I’m 22 and just finished college with a degree in Sociology. The job hunt has been tough so far, so I’m thinking about learning power washing and window cleaning services. I actually got accepted to work with a local company where I can pick up these skills over the next few months. My goal is to eventually start my own cleaning business.
My family and girlfriend think I should focus on finding a traditional career instead. But honestly, I really want the freedom to set my own schedule, the potential for better income, and I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and working hard. I want to build something that feels meaningful to me personally.
I don’t see myself stuck in an office doing the typical 9 to 5 routine. Making $100k would be amazing, but I’d be totally happy earning around $70k. I’m confident I can hit those numbers if I put in the effort and stay dedicated.
I feel pretty confused right now and could use some perspective on whether I’m being realistic or not. I really want to be able to support a family someday and have the flexibility to actually be present for important moments. My parents and sister keep telling me that running your own business means you’re always working and it won’t be sustainable when I’m older.
Right now my plan is to work for this power washing company to learn everything while still applying for regular jobs. I figure I can do the cleaning work as a side gig until it grows enough to go full time.
Would love to hear thoughts from anyone who’s been in a similar situation.
Your family’s worried about stability but they’re missing the bigger picture. Power washing isn’t going anywhere and neither are dirty driveways.
Working for someone else first makes sense. You’ll learn the ropes without risking your own cash and figure out if you actually enjoy doing this every day.
That $70k target sounds doable but don’t forget taxes and business expenses will eat into it. I’d set aside 30% of everything you make from day one.
Smart move learning a trade while keeping college doors open. Most grads just grab the first office job and get trapped.
Working for them first is perfect. You’ll see the real business - what they charge, how long jobs take, what customers complain about, equipment costs, busy vs slow seasons.
Track this stuff while you’re there:
Job pricing
Time per cleaning type
Customer complaints
Equipment failures and repair costs
Seasonal work patterns
The flexibility is real. I work around my life instead of the other way around. Your family sees the hard work but misses the control part.
Start building an emergency fund now though. Equipment breaks, customers stiff you, weather kills work days. Cash cushion turns stress into confidence when stuff goes wrong.
If you’re somewhere cold, plan for winter slowdowns. Window cleaning helps but expect lean months.
Your sociology background is actually gold here. Understanding people beats technical skills for sales and keeping customers. Anyone can learn to run a pressure washer.
Power washing’s solid work. I know three guys doing it - all clearing $80k without breaking their backs. Equipment pays for itself fast, customers come back every year. Your family’s seeing risk where there’s opportunity. Yeah, you’ll work harder the first couple years getting established. After that? You’re printing money compared to most desk jobs. That sociology degree isn’t wasted either. Customer relations is half the battle in service work - you’ll use those people skills daily. What matters: can you show up on time, do quality work, and price competitively? If yes, you’ll make it. Most guys fail because they’re unreliable or undercut themselves, not because the work doesn’t pay.
Been running my own service business for 8 years. Your family thinks small business ownership is still like the 1980s - 80 hour weeks forever.
Here’s reality: year one sucks, year two gets better, year three you hire help. By year four I made more than my corporate friends working fewer hours.
Power washing is recession proof. People still need their houses cleaned when money’s tight. You can add deck staining or gutter cleaning once you build relationships.
Your girlfriend and parents see risk because they’ve never done it. They’re picturing failure instead of success. Normal family stuff.
One thing nobody mentioned - get liability insurance day one. Customer slips on wet concrete and your future earnings are toast.
Don’t burn bridges over this. Prove it works by doing it, not arguing about it. Actions change minds faster than words.
You’re 22 with no kids and minimal expenses. Perfect time to try entrepreneurship. Worst case you go back job hunting with trade skills and business experience.