bit of a dilemma....

J

JenHunt

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I have a bit of a dilemma job wise.

I currently work for a big swiss company in their offices 5 miles from home. It's a secure (as possible anyway!) job, with a reasonable rate of pay, good prospects and good benefits. The people are good too, out of 30 of us, there's only 1 i don't get on with (can ignore her tho, so it doesn't affect my work). sounds good?
downside is that its a desk bound role, and only very very remotely linked to my background. They make food flavours, and I studied agriculture with animal nutrition (the common link being food incase you hadn't worked it out ;-) ).

then last night I hear about a job that I think sounds awesome, right up my street....
a local private school has its own equestrian centre, and they are looking for someone to take it on as a business with the school as the major client.
it has stabling for 30, grazing, indoor and outdoor school, cross country course, tack rooms, feed rooms, barns and 2 teaching rooms.
every child with a pony who wants to take it with them to school pays the same for full livery, unless they don't want their pony used for other lessons and then they pay extra.
I would be teaching 2 hours per day getting £20 per child per lesson, being in charge of running little competitions and putting older children/teenagers through exams (at their cost). I would be able to take the kids on outings with the ponies and to run summer camps etc (again at their cost)
I would be in charge of running the yard and taking care of the ponies.
downside - I would be responsible for running the business profitably, something I have never done. I don't know whether I would be able to afford to employ someone to cover me for holidays...

so.... question is dream job or safe job?
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SOUNDS like a dream job - but a big jump from a desk job!!!

Are you qualified (to teach, to tutor for exams etc?)

Why are they offering this - is it because they can't make a profit themselves?

You should definitely prepare a business plan, get details of their accounts etc and make sure the whole thing is viable before you decide!!

Are the buildings in good shape, is there a lot of maintenance to be done, do they pay the insurance etc etc etc Many many more questions spring to mind!!

Good luck though - it sounds great!!! Just be careful to get loads of detail, and get professonal advice!!
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If you are free enough familywise to take the risk.DO IT.
The things we regret most in life are the things we didnt do.
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Sounds exciting and it's worth looking into, but like Punk I would suggest you look into the financial side of things. What costs would you be responsible for, e.g. insurance, maintenance, etc? What is the best case scenario income but also what might happen if things don't go that well? Also, do you have any experience teaching and looking after children, is this something you would like to do all day long?

Hope it works out for you!
 
Punk... it will be a huge leap (if i get it of course)
I am qualified to teach, via the pony club, but am prepared to study for BHS exams if this isn't what the school wants.

they are offering this because the lady who was running the place has resigned. Allegedly because the parents complained that she was dealing through the yard.

I have asked for details of the business and the role and requirements.... and my father is going to go through them with a fine tooth comb with me!

Everyone - thanks for being so positive!
 
I reiterate the word of caution but also look at where you are in life. Is this something you will regret later on if you don't give it a go. Quite a number of my clients run these sort of businesses and they do have one thing in common - lots of work and not really a realistic return but it is balanced with a quality of life.
 
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