Consider scrapping the cubicle life..

[skids]

Wasn't sure where to post this, apologies if this isn't appropriate for this forum, but I need advice from the best. Here goes..

I am mulling a decision (in my head) to leave behind corporate life and taking on a trade, preferably finish work..I have long thought about this, too long actually. For about the past ten years I have come to the realization working in a corporate setting isn't my cup of tea-causes me alot of stress and sleepless nights for me. During that time, I have spent alot of time working on my own home, and friends homes doing some sidework. Learned most of what I know from my brother, and working here and there in trades when I was younger-but nothing more than an advanced novice really. But VERY good at solving problems and finding information to do so..Most of my work has been rougher work, basements, decks, attic refinish, exterior window or two, patio doors, etc. I spent years in high school taking shop, furniture making etc..I knew early on what I should have done, but chose college and corporate life for a job..It wasn't until fairly recently I got a good taste for finish work, and loved it. A friend of a friend of mine did a staircase in my home for me ( I did some of the simpler work on it). I had always heard how good he was, hired him and WHOA! I was shocked at how good his worked turned out. I didn't have to caulk ANY of his miters. Then he showed me a thing or two and I did some crown in my whole house, about 400 feet of it. Really enjoyed the process and the end result. He pulled the mystery right out of it for me..Anyway, I have owned a lot of tools over the years, bought some Festool, and well the rest is (as you know) history. Now here I am, considering using them to make me some money. I really enjoy the process of construction, producing something where I judge myself and to be judged by others. I love the task oriented nature of it, in that respect it suits me well. And finish carpentry seems to have the more thought provoking aspect I seem to enjoy as well.

The problem I have swirling around in my head is, two fold..1) am I am too old to consider pursuing a profession in Finish work (I am 39). 2) how do I go about pursuing it with a wife and three kids. If I had a promising opportunity to apprentice under someone who produced the work I would eventually want to produce (my friend doesn't have any work for me), I could take the job and not cause too much stress on the family. But I am not sure how to find the work or if any contractor would want to hire a fella at my age. I suppose this is where I am looking to get some advice. Just tell me I am crazy for considering this at my age.

 

[tjbnwi]

I woke up one morning looked at my wife and told her going to work was no longer fun. It was a career that I had at the age of 32 had over 20 years in. Which included from the age of 18 to 28 teaching the trade in collage. I was at the top of the tops in my field. I quit right then and there. New home, wife 3 children.

Reality check time------

Are you financially stable enough to make this change? Yes could be worse than no. If yes, you may become lackadaisical, if no you are driven to take care of your family. Somewhere in between is best.

Create a business plan. You are not to old to do whatever you want to do.

Do you know all of your expenses? If so, they will become the bases for your hourly rate. Add what you would like make per hour plus your expenses. If not, time for a home accounting.

Is licensing required in your area? Will a test be required for licensing in your area? Can you pass that test?

Insurance, you will now have to pay for medical (assumes wife does not qualify for it), bussiness liability, and possibly bonds. Figure those in your above number.

The most intangible, can your wife handle this? She may say yes, but is it really yes?

How are your sales skills?

Do nothing for nothing, friends, family no one (I break this rule for my children and parents).

I've only been at this 25 years now. I may wake up tomorrow morning and decide this is not fun any more. Again I would have to quit at that moment. Maybe try neurosurgery next.

Tom

 

[skids]

I woke up one morning looked at my wife and told her going to work was no longer fun. It was a career that I had at the age of 32 had over 20 years in. Which included from the age of 18 to 28 teaching the trade in collage. I was at the top of the tops in my field. I quit right then and there. New home, wife 3 children.

Reality check time------

Are you financially stable enough to make this change? Yes could be worse than no. If yes, you may become lackadaisical, if no you are driven to take care of your family. Somewhere in between is best.

Create a business plan. You are not to old to do whatever you want to do.

Do you know all of your expenses? If so, they will become the bases for your hourly rate. Add what you would like make per hour plus your expenses. If not, time for a home accounting.

Is licensing required in your area? Will a test be required for licensing in your area? Can you pass that test?

Insurance, you will now have to pay for medical (assumes wife does not qualify for it), bussiness liability, and possibly bonds. Figure those in your above number.

The most intangible, can your wife handle this? She may say yes, but is it really yes?

How are your sales skills?

Do nothing for nothing, friends, family no one (I break this rule for my children and parents).

I've only been at this 25 years now. I may wake up tomorrow morning and decide this is not fun any more. Again I would have to quit at that moment. Maybe try neurosurgery next.

Tom

All excellent points, thanks for the information..Very well put I must say.

