Lights Out: The Dark Reality of My Failing Business in the Cost of Living Crisis
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2023
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"Amor fati" is a Latin phrase meaning "love of fate." It promotes embracing and accepting one's circumstances, whether positive or negative. Rather than resisting or resenting what cannot be changed, it encourages finding meaning and joy in every moment. This mindset fosters resilience, self-empowerment, and inner peace by choosing to love and fully accept all aspects of life. Ultimately, "amor fati" leads to a more meaningful and fulfilled existence.
"The obstacle is the way" is a quote from Stoicism that suggests viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Instead of avoiding obstacles, it encourages embracing them as a path to success. By reframing setbacks as valuable lessons, we develop resilience and find creative solutions. This mindset transforms barriers into catalysts for personal and professional development, leading to greater strength and achievement.
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I own a cabinet making / furniture restoring business in Nottingham, it's long established, 49 years at the moment, I'm ticking along, but it can be hard. I'm normally very busy but things have tailed off slightly. To be honest, I used to worry about everything, but not anymore, worrying solves nothing, the average human lifespan is so infinitesimally small compared to the Universe we live in, we're nothing, if the earth and entire solar system vanished tomorrow the Universe wouldn't even realise we'd gone. Life is basically just taking the p.i. $$ out of us all, it's just a big joke, I laugh at life everyday and stick two fingers up at it. Keep your chin up mate, you'll be reight!
Great comment, you sound like a stoic!
Good comment
So true , great way at looking at life.
Spot on that very true 👍😃
only started to understand this way of thinking. Spot on.
Talking of Stoicism , last April i was hit on a Dual Carriageway by a driver who had passed out at the wheel, while passed out he accelerated and crashed through the barrier separating the carriageways and hit me head on, the Police said we came together at 100 MPH, i have had new hips, a new knee , broken Sternum, Compressed Spine etc, As i write this one year on i am planning to buy a TUK TUK ( an Indian 3 wheeled taxi ) and ride it around the world recording the journey for UA-cam to show other disabled people with the right frame of mind nearly everything is possible, i hope things pick up soon for you James, you are one of life's triers.
Thank you, that's some story mate, good luck with the journey and be sure to let me know your channel when you start
@@bythecurb I will do mate
Hello James. My story. I had a break from HGV driving and started a business buying and selling fancy goods and giftware, then bought a catering trailer. All was well for three years, then the recession hit and I had o go back to driving. At 59 I was not enjoying my job so cut my hours which cut my income. At 60 my state pension kicked in. I had £200 in the bank and a mortgage. I made the decision to stop spending, except for mortgage, utilities, food, two cats, and my car. I looked on that as my next challenge, to survive on a small income. It worked, had to go without a lot of things, only buying what I need. I kept a spending diary to track it all. In three years I saved enough to pay off my mortgage. 14 years later I am in a good place. I lived on yellow sticker (whoopsies) food for many years. I joined the scrum, not nice but it had to be done. All documented on my blog. Survival is down to working out your priorities. Sorry about the long comment. I wish you well. ilona
Ilona is very very knowledgeable about being frugal, have followed her for years. James im sure you will do brilliant at whatever you decide to do, you and Helen are brilliant❤❤❤❤
Thanks ilona, you've done so well for yourself, credit to you! 😍
@@bythecurb And you can do well for yourself as well. If you can feed yourself, pay for your van, and honour family commitments, you are laughing. Try not to worry. You have the lovely Helen by your side. xxx
Dont go into the building trade as that is going quiet. I blame the traitorous government that are running Britain into a depression to introduce a chinese style universal income in a controlled cashless society.
Very lorry driver name that.
"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference "
Serenity prayer. ❤
👍
👍
how long you been clean or dry
I took redundancy 6 yrs ago. I’m now 60. I have no mortgage which helps. But I live a frugal but enjoyable life. I buy cheaper cuts of meat. Use my slow cooker. Freeze a load of meals etc.
I don’t drink much and don’t smoke. I have an old T4 and get great enjoyment out of mosying about.
Ps. Love your channel. 🙏🙏🙏😊
Thank you
I wish you all the best my man.
