The straw that broke the camels back - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

The straw that broke the camels back

Artois · Guru

Afternoon Joanne, How are you today?

haymac · Veteran Member

I think of changing career at least once a week, but the alternative of working for someone else or setting up something else soon brings me to my senses. Don't get mad, get even. Julie

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Cheshire wrote:
Clients of clients!!! Effin pains.
My clients are a lovely bunch, but some of their clients and suppliers - often rude, thick, downright rude or just plain obnoxious. But Ive had it with all of them and its now fast pushing me away from this profession, but I sure as hell wont be going into another where members of the public are involved.
Anyone thinking of this as a career - forget it and go bury yourself under a big mound of dirt instead! Way more pleasant.

Yep, I'm completely with you Joanne.

I've seen a couple of real sized clients over the last week and both of them have asked me to work purely for them as a systems accountant.... I'm seriously contemplating it as I've had it up to the back teeth with the smallest clients thinking that they are doing you a favour by condescending to give you the information that you have almost had to offer your first born child in exchange for.

Like myself you come from banking where if you ask for something then you get it if not in the same hour, certainly in the same day. You are also appreciated for your knowledge rather than considered a regulatory overhead.

Anyway, sounds as though you are further down that path than me! If you need to have a chat off line Joanne just PM me.

take care of you,

Shaun.

Leger · Master Book-keeper

Hi Joanne, the one light in what you wrote is that your clients are a lovely bunch, shame about their clients and suppliers.

Suggestion: Have a complete break over the weekend. Do something different that you know will make you happy. Then rethink on Monday, if you still feel the same way then quit.

Like Shaun happy to chat offline if it helps.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Thanks guys. Things have calmed down a wee bit today and as long as the numpty people stay away from me for the next week then I might be ok, but any more of the last two days worth of shenanigans and the whole lot will be dumped on someone else's lap to sort out for good and I will retire into the sunset!

Good luck with your contemplating Shaun. Think cold hard cash - if its good money, go for it as that means you dont have to put up with the smallest clients for as long!

I do need a break....my long planned holiday to the Caribbean isnt looking too hot at the mo though after the summer's weather doings!

I like the get even bit Julie. I have a looooong memory!!!

Amanda · Expert

Hi All,

This is quite funny reading this and I don't mean that in a sarcastic way!

I have been having a re-shuffle of my business as certain things got on top of me. I have culled some that I really didn't want to work for anymore, and am concentrating on offering a better service to the ones that matter. I would rather scale down my business and I know that you shouldn't really have one client who is about 40% or more of your business, but the last few years I have done precisely that. It has worked for me and when a large contract finished last year, within weeks of it I got another! There is so much work out there I am always turning it away as to be honest I just can't be bothered with the small self-employed one man band guys, who expect the earth and very little reward for it!

I am doing more commercial work because of that decision and to be honest it is working a lot better. I get less problems with commercial and I really enjoy becoming part of their business, not as you say it Shaun a 'regulatory overhead'! I do agree with you Shaun in that is what some clients really think of us.

I really enjoy what I do, which is why a few years ago I turned down the chance to work in a small practice, I did give it some serious consideration at the time but felt I would just become a number and not valued, and I don't like office politics as I am a bit too gobby sometimes, if someone rubs me up the wrong way!

So Joanne, cull the crap ones and keep the really nice ones!! I cull once a year and feel so much better for it once it has been done. Also this way the profit in your business should go up as you won't be wasting so much time on the crap!

I recently got rid of a real messy one and I was so relieved. Like this morning, for once I thought about my self and actually went to visit a friend and had a couple of hours off! Now that would have never happened when I was chasing my tail so much with the crappy clients!

So chin up Joanne and look forward to your holiday, onwards and upwards, you'll feel so much better soon!

Take care.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Hi Amanda
Thanks for the kind words!!

Im always saying to others, like you do, dont deal with clients who you dont want to or who give hassle and I have had a couple of spring cleans in the past. Usually shove up the rates so I either get better rewarded for the shenanigans (which usually only then works for a while before getting fed up with them again) or they take the hint of the higher rates and wander off. Failing that I just disengage. I dont as a matter of course look after non VAT registered (generally too small for me) and the self-employed, prefer the Limiteds by a mile and preferably those with a million + T/o! I come from a background of the mid/large limiteds and dealing with a minimum of £75m+ and more used to their numbers, so even the ones Im now aiming for I think of as tiddlers.

I was only thinking this morning, along with the 'if they leave me alone for a few days I will have calmed down again' that thank gawd I got rid of my biggest pain of a client because this time of year would be even more of a nightmare for me that it is! So Im looking for the positives. lol.

