[Alberta's Child]

As someone who runs my own business I can say your post is 100% on target. My business plan is built on a model where I only hire contractors and part-time staff. And my staff are generally family members or close friends.

For retail chains like Lowe’s, most employees are liabilities, not assets — for all the reasons you describe.

[Crusher138]

My business plan is built on a model where I only hire contractors and part-time staff. And my staff are generally family members or close friends.

Mine too. I am avoiding full time employees. My employees are part time, friends and family. I have recently discovered a Federal program that allows me to bring on and train an employee at no cost for up to 450 hours. After that is done I can have them move up to a program where the government pays 75% of their wages for an additional 750 hours. The first one I hired under this program was useless. The second was a little better. The third was great and I wanted to keep him, but he wants to go back to school. Just started our fourth...by appearances he is sketch, but after working with him a few days he is meticulous and conscientious. We shall see.