Last Saturday I made $350 in 4 hours cleaning gutters and trimming hedges for an old lady

Last Saturday I made $350 in 4 hours cleaning gutters and trimming hedges for an old lady. The funny part was she paid me in cash and then asked if I'd come back next week to move a piano, which got me thinking - is it better to stick with quick outdoor jobs like that or take on the indoor heavy stuff where you might break something? What do you guys usually do when a one-time gig turns into an offer for something completely different?

2 comments

2 Comments

fisher.diana15d ago

My neighbor's husband fell and broke his hip doing a similar thing... he was moving a console table for someone and it slipped. I used to think cash jobs were all worth it no matter what, but watching that recovery changed my mind completely. Tree work and yard stuff you can usually see what you're getting into, but inside a house with heavy furniture there's so much that can go wrong. Carpets get torn, walls get dented, and if you throw your back out that 350 is gone fast. I'd say stick with the outdoor stuff unless she's willing to sign something saying you're not responsible for damage... but that's awkward to ask a sweet old lady.

-1

willow73215d agoMost Upvoted

...and honestly that sign idea is smart but yeah super awkward to ask. But here's the thing with old ladies like that, they might actually understand if you explain it right. My buddies do moving work and they've learned the hard way that even a small table can jack up your back if you twist wrong. Carpets are a nightmare too, those little pulls turn into big rips fast. I'd say just tell her you're worried about her stuff getting damaged, not that you're worried about yourself. That way it sounds like you care about her stuff more than your own safety. And if she still pushes back, just say you'll do it for an extra 50 to cover insurance or something. That usually makes people think twice about whether they really need you inside.