My former business partner is closing shop

[seemunkee]

I had a one man cabinet shop for several years and we shared the shop. We collaborated at times but for the most part we ran separate businesses and just shared the space. I got fed up with my customer base and gave it up 12 years ago and left all my machinery in exchange for having a key to use the tools when I needed. This downturn has hit him hard and he doesn't have any jobs lined up for this and is 3 months behind on the rent. Winter has always been a slow time, but this is different. No one is calling about jobs to start in the spring and he knows a lot of other shops in the same shape. He's a damn good craftsman that has far exceeded my skills. Twenty years at the same shop and it will all be gone by the end of this month.

[seabeyond]

1. i tell ya, hubby sold his computer business oct 2007. got a good chunck of money

he could not have chosen a better time to step away from the business. thankful.....

[seemunkee]

4. I'm glad I got out when I did

I wasn't as good as he was and couldn't see being in the business for another 30-40 years. Got some computer training and switched careers completely.

[phantom power]

2. I try to imagine tens of thousand of such stories, all happening now.

I can't imagine it, but I know it's happening.

[Coyote_Bandit]

3. Damn. So sory to hear that.

I find it personally depressing since I have become convinced that the only way I will find a job is to create my own by starting a small business.