I am somewhere in between at the moment financially, could pull it off I think but would have to crunch some numbers. Sales skills are excellent, business accumen is excellent...I inform other based on knowledge, always found it works very well for me, people respond well to it overall...I think. I think this is the side of the business I would excel in. I was raised around small business, I know thing or two about it. That plus my college years, and professional years may help a bit. I most certainly know how to talk to folks to get a job, or make a customer comfortable with hiring me, and know one thing to be a self-evident truth in business-Customer is always right..Well at least to their face they are. Licensing not required that I know, but I have to look further into that, great point. Insurance for health would be carried by the wife, all other insurance would be on me through the business. And yes, I have already promised myself a business plan was necessary and something would put together if I decide to pursue this.

I think also it's super important I learn under someone who does it the right way and not some hack. My friend who I mentioned gets so much work he has to turn some down because a) he does high end work and his reputation spreads through word of mouth like crazy. b) he shows up on time and sets expectations properly. This is what I want to emulate..Problem is, he's not hiring and quite honestly may not want to teach someone like me. I need to keep doing the research regardless.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

As a fellow cubicle dweller I can commiserate.  
A few tangents 'fore I come round to the point.

First off, get this book.  It's not a business book, but it will resonate with you.  "Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work" by Matthew Crawford.  Even if you only read the forward and first few chapters you'll understand your thoughts and feelings are not so crazy.  (In fact, you can read the Introduction via Amazon's 'Look Inside' feature)

Second, think long and hard about whether the grass is really greener.  I love woodworking.  I enjoy it for all the design, building, tangible aspects of it.  I like the smell of wood and the knowledge of what I did right and sorta right.  
I considered for a while making a shift to have a go at full-time something or other.  But the reality is, if I had to do it full time, and feel the stresses of getting a project completed or of having made a mistake, or a hostile customer... well then it sounds like work, instead of a hobby that fulfills those aspect of my life.  I work at my day job to pay the bills and have a enjoyable, fullfilled life outside the office (the 66% of the day).  It helps immensely that I *do* like my job, find it challenging and have a great environment.  Don't get me wrong, I feel very fortunate and work very hard to make sure it continues.

Third, how's your body?  Really, assess how you'd fare up and down a ladder and stairs all day long.  Up and down on your knees for hours.  This is where I had to turn back.  Bad knees from my Airborne days.

Fourth, are there things you could change about your current career and roles to throttle back and find a better work life balance??  Part of that balance could be pursuing carpentry.  Your own house is likely an easily exposed set of opportunities.  Makes things for your family, friends, etc.  

And finally, you're never too old if you have determination and support.  It might involve some (serious) belt tightening all around.  It will still likely involve some sleepless nights and stress.  But if you can make your dream a reality, and keep your family intact and cared for, then go for it!

PS:  Your 'Customer is always right' comment reminded me of my first mentor, lol 3 careers ago... an abrasive fellow who was the GM at the first restaurant where I was Asst. Manager.
He said "Robert, that saying the customer is always right.  It's {cow manure}!   They pay for the privilege of being wrong.  And we laugh all the way to the bank."    Just had to share that.  It's helped me sometimes keep a positve deameanor with clients.    [smile]

 

[tjbnwi]

I never worked for anyone else in this field. It may not be necessary for you to work for someone else.

I've always had the ability to look at something and know exactly how it works and was constructed.

As stated, are you sure this will be as much fun if it becomes a job?

Tom

 

[Guilliaume woodworks]

Skids, sounds like you've already changed careers in your head. Do it & don't look back...sometimes taking risks & being uncomfortable is healthy, it can create drive in us to accomplish goals.

 

[fshanno]

I was forced to do it because I was RIF'ed from a computer desk job.

I'm not going to offer any advice because I don't know what it would be.  But here's a tidbit I've discovered about myself.

There is a big difference between building as a hobby and building for a living.  To me it's much more fun to build professionally.  It's the risk I think.  Failure is more dangerous so success is more thrilling.  Being paid for something I built with my own hands is much more satisfying than simply owning what I built or giving it as a gift.

 

[Kev]

I'll throw in a counterpoint ...

For a living I do what I'm really good at, no - it's not what I enjoy.

For relaxation I do what I enjoy - not what I'm good at.

This may sound a bit screwed up, but it's quite common for your skills and desires to be out of sync with each other. Further, when you try to make a living out of what you enjoy, you may find the pressure factors take the fun out of it.

It may be worth keeping this in mind - see if you can make some small experimental changes rather than some level of irreversible boots and all commitment ... just to try it out.

