Tips on breaking up with your boss to go into business yourself

Jarrod Brown
By Jarrod Brown
5 Min Read

Taking over a small business from your boss is a massive step in your tradie career. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and packed with potential. 

Whether your boss is retiring or handing you the reins after years of hard work, running your own show can be incredibly rewarding—if you’re ready to tackle the challenges head-on.

If you’re gearing up to take control and call the shots, here are some tips to help you nail the transition and set yourself up for success.

Know your stuff

Before stepping into the boss’s shoes, make sure you’ve got the skills and experience to back it up. It’s not just about being great at your trade (although that’s essential); it’s about understanding how the business operates.

Chances are, you’ve already learned a ton working under your boss. From quoting jobs to handling customer complaints, those day-to-day experiences are pure gold when it comes to running the show. Take the time to soak up as much as you can before the big handover.

And remember: confidence comes from preparation. If you feel like there’s more to learn, don’t rush. Investing a little extra time now can pay off big time later.

Plan like a pro

Taking over a business without a plan is like starting a job without tools—you won’t get very far. A solid business plan is your safety net. It helps you figure out where you’re headed, how to get there, and what to do when things don’t go as planned (because, let’s be real, they won’t always go as planned).

Here are some questions to get you thinking:

  • Can the business survive a slow period financially?
  • How will you attract new customers or keep the existing ones?
  • Do you have enough staff to handle the workload?
  • Are you charging enough to cover costs and turn a profit?

If you’re unsure about the answers, that’s okay. Spend some time crunching the numbers and fine-tuning the plan—it’ll save you a lot of stress later on.

Gear up

Nothing says “I’m the boss now” like rocking up with top-notch tools and equipment. If you’re going to run the show, you’ll need gear that’s reliable and ready to handle whatever the job throws at you.

But it’s not just about physical tools. Modernising the business with the right technology can give you a serious edge. Things like online accounting software, scheduling apps, and digital invoicing systems can make running the business smoother—and give you more time to focus on the actual work.

Protect yourself

Even the best tradies aren’t invincible. Accidents happen, and when they do, you’ll want to be covered. That means sorting out your insurance early. At a minimum, you’ll need:

  • Public liability insurance
  • Worker’s comp (if you’ve got employees)
  • Income and tools protection

Not only does insurance keep you safe, but it’s often a legal requirement. Check out the rules for your state or territory to make sure you’re ticking all the boxes.

Make it your own

Taking over an existing business doesn’t mean you have to keep everything the same. Sure, you’ll want to respect what your boss built, but this is your chance to put your own spin on things.

Maybe you’ve got ideas for expanding into new services or upgrading the branding. Or perhaps you want to streamline how the business runs with fresh processes. 

Whatever your vision, don’t be afraid to make it happen.

From tradie to trailblazer

Taking over a small business is a big leap, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to take your career to the next level. By combining your trade skills with smart planning, the right tools, and a willingness to adapt, you’ll be well on your way to making a name for yourself as a tradie boss.

So roll up your sleeves, take the plunge, and get ready to own it—literally.

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Jarrod Brown combines his background in journalism, copywriting and digital marketing with a lifelong passion for storytelling. He has a strong passion for new and emerging consumer technology within the building sector. He lives on the Sunshine Coast - usually found glued to the deck of a surfboard.