Broken man, extreme burnout

[Chris Schultz]

@levi r working solo will definitely burn a guy out, working with a stick in the mud of
a human will burn you out, and make you question every decision you’ve made leading up to this point….. Hang in there buddy, the grass isn’t always greener….

 

[data farm 26]

I really like this group of people here. Thank you folks for the wisdom and kindness.

Maybe try land surveying....

I've actually seriously considered that, just not sure how to get into locally. Seems like a really cool job though.

Owner operator is definitely tree work on hard mode.

Completely agree. I had an amazing partner (mi hermano) for almost ten years and that was actually kind of easy with the way it was setup. Solo owner operator doer of all tasks completely broke me in less than 2 years.

Come work with us in Hood River. I need a good crew lead. I’ll make it worth your while and we have an awesome team. Avant for chipping and moving material. We use cranes and contract climbers for the big nasty things.

I often get a bit burned out on being an owner operator but making sure it is a team sport and really trying to do more delegating has made it feel more sustainable.

That's very kind of you, Ryan. Thank you. Hood River is damn beautiful. Fir now I've got to stay local para mi ninos. But if we ever go mobile I'll definitely look you up either way!

Have you considered taking a break where you purposely have -zero- tree related stuff on your mind? like reset, starting over? Could involve ahem alcohol partying as that is stress release and sedative all at the same time. doctors prescribed it before the days of pharmaceuticals!

reminds me of a treebing post where he said have you ever done a tree and then just gone blank right after, not even being able to recall the details of what you just did. on auto pilot. seems similar or related. you'll get through it

I've definitely done some breaks like that, always feel pretty much the same when I get back though.

Once you learn a trade you once loved, it's hard to walk away. There's good coin to be had in the arborist world. I've decided some time ago, I'm sticking with it. My 2nd trade doesn't float my boat anymore. It barely ever did. There was just really good money in roofing but not worth the competition or the daily grind. I can find peace in most trees depending on the crew. When I turned wrenches, I loved working on drag cars. Racing has and always will be in my blood. Working on the common, greasy, rusty, trash of a daily driver.....not so much.

An old timer told me some time ago, "There'll always be tree work.'' He's right.
Levi, take a break, give your head time to clear. Talk to that customer and reschedule. Just explain you feel burned out and need a couple days......you'll want that coin sooner than later.

If I recall, you've given this up before but been drawn back into it? A lot of companies I know, owner operator included, take weekend camping trips, 3 day vaycays, what ever it takes to keep that piece of mind.

You, be you.

Thanks, Craig. Good points. Yeah, I got a different job for 3 months once and was drawn back. The money and the freedom are what keeps me in it.

 

[rico]

Have any of you ever gotten to the point where you just can't do trees anymore? I got out of the truck, looked at the tree, turned around and came home. Left $2200 on the table too, probably could have finished by 4, solo. I just can't do it anymore.

As you know I recently made the decision to hang up my saddle and spurs and move on to the next chapter in my life. Physically I felt like I could go for another decade, but mentally I was fucking done. This thing that I loved for so long no longer brought me joy and the thought of another big burnt up fir over a house made my skin scrawl, so I listened to those voices and decide to finally pack it in. So much of my identity, purpose, and ego was linked to being a tree-man so it wasn't an easy decision, but damn I am glad I did. My nervous system is finally getting the chance to down regulate and calm down. Amazing and life changing!

You are one of the good ones levi and I have no doubts you will find your best path forward. Good luck and remember to enjoy the ride..

 

[data farm 26]

The hamster wheel, no matter what trade you’re in, is getting less and less appealing when the economy just doesn’t work for most people anymore. They say there’s a problem with general malaise in the work force. It just doesn’t seem worth it a lot of the time, especially when it involves breaking your back and risking your life.

A general sense of foreboding and impending doom locally really has a lot to do with me calling it quits. People just don't seem happy to spend money on trees where I live right now. Or in general, people seem very uneasy about the future more than I can remember.

It’s all the shit surrounding it that spoils the fun.

Totally. In a vacuum it can be great.

I wish you luck.

Thank you!

How's your health? The mind and body can't be separated, if one gets off kilter the other will follow. This is something I see far too often these days.

