Getting burnt out?

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imported_gators241987

New member
I figure this would be the best place to post this, since the pro's detail more than anyone else. Although detailing is not my main job, it does pay for itself and give me a little spending money. Although the more I do it, the more it wears on me. I had surgery friday and am out for 3 weeks, but as the time passes, the more I dont want to go back. Any tips to help conquer being burnt out?
 
Well, you either love it or you don't. There are some days that I start working on a car, and would rather be doing something else (or nothing at all), but by the time I have started making a visible improvement on it, I start getting into it and am happy. Then, the customer sees their car when it is done, has a big smile on their face, and it makes it all worth while. I have sat in front of a computer all day before at desk jobs, and not had anything tangible to show for it at the end of the work day. With detailing, I have a finished product in front of me I can admire, and that the customer will love.



It's like everything else in life...if you get to the point of dreading doing something, there's nothing wrong with taking time off, or trying a different hobby.
 
You sure you're burnt out or you think maybe you just don't like it??



If you only do it part time than I can't really see how you'll get burnt out unless you really just don't enjoy it...



I love doing it and yes there are times were I get a little burnt out but I never actually thought of stopping the trade, just thought of resting for a day and jumping back into it.



Detailing is a craft you must be passionate about and patient as well.



If you really love it I don't think your desire to detail will fade away.



Josh
 
I guess I just grow tired of how terrible the cars I detail for customers are. When im out there detailing I dont get tired, I love it. I spend every ounce of energy I have into doing it. I guess its the motavation to tackle the larger items. i.e. a customer called me the other day to do his big rig, not just the cab, but the trailer as well. I guess my real let up is how terrible other people treat their cars. Granted it keeps me in business, but it grows tiresome. I dunno, perhaps the meds are getting to me. Im rambling now. Anywho, the more I think about it, the more I guess wish I had a house instead of an apt I could work at and have everything stored properly. Detailing in a parking lot with a canopy isnt exactly ideal.
 
If you're getting tired of the bigger jobs then you may not be charging enough. You should be happy to do every job that comes your way. Easiest way for that to happen is to be getting paid for your time. Charge accordingly!



As for the getting burnt out part...very important to take your time off when you can, eat right and exercise. The only way to make something physical easier is to do something harder.
 
I agree with MichaelM I was in the position last year when I was getting started. I was doing big SUV's and Trucks for way too little money but I justified it to get the experience and references. I charge twice as much this year as I did last year so even when I do get suck with a trashed black navigator I just think about the extra money I'll have and that gets me through the first hour or so of stuff I don't like.
 
Thanks guys for all the help. Really helped me put it in perspective. I just wish I could get paid every time I detail my own. Not too much fun.

IMG_0108.jpg
 
(VERY sharp truck. I particularly like the paintwork on the mirrors and door handles.)



This is an interesting thread for me, because I can totally relate. I've got a day gig and a very long-time "side" thing (music) that has been my passion going back years before I even got a driver's license. I love detailing, of course, but have felt burned out a bit over the past couple of years. In trying to reconcile those feelings, I think the answer (just for me...your mileage will vary) comes down to time and just selfish attitude. I have precious little time to devote to the craft and I want to feel I can get more out of it than just some money earned. So, as suggested above, I charge too much. :D That tends to help me on both counts. I have just enough business to earn what I feel is appropriate for my time and for all the products I buy, and for the most part customers know what they're getting and are willing to pay for it. By that, I DON'T mean that I'm a maestro. I do mean that they appreciate what effort goes into the results, and they tend to appreciate the difference between what I can do and the Ducky Car Wash down the street.



Anyway, I'm long-winded here...sorry about that. I just felt a connection (and got a better understanding) from reading the posts in this thread.
 
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