To think I've found a big gap in the job market for women?

[SayHelloDoris]

Painting/decorating... Not even to a ridiculous level, just basic stuff.

Think good old Mrs Margaret wanting her new lounge painted but not keen on a male tradesman. She browses a bit of Internet search pop ups in her area and she stumbles upon a lady to do the job.

Is there not a gap in market for this? I know it's not legal (I think?) to advertise you are a woman painter/decorator, but surely it's fair obvious if you call yourself Sophie Painting PLC

Could this be a possibility for me to consider if I want to earn a bit of extra cash? I'm a fab painter and very passionate about home decor.

Yes. Men are dangerous rapists! Get to fuck with your BS. I genuinely pity women like you

Oh yeah, cause the PP definitely meant this Er, no. She was just saying women are generally safer for other women then men. Which is true if you're honest with yourself.

I doubt she shoots suspicious glances and makes been lines for female cashiers. But if someone is in your home and you want to be able to trust them, why not another woman you can relate to?

Safer because they're weaker, I guess. But like I said, I pity her for going through life viewing men as dangerous. Should we view bigger men as more dangerous and little weedy men as safer?

a) Why should I relate to women better than men?

b) Why is a woman more trustworthy than a man?

c) What would you think if you turned up at a house for a quote or a job and the person opening the door said, "thanks for coming but really, I wanted to hire a man"?

I'm interested in your answers to these.

If I want a painter and decorator then I would choose the best at any given price, perhaps basing this testimony or recommendations or their attitude when giving a quotation. Their sex would have absolutely no bearing on my decision whatsoever and if you tried to tell me that I should give you the contract because you're a woman and therefore safer, more trustworthy and more relatable (does that mean we can discuss periods whilst you're painting my architrave?) I'd show you the door and make sure to warn others off you.

As a female decorator, some customers do prefer a woman. It is not an angle I push. No need for an angle, the majority of my work comes through recommendation.

But a woman is no more or less trustworthy than a man if they are coming into your home. Okay you won't get raped but stealing your stuff, physical assault etc are all technically possible from a woman as well.

There's a business called The Painted Lady near where I am entirely staffed by lady decorators.

We also have a team of lady roofers.

I feel very 'meh' about the matter. Gender doesn't come into quality of work for me. It's about liking and feeling comfortable with the person you hire.

All technically possible from a woman but look at any crime statistics. Preparatory of most crimes (particularly violent crimes) - men! It's not sexist to say that. It's a fact.

It still happens though. There is a relatively small probability of a workman coming to your house and attacking you. But if you are cautious, which most people are, don't get complacent about the fact it's a woman, that's all

Presumably it would be OK if a man specifically chose a female trades person too?

OP, if you're good at it and enjoy it, I would go for it. Success in an enterprise like this is all down to repeat business and recommendations - if people like what you've done, they will pass your details on to their friends.

And yes, I think there is a market for women to do this kind of job. Lots of single women feel very uncomfortable having a man in the house for very good reasons, so would feel happier hiring a woman, as long as you're competent.

I do gardening. Lots of elderly ladies have massive gardens but don't want blokes in their gardens. Go for it!
Advertise locally or use odd job websites such as Care.com.

I did painting and decorating professionally and on the whole homeowners did prefer to employ me because I am female. I think it was because we were perceived to be quiet and tidy. I was trained to a fairly high standard and could undertake a whole range of special paint effects and wallpapering as well as plastering and general remedial building work. I could also lay floors and do tiling. Work always came on recommendation.

It's not about 'toshing' out a room or doing a spot of DIY OP. You often need to be able to work with other tradespeople and anticipate problems that can arise. You will need to invest in some good equipment too. Go and do a course if you need to learn more skills and get some qualifications. Go for it. There is work out there. Good luck.

"Okay you won't get raped" oh well, if that's all.... No actually it isn't. As a female widowed and living alone since aged 48, I'm still waiting for the innuendos and excessive interest to stop, from nine out of ten men, and other widows I know have had the same problem. It's really not pleasant, when my only interest is actually about the job.

I'd say go for it!!
I was an apprentice painter for a while. It took me a while to get a placement as company's wouldn't take me because I was a girl and the one that did got the local paper out to make a song and dance about being the only female painter working for them. It was hard as the men I worked alongside were absolute arseholes to me. I worked just as hard as them but they didn't want me in there workplace, with one of them telling me to go work in a shop because I couldn't paint. I was young, naive and couldn't stand working with them any longer So I packed in.
I do miss it and it was nice to go into a womens house and her being suprised that your there and to say she felt alot safer with a women in her home.

One of our families has a jobbing builder Dad, they've used a local female decorator for their hallway and on a couple of jobs. He doesn't care to do too much decorating.

Anyone can offer their services – small jobs for the elderly is a good example.

A retired friend of mine was a professional decorator – the real skill is in organisation – he moved the furniture at the start of the job in such a way that the next time he moved it, was to put in back in place. The other key is preparation.

Get in touch with your local Job Centre (whatever they're now called) as you may be able to access free training courses.

Remember always, you are running a business and all that implies.

All the best to you.

There is a Lady Plumber round here, she advertises as such and works in partnership with a male gas fitter. She is coining it!

PyongyangKipperbang

There is a Lady Plumber round here

I don't want to get too technical, but they prefer to be called Obstetricians and Gynecologists.