Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Hiltner.
Hi Alan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been an electrician for about 4 years now. I never had a particular fixation with working for myself or being an entrepreneur, which I think is a Modern mythological figure. I started working for myself because it allows me to say no to certain projects and yes to others.
In retrospect, every time I left a job, it was because the rules became too intrusive. The first time, it was because they hired what amounted to hall monitors that got paid more than us to drive around and wag their fingers at us. The second time, they brought in some office people that caused problems on purpose, then patted themselves on the back for doing so. The final time, I was just tired of fighting with the hall monitors again. They were doing ridiculous things like trying to show me the “right” way to use a tool I’d used every day for seven years.
The principle reason I live my life this way is because I refuse to adhere to rules which have no spirit behind them. Rules that exist to be an iron grip instead of a guide. Rules that don’t account for experience, efficiency, or morale.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not bad. The most difficult part has been keeping up with paperwork. Which if I’m being honest is not overwhelming by any measure, but I just don’t like doing it. Other than that it’s really been what amounts to a nice sabbatical.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m happy that the people I’ve done things for call me back. I’m not out to gouge anyone. Contractors have a bit of bad and deserved reputation for that. I’m out to lend a hand to people and to show that you can be an electrician without being the caricature of an electrician. Putting on an act for your whole life is exhausting anyway.
What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to get married and have a family. In the meantime I’m saving my money for that. I’d also like to do some writing about a couple subjects that I dwell on often, but that’s another topic. I’m looking forward to continuing my almost leisurely work pace as well. There’s this idea in the air that I have to have a “grindset” which is just not true. There’s other things in life besides work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://prosperity-electric.net
- Instagram: prosperityelectricnd
