One Myth About Earning Your California Contractor’s License
By 3 min read
For the majority of construction professionals who come to us because they want to become licensed California contractors, the dream is to start their own business and become a self-employed professional. That’s a great goal, since it can mean more money, control over your own time and work, and even the potential to build the life or career you want from the ground up.
One thing to remember, however, is that many of our students don’t take this step right away after passing their licensed contractor’s exam. In other words, it’s a myth to think that becoming a licensed contractor has to mean quitting your job and venturing out on your own immediately (or even ever).
A lot of our graduates wait to become self-employed, and a few never even go that far. There are a few good reasons why:
Some want to save up a bit of money first. As we have noted in our past articles, running your own contracting business is a lot easier when you have a little bit of money in the bank. So, even if you have the right qualifications, it can sometimes make sense to keep working for someone else while you save up enough for new equipment, marketing to support your company, or just a cushion for rainy days in the future.
Others have great jobs already. Becoming a licensed contractor can help you earn a promotion, get a raise, or take on more responsibility at your current job. In fact, we know of several students who have become managers and partners in construction companies after finishing our programs. Sometimes, it isn’t about beginning your own business, but making the most of the career opportunities that are in front of you.
Some CSLS graduates become part-time business owners first. Likewise, many new graduates keep their current jobs but begin “moonlighting” as specialty contractors to earn a little bit of extra money, gain some experience, and find new clients that they can use as references later. In terms of finances and project management, this is often the easiest and most convenient way to become a licensed contractor and then start your own company.
The point is that finishing our classes doesn’t necessarily mean you have to rush out and become an entrepreneur. That might not even be your best move at the time. But, what becoming a licensed contractor always does for you is open doors and create opportunities – it puts you firmly in control of your own future so you can make the choices that are best for you and your family, whether those involve starting your own contracting business or not.
Interested in finding out more about becoming a licensed contractor, or want to see why we have a 99.9% first-time passing rate for students? Contact CSLS today to get the answers you need.
