How come no one has mentioned that he might need to procure E&O insurance?
You best figure that in Allen.
As to being solo, talk to someone who knows better about things like becoming and LLC or an S-Corp or whatever.
Solo Operators-Giving Notice?
A friend gave 30 days to his private employer on starting his firm.
He got immediately escorted to the door although they offered to pay his salary for the month anyway.
Solo Operators-Giving Notice?
When I used to take on private clients that's what I did, get 50% up front.
It's easy to sign contracts but hard to write checks.
Doing that I never had a problem getting the other half.
I occasionally gave good clients a break but never people I don't know. Something about being able to write a good check seems to filter out the deadbeats.
The other thing is, occasionally people disappear or stop answering the phone. But every time that happened my effort in the project to date was paid for and I just didn't finish. If I was at a point where I needed the client to do something and I couldn't get them to return phone calls then I would write them a letter saying I can't proceed until I get "X" (for example get a title company to get the Trustee's sign off or sign transfer Deeds or whatever it was) and then I would put the project on hold. That didn't happen very often, though. On Boundary Surveys there isn't really anything to hold up the project so I would just finish and bill the client. Boundary clients almost always want the final product.
You can avoid a lot of trouble by just listening to people, especially annoying people ;-). One time I saw a guy at the fence; I went over and talked to him. He was a Civil Engineer who showed me just about every monument in the neighborhood. He saved me time overall although he showed me monuments I didn't need. He did show me some which would've taken time to find.
I like my job right now but maybe some day when I start collecting my pension I will start doing private work again, or maybe I will just have fun.
Solo Operators-Giving Notice?
I would give 2-4 weeks notice, but as Dave cautioned, be prepared to end your employment there on the spot.
When I was planning on going solo, my employer found out about my plans and I was terminated immediately. It was the only job I was ever fired from, but I've never felt better about leaving a "job", as I was starting a professional career. I refer to the change of employment as the 20-20-20 plan. I felt 20 years younger, 20 lbs lighter, and 20 pts lower on my blood pressure. I only wish I had made the leap 2 years earlier........:-)
Solo Operators-Giving Notice? _Karoly
That's what I was thinking would happen Dave. The months pay was a nice gesture though, a rarity I am sure.
Since you are practically a solo surveyor inside a company that offers other services, you could have a sit down with the department head and go over your plan to separate from the company and give them your plan to open your own company and give them the opportunity to use your services in the future.
From that meeting you will get their feeling of your worth now and in the future.
Of course, that could be your last day with them or with favor, the beginning of a mutually respected future for both.
Personally, I never had the respect of many of my past coworkers for reason they wanted to be the only surveyors in the area and everyone were supposed to work with them or perish. This was the case for many a talented prospect that came thru these parts.
Good Luck
Solo Operators-Giving Notice? _Karoly
On the other hand when I gave my notice to Parks they exercised their right to hold me for 30 days because I was transferring to another Department in the State. I told my new bosses and they said that's OK we aren't quite ready for you anyway.