Sadly, these days it isn't about what life throws at us, more what our crappy govt. does.
Never give in James. Never forget how lucky you are with your health and the gorgeous Helen by your side. There are many people struggling. We just have to carry on my friend. Good luck.
Thanks Charlie
The problem is a lot of people are strugleing with the cost of living and have little spare money. Hard on all small business owners. But one door closes then another one opens. Good luck.
Beautiful garden so peaceful as well
Something shifted in my pysche around the lock down period.
Ive been in me little blue Caddy since September 2021. I didnt like to document it or try to use it as income as ive seen a lot of vanlifers crash and burn by having to provide content all the time. Just be you James thats what saw your channel grow quickly.
I work 4:days a week in a pub kitchen and get 3 days off. Im better off than ive ever been financially and mentally.
Things will work out. Takes care bruv.
I love the van life vlogs but I'm starting to do different types of content too.
I agree totally with you I have a hairdresser's that I've had for 27 years and the lease was up this year and I nearly gave it up. I'm glad I didn't and at the age of 56 I've just renewed it for another 5 years so be positive always look forward xx
Thanks Elaine, good luck with your business
@@bythecurb thanks 😊
Ive had the worst year ive had in a long time, fincially things have gone down hill for me, im always struggling with mental health and back pain, but i basically said to myself the same message you were getting across in the video, stay calm and stay positive and things will come good again 👍👊👍👊
It's the best way to be Kevin, there's nothing else we can do
Chin up lads. Roll them socks up
Hi James, just to let you know in 1992 I went skint after the electrical contractor I was supplying on a job for a famous building society new HQ in Bingley. I lost my house and nearly 50 employees lost their jobs. The economy did get better and I got back on my feet but you do have to graft to ride the storm.I am now 70 and although retired due to the dreaded C word I will continue to watch you ride the storm and buy the lovely Helen more than fish and chips !! ( yes I like fish and chips).Keep your chin up and good luck.
Ps my neighbour seems to earn a living at buying tatt at boot sales and selling on eBay and market place, mainly old carpentry tools and such like, don’t know how he does it
Thanks Stephen, sounds like you've really been through the mill mate. eBay is really hard because the fees are extortionate!
@@bythecurbnot really mate almost every 2 weeks they give you 80% off selling fees . I’ve made around 2k just selling stuff I don’t use any more . Also bought a few phones for £350 sold them for £475.
Everyone is going through hard times just now. As someone said to me once , “ it might be a shit day, week, month or year but it’s not a shit life”.
That garden is a serious amount of hard work and dedication, it’s awesome
hi James your not alone mate my bank has just told me my overdraft will be stopping its my safety net but not anymore times are very tough especially for a self-employed composer but hey walking round your mums garden was a nice touch what a beautiful home n garden a paradise you can forget all ya troubles in that garden all the best Phil from Shropshire 👍
They are crashing the economy on purpose so they can bring in the soloution of universal based income tied to digital currency. it's a sham.
Thanks Phil, where is your music available online? I'd like to take a look
@@bythecurb hi James my music is on pond 5 👍🙏
James , most people are having it tough these days including myself but do not despair . You and Helen are two of the nicest people on UA-cam and I have absolutely no doubt when you try out your new ideas for the channel you will eventually be able to make a good income from it as a result. I ve actually become comfortable living a frugal lifestyle . Being debt free , enjoying nature around us and keeping healthy are the most important things in life . Your parents garden is absolutely stunning by the way . Being in such a lovely environment as that is in itself very stress reducing .
Thanks, being in nature really puts things into perspective
Another beautiful life comment sounds exactly like me
The struggle is real! It’s good to remember we’re not failing, there’s a lot of us in the same boat.
