Posted by Tracy Johnson on 3/7/06 3:31pm
Msg #102947

Notary Business

I have been doing loan documents for over 4 years but I have not been able to figure out how to do this where I can do this and NOT work a full time job as well. Anyone that does this full time have any suggestions?

From one Notary to Another Notary......Help me get out of this 9-5 rut!!

Reply by Mindy_WA on 3/7/06 3:48pm
Msg #102956

I'm not sure our suggestion will work for you

Picture this....
First, you lose your job that you have had for a long time. Oh, your wife is a stay at home mom. Then, you search for another job. The job market is CRAP. All the while you are spiraling into financial doom. The wife picks up a part time job (you still need time to look for another Job) and the 3 kids go on "free lunch" at the school.

Finally, you see that the only money coming in is from the closings. You both decide to go FULL time and it WORKS! This is not really phasing out the 9-5 job, as one would find "ideal".
And it does make for a TIGHT couple of years...and doesn't look very GLAM. Ok, maybe that wouldn't be advisable.

Seriously, I would recommend just putting all your spare time into building your business. Figure out the amount that you would have to make to make it work. Put all of your "signing Monies" away and don't spend it. Then, when you are averaging enough each month that you can live. Quit! Plus, then, you will have enough for the lean months set aside.

Reply by Mindy_WA on 3/7/06 3:51pm
Msg #102957

Re: guess this post implied that you may be a...

Man. I didn't mean for it to come out that way. Just relaying our situation. Although Tracy COULD go either way.

Reply by Tracy Johnson on 3/7/06 3:53pm
Msg #102958

Re: guess this post implied that you may be a...

lol.....thank you for painting the picture for me. I didnt see it that way! Thank you for your advice

Reply by Beth/MD on 3/7/06 3:54pm
Msg #102959

In addition to Mindy's advice, I can't say this enough: Marketing, marketing, marketing. Sign up with every company out there. Don't shy away from SS just because they're not TCs. At least your phone will be ringing. That doesn't mean you should settle for low ball fees. You'll know soon enough which companies will meet your fees and which won't. Make sure your notary rotary profile is good and catches the attention of the one shopping for a notary. Also, a premier membership is paramount. It really makes a difference.

Good Luck.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 3/7/06 4:10pm
Msg #102963

In addition

To the advice Mindy and Beth gave you. I would definitely not turn down any work that I could possibly fit in for the next (hang on to your hat) year or longer. Build relationships with every single SS and TC that calls. Save ALL the money you receive. Don't even take out for car or paper or toner or phone, etc. expenses. Open a separate account that EVERY SINGLE ONE of the checks you receive goes into (it's too easy to spend it if it is co-mingled with your regular funds). Then when you reach the point that by working part time your income is between 2/3 and 3/4 of your regular job, then and only then think about quitting. Yes, the 9 - 5 is a RUT. But it is a rut that is paved with paid vacations, probably health insurance, paid holidays, 401K's, etc. I like Mindy got here as a result of a life changing event, downsizing coupled with age discrimintion (and don't tell me it's illegal, yes it is, but it is also very much alive and well and kicking!). If after considering all of the above if this is really what you want to do as your profession, go for it! Remember, good things are not easy (nor are easy things usually good). Best of luck.

Reply by Shar_PA on 3/7/06 8:01pm
Msg #103065

Re: thanx for the insight - very helpful!! n/m