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Recently, I've lost my job in telemarketing, but in the end, I felt happy that I was out of there. I hated the job, I hated the supervisors and them incessantly talking out of their a**, I hated the building (It was underneath a Super One Foods store, which was symbolic of how telemarketers are on the lowest rung of society), I hated feeling like I was being underpaid to be dragged through the mud by pissed-off strangers, I hated how I sounded more and more like a scammer, and lastly, I HATED THE ALLSTATE MOTOR CLUB! Just an overpriced sack of crap that just makes you bet that your car will break down just so you can feel good about doing something that would otherwise be financially irresponsible (especially since AARP and AAA offer the same, if not better, service than Allstate).

In the end, I'm back to Square 1, but I've been there even when I was hired for that stupid telemarketing job.

However, this marks the third job that I've lost, and the first time I've actually been fired, which means that this could be a nail in the coffin for me, and more than likely, I'll be "unhireable," especially now, of all times.

So, if it does come down to that, my only options are:
1. Enlist in the military
2. Start my own business

Believe me, I'd much rather start my own business than ever dream about being in the military (No offense to vets, but...I'm not exactly well-suited for the military). Also, I'd want to start a business that works with one of my greatest passions in life- automobiles!

I've done a bit of research and found two routes for me that I can do on a shoestring- Mobile Auto Detailing and Mobile Oil Changing. Both are jobs that I'd love to engage in, and wouldn't mind sweating and toiling over. Believe me, I pampered my Volvo back when I had her, and it always made me smile when I would drive her after a good wash. That I know I can do really well, and I have pics of my Volvo to prove it. Also, as you may know, this is Duluth, Minnesota- When it snows, road crews slather the roads with salt and dirt to keep them cleared. That's why detailing can be in big demand, especially here after the winter.

Oil changing is a fairly simple job that I know how to do after I've done it several times on my old Raider (back when I had her...). Not to mention, it's essential if you plan to keep your car running for a while after you bought it, and here in Duluth, no other business allows the oil change to come to you- a big plus for my business.

So, now that I've written all of that...I've come to seek advice on which would be best to start, based on operating costs, customer satisfaction, risk of failure, etc... I've also not exhausted the option of running both at the same time, which will require more planning, but can still be doable. But anyway, does anyone have any advice on how to get this business started on the right path?

bump

(sigh) This guild is not what it used to be.