Episode #9
27 Years As A Plumber… Here’s What I Wish I Knew Sooner | Off The Job Podcast Overtime Episode 92
Send us Fan Mail After 27 years in plumbing, what would Pete actually do differently if he had to start all over again? Pete and Keiran are back for another Off The Job Overtime, getting into the reality of working in the trades, running your own business and whether the path most tradespeople are encouraged to follow is actually the right one. Pete looks back at his career in plumbing and heating and talks honestly about what he would change if he was starting again today, from getting qualified earlier and learning as much as possible, to keeping overheads down, choosing the right work and thinking more carefully about how he builds his business. That leads into a bigger conversation around whether staying a one-man band is underrated. Is growing a trade business, employing people and taking on more responsibility always the goal? Or can keeping things simple, reducing your outgoings and focusing on profitable work give you a better lifestyle? They also get into: * The real cost of being self-employed in the trades * Why retraining later in life can be so difficult * Rising fuel, food, tools and business overheads * Whether tradespeople feel pressured to grow their businesses * The types of trade work that can offer better margins and less stress * Why apprenticeships and getting proper experience are still so important There’s also a debate around a new government-backed home improvement scheme and why Pete and Keiran think the conversation around “trusted trades” also needs to include protecting tradespeople from customers who don’t pay. And, as always, Overtime goes off in a few other directions, from a customer asking whether £160 was Pete’s day rate, to the cost of everyday life, haircuts, supermarkets, possible career changes and whether Pete could eventually swap plumbing for training guide dogs. If you’re a plumber, gas engineer, electrician, heating engineer, sole trader or self-employed tradesperson, this episode gets into the questions most people only start asking after years on the tools. If you could start your trade career again, what would you do differently? Sponsored by Flexigas – the flexible gas pipe specialists: https://flexigas.com/ Powered by Ridgeline – seamless copper tubes built for the trade: https://ridgelinetubes.com/ EXCLUSIVE PODCAST OFFER Get 30% OFF your Yearly Subscription to Gas Certificate App! Use code: POD30 at checkout Download the Gas Certificate App now https://onelink.to/hbv69u ⚠️ Warning: Contains adult humour and strong language. Tradesmen banter ahead. Follow us on Socials TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@offthejobpodcastuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offthejobpodcastuk
