Reply To: Can one make a living working wood?

I have thought about this topic at length. I think it would be possible given the right circumstances and the right mindset. The mindset is something Paul touches on frequently in his blogs. If one wanted to make a living doing the type of work Paul does I don’t think it would be possible with the 40 hour work week type mentality. In order to truly succeed in this type of work I think one would have to adopt it as a true lifestyle, much in the same sense as ranchers, farmers, etc.. My grandpa and dad both worked as ranch hands most of their lives, now this came with very little pay and basically working 7 days a week. However it wasn’t really work it was a lifestyle, in addition us kids were always around. There really wasn’t any distinction between work time, family time or any other time, it was all part of one whole. The same sort of mentality would have to apply to doing artisan type work. Also i think a simpler life would be nessacary. Such as living in a smaller house, spending less on frivalous goods, not taking extravagent vacations, etc. Someday I hope to move into this type of lifestyle by building my skills and customer base slowly. However right now I have school loans and a family to take care of so I work a good 40hr a week job with excellent benefits that allow me extra time to work on my craft while including my family in it,