Onwards & upwards is my mantra 😊
Its payback front covud all the billions spent on ppe track trace monies to bussines bounce back loans everyone buying 50k plus cars etc etc years of pain ahead and to cap it all raising mortgages to unfordable levels
I’ve lost 55% of my usual earnings this last two years. I’m self employed , small one woman band mobility business. Some days I barely earn enough to cover my bills and buy food . There are people using food banks that earn three times what I do but I’d never do that. I just keep fighting on and show gratitude for small wins when they arrive . It does get depressing especially as I’m living alone but I keep plodding on and doing what I can
I'm sorry to hear that, I hope things pick up for you ❤️
Own my own business and it's so tough. If it's not the economy, it's staff, competition, costs, burnout and loneliness It's an emotional and physical rollercoaster and it can definitely feel pretty grim at times. Watching content like yours is a nice escape from it all and one of the ways I take my mind off things when it gets overwhelming. Sounds like the time in the garden really worked for you, maybe you should do it more often. Everything will be all right mate -
Thank you Alexi
Loneliness is hardest thing being a one man band !
Totally agree. I am trying to build a business as well and I am feeling the same emotions. Need the heart of a lion when building a business.
That garden is ace full marks what a place to relax well done mum dad 😊 4:02
Well said James, acceptance is a great consiouse level to find, after 40 years high street hairdressing trading I packed up, re invented myself to virtually cost free mobile business, never looked back. You are going to be alright, you'll adapt and survive. Keep an open mind. Take good care. Harry
Thanks Harry, I will be fine
Hi james wow that brought a tear to my eye 😥 I lost my mum 10 months ago and that has changed my life, me and my outlook. I will live in a van soon cos it's something I have wanted to do and experience. Lovely that you are close to your parents enjoy Quality time with them cos every moment is a magic moment and making memories is what life is all about. Keep up the videos and just as one door closes another opens. Keep smiling james you have a beautiful partner so enjoy your adventures together x
You talk a lot of sense
Thank you for such a lovely comment, Im so sorry that you lost your mum
Life is tough right now buddy.
I marvel at how full the pubs are every time that you and H go to a boozer.
But totally qonquere never let shite get you down.
Always keep up the fight.
Youll be amazed at how strong and industrious the human spirit is.
Closing my small business in October due to astronomical cost rises and a dramatic downtown in trade. You're not alone.
I have been on a rollercoaster emotionally, and it has drained me of resources.
I can't wait for it to end....
I'm sorry to hear that. It's so stressful
When you have put the ground work in, the bad times always pass when the next opportunity presents itself. Sounds like that opportunity may be around the corner James👍😉
We love your channel, and also are thinking very seriously about selling up and either downsizing or getting a bigger van. Life is too short to worry. My dad used to say... "dont sweat the small stuff" and worrying solves nothing. We have recently come to realise that we dont want material things anymore, we want experiences, meeting people, travelling, just chilling listening to birds.
Time is precious ❤ Everything will work out for you 👌
I agree 100%
Thank you, I remember there was a book called 'dont sweat the small stuff' It was good, I'll look it up
Thanks , yes that's right... there is a book! My dad is sadly no longer with us, another person who worked hard all his life and only had a couple of years to enjoy retirement. .We don't know what's round the corner, so let's just live and enjoy the here and now (as Jennifer Warnes and Joe Cocker would say) 🤣👍
Hi James,
I have sold crystals and minerals that i go around the uk collecting. Last 6 months has been dire, just given up the house and moved into my removal lorry to save on costs.
Been loving your videos, kept me going whilst i was prepping the lorry and stopped me giving in when things seemed impossible.
Tough times can be times to embrace change, even if only temporary to get by and survive until the better times return.
Enjoy the extra time you have for yourself
Thanks for the message, I hope things pick up for you soon mate
Hi, life is sent to try us, I remember being in such a state that I thought I could do no more than sit in my dads garden and forget about the world. But then a ray of sunshine came and looked out for me when I needed it most! Keep going, change happenes when you least expect it.
It does Mark, I'm a big believer in that
Thanks for sharing James. Tough opening up about stuff like that. So many people struggling whilst big companies are making billions. Make me so angry. I hope things pick up soon pal 🤞🏴
Thanks Glenn
Another great from the heart video. You seem to speak with such ease about things that others find so difficult👏 wonderful to watch.
Thank you
@@bythecurb you would be good at podcasting. Maybe give that a try too?
