'tis a great forum mate! can't imagine where i'd be without it!
i still use 1 mix on smaller 'hits' to be honest, but i find i can mix a bag and a half now on my own, lay it on and then get another 2/3rds ish to top it on after cleaning out.
i used some advice Micilin gave a while ago which has stood me in good stead, tip the muck on the board, couple of inches of water in the mixing bucket and a quick clean out before laying on, this way if i'm up against it by the time i've laid it all on i can get straight onto my second mix.
thsi all assumes the suctions have been sorted and i'm not working round awkward bits, managed a 24sq. metre ceiling on my own 2 weeks ago, but did have to roll my gauges, 3 and a half bags all in i think.
if i was using 1 mix i think i'd be doing more 'sets' and mixes but each would be shorter i suppose.
i generally now do 2 sets of 2and a half to 3 hours a piece, each of 2 mixes.
kinda where i've arrived at though mate, still a newbie don't forget and learning ALL the time thanks to you chaps!