In moving to Scotland, there’s a lot to think about in general but work will be an interesting angle. A lot will be different for us and one benefit will be that we can consider a wider array of jobs for ourselves whether continued or second careers.
I could stick with what I know and do Linux and/or cloud engineering, easily. I could stretch a little and consider cloud or systems architecture. Take a left turn and try and turn value stream mapping wins into something or just keep it as a great side offering to engineering or architecture roles.
Or consider hospitality; I think I’d want to stay away from running a restaurant or bar, but those have long been appealing in the abstract. Maybe work in one for a while for experience and revisit the idea.
Maybe a microbrewery. Have to feel out the demographics there. Especially in a dog-friendly town, reusing spent grains from brewing as dog treats and other baked goods, and/or reuse in area farms…
A makerspace could be good, possibly even paired with the microbrewery, depending on space and the like.
Possibly a tech co-op with classes on programming, self-hosting services, etc. and offer services for local businesses. Again possibly combined with another idea…
Why?
Why? - Third space - often needed, especially for some demographic slices if they’re not catered to already - Nerding out - I mean, I want it, so… - Teach and learn tech skills
Braindump
I’ve kicked around a few ideas; some seem more feasible than others. Providing a third space (a social space outside of home and work) would be great. Maybe a maker space and/or a gamer space…something with flexible usage without being a game store, maybe. I’ve long thought of matchmaking software for games and had been thinking it’d be useful in a game-oriented a pub but another pub as such wouldn’t be a huge draw (the town already has a bunch). Minimizing or avoiding alcohol in the space wouldn’t be the worst idea; even better would be having it but having separate spaces to accommodate non-drinkers (and keeping drinks away from game tables wouldn’t suck).
Narrowing it down some, then, maybe some combination of: - Maker space - Some 3D printing, Glowforge, etc. - Gaming space - For some reason, I don’t want to get into selling games. Not sure why. - Hacker space (less 2600, more teach/learn stuff, maybe coupled with a maker space) - Maybe provide some light hosting or referrals to Hetzner/etc., become a Joker.com reseller, encourage permacomputing, etc. - I guess coworking space could fit - (Likely) Not Another Pub (there’s 8+ already for ~7k people I deem relevant) - Microbrewery - Flexible space? - Cosplay events? - LARP tavern?
I’ve been reading up on co-ops and similar structures; a tech-oriented co-op that maintained a space as a “limited by shares” or Community Interest Company (CIC) social enterprise could work. Being owned by the employees or the community could be interesting, then serve as a director…
CICs limited by shares have a limitation of 35% of profits that can go to dividends, ensuring there’s a lot that goes back into the community benefit, whatever it was structured for. Capital can be raised through Community Shares which does not guarantee return of original capital; there’s rules that prevent capital gains if the business is sold or closed, reinforcing the community-oriented purpose. Director’s Loans exist; the terms (interest, repayment schedule) are expected to be fair, transparent and in the CIC’s best interest.
Pubs can be CICs :) I imagine a craft brewery or any of the above ideas could work, especially if there’s a community/social/educational angle.
https://plunkett.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Plunkett_How-to-set-up_Pub_final.pdf
Thoughts on all of this certainly include some amount of novelty around governance, wanting to provide opportunities for others, including passing on director roles, etc. Limiting up-front capital needs while also getting decent returns on any initial investment as a director doesn’t suck, and possibly paying out dividends on shares to members/employees would be neat. If something succeeds, people benefit directly and indirectly. Wouldn’t suck.
In the end, though, I’m not sure what would be sold, as such, outside of obvious things like beer in a pub or brewery. Access? Maybe priority access to table space for gaming/etc.? Maybe memberships mean you don’t pay to access tables and others pay a nominal fee for a set period? Game rentals likewise? Member pricing on food/drink maybe, or make it an exclusive access thing with a low membership fee? Maybe there’s X non-member tables available with most being reserved for members…
So maybe a microbrewery with a space or two to conduct general beer/food business but also more space for member activities which could be games, maker space, etc.
Definitely a lot to consider and maybe no good outcomes but interesting to ponder.
Resources
https://startacomputer.club/ https://firestorm.coop/space-use.html coops.tech workers.coop - membership Worker co-op resources Common Knowledge handbook Simply Start - guide to starting a co-op Simply Legal - for co-ops and community owned enterprises Generating Rules for Cooperative Societies Start a workers co-op Social Clubs Geeks For Social Community Set up a co-op How to setup a co-op Setup a social enterprise - How to form a community interest company Worker co-operative resources coop cloud