I've been doing tree work for over 56 years. The vast majority of that time as the owner and sole climber of the company. During this time I have never lost the love of what I do. Even so, I still tried several other professions knowing that eventually time would prevent me from continuing. They all, eventually, board me to tears. So I finally just shrugged my shoulders and said fuck it, tree work it is.

If it's what you want, you'll find a way to make it work. However, there's nothing wrong with change, if it is truly what you want.

My health has been declining a bit, I'm hopeful that a change in lifestyle will straighten me out. I've often been inspired by you, Dave. And similarly another climber I know who is like you. I used to think I could be like you guys but I just don't love it enough to soldier on!

Wow lots of great comments and advice from sage and experienced folks.
I’m on the other end of the spectrum, feeling some energy in the formation of a new business venture of my own.
I ask (rhetorical) what was it that got you started in the tree business - and if it motivated you then can you revisit that spark?
I recently read a book that kind of solidified my thoughts- it’s called “the alchemist” . It’s not a long novel, maybe you have read it? I can send you a copy, pm me your address

Yo! That is such a rad book, and a very kind offer to send it over. Thank you. I can remember well the excitement of the starting out phase, I'm really glad I did it. I hope that you prosper and thrive in your new venture! Personally I feel I avoided so many pitfalls and learned about the type of biz I wanted and didn't want from interactions on the treebuzz. Best of luck to you.

@levi r working solo will definitely burn a guy out, working with a stick in the mud of
a human will burn you out, and make you question every decision you’ve made leading up to this point….. Hang in there buddy, the grass isn’t always greener….

Lol for sure! Honestly, I think I've been that stick in the mud guy a time or two (sorry former co-workers) and definitely have worked with some really difficult people. We're a strange lot no doubt.

As you know I recently made the decision to hang up my saddle and spurs and move on to the next chapter in my life. Physically I felt like I could go for another decade, but mentally I was fucking done. This thing that I loved for so long no longer brought me joy and the thought of another big burnt up fir over a house made my skin scrawl, so I listened to those voices and decide to finally pack it in. So much of my identity, purpose, and ego was linked to being a tree-man so it wasn't an easy decision, but damn I am glad I did. My nervous system is finally getting the chance to down regulate and calm down. Amazing and life changing!

You are one of the good ones levi and I have no doubts you will find your best path forward. Good luck and remember to enjoy the ride..

I'm really glad to hear that you are feeling good about the decision and am stoked to ride out in your wake! I can strongly resonate with some stuff you said here. Thank you for the encouragement my friend, it means a lot!

 

[southsoundtree]

When was your last break/ vacation @levi r ?

 

[Treetopflyer]

Levi ! I sincerely bid you all the best moving forward as you devour your tail !
Love Aaron

 

[data farm 26]

When was your last break/ vacation @levi r ?

I think I've taken more time of in the last year than I had the previous 10 combined. I think that has something to do with the choice to quit really.

Levi ! I sincerely bid you all the best moving forward as you devour your tail !
Love Aaron

Thanks a million!!!

 

[Steve Connally]

@levi r Dude. I'm sorry you're struggling. Also @rico I had no idea. Best wishes to you. So many pipe dreams of climbing with people I really respect. I shoulda jumped on it when I could have. Best wishes for you!!!!

Levi. I'm there with the crane. I'm mentally done. It's brutal and destroying me with stress. This past 18 months has been awful and it took this dark place to realize how much I dislike what I'm doing. The subcontractor life sucks and it was really effecting me. I have gone back to climbing as often as possible. I'm generally just pruning majestic trees on great properties. I feel alive again and renewed with passion for something I loved for so long. I truly hope you find that in your life. It sucks to be in that dark place.

@rico when I retired from the FD a park of me died. That person I identified as was gone. It was one of the most difficult things I've had to deal with. It was an huge loss. I still grieve for that part of my life. Now I'm trying to figure out who the fuck I am again. The crane thing and stopping climbing after so many years then the failure of the business and the loss of that identity. Now I'm a tree climber again and it makes me happy. I hope it lasts.

Good luck gents. I admit I havent read all the responses on here but looking at the people who responded, I suspect at some point I should!!

