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Taking a job offer or continue making them from home?

post #1 of 12
7/19/12 at 5:56pm
Thread Starter 
I currently make cakes from my home. I am doing pretty well too. I make between 2 and 5 cakes a week. Which is fine and enough for me. This started as a hobby, but it has become more. I was offered a job decorating cakes for a local company. Might I add that this local baker is very popular! I'm not sure if I should take the job, which will be part time until she opens and moves into her new shop. Or if I should continue to bake from my home. I don't work, my husband makes enough that I am able to stay at home with our two sons. My question is, if it were up to you would you stay home or join this local baker? Thanks in advance!
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post #2 of 12
7/19/12 at 6:25pm
If you're used to being your own boss, it will be very difficult for you to start working for someone else. On the other hand, a guaranteed income doing what you love is pretty hard to turn down. Will you have to put the kiddos in daycare? Will the daycare expense eat up more than half your paycheck? Also, will you be doing cakes under your name as designer/decorator or will everything have the owner's name on it? Did she offer you the job to get rid of her competition?

Just a few things to think about. At the end of the day, it's your decision and only you can make it. Good luck, whatever you decide.
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post #3 of 12
7/19/12 at 6:26pm
It all depends if it were me I'd keep doing what I'm doing. If it's working for y'all. You have to think of everything and it has to be something your family decides together. Is she going to make you sign a no compet clause? (where you cannot decorate after you no longer work for her?) and then you have to think about child care. You would get experience of running a business tho but sounds like doing 5 cakes a week ( as long as your getting paid for them) you already know who to do that. Sorry not much help but just somethings to consider.
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post #4 of 12
7/19/12 at 6:36pm
Thread Starter 
I have one child in school, the other would need daycare. I currently am making money for the cakes I do. I have considered all of this. I haven't really thought about if maybe I am just competition. There have been a few people come to me for cakes that usually go there. They say their prices are ridiculous! I didn't even think about having to sign anything saying that I can't continue to decorate cakes from my home. The owner did tell me the hours would be LONG, but I figure that could be good if the pay is right. Thanks everyone for your input, it has given me more to think about! I still have time to decide. Its a big decision for me and my family!
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post #5 of 12
7/19/12 at 6:47pm
You should also look at the legal situation for selling baked goods from home in your state. According to a recent thread Alabama currently only allows homemade foods to be sold at farmer's markets, and a true cottage food law stalled in AL this year.

So if you want to keep decorating cakes and getting paid for it I strongly recommend taking the job, and be aware that this other baker could potentially put you out of business at any moment.
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My experimental blog: The Bakery Business Perspective
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My experimental blog: The Bakery Business Perspective
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post #6 of 12
7/19/12 at 9:36pm
If you can legally continue to sell cakes from home I would do that.
Do you really want to give up creative control and control over your time? Is it worth it to you to give up time with your family and young children to work for someone else when you don't have to?
I'll bet anything you will have to sign a non-compete. If financially this is not a move you HAVE to make I would keep doing what you are doing.
Tact is telling someone where to go so nicely they can't wait to take the trip!
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Tact is telling someone where to go so nicely they can't wait to take the trip!
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post #7 of 12
7/19/12 at 9:53pm
I wouldn't worry too much about a noncompete, one with a restricted scope and short time period wouldn't be too bad if one is even required (overly broad noncompetes may not even be enforceable). This is especially true if OP doesn't rely on the income and if she is not operating legally anyway.
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My experimental blog: The Bakery Business Perspective
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My experimental blog: The Bakery Business Perspective
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post #8 of 12
7/19/12 at 10:09pm
Be my own boss any day! I have two boys also and I'm glad the I have the flexibility and control of the cakes I do and the quality time with my boys.
Your kids will grow up very quick however the job offers will always be around!
Food for thought.
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post #9 of 12
7/19/12 at 10:18pm
I am with Jason!
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post #10 of 12
7/19/12 at 11:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Momofjaic

Is she going to make you sign a no compet clause? (where you cannot decorate after you no longer work for her?)



The agreement won't prevent her from decorating or from getting another job within any industry, it would only limit her from opening a similar business that is direct competition. ("Similar" could be defined as "storefront", and "direct" could define a certain mile radius.)
HOW TO:
Make tip #127D (giant rose tip) Ruffle cake,
Write with icing,
Make buttercream roses on a stick:
http://s984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/Unlimited1cakes/
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HOW TO:
Make tip #127D (giant rose tip) Ruffle cake,
Write with icing,
Make buttercream roses on a stick:
http://s984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/Unlimited1cakes/
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post #11 of 12
7/20/12 at 11:15am
Quote:
Quote:

I am doing pretty well too. I make between 2 and 5 cakes a week. Which is fine and enough for me.



I think you have to ask yourself, why would you want to work for her? Even if you have to sign nothing (which I would make sure of).

She wants you because you are her competition and you are talented. She could basically claim your customers because you are unavailable to do cakes at home and you probably have a loyal following.

Are you entertaining this because there are people in her shop that you could learn from? Are you tired of staying at home with the children and need some adult interaction? Is she a springboard for your resume? Do you want experience in a fully equipped bakery with all the bells and whistles? Why is the important question.
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post #12 of 12
7/20/12 at 1:00pm
What kind of cakes does the employing baker produce? Could you learn from them? You say they are very well known, could adding "Worked for Awesome McBaker" give you somewhat of a pedigree when (and if) you decide to leave? Would there be other business learning opportunities? Sounds like a great deal to me, especially IF you are currently operating an unlicensed bakery.
Jenniffer White - Cup a Dee Cakes LLC
http://cupadeecakes.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/cupadeecakes/videos
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Jenniffer White - Cup a Dee Cakes LLC
http://cupadeecakes.blogspot.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/cupadeecakes/videos
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