Got a New Year's Resolution This Year?

[harrisonm]

Here is mine. What is yours?

For the first time in MANY years, I am doing a new year's resolution this year. I am going to start saying the word "NO". This may sound like bragging, but I am pretty handy. I can build decks, build fences, I can finish a basement, do sheetrock work, plumbing, electric, serious rust repair, sandblasting and powder coating, rebuild engines, rebuild transmissions, body work and paint, pretty much anything on a car, etc. And as such, friends and family drive me crazy to "help" them to projects. And of course, when they say help, they mean that I do everything. I use my tools, I supply all disposables, and not only do I not get paid anything, I don't even get lunch. It's gotten so bad that my wife keeps asking me, "When does our stuff get done". Starting on 1/1/2026, I am going to say NO. Can you help me build a fence? I am sorry, but I really don't have time for that. I am repainting the inside of my house. Can you help me wire some new lights in my basement? I'm sorry, but I don't do wiring or plumbing anymore. Can you help me get my car ready for a paint job? Yes, I'd be glad to do that for $25 an hour plus supplies. Can you sandblast and powder coat this for me? Yes, I would normally charge $100 for an item like this, but since you are a friend/relative, I'll do it for $70.

Sorry, but I am tired of being taken advantage of. Will I still help friends and family a bit here and there? Yes! Will I spend two weeks building a big fence or deck with no money changing hands? No. There is a big difference between a little help and being hired for a big job with no intention of any payment. What really sucks is that I wish I had a dollar for every time I asked for some help from one of these people and was told no.
So NO is my new word.

 

[eekvonzipper]

Good on Ya!
I think I'll resolve to pick up my guitars more...
I have about 12 or 13 or 14 Idunno. Now that I'm in my fifties I rarely play anymore
and they're getting dusty. I know that I didn't bring them home to collect dust.

 

[harrisonm]

Good on Ya!
I think I'll resolve to pick up my guitars more...
I have about 12 or 13 or 14 Idunno. Now that I'm in my fifties I rarely play anymore
and they're getting dusty. I know that I didn't bring them home to collect dust.

Please do. It's a shame to let musical talent go to waste. I always wanted to play the piano. There was no money when I was a kid, then I worked 60 hours a week while I was in college, then I was in the Air Force for 20 years and racked up 9600 flying hours. During that time period, I really didn't have time to take lessons. Then, for the next 22 years, I was too busy also. Now that I am retired, I do have time, but not the desire. Please pick those guitars up for me.

 

[65TerrorCuda]

People that have a use for you are using you.

That NO word is a tough one to master, you get my respect.

This year I'd like to get a sweet tan and a side chick.

 

[Car Nut]

My New Year's resolution is simply to remember to write 2026, instead of 2025.

 

[RustyRatRod]

...and then they still ask if you can do it cheaper than $70. Yeah. I completely understand.

 

[Jeff Seighman]

Nope.

 

[85glht]

Nope.

 

[318willrun]

I'll call resolution a "goal"... LOL. Get an RV 440 in my truck and make a pass. I guess I don't have a real resolution

 

[matthon]

To stop making New Year's resolutions.
Just make resolutions on the fly.

 

[oldkimmer]

After I said no it took 30 years b4 I got any help back. As now they realize I need the help. It’s still on their schedule. Even my engine man has forsaken me. I’m thinking now is the time to sell off my race car and all the associated blocks, heads and stroker kits etc. Kim

 

[69conv]

I'm semiretiring at the first of the year. Resolution is to spend more time with the wife while we are still young enough to get around. Both around 70.

 

[69conv]

So NO is my new word.

I dont mind sharing my time for those who share their time and skills for me. Otherwise there is a balance that can't be allowed to get too far out of whack. The only real thing you have is your time!!

 

[ProjectBazza]

Here is mine. What is yours?

For the first time in MANY years, I am doing a new year's resolution this year. I am going to start saying the word "NO". This may sound like bragging, but I am pretty handy. I can build decks, build fences, I can finish a basement, do sheetrock work, plumbing, electric, serious rust repair, sandblasting and powder coating, rebuild engines, rebuild transmissions, body work and paint, pretty much anything on a car, etc. And as such, friends and family drive me crazy to "help" them to projects. And of course, when they say help, they mean that I do everything. I use my tools, I supply all disposables, and not only do I not get paid anything, I don't even get lunch. It's gotten so bad that my wife keeps asking me, "When does our stuff get done". Starting on 1/1/2026, I am going to say NO. Can you help me build a fence? I am sorry, but I really don't have time for that. I am repainting the inside of my house. Can you help me wire some new lights in my basement? I'm sorry, but I don't do wiring or plumbing anymore. Can you help me get my car ready for a paint job? Yes, I'd be glad to do that for $25 an hour plus supplies. Can you sandblast and powder coat this for me? Yes, I would normally charge $100 for an item like this, but since you are a friend/relative, I'll do it for $70.