 

[evo]

My dads advice “the moment work stops being fun, quit”
I should probably listen to that, I’m mentally burnt out too. Doing way more consulting and managing, I enjoy it but it doesn’t feed me anymore. I was hoping for some inspiration at the chapter conference but just seems like the same ole.
I’m sure there is something you can find where you can still climb and work with trees in a different way.

Side tangent is the city is doing a massive sewer/water project. Utterly destroying trees, I was the arb hired by the contractor hoping it would be more than a dog and pony show. I walked from the contract and what that has taught me is how many folks noted that something must be going very wrong if I bailed. That support feels good, just have to figure out how to pay the bills like that

 

[rico]

@levi r Dude. I'm sorry you're struggling. Also @rico I had no idea. Best wishes to you. So many pipe dreams of climbing with people I really respect. I shoulda jumped on it when I could have. Best wishes for you!!!!

Levi. I'm there with the crane. I'm mentally done. It's brutal and destroying me with stress. This past 18 months has been awful and it took this dark place to realize how much I dislike what I'm doing. The subcontractor life sucks and it was really effecting me. I have gone back to climbing as often as possible. I'm generally just pruning majestic trees on great properties. I feel alive again and renewed with passion for something I loved for so long. I truly hope you find that in your life. It sucks to be in that dark place.

@rico when I retired from the FD a park of me died. That person I identified as was gone. It was one of the most difficult things I've had to deal with. It was an huge loss. I still grieve for that part of my life. Now I'm trying to figure out who the fuck I am again. The crane thing and stopping climbing after so many years then the failure of the business and the loss of that identity. Now I'm a tree climber again and it makes me happy. I hope it lasts.

Good luck gents. I admit I havent read all the responses on here but looking at the people who responded, I suspect at some point I should!!

So good the hear that you are back in the saddle and enjoying it. Ride it as long as you can my friend.

 

[Steve Connally]

So good the hear that you are back in the saddle and enjoying it. Ride it as long as you can my friend.

Thank you. I will

 

[Treezybreez]

Hey Levi, I’m sorry you’re going through some tough times. I’ve been on the verge of burnout for a few years. Haven’t listened to my voicemail in close to five years now. Well, at least not from my contact list. I’ve let a bunch of opportunities pass me by, but I think there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I have a little area of my yard that I’ve been planting trees, improving the fire pit, building rock boarders and pulling weeds. It’s becoming my prayer garden; a place where I can escape from the fast pace world and talk to God and enjoy His creation. I’ll be praying that you find Peace brother.

 

[Matias]

I have felt what you're describing, but not about tree work. The multitude of challenges and setbacks that I have had in getting my house built is unbelievable. I wanted to give up a while back, and just sell the land, but the more I explored ideas for what I would do instead, the more dead ends I found. Some things I would actually like to do are just off the table because of financial reasons and such, and at the end of the day, I don't think I will actually find greener grass out there.

I know you're a practical and resourceful guy. You'll find something that lights you up. Just don't be a stranger 'round here, alright?

 

[data farm 26]

@levi r Dude. I'm sorry you're struggling. Also @rico I had no idea. Best wishes to you. So many pipe dreams of climbing with people I really respect. I shoulda jumped on it when I could have. Best wishes for you!!!!

Levi. I'm there with the crane. I'm mentally done. It's brutal and destroying me with stress. This past 18 months has been awful and it took this dark place to realize how much I dislike what I'm doing. The subcontractor life sucks and it was really effecting me. I have gone back to climbing as often as possible. I'm generally just pruning majestic trees on great properties. I feel alive again and renewed with passion for something I loved for so long. I truly hope you find that in your life. It sucks to be in that dark place.

@rico when I retired from the FD a park of me died. That person I identified as was gone. It was one of the most difficult things I've had to deal with. It was an huge loss. I still grieve for that part of my life. Now I'm trying to figure out who the fuck I am again. The crane thing and stopping climbing after so many years then the failure of the business and the loss of that identity. Now I'm a tree climber again and it makes me happy. I hope it lasts.

Good luck gents. I admit I havent read all the responses on here but looking at the people who responded, I suspect at some point I should!!

Hey Steve, I'm glad to hear you've gotten a good spark from climbing! I thought about you a lot in the last year, relating to how things weren't working out with your business. I hate to see others struggle, but I appreciate the solidarity. Thanks so much for the well wishes, same to you, my friend.

