Would you work for free?

[sbumgarner78]

My wife thinks Im an idiot, because I went and worked a full day for free. I am trying to go back to my roots and work up in our local mountains doing big removals, that is my first love.
I contacted several companys up there and offered to work for free one day to show what I can do. One reply the owner kind of belittled me and made fun of me. (I'm not modest in saying how good I am) But another company took me up and worked me for the day. The owner said he has several resumes on his desk but my e-mail intrigued him. At the end of the day he told me I have a leg up, and have an excellent chance to get all his contract work. Me and his Crew got a long really good and that can often be a tie breaker.
He said he'll send me a check to cover my expenses for the day and I have to mail back an application.
I am finding at 53 years old I get discriminated against a lot because of my age. I often don't even get a call back after I tell my age. So I have to do what ever I can to get a chance to show what I can do.
We all have seen people who claim 10 years experience but in reality have 1 years experience 10 times, If I have to work one day free to show what I'm about, I think its good business, my Wife(the brains of the operation) thinks it cheapens me and makes me look like a rube.
So you Owner operators, What do you all think? Beastmaster

I am very very impressed!

 

[ropensaddle]

I may consider working for free if I hit the lotto or feel the need to help someone less fortunate. I don't hardly think I would help someone for free as a test. If they can't hire me for my experience and ability I'm off to the next.

 

[beastmaster]

I may consider working for free if I hit the lotto or feel the need to help someone less fortunate. I don't hardly think I would help someone for free as a test. If they can't hire me for my experience and ability I'm off to the next.

I have a good reputation and some say a little cocky at times, locally I wouldn't think of working free. I very much wanted to work up in our local mountains. It's a whole other world. No ones ever heard of me or probably cares. Lots of established climbers, everyone knows one anather(good ol boys) It's not that easy to break in to the tight circle, flat-landers(like my self)are kind of thought to be inexperienced in what they do.
If I'm crazy, its crazy like a fox. I am not a deceitful person, but I am a calculating, get things done kind of guy, and it worked out good for all involved. Beastmaster

 

[beastmaster]

I only worked for 5 hours today. We craned a big oak next to a cabin. Then I removed two dead tops(schoolmarm) from a white fir next to a house with the crane. I was introduced to the velvet red tree ant on that one. They swarmed me after taking the first top. I'm just saying I love this stuff.
View attachment 193791View attachment 193792

I would of worked for free for a week for this job.

 

[ropensaddle]

I have a good reputation and some say a little cocky at times, locally I wouldn't think of working free. I very much wanted to work up in our local mountains. It's a whole other world. No ones ever heard of me or probably cares. Lots of established climbers, everyone knows one anather(good ol boys) It's not that easy to break in to the tight circle, flat-landers(like my self)are kind of thought to be inexperienced in what they do.
If I'm crazy, its crazy like a fox. I am not a deceitful person, but I am a calculating, get things done kind of guy, and it worked out good for all involved. Beastmaster

I meant nothing against you bud ,I'm totally glad for you. You made it work so congratulations and great fortune