Hey ScottWax

TH0001 · 08-27-07, 07:46

I figured I asked you (I tried PM but it was off?) since you probably know better than most. How do you keep from getting burned out? I mean, you do a high volume of work (as I have been lately) but I am fighting burn out. I mean, its like am DeNiro from Taxi or something.

How do you keep up on it?

Thanks

Todd

Scottwax · 08-27-07, 09:29

Every once in a while I do get a little burned out. Some cars I have been taking care of for years and wish the owners would get something new. They are easy money but at the same time it becomes the same thing over and over again. Usually though, there is enough variation in my week that it never becomes completely routine.

I think what you may be going through could be due to the very extensive details you have been doing. Putting in 10-15 hours per car can probably become somewhat tedious at times. I've done some pretty rough cars lately, but the majority of what I do are maintenance type details for repeat customers. That way I get a break from doing rough car after rough car.

Besides, I really, really don't want to go back into the restaurant business!

Oh yeah, PMs are turned off due to the constant "tell me how to detail my car, I need to know all the steps and all the products I need" PMs. I've got 22,000+ posts, the information is there if people would just search.

Jimmy Buffit · 08-28-07, 07:54

I'll chime in here, if I may.

There is certain sameness to it. I just remind myself how 'lucky' I am to have the independence (and responsibility) of owning my own business.

Not everyday is good. But life is. The rewards are there, just somedays they are hard to see.
Reflect on your very good work and take pride in your accomplishments.

Keep some time for other pursuits...

Good Luck, stay cool!

Jim

brwill2005 · 08-28-07, 07:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy Buffit

I'll chime in here, if I may.

There is certain sameness to it. I just remind myself how 'lucky' I am to have the independence (and responsibility) of owning my own business.

Not everyday is good. But life is. The rewards are there, just somedays they are hard to see.
Reflect on your very good work and take pride in your accomplishments.

Keep some time for other pursuits...

Good Luck, stay cool!

Jim

Well said Jim. I agree 100%.

Coupe · 08-28-07, 08:22

This past month ive been pretty burned out, ive turned down quite a few jobs.

Maybe its becuase i keep getting full paint restoration jobs, i cant even remember the last time i got a maintanence job or up keep.

Bigpoppa3346 · 08-28-07, 06:19

I detailed 3 semi trucks over the last 2 days (one of which was very oxidized) in the 85 degree sun, and have another oxidized red one to do tommorrow. So 3 days of work this week, and on the 2nd day I'm exhausted. And I'm not doing this full time, just as a summer job.

I have no idea how people who do serious restorations (like TH0001) can do this work on a regular basis. I have serious respect for people that can detail every day for a living.

MandarinaRacing · 08-28-07, 07:43

Thruth is I don't know how you guys do it, seeing the kind of work you guys accomplish and the time and consistnency it requires it's simply AMAZING!

Alex

Jakerooni · 08-28-07, 08:52

Yea I got slammed today at the shop as well. 1 interior 1 exterior 1 exterior with sticker removal (company selling a truck) and 5 full details. And it's just me and 1 other guy doing it all. It's been like this for a few weeks now. I normally have the shop open for 10 hours a day lately I'm lucky if I get out there in 12 or more. But I enjoy it because I know what's coming. Pretty soon the snow will fly again and here in Michigan the details will slow to a crawl. That's when I'll re-coupe from all this madness

optimusp517 · 08-28-07, 09:18

I honestly don't know how your body does it, but my body sure isn't able to handle it. I only do my detail for a side gig due to the fact my back doesn't budge at all doing details for long.

But about getting burnt out, sometimes you just need to take a week vacation and get away from things and treat yourself. I know it's your bread and butter, but you have to get away from it sometimes.

Picus · 08-28-07, 09:35

Crack man... crack.

Scottwax · 08-28-07, 09:52

Hell, 3-5 times a week, I go out after working all day and put 24-35 miles in on my road bike...and I average 18-20 mph in the flats so I'm not loafing it. However, it also gives me time away from cellphones, TV, internets, etc to just be alone in my thoughts. Helps me clear my head.

coscooper · 08-28-07, 10:09

You guys are the detailing gods!!!! While, just a newb, I still want to weigh in.

As was already mentioned, freedom, recently coming out of 20 years of corporate life, the freedom is invigorating. Keep it in perspective and find an outlet as ScottWax mentioned. Find something other than cars or detailng to take the mind away. Motorcycles or something. Anything you do for a while can turn into burn-out.

I'm fortunate to own a few exotics and have cleaned the same 4 cars all summer over-and-over-and-over and so far, I still love attempting to make them look just like new each time, not matter what.

Plus, I take them for a nice spin in the canyons and mountains before detailing them as I only drive them dirty.

If detailing is still a passion, take some time off and re-engage after the brain is refreshed.

8-)