My dads advice “the moment work stops being fun, quit”
I should probably listen to that, I’m mentally burnt out too. Doing way more consulting and managing, I enjoy it but it doesn’t feed me anymore. I was hoping for some inspiration at the chapter conference but just seems like the same ole.
I’m sure there is something you can find where you can still climb and work with trees in a different way.

Side tangent is the city is doing a massive sewer/water project. Utterly destroying trees, I was the arb hired by the contractor hoping it would be more than a dog and pony show. I walked from the contract and what that has taught me is how many folks noted that something must be going very wrong if I bailed. That support feels good, just have to figure out how to pay the bills like that

Sorry to hear that you're having some burnout too, I hope that you can change it around so it works for ya again.

Hey Levi, I’m sorry you’re going through some tough times. I’ve been on the verge of burnout for a few years. Haven’t listened to my voicemail in close to five years now. Well, at least not from my contact list. I’ve let a bunch of opportunities pass me by, but I think there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I have a little area of my yard that I’ve been planting trees, improving the fire pit, building rock boarders and pulling weeds. It’s becoming my prayer garden; a place where I can escape from the fast pace world and talk to God and enjoy His creation. I’ll be praying that you find Peace brother.

Thank you, brother. I hope in 5 years I can say I haven't listened to any voicemails, or even better, no emails! Sounds like a nice little spot you've made, I'm sure you deserve some solitude!

I have felt what you're describing, but not about tree work. The multitude of challenges and setbacks that I have had in getting my house built is unbelievable. I wanted to give up a while back, and just sell the land, but the more I explored ideas for what I would do instead, the more dead ends I found. Some things I would actually like to do are just off the table because of financial reasons and such, and at the end of the day, I don't think I will actually find greener grass out there.

I know you're a practical and resourceful guy. You'll find something that lights you up. Just don't be a stranger 'round here, alright?

Don't worry, you guys can't get rid of me that easy! I hope you can get through it with your house because that is a real nice looking spread you've got there!

 

[cory]

As you know ...

Hi Rico. I didn't know and sounds like some other folks here dint either. Can you expound or link me to posts I missed?

Good for you though and congrats on your next journey.

 

[cory]

Levi! You deffo are one of the good ones!

I was offline for 3 weeks so just seeing your post. There's so much to say that it's hard to know where to start. Maybe I'll just go with 'when one door closes, another one opens'.

 

[data farm 26]

Levi! You deffo are one of the good ones!

I was offline for 3 weeks so just seeing your post. There's so much to say that it's hard to know where to start. Maybe I'll just go with 'when one door closes, another one opens'.

Thanks, cory! Really appreciate it, my friend. Congrats on 3 weeks no interwebs, definitely something I aspire to do in my new life

btw, I sent you a pm a while back for congratulations on your own exit from tree life. Hope you enjoy retirement buddy.

 

[cory]

Most days I’m talking myself down from the proverbial ledge every morning on the way to work.

Mostly every day driving trucks to job site I'd (have to) use the smile technique to relieve stress, stress that wasn't based on much other than being naturally occurring and presumably based on what could go wrong on route or that day. Smh.
Rarely did stuff go wrong but that didn't stop the pre-job stress, doh.
The technique, for anyone who may be unaware but interested, is simply to crack a smile and hold it for several moments. You could try it rn. It pretty much always works for me, makes me feel a bit better and lightens the load on the brain for a bit. Repeat as needed. Afaik, scientific research backs it up too.

 

[cory]

Levi, for better or worse, your OP is epic. It clearly paints a picture.

Pls refresh my memory- you used to work with your brother, true? Jc what he's up to now.

Is physical burnout playing a role here? Solo treework is a whole different ballgame it would seem.

Or is it admin or off site work stuff that has you fried?

Or maybe you just 'been there/done that' and 'there's a season for all things' regarding treework and you.

 

[rico]

Hi Rico. I didn't know and sounds like some other folks here dint either. Can you expound or link me to posts I missed?

Good for you though and congrats on your next journey.

In my post I was speaking to Levi directly as the two of us had an earlier private conversation in which I told him I was hanging it up.