My first 5000 square foot solo job felt like a fluke, not a win

Everyone in here talks about hitting big square footage numbers like it's the only mark of a real installer. I just finished a 5000 square foot basement in a new build over in Cedar Rapids, and honestly, it left me feeling kind of empty. The money was good, sure, but it was just me, a lift, and a mountain of board for three straight weeks. I missed the back-and-forth of a two-man crew, the jokes to break up the day. The homeowner came down once, said 'looks great,' and that was it. No real connection, just a check. I think we put too much weight on these solo milestones and forget that this trade was built on crews working together. Has anyone else finished a big solo project and felt more lonely than proud?

3 comments

3 Comments

ruby_bell479d ago

You're talking about missing the crew, but that solo control is the real win.

jessica3319d ago

Totally get the appeal of flying solo.

jamiesullivan9d ago

Yeah, flying solo really does have its own kind of magic. I read this article about how doing things alone lets you move at your own speed without any group compromise. It made me see what ruby_bell47 is saying about that solo control being the real win. You're not waiting on anyone or fitting into someone else's plan. That freedom to just decide on a whim is a huge part of the appeal for me. It turns a normal trip into something that feels truly your own.