I generally wake up about 6.30am either naturally or when I hear my son Charlie chattering on the baby monitor.
My wife, Claire, normally gets him (and me) up as I am not a morning person so am generally not with it!
Ideally before I leave for work I enjoy a family breakfast and quick play with Charlie.
Then I make sure I’ve packed all my tools for the day, including a delicious packed lunch made by Claire, and set off about 8am.
In any given week I could be working for one client or five different clients. My work ranges from painting, wallpapering, general home improvements to installing patios and decking and constructing garden buildings.
I started teaching Design Technology in 2009 following redundancy from the construction industry and envisaged it would be my long-term career.
However, after several years I realised we weren’t right for each other and decided to leave to pursue other avenues.
It quickly became apparent I had gained many practical skills which are in demand from both construction and teaching careers so I decided to create a business encompassing all these skills.
I attached my love of gardening and the outdoors to this and created The Helping Hand - offering a whole range of maintenance services.
My work takes me across all areas of the Wirral, Cheshire, North Wales and sometimes Liverpool.
Because of the physical nature of my work I generally have two lunches (!) and grab a short break outside, if possible.
I finish about 4.30-5pm and either go straight home or via nursery to collect Charlie.
We have dinner together in our new extension before bath time with my son and then Claire and I sit down to relax once he’s in bed.
In the evenings when I’m not finishing off fitting our new kitchen I like to watch films or play or watch football.
Dress:
I don’t have a specific uniform but i have protective clothing relevant to the task I am carrying out. I tend to decorate in my socks!
What is the favourite part of your job?
Getting instant gratification for what I’ve just done, whether it’s knowing myself that I’ve done a good job or hearing feedback from happy clients who might have been waiting a few years to get particular work done. I also enjoy reading comments when I post pictures of my work on my Facebook page which I use as a blog to demonstrate what I do. I enjoy the freedom and flexibility of being my own boss.
What is the least favourite part of your job?
I’ve yet to discover a part I don’t like but have yet to work outside in the depths of winter! Although it shouldn’t be too bad having worked for years on construction sites as a site manager.
What would be your dream job if you weren’t doing what you do now?
I’d love to be an airline pilot.
How do you relax when you are not working?
I play football once a week and enjoy amateur photography. I’m a member and regular visitor of Chester Zoo and also enjoy socialising with friends and watching films.
What is your favourite film?
Anything with Will Smith in it.
What is your favourite book?
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.
What is your favourite song?
All These Things That I’ve Done by The Killers
If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you?
Russell Crowe (inset)
Have you had your 15 minutes of fame yet?
Yes – well three seconds – during fastest finger first on Who Wants to be a Millionaire in 2002! Sadly I didn’t make it any further.
Fact file:
- Name: John Devine
- Job: Decorator/gardener for The Helping Hand
- Born: Warrington
- Lives: Heswall
- Education: King George V college, Southport, Liverpool John Moores University (HND in Civil Engineering and BEng Environmental Engineering, Edge Hill University (PGCE Secondary Education)
- Family: Married to Claire with one son, Charlie, two
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