Don't scoff at the handyman work!

[Max T.]

I have a great handyman crew (Philly people - search Brightstar Handyman) working on a project for me during the week. With a free day on my calendar I decided to take on some of the smaller jobs and (based on their prices) see how much my time is worth:

I worked from 8:30 - 2:30 (6 hours including lunch)

install ceiling fan: $80

install range hood: $95 (much easier/faster than the ceiling fan).

install 4 mini blinds: $100

It comes out to just over $45/hour, at a steady but relaxed pace, with a handful of stimulating podcasts throughout.... Not bad! And I could have easily put in a few more hours and knocked off a few more jobs.

After all of the various tax/pension withholding (and yes, healthcare coverage) my teaching job pockets barely $150/day. Way more stressful and a longer workday. One big upside is the 10 paid summer weeks.

I also plan on taking care of replacing cabinet hardware, installing smoke detectors, hooking up various appliances, and replacing a few light fixtures.... One job I'm done with (hopefully forever) is painting!