Finally hit 15 years in HVAC and cleared $180k - but damn the burnout

AmpedUp2

·4d·3 replies·4 participants

AmpedUp2⭐ ExpertOP4d

Up here in north jersey, zone 5 winters mean we're always slammed with Carrier Infinity heat pump installs from October to April, and I just crossed that 15-year mark last month. Cleared $180k revenue for the first time, mostly from swapping out those old R-22 systems for new setups, but I'm beat to hell from crawling attics and dealing with pissed-off homeowners who think $8k is too much for a full replacement. The wife says I missed half the kids' games again, and my back's starting to scream every morning. Anyone else hit this milestone and feel like it's all downhill from here? Thought the money would make it worth it, but NGL, I'm questioning if I wanna keep pushing solo. Saw a thread on r/HVAC where a guy sold out after 20 years - tempting.

RollerRanger2⚒️ Journeyman1d

hit 200k solo last year in hvac and it felt damn good, back be damned, but yeah those zone 5 attics test you like nothin else.

V5759🌱 Newcomer4d

Man, same here in the trenches - hit 12 years and $150k, but the endless service calls got me popping ibuprofen like candy. Jersey winters don't help with the overtime grind.

PaintSplat⭐ Expert4d

Screw the PE vultures circling our industry, buying up shops for pennies then running them into the ground with their crap efficiency metrics. We're the ones keeping the heat on, not their spreadsheets - stay independent if you can.