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I have been trying FOR YEARS to segue out of my "day job" into something more in line with my values and my sensibilities. One of the things I've considered is becoming a paid organizer, specializing in craft room organization. I do a lot of rearranging/organizing in my own space and truly enjoy the process. I've read (and heard) numerous crafters lamenting their lack of organization/workable space, so I know there is a desire. The real question, though, is if it's viable as a way to support myself. I'd really appreciate input via the poll, and any extra thoughts you might like to throw out in this thread. Thanks so much!
This sounds like so much fun!! I didn't vote 'cause I'd want to be the paid organizer! I even made up a flyer once and thought about putting it up on the bulletin at work (not craft rooms, but more like paperwork and filing, and setting up filing systems). But I didn't, 'cause even though I would have loved organizing and filing, I would've hated driving to people's homes, and I wouldn't have gotten enough sleep (barely getting enough now). If I was retired I'd try for this, 'cause it would come close to being my dream job!! Best wishes to you!!
I would hire you. I used to clean homes for a living and the ladies asked," how do you get so much done and it takes me twice the time?" One thing is you wont get side tracked with phone calls and everyday life. I have been working on my craft room for months and feel like I am not getting anywhere.
I think you could be a success as so many of the working force is just too busy. You could organize all types of spaces, such as kitchens and bedrooms. My son in law has a full time job, but also works on a monthly retainer doing odd jobs for a lady. He puts up her decorations, takes them down, scrubs her deck. You get the picture.
I thought about doing general organization - kitchens, offices, etc. - but I organized a kitchen for someone in my family and it kind of skeeved me out, so I want to stick to places that wouldn't really be "icky", ya know? I could do offices okay, though...
I would love to hire you to do it all IF I could afford it. I love organizing, but have some ability issues that make it hard to do a lot of physical stuff. As it is I have someone come in once a week to help with cleaning - I can't carry in groceries or carry out trash, and vacuuming and some other things are hard too. I know how I'd like things, but would love help going to get storage items and setting them up. I did a major purge recently but had to get help taking the stuff out.
Sue, I picked the first option. I would gladly foregone purchasing more craft items to cover the cost of a gifted organizer to come in and get it done. I just don't have the time or energy....but id gladly pay someone and then get back to crafting.
__________________ Meg from MN*madameplushbottom is a childhood nickname from my godmother*
Thanks for the input, ladies! I agree that it would be best to have the client "invested" in the organization, but I can also see where they might prefer to just walk into a clean "new" space and start playing...
Well Sue, you will just have to pick Fort Collins as the place to move to, and then we can go into business together!
I've offered to come do an organization for some fellow SCS members...if they'd just get me a plane ticket, and I'd do it for free. No takers yet ;) But I love organizing!
If Fort Collins gets snow then it's totally crossed off the list of possible places to relocate - sorry, Diane! It would be fun, though, and you do have a bazillion great organizing ideas.
Arlene - that's nice of you to volunteer to be my guinea pig. I have to 'fess up, though - the thought of actually going into your space and messing with it caused me a bit of anxiety (maybe I'm too chicken to actually do this...?)
I put down assist because I think people need to be invested in an organization system to keep it running.
Or...they could keep her coming back for "touch-ups". Periodically I file papers for my brother (once every few years) and for a co-worker (once every few weeks). If they're not that into organizing that could be another source of repeat, periodic business...
I know some people who are professional home organizers and it is like any other job -- you make a lot of money when you work but there is often dry spells. I wonder if you can make a living doing just craft rooms, the money seems to be in garages and basements. Let us know when you launch your business and how it's going.
Mary Beth
If Fort Collins gets snow then it's totally crossed off the list of possible places to relocate - sorry, Diane! It would be fun, though, and you do have a bazillion great organizing ideas.
Arlene - that's nice of you to volunteer to be my guinea pig. I have to 'fess up, though - the thought of actually going into your space and messing with it caused me a bit of anxiety (maybe I'm too chicken to actually do this...?)
LOL! Me, too...someone else sorting my stuff! But we can get over that quickly! My anxiety is over the need to sort and purge...lots of that to do! Sadly I have enough stuff for a small store, I think!
Sue, you know what my space looks like. I bet you'd love to have at it! ;-)
If other people are happy in their space, that's all I care about. You seem to be functioning VERY well there, and you have the room to "sprawl", so it's all good I have a very small space, so if things are chaotic, I can't even think straight, let alone create...
Mary Beth - you have a very valid point about possibly being too specialized, and the very real plausibility of dry spells. I'd probably do other things, too, to supplement my income. I'm just really, really burnt out on my current profession. And how important, really, is a pretty little pillow or new cushion in the grand scheme of things? I'd like to do something that actually made a difference somewhere, ya know?
Arlene - sorting and purging is my favorite part! Maybe we really can pull this off...
I thought about doing general organization - kitchens, offices, etc. - but I organized a kitchen for someone in my family and it kind of skeeved me out, so I want to stick to places that wouldn't really be "icky", ya know? I could do offices okay, though...
sue my first question would be "who has the final say?" I might want to keep something you feel should be tossed. I believe if I have room for it. it gets to stay!
I'm very close you could start with my room. great storage.
I could certainly use the services of a great organizer! Fixed income is a limiting factor here, but as I sit here & envision your working idea, it seems like offering a variety of "levels" would reach more of us. i.e. As in your poll, be ready to offer full services, but also be just as eager for someone to be right in there with you, wanting to participate either a little or a lot.
This past weekend I was chatting with a life-long girlfriend who has made a complete work/career switch in the past 2 years. She now does custodial work in businesses and is having such happy success that she is often gleefully telling me about it. She isn't even in a city .. this is a small country town in OK. Her lowest paying gig is $20 per hour. Even though hers is a different job plan technically, there are some nice similarities to your idea. She is in control of her days and has flexibility not available to those in a majority of 9-to-5 or shift jobs.
sue my first question would be "who has the final say?" I might want to keep something you feel should be tossed. I believe if I have room for it. it gets to stay!
I'm very close you could start with my room. great storage.
The client would have the final say. I'm not looking to reform anyone, just help them corral all of their stuff so they could find and use it more efficiently (great question)
I could certainly use the services of a great organizer! Fixed income is a limiting factor here, but as I sit here & envision your working idea, it seems like offering a variety of "levels" would reach more of us. i.e. As in your poll, be ready to offer full services, but also be just as eager for someone to be right in there with you, wanting to participate either a little or a lot.
This past weekend I was chatting with a life-long girlfriend who has made a complete work/career switch in the past 2 years. She now does custodial work in businesses and is having such happy success that she is often gleefully telling me about it. She isn't even in a city .. this is a small country town in OK. Her lowest paying gig is $20 per hour. Even though hers is a different job plan technically, there are some nice similarities to your idea. She is in control of her days and has flexibility not available to those in a majority of 9-to-5 or shift jobs.
I have flexibility and control to a great degree now, so that's not why I'm looking for a change - I just need something new and challenging. I'm glad your friend is happy and successful!
Poll: Paid Organizer
