Ian Atkinson, 61, former company accountant turned IT Manager.

Biggest Cheque? - Who cares?

I joined Kleeneze after being forced to retire from full time employment due to ill health. I found myself registered disabled due to neuropathic nerve pains that make sleeping a real problem. I couldn't get enough sleep to get me up and out to work in a morning, and having spent over 40 years bent over a desk I had problems with bad back, kneck and shoulders etc. I could hardly walk. When I first started I could hardly carry 12 catalogues in my bag.

Kleeneze offered me the chance to work when I was able, and not having to try to get up and to be in the office by 8am every morning. It also made me go out and get some exercise, much cheaper than buying a dog. I enjoyed the fresh air, and with the regular daily exercise I found that my health and mobility have improved. Some days I feel great, and put out more catalogues, other days I feel crap and have a quiet day.

Which other job or business gives you that kind of freedom to choose when you work and how hard?

I am not in it for the money, but the exercise and the chance to meet people. I enjoy meeting the customers when I deliver their orders and some of them have become friends. I know that to some elderly customers living on their own I bring a little brightness into their week, as I always take the time to stop and chat to them, and offer them help and assistance sometimes, expecially after they have bought new washing lines etc, ( can they put them up themselves?)

Yes I know that to most people, joining Kleeneze is all about making money, and I admit I have made some as well, which is always useful. If I need some extra cash I push myself to get a few more catalogues out some days. But I enjoy the social aspects of the business, the excuse to get out of the house, away from that awful daytime TV, and the opportunity to meet people that I would not otherwise have met, its great!!!