Annoucing my "half-way" retirement....

01bluecls · 09-04-07, 10:17

Well fellow detailers. It has been an absolute blast the last few years to detail cars. It started from a hobby, to an obsession, into a small sole proprietorship. I graduated from college this summer and start a full-time job tomorrow. Its not necessarily my dream job but the income is good and stable. Detailing has always been a "part-time" thing for me and I have had GREAT success with it. I am thinking more long term, in terms of my gf of 3.5 years and what the future lies ahead. I will still detail maybe one a week or less. Detailing will be mainly for keeping the clients I have and not really taking any new ones. Hence less c and b's from me. I want to thank Autopia.org and the community for being my second home!!!!!!

DieselMDX · 09-04-07, 10:22

Congrats on your graduation and taking the next step in life. I think your work is some of the best on here so I hope to see some C&Bs here and there but we all have to move on sometime

Just keep detailing Ferraris!

Mikeyc · 09-04-07, 10:23

Congratulations on your degree Chris! What is your new job?

01bluecls · 09-04-07, 10:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikeyc

Congratulations on your degree Chris! What is your new job?

Throughout my years in college I worked for Carmax doing sales (for abour 4.5 years). I am going back to Carmax as a Buyer this time. Basically I appraise cars, go to some auctions and help manage the inventory. The company is still growing rapidly and in complete honesty, the company is a ethical one. Not the typical "stealership" IMO. I told myself I will not COMPLETELY retire from detailing until I detail a Bugatti Veryon and a Pagani Zonda F which will probably never happen! lol. BTW, my degree is in Business Marketing. I looked for "marketing specific" firms/jobs but only to find some slim pickings in my area...meaning either way to low pay or they job required a good amount of experience.

Other factors that lead me to my decision is that first off I need benefits!! lol Secondly, I proposing to my gf by the end of the year and need to think about stability for both of us and not just me. Moving out on my own this November since I lived at home while in college. I will stay in this area and like I said I will be doing maybe one to two details a week during my time off work or until I die of exhaustion!! lol

Mr.Cool · 09-04-07, 10:32

Congrats on your graduation and good luck with your new job you will definitely be missed amongst us Autopians.

Good luck and God speed.

Scottwax · 09-04-07, 10:45

5 years down the road you will be detailing full time. It gets in your blood and never goes away.

01bluecls · 09-04-07, 10:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottwax

5 years down the road you will be detailing full time. It gets in your blood and never goes away.

I honestly admire you and those who do this full time!!! I have detailed 12 hour days for 3-5 days in a row here and there and my body pretty much shuts down. I will be 24 this month and I can't believe the abuse the body takes. Sersiouly though, anyone that details full-time for a living I COMPLETELY RESPECT!!!!

SpoiledMan · 09-04-07, 11:11

Finally, somebody will actually look at my click n brags! LOL Just kidding man. I'm going to miss your posts and your knowledge. I wish you ALL the best in your endeavors and hope that you will at least hang around here some.

Chris

rydawg · 09-04-07, 11:37

we are all going to miss you Chris, but I know for sure you will be doing a car here and there. Like Scott said, it stays in your blood. It's like the car business, it just keeps sucking you back in. Oh wait, your going back to the dealership to work again. Buying cars can be fun and is a nice change. I bought and sold cars for many many years. When your at the auction you will look at the other dealers like hacks while they are walking around sliming cars with goop silicone.

This business is very unstable, especially when you specialize in correction work. I know I will be looking for something else soon myself as the winter is getting close.

Good luck and hope all works well for you!

Pats300zx · 09-05-07, 03:19

Good luck in all your endeavors Chris. Your Click and Brags have always been the most enjoyable and something I always looked forward to.

Mikeyc · 09-05-07, 08:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01bluecls

my degree is in Business Marketing. I looked for "marketing specific" firms/jobs but only to find some slim pickings in my area...meaning either way to low pay or they job required a good amount of experience.

I had the same problem. I got an MBA with a concentration in marketing a couple years ago and spent about a year and a half looking for a marketing job. I never found one, but did get a job where I can excercise my marketing skills. So, I'm still happy.

stiffdogg06 · 09-05-07, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pats300zx

Good luck in all your endeavors Chris. Your Click and Brags have always been the most enjoyable and something I always looked forward to.

Took the words right out of my mouth!

I know I am not "known" around here but everyone makes everyone feel like family.

and you will NEVER completely retire from detailing. It's impossible.

Good Luck and hope to see you around here still!