Thank you
Hey James, I've been unwell with new medication lately and felt a bit of your darkness. But my philosophy is I try to pleasure in the small things like a sunset or a nice view. Hope things pick up for your business.
Thanks Darren
Hi James, great video, uncanny that my business is suffering the same and anything could happen, love the quotes, keep smiling buddy and as long as we stay true and honest and be good people, i am sure all will come good :) stay strong my brother :)
Thanks Alec
Hi James, I was the same doing ebay with collectibles and closed the business Feb this year because sales just stopped. The interest rate is a big factor now for mortgages and loans so people are cutting back especially on collectibles. Let's see how next year goes. All the best John.
Thanks John
Hey James, very honest video as usual mate. When you said "I know there are a lot of people worse off" yes of course there are, but you don't live their lives in the situation they are in. It's all relative. You are looking at your life and probably thinking there have been times when there was more money about and more opportunity to make money. I'm a bit down at the moment too because my business is quieter than I would like and there have been several unexpected bills turn up. But you would look at my life and think "you're kidding, you've made it mate" but its all relative to what you had ,or what you expected to have, or what your piers have. But you're a winner James because it doesn't matter how much money any person has, it's never enough, its gets spent and your expectations increase, it never equates to perpetual bliss. What does, is knowing that what you have with Helen can be and is bliss. You can't buy a soulmate, you can't buy real love, you cant buy humour, you can't buy health, you can't buy integrity, honesty, soul, common sense, humanity and most importantly you can't buy time.... they are not for sale. You and Helen have all of that. You are actually incredibly rich, just maybe not in money. Ask yourself this... would you swap everything you have right now with a 93 year old billionaire or keep what you have ? I'd keep what you have if I were you mate and be smug about it :) Oh and your Mum and Dad have a stunning garden, it was like watching a gold winner at Chelsea :) Chin up buddy and if you ever need a pint and an ear, I'm your man!
I wish I'd said that wise man
Thank you Jamie, such a wonderful comment
Mate i mainly watch UA-cam channels take it from me your a natural with your down to earth presentation,
Concentrate on youtube I think you will get plenty views 😉
Take care
Thanks Ken, I'm going to spend more time producing videos and see how it goes.
Been there pal , pride had me hanging in far too long . I eventually pulled the plug , bit the bullet & took a job . 6 months later another different job came up & 4 years later im the happiest ive been in many a year . We had to cut back & move to a smaller house also sold my car & bought a push iron .Dont give a shit any more as long as family is healthy & full bellies . We having our first holiday in 5 years next week , dont owe a penny to anyone - life is good ❤
Good on you mate, I hope you have a brilliant holiday
Beautiful garden. When I first saw you sat in ASDA car park I never realised you were a philosopher James. We all appreciate you being so real. It takes guts to be that honest. I hope to bump into you somewhere in the north one day!
Thanks Mate
I have much in common James. I buy and sell similar to you. I always feel down in quiet periods but then bounce back when I make good sales. It's only natural to feel this way. Stick with it mate, times will change. Keep up the content, love you both 👍
Thanks Mate
Hi James. We are in exactly same situation as you are. Also in the antique and collectible business. It's been quietest we have ever known it. It is stressful and you start thinking what could we do instead etc etc but loads of people everywhere the same. Hopefully it might pick back up soon but can't see it happening any time soon tbh. Oh well just get on with it best we can int it? Good vid though again. Concentrate on the youtubing you are doing great, look how many subscribers you have already! Everyone staying in watching UA-cam instead of going out spending lol. Look forward to the next one. Cheers, Lou and Chris x
Hi Lou & Chris, yep it's a nightmare, so many people are struggling so the last thing on their minds is buying antiques! Im going to give the UA-cam thing a really good go, see if I can make a living at this but keep the antiques in the background.
Sounds a good plan x
I’ve looked at and watched so many different vanLife-based channels and yours is the best and most relatable for me. You come across in a very genuine and honest way. I’m in my mid-50s and struggling financially and mentally/emotionally. I really enjoy watching your content.
