Being a contractor can be quite challenging, especially if you haven’t prepared your life for it. Unlike many professions out there, being a contractor is more of a calling, that affects every aspect of your life. Preparation is key if you want to be successful in such a career path, and one way to prepare is to have a lifestyle to accommodate it.
The construction industry is one of the leading industries in the US, valued at a whopping one trillion dollars. It employs about a million Americans, about half of which are contractors. However, not many contractors reach success in their careers, with some quitting after a few years into it. It can be tough to live a contractor’s life. It’s both physically and mentally demanding, but it can easily be one of the most fulfilling careers out there.
Many career counselors agree that it’s important to make certain lifestyle changes early on in your career. For example, a person who has night shifts should prepare for it beforehand so they can function optimally at work. This is similar if you want to start a career as a contractor. Both body and mind should be prepared for work ahead and it’s not as simple as reading a book.
Qualifications for a Contractor
There isn’t a physical qualification as a contractor. You don’t need to be in the right weight, age, or height to be in this business. However, you’re going to need to work for your licenses and specializations. For example, if you want to specialize in roofs you’re going to need a license for roof repairs and construction. If you want to specialize in painting, then you’re going to need a license for that as well.
It’s important to remember that licenses can vary in each state, and some states might not even require you to get a license. However, it’s good to have just in case you get jobs in other states. Once you’ve got the necessary license for your work it’s important that you get both mind and body ready for the hard work ahead of you.
It Will Affects Every Part of Your Life
Sadly, being a contractor means that you’ll be running your own business, and running your own business means it’s going to need dedication. A lot of it. So prepare to do all the needed tasks when starting out, and be prepared in having less sleep than usual.
Market Yourself
For most people, social media is a form of entertainment. However, as a contractor, this is a freeway for you to market yourself.
You can’t just sit around and wait for jobs to get to you. You’re going to market yourself. One simple way you can do this is through social media channels. Tell your friends that you’re in the construction business, and ask them if they know someone who needs your help. Furthermore, if you have money for it, advertise your company on such sites.
Social media isn’t going to be just for entertainment anymore. It’s going to be a place where you do your marketing, and get yourself known in the world.
Get Physically Fit
As stated earlier, there is no physical qualification for being a contractor, but being physically fit truly helps with the job. It helps with getting up ladders, painting in awkward positions, and carrying heavy materials if you don’t have access to a loader yet.
Since you’re starting out, your body is going to do most of the heavy lifting. However, once you’ve done your investments, you’re going to have the necessary equipment to do all the heavy lifting for you, and the employees as well. But for now, try to be physically fit. You don’t have to have the perfect body, just having the right BMI for your height should be enough.
Manage Your Financials
As a contractor and a new one at that, you’re going to experience times when you’ll have one to zero clients. There are also going to be times when you’re going to have dozens of clients at once, wanting your help with home repairs.
Starting out, you’re going to need to manage your financials and choose which route is meant for you. This requires a lot of trial and error, but eventually, once you get used to it, you should be able to stabilize yourself for future expansions.
Be Flexible
Lastly, be flexible. Being a contractor means you have control over your time, and this is the main reason why agency workers decide to become contractors. However, your revenue also relies heavily on what you plan to do with your time. Always have a project on your calendar and be flexible with what you do with your time. Don’t waste it because it is an essential resource you have.
By doing these lifestyle changes, you can prepare yourself for a life as a contractor. However, preparation is just half of the battle. You’re going to need consistency. So you’re going to have to practice these things every day of your career if you want to be successful in your field.
