Information for secondary students and school leavers
Robin Angell loves his flexible working hours
Name: Robin Angell
Occupation: Builder
Lives: Wellington
Q: How long have you owned your own business, and how did you get started?
A: I've owned my business since I was 22 years old, so for over 10 years now. When I left school my dad told me I had to get a job. He was a builder and it seemed like the natural thing for me to do. He taught me a lot and helped me set up my business.
Q: How many people do you employ?
A: My business is really small - I employ a building apprentice and a labourer.
Q: How many hours do you work each day?
A: I work about eight hours a day and sometimes in the weekends, depending how much work I have on. I do all the accounts and other paperwork from my office at home, and usually at night.
Q: How do you find work?
A: I do a lot of work for family and friends, and they recommend me to their family and friends and so on. I don't do any advertising or anything. It's amazing how much work I can get by word of mouth.
Q: What is the best thing about being your own boss?
A: The flexibility of the hours I work and being able to take a few weeks off here and there and do renovations on my own house - and without having to pay someone else to do it!