You've seen by the comments what people think about you and Helen keep them videos coming onwards and upwards
Thanks Paul, that means a lot 😀
@@michaelmccooey5500 Thank you Michael
Hey James, I'm feeling the same, just came off a large project and all the work that I undertake has mostly dried up. Been freelancing for 23 years and always get through the hard times but this seems different in that it's so quiet.
Just go to keep going....
I think a lot of people are a couple of pay cheques away from being homeless or at least hungry atm , they're really making young families struggle , I sorted a load of stuff out yesterday for a girl with 4 little kids husbands got a good job,she had a good job, sacked for not taking the clot shot while she was pregnant , she's at her wits end and needs to do car boots to make ends meet , it's all man made fear and struggling , but things will change soon ,we win
We will Mandy
Hi James, take comfort in the knowledge that you are making a difference to people watching your channel and I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that you and Helen are changing the lives of some viewers and that includes me.
Keep doing what you're doing my friend x
Absolutely agree. I so look forward to their videos. I feel like I know them, like James and Helen are friends I just haven’t met yet 😊
Such a lovely comment David, thank you so much. It really makes us feel better to know that we are helping people out no matter how small
Pound is waste time pension worth nothing hundred pounds worth little or nothing if u entend going for day out can forget about going for holidays every place looks dead and rundown cost rents abosultly dreadful then they add all litttle things to rent service charges for this and that dearest rents in world then u have to pay hundreds pounds out small pension
Beautiful garden. Things always work out for the best 😊😊
I know exactly how you feel. I also run my own little online business and work has really slowed down. Things have taken a real dive this year. My neighbour is/was self employed and had to close down in April. Just being here feels like a bit of a miracle.
I've been trying to keep busy on the social media and online side of it and trying to find ways to keep ticking along and stay busy. I've taken up side hustles in the last year and they are paying more than my business now. :/
I'm house sitting for my parents whilst they are on holiday and it's a nice escape from the routine and drudgery of trying to get by. At least I get to worry in a nice house with a nice garden, :/ Hang in there. I wish I could offer you some actual useful advice. Seems like loads of us are all in it together.....
Fantastic insightful comment..Im a big risk taker,,and always believe in if you never try,,your always wondering "" what if"" 👍🤗👍
We are all in this together, its great to get away to different surroundings and leave all your troubles behind
At least you've your mum and dad 👌👌
Hi James I lost my business and ended up in the bankruptcy court I thought it was all over for me but no with my brilliant wife I had to start over again it was hard but I look back now and realize it’s like you said it’s life I hope things get better for you and please keep the videos coming absolutely love the channel chin up lad
Cheers David
Your Mum and dad's garden is absolutely beautiful, love the roses and wisteria; the climbers on the arches and all the nooks and crannies! 💜
Sorry business is slow but look forward to hearing about the good news 😊 all the best, Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne
Your videos are getting better, great choice of music in the background. I hope things get better for you James. You and Helen deserve the best you are good, honest people. I love that when you feel down you do something kind for others. Stay positive the answers will come ❤
Thank you, I love choosing the music for my videos
What a beautiful garden your parents have.🌷
James and Helen..... I'm sure there could be a television documentary about you two...... The most entertaining couple.
Good luck with the reviewing and other projects.... You and Helen are so close and that goes a long long way today. Sorry you're struggling mate. Take care.
Thanks Ray, that's a lovely thing to say 😊
@@bythecurb if me or the Mrs ever bump into you both I promise we will buy you a crate of beers for entertaining us all.
Huge respect ! By far the most genuine channel out there
Keep your chin up m8, thing's can only get better,love your videos keep them coming
I understand completely, during lockdown my mate, who's a Boatbuilder, was forced to work from home, he was devastated but fortunately his sails went through the roof 👍
The antiques game has definitely tanked...there used to be a thriving antiques auction room in my small rural town and people came from all over Ireland to it ...the owner died and a new guy came to town but he has closed down...things allegedly switched to online but I advertised a houseful of antiques a while ago having lost both my parents and deciding to downsize my living situation....nothing sold!! It was shocking...I guess people aren't thinking of luxuries just survival at the moment
You will find a new niche ...love always finds a way
Thanks Angie
My slowest few months since starting 14 years ago running a small tree Surgery firm, the change is quite shocking. There’s been slow b4 but nothing like this. Keep on keeping on! Love my job and am blessed to be able to say that.
