking or slow biking help me with thinking thru things and getting some hope or ambbitions back

I think RU-vid reads my mind.I never watch one of your videos before and always go through this same emotions over the years. and this year it’s been the worst everything you said is so true. however eight years ago I made a change that if I am working on properties why not invest in them so I don’t have to deal with the roller coaster of my emotions I’m going on vacations and not making any money our guys messing up my projects. But now becoming a real estate investor I have cash flow so I don’t have to work to pay my bills however people keep pulling me to invest with them and I still do the physical work most days and still manage all the projects physically at The worksite The crazy thing you said is when you have money it kills your motivation that is so true because if I stop today I could pay all my bills basically for the rest of my life but you would let so many people down if you just came to an abrupt stop just because of your feelings. I love your video it is so timely for me however if you never read Rich dad Poor dad please read it or whoever reads this comment earned income is tax the most by the federal government so become an investor so you get taxed less and have more free time. because when I go on vacations I don’t want to have the same stress and worries I still get paid no matter what

Dude, you hit the nail on dang near everything. Been working on trucks for 20 years and the last 6 as a self employed contractor. Taxes was defiantly a big hit. When you no longer work for a company, as he mentioned, there is a self employment tax. I think it’s about another 7.5%. You make $100,000, you just lost another $7,500 on top of your other taxes. Keep ahead and track of taxes you will owe. I wrote a check one year for $24k to federal. Luckily I had the money in the bank set back for that. You don’t want to get into filing for tax extensions and loans like I have as then your paying interest and penalties as that will get you in the mind set of just throwing in the towel and saying screw it. Keep track of all deductions as if you are self employed as a registered business, all tools, supplies mileage, even cell phone use, internet and a room in your house as a dedicated office you can claim on taxes. ( I do 50% on my cell and internet for instance ) it adds up little by little. Mileage varies each year but say it’s $0.53/mile, that can be a large portion of your deductions if you run a lot of miles. (For me that can be 30,000+ miles each year). Keep track of everything. There are probably better methods but I have a very simple dedicated spread sheet I add to daily to enter all mileages, purchases, labor with the date and details of each in a list with a different tab for say mileage, parts and tools etc. Then comes tax time and a simple formula adds all that up and I make a summery page. No sifting through mountains of papers to do your taxes. Now you have most the info needed for your tax deductions with descriptions. Have an audit, all the details are right there. It takes a few minutes to update each day, just keep that file on your desktop screen, and right when you turn it on, it’s there. (Keep it backed up on the cloud or somewhere). Medical insurance, ya, your buying that, (unless you get medical benefits from military, Indian, etc) which I don’t. Not much I can say here but safety glasses and other PPE are a must. Knew a young guy who lost an eye from a small drill bit that broke with no insurance and a long list of others. All that work safe stuff companies preach about shop safety, safe work methods, proper lifting and lowering etc, now you need to apply more than ever. This is just me in my little bit of experience doing this. I get quite a few people saying it must be nice being self employed and while it has its advantages, you could lose a lot if your not carful and dedicated. Crap, I didn’t mean to type a full essay.

When you say hey Google mine goes off lol love your videos

thank you been feeling this

I have the same problem. My work productivity is a roller coaster. Ill be hitting it hard, working 6 days a week 10 hours a day for a month then BOOM....I get sick, hurt myself, take some time off, and I loose all that momentum. Lately with this nice fall weather I've been doing good plus I'm thinking about all the holidays coming up and want to get some extra jobs finished before then.