maherle,
The ad hominem comment was not directed at you.
Anyway,
My situation is different than yours. I continue to personally work in the field and I hire trainees, who probably don't cost me as much as "seasoned technicians".
Besides, based on the electrical work I see from "electricians" who preceded me, I am reluctant to hire someone and send them, unsupervised, into a customers home. Remember, here in PA, ECs are not regulated. So the guys who have 5 years experience often have it from working with a hack who is only licensed because he paid a $100.00 fee to the township. (Overstuffed / ungrounded boxes, mini breakers where they don't belong, PVC conduits underground with NM cable inside, service upgrades without GEC upsizing, etc.) Last year I got my NJ license, and since I have some opportunities to use it, I'm hoping it isn't as bad over there.
Also, about 50% of my work is new construction, so on average, my unbillable hours are quite a bit less than a service-only outfit.
Good luck!