Only problem is - its not my clients who are the problem. Its their customers!! Mostly around the credit control area!! So Im thinking thats the portion of work, whilst it can be good income generation, is the part I must dump. That or sub it out to someone who doesnt mind dealing with the little sh*ts that people who dont want to pay their bills turn into!

Makes me go cold thinking of working for an Accountancy practice. Indeed working for anyone. Never mind the commute!!! Awful thought. That alone mightve just persuaded me to stick it out.

Gobby is good!!!!

Thanks all. So far a better day, but then Ive avoided most of the emails!

Amanda · Expert

H Joanne,

You see that is where the problem is you do credit control as well! I don't do it for any of them, if they want it done they can send it elsewhere to do! I use to do it a long time of go and also did it for my commercial contract I had last year, but since I left there I haven't done it now for about a year. Sub it out, especially if it is pissing you off, or tell them to get someone in 1 day a week to do it.

I am lucky in as much as I don't need to do it now.

I agree with the Ltd co's, far better to play with the big boys!

Although I can do credit control I just have no interest in it what so ever! (unless it's my own of course!)

Leger · Master Book-keeper

I'm exactly the opposite, I love doing the micro businesses, I've been very fortunate so far and not had too much grief.

haymac · Veteran Member

I am with you on that one John. Love the smaller ones, granted they can test your patience at times, but for me it's more rewarding. Also a few larger ones which I do provide a credit control service for..... now that makes life interesting, love, love, love this part of the job, truly a challenge but strangely rewarding.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

I realised I forgot to say thank you to Shaun and John for the offer of offline chats - sorry and thank you for the kind offers!

Thanks to the rest of you too.

Leger · Master Book-keeper

Was wondering what you were up to as not seen you posting for a few days, but then neither had anyone else for a couple of days until Saturday night.

Good to see you back. smile

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Thanks John. biggrin

A lot going on!! (Still smakcing my head on a wall as well)

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Af'noon Joanne, Af'noon John.

Even though not reeally posting (think I posted a couple) I still kept a weather eye on the site.

In my case I've been technically challenged. My Favorite PC sounded as though a load of nuts and bolts had been dumped in a washing machine and set on fast spin. Couldn't even think with that noise going on. As usual, the culprit was the last thing that I thought to replace. It was actually the PSU. The sound really didn't sound like it was coming from there and because I'm more used to GPU Fans going that was where I started... Then the CPU fan.... Then the case fans... Think that I was just subconsciously avoiding the PSU as it's a nightmare to change those out on the Dell XPS boxes.

Now after a few days of fun diagnising, backing up, dismantling and rebuilding three PC's (two others kindly donated parts! All three are now recovering well (I had a spare PSU so no PC was critically injured during the making of this fix).

My main PC is now nine years old... But it's like Triggers broom... Same broom for ten years, just had six new staves and nine new heads!

Now got a silent main PC biggrin and a few days work and study to catch up on

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Yoh Shaun
My washing machine sounds like that!!!!!!

Do you fix washing machnes, toilet cysterns, lights (after flooding or with a clear wiring issue!), ovens?

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Yoh babe,

Toilet cysterns... I had an emergency trial by fixing on that one when the back part of mine turned into a rather impressive fountain.

Amazingly (and much to my relief... literally) it worked after I fixed it... Also done Taps, immersion heater controls, Ceiling roses, Door hanging, Float in the header tank... My God they must have been shoddy builders who put this place together!

Leger · Master Book-keeper

Af'noon Shaun and joanne

PSU would have been my first port of call, funnily enough. Changed one once, but it was easy enough to do so obviously wasn't a dell! What does GPU mean, not come across that before?

CPU I've never changed, too frightened of damaging the processor!

Blimey 9 years, oldest PC I've ever had was 5 years old, it died on me two years ago, though I think it was a Windows FU more than anything else, still got it sat in the corner of my office. (The Trigger reference made me chuckle, one of my favourites from OFAH)

Joanne, my DIY skills are none to second, and no that's not the wrong way round!

I once had a mate stopping with me, and some work needed doing under the sink. He said, "come on I'll show you some basic DIY skills." Afterwards he said "you're right, you're useless at DIY"

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Hi John,

GPU is the Graphics Processing Unit on the video card. Seems that video cards are one of the most expensive components that use the cheapest fans.

Pretty sure that the only parts of that PC that are actually nine years old now is the case ad the Motherboard.

Like Vince, I think that I started out with PCs when they were still very much in their infancy so the idea of changing bits (even big bits) is expected thoughout the life of the machine.