So honest. You’re a refreshing change James, really you are.
Life is very difficult for lots of us at the moment. Your videos, even the melancholy ones, are a little ray of sunshine. You’re both such lovely, genuine people.
(And your Mum and Dad have an absolutely beautiful garden)
Thank you Nikki
What an absolutely beautiful calming garden your Mum and Dad have, it’s no wonder you are able to think and come up with ideas for the future. James, I’m a 68 year old Granny and in mine and my husbands time of bringing our kids up to be good responsible adults, there have been times when we have, like many many others, struggled but even during the hardest times something has always, always turned up, it might only have been just enough to get by on but we managed, “we cut our cloth accordingly “ as the saying goes. We’ve never been the sort to want to keep up with the “ Jones’s” and we made do, our kids never went without ( we might have but they didn’t) we have both worked from the ages of 15 up until retirement and what doesn’t kill ya makes ya stronger, here’s to your fabulous van life future. 👍🐾🐝💕
Thank you 😊😍
Wow such a beautiful garden. Hoping times turn better for you. It is very hard. We are both self employed and when times are quiet it does stress you out. The best place for thoughts and relaxing are gardens x
Thank you Joanne
Good vid mate. I kept imagining your mum at the window telling your old man 'he's going round the garden again talking into that Facetube thing. What's he doing?'😂. Tough here in Aus too; just got to keep plodding along I guess.
It looks a beautiful garden - so full of healthy looking plants and such abundance !!! Shame you cannot find that in your work at the moment but I feel it will come back !? HOPEFULLY !!
Thank you!
Keep the Vlogs coming. I love them 😊
Worry never robbed tomorrow of its sorrow James, it only sap's today of its strength.
Great quote, thank you 😊
@@bythecurb you're a good man James,I recognise it mate.✅👍
Great video and I would live in a van if I didn't have my 19 year old daughter. Totally fed up of working just to pay bills. My income went up in April and despite working 40 hrs week and doing 10 sleep ins a month. Really noticed the difference in what I now can't afford. Thank god you are already in your van and are happy with that. Gorgeous garden btw and loved the video date night at stannage edge.
Thanks Debbie, hope things pick up for you soon, there are so many of us in the same boat.
I'm retired and so I'm on a fixed income but I have to pinch pennies and look for bargains when I go shopping, I don't like to touch my savings. I'm lucky in that my friends have this property that I can live on inbetween my travels. I have a trip coming up that's been on my bucket list, I'm going to The Open golf championship this year at Hoylake. So, that I can afford it , I will be camping in a tent near the course. I don't play golf but I do enjoy watching it as did my mother who passed last year, I'm doing this for her too. You know when one door closes on you then usually another one opens, so I bet you will have some great opportunities presented to you. Maybe you and Helen can be traveling food critics, looking forward to your fish&chips review. All is well here today, the sun came out and I got a bike ride in and I do love time in a lovely garden as well. That's a great garden there. Cheers to good food and travel for you and Helen, take care now.
Maybe start pressure washing driveways or window cleaning with pressure washer? Stick cards through doors amigo. Good luck.
£400 for a driveway.
coffee van, gardening business, patio laying ...
Make a channel off the back of pressure washing.. loads are doing it.. quite a popular watch.
We are in our late 50s and still working 4 and 5 days a week, not struggling but getting tired and long way off retiring, We struggled in the 90s when the kids were young, I remember living off a bag of potatoes for a a fortnight.
How about starting a 2nd channel James sharing your knowledge of antiques and collectables etc. What pieces to look for, what prices to pay and how to advertise and photo them correctly etc. I am sure many people out there would be happy to have a few tips when potentially buying and selling. Just a thought. Good Luck Matey! Love the channel.
