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  • 1.  Life after "retirement"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-30-2015 12:08
    All,

    I too congratulate you Israel and wish you the best! You'll especially be missed in the institutes.

    It's been 4 months since I left BYU and I thought you'd be interested in how it has has been going.

    First, Richard West you were right-on about not letting myself get too busy! I've had to learn the word "NO" and have turned down more work than I ever could have imagined. It's amazing to me the skills a CAUT acquires in working with the great, and not so great instruments we deal with, and all within a limited time frame. These skills are highly sought after by stores, and in the field.

    Second, the money has been incredible! One month I made nearly $11,000.00, and what I was doing wasn't all that different than before. High end work for stores and another university (one time only Richard!) and to charge private customers the going rate I more than tripled what I was getting as a CAUT. All four months have been good financially.

    Third, I feel SO much less pressure. Some days I wake up and decide I'll take off the day. I even took a whole week off! I just do what I want, but lest you think I'm getting fat(ter) and lazy I still put in some long hours. My wife says I still work a lot, but something has changed... And I've lost 25 pounds. Less stress eating?? I've also taken up some hobbies I'd long since given up. Go figure.

    Last but not least I should mention that I'm not advocating that all CAUTs quit or anything of the sort (BTW, I still tune as a contractor for Snow College, a "Steinway school" with 35 pianos). For me this worked out. My main points are; 1. CAUTs have valuable and marketable skills which are in high demand. And 2. While it was an incredibly difficult decision to make, hindsight proves that not only is there "life after CAUT" but it can be rewarding in more ways than money.

    There is a time and a season for everything... Israel, good luck on your new season! For the rest of you, plan ahead. Meet with your human resource person and crunch the numbers. You may be able to "switch gears" sooner than you expect! NEVER feel like you're "stuck". You're not.

    Best,

    Jim Busby
    Snow College and,
    "Semi-retired" technician (hah), backpacker, wood carver,
    and striving to be the best grandpa ever!



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    James Busby
    Mt Pleasant UT
    435-851-3201
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  • 2.  RE:Life after "retirement"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-30-2015 12:28
    INCREBIBLE post Jim! You know I would sit down & have a beer with you man! And I don't even drink! But that's how I feel after reading this. Ok, if I get a chance to make a "sachet" thru your area, we should DEFINITLY do Starbucks or have some good old coffee together.
    Also, BEST WISHES to you Israel! I definitely want to visit you there someday! On my bucket list.
    Kevin

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    Kevin Fortenberry
    Registered Piano Technician
    Lubbock TX
    806-778-3962
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  • 3.  RE: Life after "retirement"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-30-2015 12:48
    Jim:

    Since I've been referenced, I have to respond.  Be careful what you say.  The conversation may be drowned out by the sound of hundreds of doors slamming as technicians rush away from university offices to reap the benefits of private work.  But you're right, the skills that university technicians develop are sorely needed in the so-called private sector.  And there are many benefits to serving the public rather than the smaller university community, as "fun" as that can also be.  The lesson I didn't learn but you seem to be doing well is don't underestimate your value. Charge what you're worth!   

    Glad you're enjoying being "retired."

    PS my email gives me two ways to respond, Reply all online and Reply all email.  What's the difference?  My last post I used Reply all email, and the text seemed to get messed up.  I'm trying Reply all online this time.  I'll see what happens.
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    Richard West
    Oro Valley AZ
    520-395-0916
    440richard@gmail.com
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  • 4.  RE: Life after "retirement"

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 01-31-2015 03:01
    Perhaps one day the universities will appreciate what they have and there won't be such a disparity.  Bravo Jim!  The beauty of working for yourself is that you get to pick which 14 hours of the day you want to work.  

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    David Love RPT
    www.davidlovepianos.com
    davidlovepianos@comcast.net
    415 407 8320
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  • 5.  RE: Life after "retirement"

    Member
    Posted 01-31-2015 09:57
    Amen brothers. The skills, training and dedication of piano technicians are taken for granted and undervalued by many. In 2015 I have decided to concentrate on ways and means to improve quality of life but also to have more in the bank. So I am looking at some educational opportunities, PTG Conferences, more active participation in the PTG and of course becoming an RPT. I have also decided to make Friday or Monday the day to do office paperwork- something often neglected.
    Finally I have adjusted my prices upward and will not feel guilty if someone balks. It is what it is. Jim- you will find out there is a whole new world out there...



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    James Kelly
    Pawleys Island SC
    843-325-4357
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