Golf course to lawn care?

[golferinnc]

Hello everyone,

I have been a reader of the magazine and visit these boards ofter, and I was hoping yall could give me a bit of advice.

Currenty I am a golf course superintendent on the coast of NC and I have been in this business for about ten years....even went to college for turf. Basically, I am getting burn out with the golf course business. Getting up at 4:30 and working usually till 6 and never have more than one day off during a week, has just worn on me.

I have a good grasp on turf and what needs to be done. I have been thinking about giving up my golf career and try my hands at lawn care. I have some money saved up so that might be a good start.

I am just really frustrated right now and every day seems like it gets worse at work, I still have a passion for turf, but the other things have just broke me.

Does anyone have any thoughts on my situation? I am single, so its just me to take care of.

Thanks in advance for any insight,
Jon

[VirginiaLawnCare]

I don't really know what to tell you because i don't know what you make working at a golf course but im guessing its not bad. I would say keep the job and start working part time in lawn care because its not going to happen over night. But I also see you say your working like 6 days a week.

I would say go for it if your ready for a wage cut to begin with.

[STIHL GUY]

i would also say to go part time untill you have enough accounts. then quit the superintendant job and go full time. good luck hopefully everything works out

[P.Services]

Getting up at 4:30 and working usually till 6 and never have more than one day off during a week, has just worn on me.



yeah running your own lawn care company wont be like that at all, you will work seven days a week and if you get out at six you will be so happy a tear falls from your eye.

[bohiaa]

if your getting burned out working for someone else. wait untill you work for yourself.

[VirginiaLawnCare]

Its a lot easier working for yourself though its more rewarding then working for someone else in my eyes. Its easier for me to work harder when I know I am doing it 100% for myself.

[SangerLawn]

yeah running your own lawn care company wont be like that at all, you will work seven days a week and if you get out at six you will be so happy a tear falls from your eye.

Roflmao :laugh:….I was just thinking to myself as I read his post…it must be nice to have set hours and at least one day off a week. I have been averaging 12-16 hours a day, 7 days a week, since mowing season started this year lol. Today, being Sunday, I mowed 11 lawns then did oil changes and sharpened blades.

Keep your job and pick up a few lawns to see if you even like the idea of doing it. Right now you have one boss wearing you out. If you go into business for yourself you will have a lot of bosses. Every customer you get will be your boss!!!

[dcgreenspro]

I made the switch a couple of years ago. I run a full service solo op and it's great. Much better than the gc- no more 5:00 and I actually have time to be awake and with my family at the end of the day...that's all that matters

[txgrassguy]

I made the transition over eight years ago. Went from being a Class A to a sole prop. and can say I haven't regretted the change yet.
About the hours worked, I actually work less now that I am no longer running a course - but then again I never really worked over 55 hours per week anyways. I do have more "mental" time on the clock - I wind up thinking about my business a bunch but then again I did about the courses too.
Should I ever return to an active Class A position it would have to be according to a set of very unique conditions for which I am not actively looking.