My son was having a laugh at all the spares that I keep the other day. There are connectors stored neatly away that haven't been able to connect to anything for twenty plus years (And why the hell do I still keep parallel printer cables!).

Leger · Master Book-keeper

Parallel Printer Cables - now you're talking lol. Great big connector that took up most of the space at the back of the computer - what on earth were they finking when they introduced that new usb connector????

What next, a new fangled micro usb that fits both ways when connecting a mobile phone? - oh wait that's the new USB-C connector which doesn't fall far from best inventions since sliced bread.

Incidentally, my first computer and printer, bought in 1995, cost me £1700. It was a DX-433 with about 10mb of disk space!!

pictures · Senior Member

If I ever need a new job I'll come do credit control for you. They call me the Rottweiller. My favourite is scaring people with Letter Before Claim letters. The amount of blatant outright lying through the back teeth you hear. And government bodies are as bad as anyone else (NHS especially)

Funny really because I am so non assertive in my personal life but on the phone to these non paying numpties - let me at them!

Leger · Master Book-keeper

Hi Julie

I don't know if you deal with Sole Traders but new rules for court claims came in at the beginning of October. Just a heads up in case you aren't aware

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/threads/debt-pre-action-protocol-%E2%80%93-1st-october-2017.376194/

pictures · Senior Member

Thanks for that.

The last sole trader I wrote to was 2014 but its always good to have the latest info.

Not much appears to have changed in terms of the pre-action protocol itself except for the reply forms which now have to be included. (which do seem overkill but hey ho)

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Shamus wrote:
Yoh babe,

Toilet cysterns... I had an emergency trial by fixing on that one when the back part of mine turned into a rather impressive fountain.

Amazingly (and much to my relief... literally) it worked after I fixed it... Also done Taps, immersion heater controls, Ceiling roses, Door hanging, Float in the header tank... My God they must have been shoddy builders who put this place together!

Hi hon

The toilet cistern is not filling up quickly. Something broken or fuzzed up but it drips through and is like chinese water torture!

Given you are so good with your hands wink Im doing you a list of jobs that need doing around my house. What? You didnt offer!!!!!

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Leger wrote:
Hi Julie
I don't know if you deal with Sole Traders but new rules for court claims came in at the beginning of October. Just a heads up in case you aren't aware
http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/threads/debt-pre-action-protocol-%E2%80%93-1st-october-2017.376194/

Thanks for that John - parked in my faves just in case. Not had chance to read it yet, but if its anything like some of the mess Ive had to wade through recently for a Limited case its a right old waste of time and cash to get the darned things in to court. Although - just had a fab win on a case so its made me feel there is sometimes justice with these non payers!

pictures · Senior Member

Don't worry - my toilet in the en suite hasn't worked for 6 months!

But this morning my husband called me at work to tell me he'd dinked the pipe in the en suite with the hoover and water was pouring everywhere & could I please see if one of the plumbers (at work) was available!

All fixed now (plus toilet) but we need new carpet.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Hi Julie
A man who hoovers!!!!!!!!

Plus you have plumbers on tap (one for John there - no I wont give up my day job!)

Lucky you...apart from the carpet that is.

I have had several leaks in this blinking house so know the sodden carpet part well.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Cheshire wrote:
Shamus wrote:
Yoh babe,

Toilet cysterns... I had an emergency trial by fixing on that one when the back part of mine turned into a rather impressive fountain.

Amazingly (and much to my relief... literally) it worked after I fixed it... Also done Taps, immersion heater controls, Ceiling roses, Door hanging, Float in the header tank... My God they must have been shoddy builders who put this place together!

Hi hon
The toilet cistern is not filling up quickly. Something broken or fuzzed up but it drips through and is like chinese water torture!
Given you are so good with your hands Im doing you a list of jobs that need doing around my house. What? You didnt offer!!!!!

For the eternal drip it sounds as though the inlet valve isn't completely switching off post flush (the not filling up fast enough may be that the inlet pipe control screw needs turning slightly to let water in faster. Careful with that one as it could have been turned down due to previous issues with dripping caused by excessive pressure on a worn out valve).

Assuming that the valve is still servicable, open the back up (the bit with the water in it). Look at the float (normally a big red thing) which is lifted by the rising water. As it goes up it pushes in a button which switches off the ater supply (very simple mechanics but effective) however, the seating between the float mechanism and the button can get out of kilter. Take a 1p coin (2p would also be fine but 100% more expensive!!!) and put it between the float mechanism and button which will ensure that it is pushed in evenly even if the two do not match up properly.

That works with most systems but some have fancy mechanisms and others only make contact in the latter phases of the flush cycle so won't hold the coin in place.