From a experience perspective, take a week off and ask your stair friend to put you on as a free worker for a week while you're on holiday and just ask at the end of a solid week "what was I really worth in $'s".

 

[Eli]

Life happens once. Do it if you want a challenge.
You CAN do it, you can do anything. I always look at it like, "Man has done this, I'm a man, and no less, therefore, I can do it".
You sound on it. If she supports you, you can do it. You don't need a mentor to start, you can read, and it's all written down.
We can help. The only currency you buy a life with is happiness. If it makes you happy or even if it might, it's worth a shot.
As they say, "And Begin".

 

[Deadskins]

A lot of good advice here.
I have had three major types of careers in IT.  Fairly successful making pretty good pay and occasional travel to cool places; really successful making twice as much in IT sales and traveling 75 days a year; laid off when my company went down the tubes; and finally fairly successful in a fairly easy job that allows me time to do other fun stuff like woodworking.  The thing is when I made more money, I just spent more.  I would much rather make a little less and be happy with my work and life.

 

[pugilato]

For a living I do what I'm really good at, no - it's not what I enjoy.
For relaxation I do what I enjoy - not what I'm good at.

Right on... that is why it's called work. But I do sympathize. A year and a half ago I was fired from a high paying management job. Had to short sell my house. Recession made finding a job near impossible. Disaster. And yet I felt relief from the constant stress, from having to do the job of several, from the constant demands of upper management, from the stabs of coworkers who liked me to my face... Simplified my life, paid off my debt, and moved back home and decided to be a kid again. Now I go surfing whenever it suits me, take on woodworking jobs when it suits me, and refuse to deal with stupid people.

I have also learned that clients can be the biggest pain in the neck... they can certainly stress me out like my boss used to.

 

[Kev]

For a living I do what I'm really good at, no - it's not what I enjoy.
For relaxation I do what I enjoy - not what I'm good at.

Right on... that is why it's called work. But I do sympathize. A year and a half ago I was fired from a high paying management job. Had to short sell my house. Recession made finding a job near impossible. Disaster. And yet I felt relief from the constant stress, from having to do the job of several, from the constant demands of upper management, from the stabs of coworkers who liked me to my face... Simplified my life, paid off my debt, and moved back home and decided to be a kid again. Now I go surfing whenever it suits me, take on woodworking jobs when it suits me, and refuse to deal with stupid people.

I have also learned that clients can be the biggest pain in the neck... they can certainly stress me out like my boss used to.

LoL - I wasn't as drastic! I've stayed in my field, but i've taken a role in a venture based in a lifestyle complex ... I cycle to the office, the complex has pool, gym, cafe, etc.

No more big corporates.

Unfortunately my surfing, guitar playing or wood working skills wouldn't earn enough to feed the dog [embarassed]

 

[Sparktrician]

In the last 45+ years, I've tended to stay mainly in IT, and when the layoffs come (9 times in the last ~25 years), revert to a completely different skill set to keep a roof over my head and beans in the pot.  The experience has made me far more valuable when I go back into the IT world since I can easily bridge the gap with experience and credibility.  Getting into woodworking has been very personally satisfying, and the IT jobs have paid for my Festools that I use to generate income when laid off from the IT world.  The downside (if you can call it that) is that the IT jobs that pay for the great tools also restrict the time available to use them and learn how to do things better and more efficiently.  When I decide to pull the plug on the IT world, my goodies will all be paid for and will provide a retirement income.  When I decide to pull the plug the last time, my son will be VERY well fixed for tools and toys. 

 

[Jalvis]

Your not too old....I mean look at Kreg!...lol.

Your asking good questions so your going in the right direction. 

Be sure to take the time while your employed to do market research, business plan, tools lists, accounting for costs......

There is a lot to know and being 'prepared' means your confident enough to jump in......since your on this site asking people you don't know.....you should wait.  Being tired isnt a good reason.  Your talking about a life change for you and your family so be careful.

As a fairly new business owner in the trades I recommend the following:

Dont go in debt!.....no loans for tools and start up costs and that includes a vehicle!
Be willing to trade 'Stress' for 'Anxiety'
Know your Costs down to the Penny
Never do a Job without Profit!....Profit isn't what you make.....its what the business makes after everything is paid including your salary.
Always have a Contract so get a lawyer.....this will need to be done before day 1
Dont base your Cost or Price on your competition

 

[zapdafish]

Since it doesn't seem like losing the job is the stressor but the job itself. Is it possible to distance yourself from the problems in your mind? To just not care about the problems? I'm not saying start doing a bad job or slacking off but to not let things get to you.

