[USER]

Looking for advice.
Was laid off mid February and after applying for 75-100 positions, I’ve been able to obtain 1 interview, which hasn’t amounted to anything.

I’ve broadened my search and lowered my salary expectations from 130k down to 60-70k and still no luck. At this point, I’m kicking around the idea of starting my own sole prop of cleaning gutters.

Seems like very low overhead/risk to the idea and can be decent money. What should I consider before making this jump?

Background:
married, 39 yrs old, we have 3 kids
Wife makes roughly 68k annually as a teacher
My 401k $250k
Savings: 50k
HSA 8k
IRAs 50k
Debt
Mortgage w/ $55k at 2.5%

Also to note, I’ll be receiving a severance package of roughly $25k next week.

Career background is in Financial banking, specifically retail banking – KYC/AML and mortgage servicing.

[Anca]

Ive worked with small business owners for almost 15 years. It’s definitely a different dynamic going from employee to owner.

Many think they can do it, but plenty can’t make transition successfully. First, start with why? And most importantly, what’s the end game for starting the business?

Can you see yourself doing this for the next 20 years when you retire?

When you set up the business, keep it simple! I can’t tell you how many business owners overcomplicate their business and start on the wrong foot.

Something like cleaning gutters is simple yet many can’t do it right so if you do a good job, you have an aggressive marketing plan (you can do it for cheap) and you SHOW UP then you’ll win every time!

Right now you should be in storm mode. Spend $$ on bare basics and cancel everything else. Look up Dave Ramsey.

He has lots of free resources and advice.

Out of the 25K severance you’re getting, I’d say take $1,000 and put it toward the business and the rest add it to your emergency fund.

[Vicky]

Thanks for sharing so openly — first off, I just want to say, you’re not alone.

The job market is brutal right now, and the fact that you’re taking initiative and thinking outside the box already puts you ahead of most.

Starting a gutter cleaning business could be a solid move — low startup costs, high demand (especially seasonally), and you’re in control.

You might want to test it part-time while still job hunting or even pair it with something that offers remote flexibility.

I know a few folks who started service-based businesses like this and used online income streams to supplement during off-seasons — it gave them breathing room financially and time with family.

[Danielle]

Something else you may want to consider, especially if your income is going to be significantly lower this year than last year would be to consider rolling over part of your traditional IRA (assuming it is traditional) to a Roth IRA.

Yes, you would have to pay tax on the income the withdrawal generates and you need to MAKE SURE it rolls over into the new acct – better than cutting a check to deposit.

Do enough to just stay under the next income tax bracket or more if you are comfortable with that.

You are essentially “buying out your business partner = the government” and all growth will be tax-free in the roth (unless rules change).

And you are young so you definitely have time to break-even.

[Richard]

Definitely start the side hustle – but it sounds like you’re due for an audit as to why you aren’t getting call backs.

Might be a good idea to get professional help with your resume and job search strategies.

[Benjamin]

From someone in the roofing industry who also sells gutters, gutter covers. Gutter cleaning is a untapped market I’ve been talking about for a few years.

Homeowners regularly pay $20/35 a lin foot for covers, because they cannot find someone to clean there gutters regularly.

This is a very low overhead easy entry side or full time hustle. Would it be profitable for w2 employees…only on a high volume scale.

But a sole proprietor operation at $250-500 per house, not bad money for a few hours work.

[Tiffany]

Yeah, that is a tough spot to be in. Want to give encouragement either to try and keep thinking differently for side hustle and how that cold fit into life….and/or….get help with the resume.

I remember my father-in having similar issues and he finally shared his resume and cover letter with me.

I was like o.m.g. Something seems to need to be tweaked. Keep casting a wide, keep putting yourself out to the universe, and follow what energizes you. Best wishes!

[Marisa]

Read the 2 hour job search and The Job Closer helped me tremendously, plus use chatgpt to tailor your resume, make it more concise

[Krista]

Gutter cleaning is dangerous, and your family needs you. Instead, consider scooping dog poop.

I forget who he is, but a guy who initiated that business was making $100,000+, and he stays on the ground.

[Maxine]

I’m a big believer that smart people will always do whatever is necessary to survive financially in tough economies. I suspect you’re one of those people.

My only thinking is why gutters?

Yes, it’s low startup and overhead, but it’s seasonal, and in tough economies home owners also look for ways to cut back so they do a lot of things themselves, this might be one of them.

The guy who fix my gutters for yrs also did snow removal in winter and lawn care as well and window washing and Xmas lights because there wasn’t enough money in just doing gutters.

I’m not sure what your career field was but is there an opportunity there to go solo?

Also do you pay for childcare? Is there an opportunity for savings there if you find something you do as side hustle during evening hours do you could watch the kids during the day and work at night?

A dollar saved is a dollar made.

[Amber]

I have heard there is a desperate need for carpet layers where you can be an independent contractor and go to “carpet school” down south for about 6 weeks and become certified by manufaturers.

Maybe call a local flooring store and ask if they are in need. Apparently it is a dying trade.

Flooring store here said their guys are independent contractors and make over $55/hr setting their own hours with all needed materials aside from the truck purchased by the homeowner or covered by the store.

[Ashley]

Look up some YouTube videos on tweaking your resume to get past the bots.

Maybe you’re missing some essential keywords
I’m all about the side hustle!

[Ashley]

Gutter cleaning is great. If nothing else, it can bring in money for now. That said, the biggest challenge for many small business owners is actually running the business.

It’s work, and not fun.

I agree though that your resume could likely use work. You should at least be getting interviews.

[Caroline]

It may feel like a long time ago but you are only 2 months after.

Have you checked out working with temp or contract agencies?

[Lyn]

If you’ve only gotten one interview, your résumé likely needs to be redone. It has to be tailored for each job.

talk about accomplishments and not what your job responsibilities are.

[Author]

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