Worth a try and if it works it means you fixed your plumbing for 1p... Lol or for one pee!!! I'll get me jacket as John says!.

Artois · Guru

Cheshire wrote:
Hi Julie
A man who hoovers!!!!!!!!

Add washing up & cooking to that list (don't do ironing) and that is my daily chores and being an ex builder anything that goes wrong in the house is added to my list of duties!

Poor me, so overworked

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Wonder if there are any plumbers reading this thinking "Oi, stop being a cheap git and hire in a professional"... Now wonder where we've heard that line before from the other direction, lol.

pictures · Senior Member

I was just laughing at your disclaimer being rather relevant in this instance!

"Shaun

Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given."

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

lol.

Leger · Master Book-keeper

Oi, I do the jokes around here!! (both very witty though)

Speaking of which, my plumber friend has just split up from his missus. He told her straight "It's over Flo"

My wife had an accident yesterday whilst hoovering, and has been taken to hospital. Rang up this morning to see how she is, and they've said she's picking up nicely.

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Lol... You're definitely channeling the inner Tommy Cooper there John ;)

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Hi John - sorry for stepping on your toes, although its obvious Im only in training and you passed the Chartered Jokers Society exams years ago!

Hi Shaun - well I would say thank you for the spend a penny tip, but I cannot see where it goes and more to the point with my water related many many disasters in just this one house I aint touching anything that might cause a fountain and another flood!

Hi Doug - are you married?

Hi Julie - where is this green and pleasant land are you located - I might need to borrow one of your plumbers.

You lot at least gave me a good giggle. Thank you for that if nothing else.

Leger · Master Book-keeper

Cheshire wrote:
You lot at least gave me a good giggle. Thank you for that if nothing else.

One of the things I love about this forum is the banter between us all, long may it continue.

Artois · Guru

Cheshire wrote:
Hi Doug - are you married?

Hi Joanne

Not married as such no, but well into the 15th year of what seems to have turned out to be a life sentence!

Leger · Master Book-keeper

I know what you mean Doug. It's been 31 years 4 months 5 days 20 hours and 33 minutes for me, not that I'm counting you understand!!

Artois · Guru

Leger wrote:
I know what you mean Doug. It's been 31 years 4 months 5 days 20 hours and 33 minutes for me, not that I'm counting you understand!!

All those years and still able to joke about it, like it

I worked it back to 21st June 1986 and Doctor and the Medics were No1 in the charts and Absolute Beginners was on at the pictures, I remember the year well as I had just turned 18!

Leger · Master Book-keeper

21st June 1986 it was. I haven't looked it up but I guess the Dr & The Medics was Spirit in the sky? Don't remember Absolute Beginners, but just reading up on it I think I might have enjoyed it. I'm not a fan of Bowie's by any chalk but enjoy some of his music.

18? Just a young whippersnapper then. Just after I turned 18 Sandy was hopelessly devoted to Danny and Dean Friedman was thanking his lucky stars.

Artois · Guru

Leger wrote:
21st June 1986 it was. I haven't looked it up but I guess the Dr & The Medics was Spirit in the sky? Don't remember Absolute Beginners, but just reading up on it I think I might have enjoyed it. I'm not a fan of Bowie's by any chalk but enjoy some of his music.
18? Just a young whippersnapper then. Just after I turned 18 Sandy was hopelessly devoted to Danny and Dean Friedman was thanking his lucky stars.

Hi John, I went to see Absolute Beginners and it really wasn't that good, lots of hype but a big flop, however it was worth watching just to see Patsy Kensit on the big screen.

Dean Friedman?? didn't have a clue who he was so just googled him and its funny that when you hear the song you think oh yes I remember that!!

Cheers

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Leger wrote:
I know what you mean Doug. It's been 31 years 4 months 5 days 20 hours and 33 minutes for me, not that I'm counting you understand!!

In the words of my Dad - you would get less for murder. In your case John you couldve killed off two of them!

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Artois wrote:
Cheshire wrote:
Hi Doug - are you married?
Hi Joanne
Not married as such no, but well into the 15th year of what seems to have turned out to be a life sentence!

You boys!!!! You need to bring back some romance in your lives....take a few tips from the puffer fish - see what he does for his woman

(just watch the vid near the bottom of the link !)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zsjfyrd

Artois · Guru

Cheshire wrote:
Artois wrote:
Cheshire wrote:

You boys!!!! You need to bring back some romance in your lives....take a few tips from the puffer fish - see what he does for his woman
(just watch the vid near the bottom of the link !)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zsjfyrd

Hi Joanne

Very impressive but it doesn't show what happens after the first date and the little male puffer fish has had his way

I bet the sand castles go out the window then!