diff --git a/bin/start_service.sh b/bin/start_service.sh
index 2b4c538..f18c08e 100755
--- a/bin/start_service.sh
+++ b/bin/start_service.sh
@@ -26,7 +26,9 @@ pip install uv
 # to run `uv ...`
 PATH="${HOME}/.local/bin:${PATH}"
 
-cd ${SVC_DIR}/current/app
+APP_DIR=${SVC_DIR}/current/app
+echo "changing dir to ${APP_DIR}"
+cd ${APP_DIR}
 # (re)create venv using site-packages -- uses system-wide installed epics
 uv venv --system-site-packages .venv --clear
 # install custom python packages from pyproject.toml / uv.lock
@@ -34,4 +36,4 @@ uv sync --frozen
 # activate .venv, this works in conjunction with the conda environment
 source .venv/bin/activate
 
-python3 -u -B ${SVC_DIR}/current/app/src/AGEBD-SERVICE-${SVC_NAME}.py
+python3 -u -B ${APP_DIR}/src/AGEBD-SERVICE-${SVC_NAME}.py