I took a job to make 2 Honor Boards for a local private school. I designed and made more than a dozen of em about 18 years ago. They involve about 28 pieces and parts including 3 layers of segmented, & laminated semi circles.
When I made them the first time, everything went smooth as pie. Click, click, click. I have always been able to put together a sequence for making most anything just in my head.....NO problem.
No more. This has been one struggle after another. Even made some real rookie mistakes.....I was able to cover them with some creativity, but for the most part, everything has been a challenge (and I'm not done yet ).
I see the hand writing on the wall. This is the end of my woodworking career.
Now when I say no, it will be because I can't....not because I don't want to.
This certainly won't be the end to my business. Still lots of signs to make, but the craft of woodworking now has one fewer craftsmen. It's over.
Not sure why I'm posting this. Maybe it's because, in the end, we all have to recognize when it's "Time to fold em". How will you know when that time comes???? Maybe for some of you, "been there, done that"?
(Here's your opening Si....lol )
Joe,
Makin Chip$ and Havin Fun!
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
This must be one of those nightmare jobs. Go get yourself a bottle of Southern Comfort and come back to it later - you're too good to cash in your "chips"..........
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
I'm with you. When it isn't fun anymore, that's the signal. Like you, I love challenges however once it's over there's no going back.
Keep up the good work. We all love seeing your work.
[ September 12, 2010, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: Joe Crumley ]
Posted by W. R. Pickett (Member # 3842) on :
...With all the vast knowledge you have, you should teach some apprentices.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
absolutely W.R.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Back 'in the day' I used to do everything in relation to my projects. We'd lay and stamp the concrete,do all the groundwork and lots of other physical work. I was in there at the front of the pack, working harder and longer than any of my crew. My back paid the price.
We still take on those big projects from time to time. But I wouldn't even consider doing things the old way. Although I know I will have to settle for the way others do things I farm out those physical aspects of the job.
In the past I had a large crew, lots of helpers. I loved it at the time but I also found myself longing for simpler times with a very small team. Now we only employ part time help.
There is a season for everything, As I get older I now know my limits much better than I used to. Experience has taught me to take on what I love, let go of those things that I don't. I'll leave that stuff to others.
I certainly wouldn't let a bad day or a screwed up project determine my future. We all have those kind of days. But life goes on and we are always in a state of change.
Remember with joy the wonderful things you did accomplish. Celebrate that instead of mourning what isn't any more. Then move on and enjoy what you still do.
-grampa dan
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Ditto your comments Dan!
I am in the process of "pulling the plug" and semi retiring. I have the assets, investments and superannuation to do so.
Selling up this 1/2 acre property, huge house and workshop to move into a brand new 3 bedroom duplex down the road. One room is going to be my studio and another Sue's craft room but both will have sleeping for visiting friends, $75/week per week covers all the maintenance, property rates etc. We only pay power and water, but there is a rain tank too
I intend to pursue my paintings and murals. Got an exhibition on at the moment and sold two Bushie sepia historicals already. Two large murals in the boiling pot in next 12 months. This is what I love.
Joined the "SKI" club! "Spend Kid's Inheritance"
I have paid the price to get where I am today. Pushed the body to extremes working. Now is the the time to relax and enjoy the fruits of my labour.
I am not going to die the richest man in the graveyard.
Posted by Dennis Kiernan (Member # 12202) on :
Jon, you going to have just one room for painting? That's what I've got, plus a walk-in closet for storing stuff, and I'm so crowded I have to move stuff to get to the scotch tape.
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