I don't know what is causing you stress but if its something like people playing politics getting you all stressed, just ignore them and let it slide or call them on it and bring everything out into the open. The later is kind of fun the few times I've had to do it. Or if its stress put on you by bosses to meet deadlines, just do your job and so what if you are late on an  unreasonable deadline.  When I get pushed at work, I either go along with it or if it's an unreasonable expectation push back a little to give myself some breathing room.

 

[skids]

Since it doesn't seem like losing the job is the stressor but the job itself. Is it possible to distance yourself from the problems in your mind? To just not care about the problems? I'm not saying start doing a bad job or slacking off but to not let things get to you.

I don't know what is causing you stress but if its something like people playing politics getting you all stressed, just ignore them and let it slide or call them on it and bring everything out into the open. The later is kind of fun the few times I've had to do it. Or if its stress put on you by bosses to meet deadlines, just do your job and so what if you are late on an  unreasonable deadline.  When I get pushed at work, I either go along with it or if it's an unreasonable expectation push back a little to give myself some breathing room.

Somewhat true I suppose..Leaving the job would relieve a stress, possibly trade it for a new one. But I see your point and these are things my wife and I discuss often to successfully deal with problems. The thing for me, is my trigger might be a little sensitive, I have developed some sort of anxiety around things I sometimes create in my own head. Tend to have little patience for the absurd, but usually keep my mouth shut on matters. I could go into detail, but to sum it up I just think my longer term happiness is better suited doing something I would enjoy more, with less of the psychological stress. I am up nights, don't eat sometimes, feel trapped. Maybe I am wrong, but I feel like there is a certain freedom once you learn a trade and have your own business. Aside from the work itself, the process of the work, the business side does in fact appeal to me as well. I find alot of joy out of creating things on my own, or learning about something and then applying it over and over again. Finish work seems to provide alot of that.

I hope I don't sound like I am on the only person with problems like this, I know others have stress too. To be honest life could be alot worse. I have a great marriage, healthy kids and a job-I try to focus on that..I just think I could be happier overall and I like working doing carpentry alot. And love my tools as corny as that sounds. I appreciate all the excellent advice you have all given, it's providing some excellent perspective for me, which puts my mind at ease a bit.

Thanks to everyone.

 

[PA floor guy]

Reading these posts really make me think about my own decision to quit my previous career and move on.  I was in your exact shoes, only 5 years ago.  I hated going to work. But I had mouths to feed, and couldn't just quit.  So I eventually launched my new business, while working at my other job.  I worked endlessly to get where I am, nights and every wknd.

Until one day, my new career took off, and I never looked back. I now make 5 times per year what I was making, and I'm growing more every year.  It's the biggest decision I've ever made, and I'm so glad that I did.  Sometimes I have nightmares that I'm still working at my old job.  I love what I do now, and have 3 full time employees with me now.  So do it right and never look back.  Good luck....Sam

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

You think you have too much stress now, just wait.

Being a self employed carpenter is not all cotton candy and butterflies.

I have 3 kids and an old lady who is in nursing school full time.

I pay for everything. It will turn you into a different person.

 

[Wooden Lungs]

Well if you retire at 60 you will have been a trim carpenter for 21 years ;D

You are in your prime. I have seen guys who have been in the trade for years and they are rubbish at it! also I have seen guys who are self taught being very successful.

Being a carpenter is not a job, to me it is a way of life. Every day is a learning day and I get to work on all types of projects in all different locations.

A single phone call or conversation can affect my lifestyle and income for several months.

I say go for it.

 

[tjbier]

You think you have too much stress now, just wait.

Being a self employed carpenter is not all cotton candy and butterflies.

I have 3 kids and an old lady who is in nursing school full time.

I pay for everything. It will turn you into a different person.

Spot on.. No matter what job you do, some day are great and some days are work, and you have to drudge through the day.

Right now is feast for me, turning down work if has to be done in the next 3 months because that is how far out we are scheduled! A great feeling, but I've also sat home and hoped and pray my phone would ring cuz money was getting tight. It's not for everyone but that's been my whole life, earning $ by the sweat of my back. Grew up on a dairy farm so it's all I know.
Honestly, I would love to find a good maintenance/ college/larger company to fix things for, and have good insurance, secure pay, take away the "wondering where the next paycheck is coming from" because that does suck.
At the same time I love what do and probably have 5-8  more yrs framing at the speed I'm used to, then I need to be totally geared over to trim (which is what I am trying to do now) til I retire! lol

Like Darcy said, it's not for everyone, the good days are great, the bad days can be nightmares. 
If your going to do it just make sure you have enough work lined up to sustain you for a few months til more work rolls in.