Work for someone or Start my own

[corey2444]

I purchased http://www.locksmithvideoschool.com/ . It's very imformative on the basics of locksmithing. He gives close-up, detailed, and step-by-step instructions on how-to.

The problem is. Do I try on my own? My biggest fear is running into things that I won't know, and I'm standing in front of the customer with my thumb up my ass. Also, I have the resources to start my own business (god it's expensive), but I do not want to use those resources if I realize I'm just going to need employment, while those tools just sit collecting dust. If I don't buy those tools, I can't learn either on my own either. Safes, Master Keying, Picking locks with security pins, and Auto are what scare me the most.

I've applied at 3 places now and have been turned down. 1 of the 3 offered to hire me only for the Auto portion of his business. Im tempted, but I wont learn it all that way.]

What to do? What to do? What to do?

[freakparade3]

Take the offered job and work your way up.

[keysman]

The problem is. Do I try on my own? My biggest fear is running into things that I won't know, and I'm standing in front of the customer with my thumb up my donkey.

I've applied at 3 places now and have been turned down. 1 of the 3 offered to hire me only for the Auto portion of his business. Im tempted, but I wont learn it all that way.]

Well ,you answered your own question .. YES you will run into things you don't know what to ... take the job doing auto and work on the other aspects in your spare time.

[Eyes_Only]

Auto locksmithing is fun, and that is one area of the trade you can use all the training and help from others as you can get. Like they already said just try it out at the shop willing to hire you first.

Plus there may be aspects of the trade you may find out that you don't like dealing with and feel the job is not worth the headache. If you started your own business from the get go you'll end up in a tight situation if you feel like "quitting" later on.

[prag]

hi there.

My two cents is to accept the job and then work your way up and with other aspects of locksmithing. Atleast its a foot in the door. When things are slower in the autolocksmithing, you can always learn other aspects of the business. Then when you have sufficient knowledge and capital you can open your own business.

Just a thought. Keep us posted.

[parapilot]

You have been offered a job in the trade. jump at it!! you can move on or around later. Setting up on your own you prob wont last, and it will be very hard.

[XriflemanX]

Take the auto job.

The knowledge you gain from this employer will add to your resume.
On the job training will come in time.

Once you prove yourself to be reliable, ethical and professional, he will change his mind and start handing you other jobs.

Even if he doesn't and tries to keep you in auto, you still have some locksmith experience and the companies that turned you down may take you seriously.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I say go for it.

[maintenanceguy]

I've owned several different businesses, some successful, some not. Absolutely take the job. Work hard, continue to read, ask questions, and lean all you can while there. You will probably get a chance to try new things after you prove yourself.

An attitude of eagerness to do whatever your asked will be worth more and move you up faster than your knowledge.

To be a successful business owner you need to be a good tradesmen and a good businessman. Learn the trade first and then when you strike out on your own, you'll already know the trade. Now for me, learning business was much harder (and more risky) than learning a trade but you'll be almost half way there if you already know the trade.

And the world is changing. There aren't many locksmiths left who can survive just doing door hardware. Learn automotive while you have the chance. And learn anything else somebody's willing to show you.