Gen Z and DiY

[Tris]

I make a living getting Handyman work through an app. I can't honestly say that the proportion of work I get via Gen Z is any higher than other age groups. As a 60 year old who grew up in an era when most people did most things themselves if they could, there definitely seems to be a decrease in the number of folk with entry level competence. My favourite was the guy that hired me to change a toilet seat. He had a really nice house, so I asked what he did. He was a Surgeon. How can someone who cuts open people, fixes them and puts them back together not have the nous to change a bog seat

To be fair, if he's earning 6 figures a year from those hands I don't expect he'd risk it

 

[Amplidyne]

I make a living getting Handyman work through an app. I can't honestly say that the proportion of work I get via Gen Z is any higher than other age groups. As a 60 year old who grew up in an era when most people did most things themselves if they could, there definitely seems to be a decrease in the number of folk with entry level competence. My favourite was the guy that hired me to change a toilet seat. He had a really nice house, so I asked what he did. He was a Surgeon. How can someone who cuts open people, fixes them and puts them back together not have the nous to change a bog seat

To be fair to a person who is a surgeon, a lot of them work very hard, and a lot of hours helping people. They are also well paid.
Perhaps he felt that he'd rather just pay somebody to do it for him. It's a matter of time isn't it. By the very nature of this site we're all handy types, but if you're not interested, just want stuff fixed, and have the money to do so, then why not?

I spent years servicing and repairing my own motors. These days I just take it in and let them get on with it. They even collect it.

 

[paulrbarnard]

I make a living getting Handyman work through an app. I can't honestly say that the proportion of work I get via Gen Z is any higher than other age groups. As a 60 year old who grew up in an era when most people did most things themselves if they could, there definitely seems to be a decrease in the number of folk with entry level competence. My favourite was the guy that hired me to change a toilet seat. He had a really nice house, so I asked what he did. He was a Surgeon. How can someone who cuts open people, fixes them and puts them back together not have the nous to change a bog seat

More likely just didn’t want to do it and had the money to pay someone else. I’ve done that more times than I should myself.
Got to ask yourself what you would like to do with your spare time, change a toilet seat or go to the theatre or whatever.

 

[Chubber]

More likely just didn’t want to do it and had the money to pay someone else. I’ve done that more times than I should myself

Yup. Four years ago I payed to have my hall, stairs and landing redecorated. I have redecorated 6 houses in 3 countries and thought 'Sod it' and for the first time ever, used a tradesman.

Best money I have spent in a long time, for the results and lack of aches and pains!

 

[JSW]

More likely in my mind is that a lot of modern housing doesn't allow the space to devote to the tools and workspace needed to practice

That's a really good point actually. I'm looking at downsizing, not too bothered about the house, it's the potential for a half decent IE bigger than single garage workshop that is the stumbling block.

My lad moved back home at the start of the year, the rent on the open plan flat he and his mate were sharing became exorbitant, cracking flat though, 2 beds obviously, huuuge open plan living/dining/cooking space, but no room for a toolbox never mind workspace.