Can You Afford to Hire? How the Hiring Calculator Shows You the Right Time
One of the biggest roadblocks for tradies looking to grow is the fear of hiring.
“What if I can’t afford them?”
“What if I bring someone on and the money isn’t there?”
It’s a common concern, and one that keeps a lot of trade business owners stuck working 70+ hours a week.
That’s why TSA’s Hiring Calculator is one of our most popular tools. Built by our accounting coach Chantel, it shows you exactly when and how you can afford to hire, so you can make decisions with confidence, not guesswork.
The Hiring Fear Every Tradie Faces
When you’re flat out on the tools, drowning in quotes, and missing family time, the obvious solution is to hire. But for many, the risk feels overwhelming.
Too often, tradies rely on gut feel or “what’s in the bank today” to make the call. That’s when they either:
hire too early and struggle to cover wages, or
wait too long and burn themselves out.
The real answer lies in knowing the numbers.
Introducing the Cost Neutral Equation
The Hiring Calculator is built on what Chantel calls the Cost Neutral Equation.
It’s simple:
Work out the real cost of hiring (wages, super, overheads).
Compare that against the revenue they generate.
See when the new hire pays for themselves.
By breaking it down step by step, the calculator shows you how a new employee can be cost neutral from day one, instead of feeling like a risk.
Why This Calculator Changes the Game
Here’s what makes it so powerful:
Takes away the guesswork – You’ll know exactly what you need to charge and how many billable hours cover the hire.
Shows the “when” clearly – No more wondering if you’re ready; the numbers tell you.
Builds confidence to scale – Instead of worrying about cash flow, you can focus on growth.
As Chantel explains:
“Hiring isn’t about hoping the money shows up. It’s about building the equation so the hire funds themselves.”
Real Wins From Using the Calculator
We’ve seen tradies use this tool to:
Bring on their first apprentice without the stress of “what if I can’t afford it?”
Grow from sole trader to a team of 5+ in under a year.
Stop working 6–7 days a week and finally reclaim their weekends.
It’s not magic… it’s maths. The calculator gives you the clarity to back yourself and make the leap.
How to Use the Hiring Calculator
Watch Chantel’s short training to understand the Cost Neutral Equation.
Download the free Hiring Calculator spreadsheet.
Plug in your numbers — it works for any trade business.
See exactly when a new team member pays for themselves.
Lessons for Every Trade Business Owner
Don’t rely on gut feel — base your hiring decisions on numbers.
A good hire doesn’t cost you money; they make you money.
Scaling is safer when you know your break-even point.
The Hiring Calculator gives you the clarity to grow without stress.
