AIBU to be pissed off with selfish people

[Elvis1956]

I work for a number of customers as a gardener it's about 40 customers in total I see frequently. Unfortunately, 2 years ago I started to experience pain in my fingers. It was diagnosed as arthritis. It's quickly got to a stage where I can no longer make a fist with both hands, lots of pain and inability at times to do small tasks such as cut up my food or tie my laces.
Given the fact I'm out in the rain, wind and cold; using vibrating mowers hedge cutters rtf I've decided I need to give up work. I'm 55. I'm finishing at the end of the year so all the gardens will be up straight and there's time for them to replace me. I love my job, I'm much cheaper than the competition. Deliberately so I have stayed busy. I'm gutted to be giving up.

Here's my aibu.
2 people have asked if I could just give up every one else but them...yeh I'll keep running a van and carrying tools about just for you.
Only 3 have asked how I will manage financially, given that there is no way I can do most jobs
Many have asked me to find a replacement for myself
1 has told me, quite rudely to not bother to come again after working there for 15+ years

I'm sorry to hear this. Most people are so self absorbed, never thinking about how something is affecting someone else. What are your plans when you give up work?

Wow that’s incredibly self absorbed of them! I’m so sorry you’ve had this experience OP.

The lady who does my garden was surprised when I offered her tea and biccies - apparently no one does! I suppose people think of gardeners as 'the staff' rather than skilled professionals.

I don’t really see this as that bad…

Group 1 we’re just asking - they may not realize the amount of investment there is in your work considering lots of people offer gardening services on the side. I’d take it as a compliment that they don’t want to lose you.

Not asking about your future is just polite. I wouldn’t question a small business owner about their plans after a company dissolved.

If I had a trusted vendor like you for a number of years, I’d absolutely ask if you for recommendations for a replacement

The last guy sounds a bit like a dick but maybe had been planning on cancelling your services anyway and took the opportunity. If they didn’t break a contract - it’s just business.

This is your private business and they are your clients. Move onwards and upwards.

Are you able to take on an apprentice with the view to fully training them and paying them a wage and you stepping back as an employer ? Thinking of you here not your selfish clients

I'm so sorry to hear this. Arthritis and the cold don't play well together at the best of times never mind when you're outside doing manual work.

And I'm so sorry that some of your clients are being shitty (at worst) or selfish.

Try not to let them get to you 💐🌻

They're clients, not your friends! For all they know you might be glad of a few hours a week, or have a friend who wants to take over your list.

An apprentice is a good idea especially if there’s still things you can do?

Have you looked into treatments etc for your fingers?

It's none of their business how you will manage financially and I would find the people who asked rude.

I think the only rude one is your last example.

What the first group, after being told I'm jacking in my job because of ill health, clearly caused by or at least not helped by it, are ok by asking for me to carry on just for them?

No really possible to employ someone, given that the max rate charged here is £25 (which is taking the micky) per hour. Most charge £15. So even paying minimum wage I would be taking about £4 an hour, less the expense of van, equipment etc