I love that garden! Gorgeous!! Times are stressful and hard for a lot of folks. But that's life, peaks and valleys, as experience has taught me. Working on the channel is a good idea and no one I am quite sure, will get tired of more videos. 😊 Your videos are good anyway, so why should they? Just keep on trucking. I am sure that things will work out and your efforts would bear fruit. Btw, the music choices for your videos are a 10/10. 🎶
Thank you, I love making the videos and choosing the music is my favourite part
@@bythecurb Really good job on the music. 👍😊
Hello lovely person walking round in a lovely, lovely garden. Sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time - but it won’t last
forever. Something will turn up just wait & see. So you’ve decided you’re going to be a Fish’n Chip Meister. Good luck with that !
I work in the NHS (advanced practitioner)so everyday is flat out and manically busy. We will never be millionaires but there’s no time to overthink this (I’m good at overthinking lol). We all have slumps in our life, you will be fine you’re a strong man. One day at a time xx
I feel lucky that we are not skipping meals like many are! Hope your business picks up love. Look forward to the Fish & Chip review. Your mums & dads garden is beautiful. Nice job with their patio James. Our love and best wishes to you ,your family and the lovely Helen. "Amor fati".
Thank you Janice
Lovely how your so open James, keep with the positive thinking mate I hope things turn around for your business. Maxx
We don’t grow and evolve without life’s challenges, it’s just getting through them..enjoy your videos and hope your subscribers grow, which it should. You are both down to earth and unpretentious and full of humour and Helen is a keeper which no doubt you are for her..
My wife in same business ,all gone belly up,but onwards and upwards...keep smiling
Geezer … now don’t get me wrong here just saying … love your channel with Helen . This vlog a tad different so here’s my penny worth . Had the best job in the world ambulance 20+ yrs got assaulted one night needed surgery and never went back and to top it of I’m unable to work again….. 3yrs ago .that was a struggle .. so with out going into detail I look at it this way now .. if it can be sorted …..why worry ….. I go to bed …I wake up ….. today is a good day ……. Your parents garden totally looks amazing……. Enjoy your fish and chip date look forward to seeing the next vlog … here’s a virtual 🫂 heading your way ….. 🚐 ,
Same, all of May was quiet for me in e-commerce, think it’s the sunny weather and bank holidays. How about buying a pressure washer? You could knock some doors, do some for free, get some before and after photos then get some leaflets made up, you could even film it
Such hard work and dedication has gone into that garden, and the results are beautiful and peaceful ... 💜💚 thanks for showing it to us 🍁☘🌿⚘🌻
Have you started looking into merchandise for the channel yet? Caps, T-shirts, Hoodies, keyrings, bottle openers (for the beer!) etc.. etc..
I am sure your buy/sell business fluctuates - so should be on the up soon - get out to those car-boot sales .... ✔💯😀😀 from Jo 🙋♀️
Hi Jo, I've looked at some of the merchandising websites but I'm going to try and find someone local
Chin up fella, takes guts to open up. You are, despite any setbacks, a very lucky man. Supportive parents, family, and the lovely Helen. Sunny days to come, love your videos.
I really feel for you & hope things improve in your life. It certainly is a stunning garden.
Refreshing to see a real UA-cam channel which reflects real life - it’s a rare thing these days. All these channels which make out everything is easy and perfect are not genuine. Keep it going!
Mate, I gotta say, yours is the best channel I've watched hands down. You're funny, honest about yourself, realistic about your situation and a great fella. Helen and you really work well together and I truly hope you get the success you deserve with the channel.
Keep doing what you're doing pal. Good on ya!!!
Thank you, I appreciate that 😊
I was made redundant at 50. I've no trade, I'm single and I don't have any family support. It was such a worrying and depressing time. I ended up taking a manual job in a hospital and got to know people. A year later I ended up getting a clinical support role and now I specialise. I went in totally new and as green as a cabbage. The answer is to never give up. I see life as a river. Sometimes you flow through calm water but inevitably you hit the rapids. You just have to go with the flow and during the rough patches just keep your head above water but it will pass.
That's a beautiful garden mate. What part of Barnsley is it in?
I've only just found your channel. it's great and I've subscribed. Good luck!
