Shawn, There is a very good reason I took a CAUT job. It's the now lack of driving 50K miles a year, having full benefits, a 401K, all the insurance, driving only 5 miles to work, getting to work on what really needs work without having to "sell" something, nobody looks over me, I have full reign on the pianos and I say what is to be done!!   I spent 15 years in the Pacific NW  living on an island with 4 RPT's and a couple of joker"tooners" who got most of the low-end business, but good money....also worked among the most awesome nationally known techs who got all the best of the best...so I had to scrape up the in-between.  I don't know your area's business, but don't knock the CAUT position.  It's very nice...much over the $35K and when you figure in the benefits, works well into the 55-60K range or more. I know I deserve more for the 130 pianos I care for, but there is some sort of peace I get for getting to "play around" with what I've got to work with....I want damn good money, too, but right now, in the current downslide of the economy, I'm really greatful for what I have...  In the Seattle area, whenever Boeing had a strike, I suffered, immediately, as well (so supports the middle of the road piano customers I'm talking about) . Price yourself accordingly and with proper follow-up, you'll make enough...Just good luck with health insurance, business insurance, retirement package, travel expenses, and the like.... Paul   <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td width=40%>"Shawn Brock" <shawnbrock@fuse.net> Sent by: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org 10/20/2008 03:24 PM <table border> <tr valign=top> <td bgcolor=white> <div align=center>Please respond to Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org></div></table> <td width=59%> <table width=100%> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>To</div> <td>"Pianotech List" <pianotech@ptg.org> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>cc</div> <td> <tr valign=top> <td> <div align=right>Subject</div> <td>Re: Best approach for acquiring new business.</table> <table> <tr valign=top> <td> <td></table> </table> Wem and all,   .  Making a decent living is all fine and well but I want more than decent!  I want damn good!  I'm to the point in my business where I would not think of abandoning it for some $35000 university gig.  Its funny to think that a college job was all I ever wanted but now I am seeing the down side to that life.     <hr>McCain or Obama? Stay updated on coverage of the Presidential race while you browse - <a href="http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1211139166x1200680084/aol?redir=http://toolbar.aol.com/elections/download.html?ncid=emlweusdown00000002">Download Now!</a>