Sorry, but I am tired of being taken advantage of. Will I still help friends and family a bit here and there? Yes! Will I spend two weeks building a big fence or deck with no money changing hands? No. There is a big difference between a little help and being hired for a big job with no intention of any payment. What really sucks is that I wish I had a dollar for every time I asked for some help from one of these people and was told no.
So NO is my new word.

That's going to be tough,and I applaud you for doing it.

I got tired of being told what to do in my early-50's, so I semi-retired, started an LLC, and went after it. One small part of my "service company" was doing oddball/handyman type work, and to this day (10 years later) I'm still bombarded with requests, and I've learned that one of the hardest things to do is is say "no" and turn down work.

Best of luck to you on this, seriously!

 

[ProjectBazza]

The only real thing you have is your time!!

And much like land, they're not making any more of it.

 

[85glht]

I dont mind sharing my time for those who share their time and skills for me. Otherwise the is a balance that can't be allowed to get too far out of whack. The only real thing you have is your time!!

Time is the only thing that no one can make more of.

 

[timk225]

I lost 35 pounds this past spring. Soon it'll be time to get back on the calorie restricted diet and do it again. Christmas was harsh towards me and my scale. But the only problem is that I have to drive by the local Taco Bell on the way home from work, so.... discipline!

 

[MobileCustoms]

I hear ya there. It's all about give and take when it comes to any relationship, and being in any relationship where that is one-sided is difficult to sustain. It's all about balance!
-and the takers will almost always think you're an a-hole for finally putting your foot down. So be it! The truth is that most people are capable of much more but they are just just too lazy to put forth the effort to try things themselves or even return favors. It can be frustrating.
Balance is the ultimate resolution to strive for. Most other things will come naturally if you have that. Make sure your wheelbarrow is loaded evenly. LOL
Happy New Year!

 

[DartGTDan]

I plan to enjoy the Jaundiced GT more in 2026! I want to earn this:

 

[ProjectBazza]

I usually don’t make any NY resolutions, but this year I’m going to have to make some lifestyle and diet changes. Eat less (or none) of this, do more of that…that sort of thing. It’s either that or my health is going to get worse, and that’s some scary **** to think about.

 

[Ottmundr]

Good on you man!
I got real sick of helping people and getting no reciprocation.
So, I got very grumpy. My response now is, "I value my time and I'm not your slave, so **** you, pay me."
People who want free work out of you are ASSHOLES, who just want to use you.
It doesn't matter if you're family, they have no right to treat you like an indentured servant.
If they want something, they should make an OFFERING in good faith before requesting help. Make me some chocolate chip cookies, or buy me a pizza and some beer first!

 

[MadScientistMat]

A while ago I made a resolution to not make any more New Year's resolutions, which I have kept. But this year I think it will be useful to make some goals - which will be specific, attainable, and clearly defined.

For example, I won't make a resolution to exercise more. I'm setting a goal to compete in a 5k.

Ok, maybe that's a bit of sophistry to say it's not a resolution, but a goal. Maybe, but I don't care.

Some other goals I have for 2026 are to get my Dart running well enough that I am not concerned about using it for trips up to 100 miles, and a couple specific items I want to start making and selling, like a 1969 and earlier voltage regulator to go with the 1970 and later model I have now.

 

[Workingdog1]

Here is mine. What is yours?


For the first time in MANY years, I am doing a new year's resolution this year. I am going to start saying the word "NO". This may sound like bragging, but I am pretty handy. I can build decks, build fences, I can finish a basement, do sheetrock work, plumbing, electric, serious rust repair, sandblasting and powder coating, rebuild engines, rebuild transmissions, body work and paint, pretty much anything on a car, etc. And as such, friends and family drive me crazy to "help" them to projects. And of course, when they say help, they mean that I do everything. I use my tools, I supply all disposables, and not only do I not get paid anything, I don't even get lunch. It's gotten so bad that my wife keeps asking me, "When does our stuff get done". Starting on 1/1/2026, I am going to say NO. Can you help me build a fence? I am sorry, but I really don't have time for that. I am repainting the inside of my house. Can you help me wire some new lights in my basement? I'm sorry, but I don't do wiring or plumbing anymore. Can you help me get my car ready for a paint job? Yes, I'd be glad to do that for $25 an hour plus supplies. Can you sandblast and powder coat this for me? Yes, I would normally charge $100 for an item like this, but since you are a friend/relative, I'll do it for $70.

Sorry, but I am tired of being taken advantage of. Will I still help friends and family a bit here and there? Yes! Will I spend two weeks building a big fence or deck with no money changing hands? No. There is a big difference between a little help and being hired for a big job with no intention of any payment. What really sucks is that I wish I had a dollar for every time I asked for some help from one of these people and was told no.
So NO is my new word.

1) Find people that do quality repairs, show up and are pleasurable to deal with.

2) Find people above willing to work for $ 25 hourly .

Happy New Year !

ps I don't have any problem paying going rate for # 1
If anyone wants my advice it's free. Professional advice is much much more. LOL