Starting your own IT support business in 2021

[robinhood007]

Hi My fellow IT Geeks

 

In 2021, Is starting your own IT business still a good Idea?

 

Can you please share some thoughts !?

 

Thanks

[paulkerton]

Depends what kinds of businesses you'd want to support.

The Education IT space is... rather aggressive. You'd be likely to pick up some primary schools, but the MAT/Secondary space is full of people who'll happily throw FUD around to diminish your opportunities!

Edited February 11, 2021 by paulkerton

[Danp]

Tough but everything is possible. I ran my own for 18 months after being made redundant in 2009, was hard work, lonely at times, frustrating but very rewarding. I'm glad I've done it, but I'm not in a rush to do it again!

[TechMonkey]

I'd say, being a bit pessimistic, the case against would be companies won't be looking to jump ship mid pandemic and companies that didn't have anyone would have contracted by now. If you have some offers lined up though, go for it. There are so many shocking MSPs that if you are fair and make money without gouging you'd do well, if you can get the chance to get them on board.

[BOOT]

Given the number of businesses I have helped to cease trading in the last month, probably not.

[robinhood007]

Comparing to a 40K annual wage, do you think having your own business was financially rewarding ?

 

Thanks

[robinhood007]

Starting your own IT support business in 2021 Edited February 11, 2021 by robinhood007

[elsiegee40]

Comparing to a 40K annual wage....

You don’t work in education do you?

[robinhood007]

Yes I do , I was just wondering if its worth it to move on and do my own business or carry on like this until I am retired ! Edited February 11, 2021 by robinhood007

[HPlum78]

I would say it depends on what your offering is, if you can get into integration, service wrappers and blended learning solutions (steer away from hardware) there is a market place for sure. What was you thinking about?

[robinhood007]

I just was working for very long in all levels of IT and got tons of training and work experience. There are awesome opportunities out there and I seen people making crazy money, but I always worked for someone and was reluctant to start my own business. I didn't want to waste my time on something that maybe not worth it !, but I got a great Idea and more welling to try now !. Edited February 11, 2021 by robinhood007

[HPlum78]

Yeah I have seen contractors on ~£1200 a day recently so if you have a skill in demand you can certainly make your money.

[Ogdos]

It sounds to me like you've already made your mind up to do this.

If you have and also have a good idea, then yes, follow your dream.

Will it succeed or fail? That will be on you and your idea.

There is always a market for the right sort of idea, and the right sort of person.

With the greatest respect, I nether know you or what your idea is, so I wouldn't like to hazard a guess as to whether or not it will work.

Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best and hope that it brings you happiness.

[MatthewL]

Personally for me even pre covid unless I had a solid backing of customers there and ready to once I started up I wouldn't do it unless money wasn't a massive concern.

 

There are too many companies out there all willing to undercut and many of the I think make the rest of us professionals look silly when we go in with a proper valid price for works i.e. you quote for time, materials etc say comes in at £15k then you get someone that comes in at £5k but using materials not suitable for the job.

 

I'd much prefer to work for someone you know you are getting a solid wage every month regardless and put your skills to use there.

 

From a techie point of view a one person band has its risks compared to say a company unless you are a specialist consultant or what you are supplying is a specialist skill i.e. wifi specialist, specialise in specific software or hardware where support is limited as such.

 

Just my views but, everyone might not agree but that's how I see things. By the way a year ago I did jump ship although it was all in place several months before covid hit, for me everything worked out for the better in all honestly.

[robinhood007]

Thank you, that is really kind. I always thought that we only live once and for a short time, therefore we have to make the most of it. I seen people sticking to their jobs for life and fighting hard to keep it, but I always thought that this was because getting that job was the best of their abilities. I know a guy who was promoted from a tech to a senior tech, he started wearing suits since that promotion, but his new wage was not even 30K a year, his manager didnt wear suits!. I also have a friend who is earning 1000 pounds a day on a full time contract and he is employed since 2016 sept until this minute, he comes to me for ideas so his employers keep him longer!.

[Reboot_IT]

If somebody wants to dress smart and professionally then fair enough. I don't think salary should come into it.

[robinhood007]

the point is that he did not wear suits until he got promoted ,but I see the promotion did not worth it to go and buy suits especially if his employers didnt ask for it !, but for him is a big thing and I understand .

[mthomas08]

Why not start at the basics? Use social media and create your own portfolio to advertise your services.

 

If you have the expertise behind you, you could easily advertise it and get it out there. Keep your job.. spend a few hours in your home time to build that portfolio.. get everyone you know to share it..

 

The risk and cost will be minimal.

 

List all the technical babble and translate that in to English for the non IT literate. Sooner or late a school might pick up on it and ask for advice. That 1 school could turn in to 10. You can take it steady and see how things go and offer more down the line. With no staff employed, you can keep the charges to a minimal too.

[Protec]

Personally, I'd rather have the job security of working in education, Council, NHS, etc.