Sending you a big hug James! ❤
Just remember the position you’re in now,is the position some people have been in for years, nobody cared then. Now it’s affecting higher income earners
Chin up mate,don’t let it grind you down stay positive you’ll bounce back,watched the channel for a while now and gotta say it’s great content keep up the great work! Antique dealers always find a way lovejoy did now that was a classic always watched that as a kid 👌🏽also how you make life in a van so easy it’s inspirational to watch 👍🏼
Thanks Lewis, I watched some old episodes of Lovejoy recently and quite enjoyed them
Keep the vlogs coming and I hope things improve business wise
love of your love of philosophy, man, me too!. Beautiful house and garden, they must be very proud.
Beautiful garden!❤🙂☀️ Hope your business will grow again and that you will feel "lifted up"🙂❤
I had to watch this video twice, the first time I was so absorbed by your parents garden I forgot to listen to you talk. I am an older guy that has severe medical issues and so as such I have been "medically retired" for the last 30 years, I can do things but only for short "bursts" at a time (so, potentially umenmployable) I also have autism and so can be very socially awkward around people. When I was first declared "worthless", my whole world crumbled, my future prospects gone in the blink of an eye, my saving grace was my girlfriend (now wife), I learned to "breathe", to focus on the positives rather than the negatives (albeit extremely difficult at times). 30 years on, I'm still in the same position both medically and financially (receive PIP) but we have 3 beautiful children and a cheeky 5 year old grandson, life is good.
I so feel for your good self and others in the same boat, what once there was some form of security in any given job, today, that has been taken away, small businesses are being deicmated and the knock-on effect is so noticeablt, where once we had high streets filled with "unusual" shops, everyone of them had theior own uniqueness, now, it's as if we've lost the country that once was "ours" to big cats and corruption, while the little man suffers from "their" actions.
Keep smiling and breathe.
Thanks for your comment, I'm sorry its taken a while to reply for some reason it has only just popped up in my feed. Im sorry to hear about your medical issues and I know all about the social awkwardness as someone very close to me has autism too. I will always keep smiling and will try some breathing techniques too! 🙂
My business took a hit in 2020 I’m still here & carrying on .. can’t wait to see you & Helen next time,you 2 are so funny & make me laugh so much 😊good luck for the future 👍
Thanks Lou
love the folks garden, stunning....business is tough but its a lifestyle now, imagine having a job ? me neither, we've all been here before and we will adapt, keep up your good work with the videos, funny stuff 👍
Great video James! I have been employed, and self employed over the years. My photography business was going down so I did part time mail delivery, then night shift in supermarket, then day carer on minimum wage! I think (like nature & animals) we have to adapt to “change” and it’s how we keep going! Good luck Sir!!!
Your mum is a terrific gardener! 👏👏👏
I think you and Helen are fabulous. Things will definitely get better, life has its downs but it will have its ups that follow 😊
Good video, thank you!
Yes, I empathise. Though you have not reached the point of learned helplessness. Keep proactive and things will work out.
Well done for saying how you're feeling James. It's good to talk rather than keeping things bottled up. Your parents' garden is stunning. All the best to you.
I have had a few lose ends. Now I made it to retirement. Great mate. Everything will be ok.
Congratulations, hope you are enjoying your retirement 😊
Your Mom and Dad’s garden looks like my Mom and Dads! I always end up helping them in the garden because I love sitting in it to get some nice peace and quite! All the best mate
Thank you
This is very relateable and more of a common problem than a lot of people think..... Wishing you all the best and hopefully things will turn around quickly for you. Wishing you all the luck in the World. Most men would keep this bottled up (bad thing). Talking about it and sharing with friends and family helps to deal with the stress related to this problem.
Thank you!
I'm 60 and worked for myself 80% of my life, l just wanted to be free it wasn't about money. But...... the other 20% of the time when l was earning zippo l took "jobs" for a regular monthly income. I didn't want to but you have to keep money coming in somehow. Downside is a the "job", but the upside is the £ & time to think how to get out of it. I've never been in debt, my advice would be to take a temp "job" & use it in your channel, your a personable bloke, it'll work out.