Dp wanting to go SE full time - scared

[SillyTilly123]

Dp currently works in a shop 12 hrs a week (though has been up to 30hpw over xmas) 2 years ago he (i say he but it was mostly me doing all the admin etc) started a small gardening business around the shop work. The 1st year exceeded our expectations. It wasn't a huge profit, something like £50 a week but that was fine by us. Last year again was really good slightly higher profits and he actually had to turn away a few jobs due to the shop work.

So this year he wants to quit to go full time. Now reading that back you probably think "go for it" and I would too except...he cannot drive. I have to drive him to all his jobs then either wait around for him to finish if its a small job, or go home then pick him up when hes finished (double the petrol) Now you're probably saying "well why not help him?" and I do sometimes but I have back problems and am usually in agony later if I've helped him. He cannot afford to hire someone yet.

Plus if I do help him he expects me to still sort the kids, tea out etc as "he's done more" (well yeah but you're used to it)

So I'm scared stiff that this is not going to work. Tax Credits and child benefit pay all the bills just, but any money he earns on gardening will need to be used for food. (He will need to earn £168 a week to still qualify for WTC i think) Plus when universal credit comes in, because the work is seasonal he might have to do courses in the winter? -not sure how that works yet.

I've relayed all these fears to him but he's determined he wants to do it because he hates the shop work (always has)

Just having a rant more than anything but if anyone's had experience of this or any tips then I'd much appreciate hearing them.

Forgot to add, he's refusing to do his driving lessons. I think he maybe scared? Not quite sure what he's reasons are.

if he cannot drive he's being a selfish prat

he has to be self sufficient for the days when you are doing other things

Could part of the agreement for him going SE be that he does start lessons? It sounds a bit crazy without him driving and not very efficient. I'd also worry about the conclusions new customers might come to about why he cannot drive - eg drink driving conviction? Or he doesn't go SE until he can drive.

Re whether to do it or not - if you haven't already I'd sit down together and work out exactly what he needs to earn to replace the 12 hours including paying his own tax, money for marketing, new tools etc. How many hours/customers is that across the year etc? How does he feel about having targets?

Are there ways to keep customers throughout the winter? I know a gardener who works in the winter by clearing leaves & generally tidying up. Maybe do a special deal etc?

I don't know much about WTC, but I assume if he is successful enough you won't need them in the end. Which in this benefit shrinking world has to be a good thing long term but I appreciate how scary it is taking the leap.