Career change, or post-retirement job?

[MILSPEC]

I'm curious on what the professionals in the septic industry think of someone going into septic tank pumping as a career. (With my present job, I'm earning 65k w/ great benefits and only 8.5 years to go before I can retire.) I will be almost 55 when I do retire, and would like to continue working, but in a different industry. I was considering pumping as that, "post-retirement" job to give me something to do with added income.

I have a CDL w/ tank and hazmat endorsements.

Is this a good career choice after I retire from what I'm doing now?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[MILSPEC]

Any thoughts on this from the people doing it?

I see 171 views (so far) on the topic. Would love to hear an opinion!

Thanks in advance.

[Mackman]

Well i hope your in good shape. Septic tank pumping can take a toll on you. I'm only 25 and been doing it for about 4 years now so it ain't so bad for me. But you have to drag 3" hose up hills in the snow or when it is 100 outside. Also have to dig sometimes maybe a foot to 2 feet in the ground if they tank doesn't have a riser. Then you get the bad septic tanks with a foot thick scam layer on the top. It can be hard at times.

Then other times you pull up to a house and the tank is only 2 hose lengths and the lid is on grade. Some good some bad.

[mallenk]

I would think that you could find something easier that to start pumping tanks at age 55 but if you are not afraid of work and I do mean work, then go for it. Do you homework and figure out what you need and go. The worst thing you could do is nothing after retirement.

[txshriner]

I don't know what thes guys are talking a about, I know a little old lady that pumps tanks! If you can pass a dot physical it's a safe bet you could handle the actual work! The real questions are do you have what it takes to start a business, are you a self motivated hussler, are you a salesman, does rejection bother you and most of all do you have enough money to feed your family until you get the business off the ground. Because these days the banker treats the small business man like he has the plague! If none of these questions stumped you and you are a self motivated go getter that can sale yourself you could get in one of these trucks and make more than your job pays in the first year. A highly motivated person with super people skills can easily make 6 figures in a short time. Now the other side of the coin is that if any of those questions stumped you, then you should certainly consider something else because you would without a doubt in today's tough market wind up being another on of those guys out there doing work for anything just to pay your past due bills. And believe me there are as many starving pumpers out there as starving actors.

[RaiderRooter]

I don't know what thes guys are talking a about, I know a little old lady that pumps tanks! If you can pass a dot physical it's a safe bet you could handle the actual work! The real questions are do you have what it takes to start a business, are you a self motivated hussler, are you a salesman, does rejection bother you and most of all do you have enough money to feed your family until you get the business off the ground. Because these days the banker treats the small business man like he has the plague! If none of these questions stumped you and you are a self motivated go getter that can sale yourself you could get in one of these trucks and make more than your job pays in the first year. A highly motivated person with super people skills can easily make 6 figures in a short time. Now the other side of the coin is that if any of those questions stumped you, then you should certainly consider something else because you would without a doubt in today's tough market wind up being another on of those guys out there doing work for anything just to pay your past due bills. And believe me there are as many starving pumpers out there as starving actors.

I think it depends on the area. Around here, risers are a luxury. Tanks are extremely aged and have full sized concrete lids. I have pretty fit big guys that work for me (one is a very tall very muscular guy) and they have their tails whipped. Some tanks are 3-4 feet deep. Even pop lids on tanks that are approved to be driven on are very very thick. I wouldnt hire anyone of retiring age or a smaller woman, just wouldnt work

[MILSPEC]

Thanks for the info.

FWIW, the guy that does my tank is 85 y/o. (He is a lot like my dad who is also 85 and does work that makes me look bad. These guys are not from the generation of lazy types).

Anyway, he sold his waste collection business years ago and has been doing septic tank pumping ever since. He believes that if he quits, he will die. He is a great man and has actually become a good friend of mine. My reason for asking in the first place was if he does retire, I was considering his business if he would sell it.

[txshriner]

Thanks for the info.

FWIW, the guy that does my tank is 85 y/o. (He is a lot like my dad who is also 85 and does work that makes me look bad. These guys are not from the generation of lazy types).

Anyway, he sold his waste collection business years ago and has been doing septic tank pumping ever since. He believes that if he quits, he will die. He is a great man and has actually become a good friend of mine. My reason for asking in the first place was if he does retire, I was considering his business if he would sell it.
When I first went into business in 91 there was an old WWII veteran named Harry Smith that cleaned tanks literally til the day he died! in 1997 Harry was in his 80's and I'm not talking early 80's either he was diagnosed with cancer, he took the option of surgery which was not advised because he had it so bad. The day of his surgery he got up early and took his grandson to work with him. They had 3 complete lids to dig up and remove, the pup dug 1 and Harry dug the other 2! At noo. He went into surgery and didn't
ake it through. Harry Smith himself told me " Cant never could!" Harry Smith was a decorated war hero that refused any compensation for his wounds and never took 1 dime of the pension he was entitled to.