Sounds like you need to move. I cant imagine that S Cali is cheap to live. Around here I would get you in with your experience at a minimum $20.00. Although, everyone has to prove themselves on the jobsite first. I usually pay a good rate for the first day. If you impress me your rate goes up, if you are one of the many that have come through the door looking for work. One of two things happen.
You forgot your climbing equipment, borrowed mine, couldnt get up the tree. So I kick you to the curb. Usually these are the drunks..
Or you bring your equipment from 1974, borrow my climbing line, because I wont let you put your old hemp line in my customer's tree. You go to town get the work done well, I am impressed. I hire you and within two weeks you stop showing up to work, get drunk, and I fire you.
Sometimes, just sometimes, I get a climber who is awesome. Bring your own equipment, ask me which tree, what to do with it, and in the half the time you have the tree pruned and ask me which tree next. I have hired people on the spot like this and get really psyched.
Move out of your area if you are good. The money is out there in this business. Look for a medium sized tree company, not the big boys or fly by night guys. That way you know your going to get paid, have opportunity for advancement/ownership, and work all aspects of the business.
