Freelance Estimator

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John Valdes

John Valdes

Senior Member
Location
SC.
Occupation
Retired Electrician
I am now officially retired and on Social Security disability. Some of the forum members are aware that I got hurt at work in 2005. I just received my judgment last Tuesday.

I was informed by my vocational counselor that I can make a certain amount of money while on the government payroll.
I want to do something. But I cannot live up to the expectations of a regular job. I am thinking about returning to school.

Does anyone think a freelance electrical estimator would have a place in our industry? This way I could make a few extra dollars (SS. does not pay much) and still keep my sanity. I still want to be a productive citizen.

I am thinking it could have a place as the contractors would not have to hire me, pay for my insurance and benefits. I have my masters and contractor license's up to date. But have never estimated any job.

Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks John
 
It sounds like you are now a consultant. :smile:

Maybe you can PM a job for somebody here and there? PM work isn't necessarily 5 days a week, 8 hours a day if you don't work with tools.
 
sometimes when Im busy I wish I could pay someone to answer some questions whether at home or on the job.
Yea yea I know.... But I dont know how you could charge
 
Freelance

Freelance

John Valdes said:
Does anyone think a freelance electrical estimator would have a place in our industry? This way I could make a few extra dollars (SS. does not pay much) and still keep my sanity. I still want to be a productive citizen.

I am thinking it could have a place as the contractors would not have to hire me, pay for my insurance and benefits. I have my masters and contractor license's up to date. But have never estimated any job.

Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks John
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I don't know the extent of your disability, however with your years of experience you may want to contact several Electrical Engineering firms in your area with respect to doing field work to establish what the existing conditions are for projects they are working on. Providing information on the existing gear, photos etc. I can't tell you how many plans I have seen that call for additions to existing equipment but provide next to no information as to who the manufacture of the equipment was. If you provided this service to several firms, you could be busy and they would all save money and benefit from your years of experience.
 
Thanks guys. I just do not know where to start. I thought maybe inspector, but that would be a full time job. I have to try something. School is my first thought, but if I could get a part time job that would be great too. I am very limited as to what I can do.
I cannot work with tools anymore. But I do have some sales and management experience.

Grant, I like the idea you put forth. I have alot of experience in manufacturing. I can draw schematics and program some PLC's. I am very good with AC and DC drives and the peripheral equipment. If I could find a niche in this area that would be great. And I love it too.
 
Where to start.

Where to start.

John Valdes said:
Thanks guys. I just do not know where to start. I thought maybe inspector, but that would be a full time job. I have to try something. School is my first thought, but if I could get a part time job that would be great too. I am very limited as to what I can do.
I cannot work with tools anymore. But I do have some sales and management experience.
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Another option may be teaching. Most electrical programs are always looking for teachers, especially those with field experience. You may even be able to approach some of the local manufactures and see if they would have an interest in a training class. With all the requirements for CEU's, which will only increase, there are programs both Union and Non-Union that need instructors. Most of these classes are in the evening and depending on how much you take on are two nights a week. In some States, the local Community Colleges offer classes that are approved by the State for electrical trainees. There shoulds be several areas with respect to teaching that you could look into. Ill warn you up front that if you teach two nights a week it usually takes all week to prepare, although some of the new resources available have made preparation a little easier.

Good Luck..
 
All Great Suggestions!

I'd like to throw out slight variables of what been said! And some Heavy PO!

What ever you do, realize that as a consultant the dreaded 1099 will be in the mail at the end of the year. Work / Bill accordingly.

Your state college and Local CC can help you with aquiring information on the teaching angle. Call HS or Vocation center if available.

Federal Positions and go see what's going on with your state employment see what's up!
You might also ckeck and know all services that are now available to you!

I really like the thought of soliciating work from Professional Level Services. Counsulting is tough I will kid you not!
If you don't know every PE and ME in your area, I certainly won't be shy of meeting everyone of them!

Can you be a utility man, no ones a complete answer to every position.
Don't be shy of rejection, I called on the same people again three months later!

Point being, what are your strong suits that are marketable? That in my opinion is your easiest pitch, IE also your easiest sell of yourself, "ON"! You can define your short and long time goals in outline and have plenty of paper!
Nothings set in stone yet, you have to mablable but still strong enough not to let someone dent your shield or stop your pursuits!

This overall is a wild summary of what any one would look at as a possible hire in a consultant type position. Your interview will be because they see something of worth to them, you have to make the most of what they want to what you need.

Frankly, I believe you have many roads and avenues, don't let that bother you, don't let anyone say no to your pursuits(disrespectfully), this is The U.S. of America! People still reach for what we forget to enjoy!

I wish you all the best, good luck in your pursuits!
 
chevyx92 said:
Deleted because it may be the truth? Why not know? You moderators are so sensitive, it's a wonder how you survive in the real world??? :confused:
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I had the displeasure of reading your post before it was deleted. The how's and whys are irrelevant. This man has come here searching for suggestions from a collective group from all over and all backgrounds of the trade. He still wants/ needs to be productive. I hope the same never befalls you.
 
Do you hold any OSHA certifications? We have a local guy very much in your situation who does safety training and certification. He does maybe 1 or 2 a month and makes a pretty good addition to his disability pay.
 
While the pay will be less perhaps a jon in Homedepot would work. They can always use skilled staff in departments. Or try teaching, see adds here often. Try craigslist, you will be surprised. Or maybe start a small company and hire help to do most of the work.Don't give up.
 
John,

Very sorry to hear about your injury. Have you thought about Electrical plan Review? I think we are looking for someone and you could work from home. We are all electronic. Send me a PM......take care my friend.
 
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