Changing Careers...advice.

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Well, an opportunity has come up for me to make a rather drastic career change. I'm pretty much stuck in a dead-end job and coming to realise there is no future for me here. I'm approaching 30 and wondering (again) what to do with my life. I've had dreams of becoming a cabinet maker/furniture maker for the past couple of years and now I have an opportunity to make these dreams come true. I've never done anything that resembles carpentry/cabinet making but feel the need to do something creative with my mind. Current job is not creative and gives me no sense of accomplishment at all. I've done projects around my home such as refinishing furniture and I always seem to do a good job. People have commented on my work and have told me I should put those skills to good use. I guess I would start out as an apprentice for this person who is willing to take me on. My dream (if I go forward with this) is to eventually open my own shop. So, what I'm thinking of doing is continuing my job here for a while and working part time for this dude to get a feel for things and really see if I like it, and if so..quit this hell hole. Is this a good thing?

Am I too old to make this move?

Does anyone have any experience in this field?

― Chris V. (Chris V), Monday, 16 June 2003 11:40 (twenty-two years ago)

You are never too old to make the move. I think it is a good idea to work for this guy part time to get a feel for it. After all, not many people get the chance to have a 'taster' of there dream before they actually go for it. I say do it & reap the rewards. Best of luck Chris. :-)

― Pinkpanther (Pinkpanther), Monday, 16 June 2003 11:45 (twenty-two years ago)

Chris, I have no advice for you but that sounds great.

― NA. (Nick A.), Monday, 16 June 2003 11:47 (twenty-two years ago)

(THEIR DREAM) sorry!

― Pinkpanther (Pinkpanther), Monday, 16 June 2003 11:47 (twenty-two years ago)

Photoshopper required

$60 pa plus benefits, 40 days holiday

if only...

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 16 June 2003 11:48 (twenty-two years ago)

I want to be Norm Abrams from Ye Olde Yankee Workshop.

No shit Steve, if it was only that easy....

― Chris V. (Chris V), Monday, 16 June 2003 11:49 (twenty-two years ago)

Do it!

― Archel (Archel), Monday, 16 June 2003 12:40 (twenty-two years ago)

Has anyone made a drastic career move?

― Chris V. (Chris V), Monday, 16 June 2003 12:41 (twenty-two years ago)

Yay, Im going to go for it. I will start on this saturday. Soon you will all want custom Chris V. cabinets!

― Chris V. (Chris V), Monday, 16 June 2003 15:10 (twenty-two years ago)

That's great! I don't think you are too old to make this move at all, it sounds like it could be a great opportunity for you.

― Nicole (Nicole), Monday, 16 June 2003 15:12 (twenty-two years ago)

30 is not too old. I have a friend who just finished school at 29, and a relative going back to school who won't be done until she's 35. I'm nearing 29 and my Career Future is entirely unknown.

It is SO appealing to find a career where you'll be making use of your talents and enjoying yourself. I know so many people who are working drones and hate their jobs and don't feel like there's any other realistic options.

Rah for you Chris! This sounds really really cool!

― JuliaA (j_bdules), Monday, 16 June 2003 15:40 (twenty-two years ago)

$60 p.a. sounds kind of crumby.

― N. (nickdastoor), Monday, 16 June 2003 15:52 (twenty-two years ago)

Rob, I am on my third career - it's nowhere near too late!

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 16 June 2003 17:09 (twenty-two years ago)

Definitely go for it, young Chris -- and it sounds like you have! :-)

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 16 June 2003 17:13 (twenty-two years ago)

Sounds cool, Chris. You only live once...

― oops (Oops), Monday, 16 June 2003 18:56 (twenty-two years ago)

Ronny to thread!

― donut bitch (donut), Monday, 16 June 2003 19:05 (twenty-two years ago)

Well, Chris, it seems like you convinced yourself above anyway... you should at least do some research, and call up some local shops and just ask them "Hey, let me put it to ya... your job is cool. Convince me otherwise..", just to be on the safe side.

Cuz there's always *something*, often obfuscated, about a chosen dream career path that takes away a fraction of the rosy color. Caution and research mixed with something to look forward to and be excited about is always a great plan. :)

― donut bitch (donut), Monday, 16 June 2003 19:09 (twenty-two years ago)

Strangely, I know two born-again cabinet makers (one was a former bartender, the other a former writer/academic). They're quite satisfied and happy. If you live in Quebec, you could go back to school at CEGEP and it would cost you little or nothing...

― cybele (cybele), Monday, 16 June 2003 19:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Not to tell you to give up in case someone tells you something isn't cool as you thought it was... no no no! just saying it's always handy to know all the goods and bads upfront, that's all.

― donut bitch (donut), Monday, 16 June 2003 19:10 (twenty-two years ago)

yeah! Go for it! Good luck! Wahoo!

― jel -- (jel), Monday, 16 June 2003 19:14 (twenty-two years ago)

why did I say 'Rob' up there? What was I think of? Sorry!

― Martin Skidmore (Martin Skidmore), Monday, 16 June 2003 19:22 (twenty-two years ago)

Graffiti I read in a toilet stall in Vail, CO is my mantra:

DREAM IT.
DO IT.

FWIW I too am in the midst of a risky mid-life career change- I am 35. Yeah I'm a bit skeered, but better than being miserable.

― Hunter (Hunter), Monday, 16 June 2003 19:39 (twenty-two years ago)

Chris, there is no such thing as being too 'old' to start a new career. (Since you have no idea what could happen tomorrow, I say the time is now!) I'd agree with pinkpanther tho: stay in your current job, and apprentice for this other guy. That way, you won't go broke while learning this new job.

When you feel secure enough, you can then tell your old boss to stick it;>

Good luck, and go for it!

― Nichole Graham (Nichole Graham), Monday, 16 June 2003 19:40 (twenty-two years ago)

Chris I think your plan sounds fantastic! Go for it and good luck.

My ex did carpentry. Made awesome stuff, loved it. I think it's a fantastic craft.

― That Girl (thatgirl), Monday, 16 June 2003 19:43 (twenty-two years ago)

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