I'll go on record and say this. It takes a special kind of person to work in the P&P industry. A special kind of idiot. Yes, I count myself in that description.
However, if you are that special kind of idiot, it's possible to make money. Fair to good money.
1 -You have to have the right personality. You can't be a hot head, you need a very even temper and thick skin.
2 -You need to have an ability to think outside the box. See different ways of getting things done. The most efficeint way to get the job done. Not cutting corners, just the best way to get what you bid done.
3 -You need to be a very good money manager, almost to the point of being a real miser. But, willing to spend what it takes to get the job done.
4 -You have to be a self starter, that is, someone who doesn't need a boss looking over your shoulder to keep you motivated. And can manage your time and the time of others very well.
5 -You don't absolutely have to be a jack of all trades, but a small skill level in all trades is very helpfull.
6 -And finally, and most important in my opinion, an ability to argue without anger. You really need to be able to make your point, make a knuckle-head see why your right without making the knuckle-head angry with you. You need that knuckle-head to be on your side at the end of the argument. Because that knuckle-head has to take it to the boss and that's where the case is decided. Making the knuckle-head an enemy doesn't do you any good. And, you need to be able to lose an arguement, and still get paid. By employing #2 above, and having a long memory.
That's my nickles worth of advice. Take it for what it's worth, about two dead flies. :laughing:
I'm not as long lived in this industry as others here or as well versed in all aspects of the industry as others. But, I have been in it as my sole source of income for 5 years. I think I've done alright and as mad as I get sometimes, I never let them see me sweat.