To set up a cleaning business…

[Pippa12]

I need to earn more money. I’m a trained nurse, sister, mid B6. I literally cannot face working another hour more than my contract at the hospital. I’m awake now obsessing over how awful my shift will be tonight, I want out but I can’t afford it. I do not want to do Botox and the like.

I am thinking of starting cleaning on the side? Maybe 10-15 hrs a week around the children. Has anybody done this successfully? Did you find it a profitable venture?

I know i can earn more on bank/agency etc but I’m broken with the NHS and willing to work longer/harder for less money, is it unreasonable to think this might be the answer? I intend to keep my nursing post as I work 2 (13.25 hours) shifts a week.

Of course you ANBU

Keeping your shifts means you can change your mind later on. I would recommend doing a bit of work for a cleaning agency first before setting up on your own. See how you like it and get some tips on what to do and not to do.

I don't think cleaning on the side would be worth it. But have a look at offering decluttering. That is charged at a much higher rate.

Are you able to train to be an ANP ? That money is a lot better then as agency work and can also be private not just NHS

Agency isn’t a bad idea! And I’m actually great at decluttering!

Cleaners around here appear to charge £15-£17ph, but I can’t decide how much of that will actually transpire into profit? With product cost, tax, etc… I’ve looked at insurance, looks about £70-£100 per year.

Im not expecting to earn mega money, but I do need to earn £200-£300 extra a month I’d say.

If your local uni does nursing/healthcare training you could inquire about tutoring/associate lecturer roles. They’re hourly paid and can be flexible.

@CheshireDing thanks for replying. I could do the ANP, I’m crit care trained and it’s offered yearly.

I sadly just don’t want to. I think I’m the definition of burnt out. Every shift feels like fire fighting. I won’t leave my post due to pension/annual leave/sick pay etc, but I need more money. Just need to find a way to earn it that doesn’t keep me up at night 😣

I'm so sorry to hear that. I've been in a similar position. Have you any private hospitals near you with critical care units?

@PieAndLattes lecturing does seem the obvious answer but i wouldn’t want another healthcare source of employment. I want to do something completely separate.

Have you thought of moving sideways and retraining as a salt or ot. They'd love your experience but the roles are less intense...

Or a school nurse? Private schools would love you.

I think it could work, good cleaners are like gold dust, choose your clients carefully, do a 'trial run' to make sure you are happy with the level of expectation etc.

Or what about working for Sitters & doing babysitting, I am sure your skills would be in demand? Private care ... some people pay well to have a private carer looking after elderly relatives? Often no personal care but more 'companionship'? Again, make sure it is on your terms.

@Rollinghill no private level 3 beds near me. I did look at the local private hospital bank work but it’s not for me at the minute. I need to do something different.

I have considered retraining but unfortunately we just don’t have the spare money these days to pay the eye watering tuition fees or to reduce my hours while I undertake the training.

The sad thing is I love my job, I’ve done it for 16 years, but I’ve never known it so challenging. I can manage the hours I do at the minute but I don’t want to do anymore… yet I need the cash!

@Ragwort a trial run is a good idea. I am good at cleaning, I actually enjoy it. Although I’m not up to date with all the tic toc jacks etc. I’m reliable, really willing to work hard. I’m eager to please tho so feel I could easily be taken advantage of, or regularly work over my allotted time.

My husband is worried about working alone in houses which I hadn’t thought about.