Getting into Joinery / Cabinet Making, Limited Experience
Discussion
Morning,
Newly registered, I've benefited from a few of the DIY discussions on PH over the years and recognise this as a place for good level-headed advice! … All it is, I'm seemingly in the middle of abandoning a semi-decent career in IT, (at the age of 46) and am looking for some realistic expectations over entryways and pathways into joinery.
I've lost all mojo for things IT-related, and in my heart I'm finding it impossible to engage sincerely with the problems and difficulties of getting anything done. I'm not doing any of the heavy lifting for my team, and I'm hating the way that's making me feel. I keep rearranging the deckchairs, the Titanic continues to sink in realtime, and I'm just exhausted with the disconnect. Work doesn't have to be passion, it may be preferable when it isn't, but I can't carry on with zero interest or motivation.
The work I've enjoyed and connected with most naturally over the years was woodwork. I worked in a workshop for 2 years and eventually became a production manager. We had our own timber which we'd bring in, thickness, and start converting into various goods using all the usual machines. I wasn't the most proficient, but I was safe to set up and operate the machines, as well as various finishing processes like paint-tumbling, and spray lacquering. I also did a level 3 in Bench Joinery at the same time, so learnt how to use hand tools to make (crude) windows, stairs, benches, gates, from plans that I drew.
These are rusty skills at present. I feel the ultimate craftsman's skill is getting good results at speed, whereas as things stand I'd take all week trying to turn out a passable piece, and may still be off.
I'd like to ask for advice about where I might start, and where I might get to. I think what I'd love to get into the most would be bespoke furniture-making, working production for someone else, and eventually thinking about setting up for myself. But none of that strikes me as particularly realistic. Possible, just unlikely. And in the meantime, where would I start? Where are the best entry points - if I don't mind starting humble, but want the opportunity to grow and take on interesting work quickly? (but still need paying!)
Thought I'd ask some human beings, before throwing myself on the mercy of AI for advice >_<
Also FWIW I'm in Newcastle, so there's a fair bit going on around me, for better or worse.
Thanks for reading, safe travels \m/
Newly registered, I've benefited from a few of the DIY discussions on PH over the years and recognise this as a place for good level-headed advice! … All it is, I'm seemingly in the middle of abandoning a semi-decent career in IT, (at the age of 46) and am looking for some realistic expectations over entryways and pathways into joinery.
I've lost all mojo for things IT-related, and in my heart I'm finding it impossible to engage sincerely with the problems and difficulties of getting anything done. I'm not doing any of the heavy lifting for my team, and I'm hating the way that's making me feel. I keep rearranging the deckchairs, the Titanic continues to sink in realtime, and I'm just exhausted with the disconnect. Work doesn't have to be passion, it may be preferable when it isn't, but I can't carry on with zero interest or motivation.
The work I've enjoyed and connected with most naturally over the years was woodwork. I worked in a workshop for 2 years and eventually became a production manager. We had our own timber which we'd bring in, thickness, and start converting into various goods using all the usual machines. I wasn't the most proficient, but I was safe to set up and operate the machines, as well as various finishing processes like paint-tumbling, and spray lacquering. I also did a level 3 in Bench Joinery at the same time, so learnt how to use hand tools to make (crude) windows, stairs, benches, gates, from plans that I drew.
These are rusty skills at present. I feel the ultimate craftsman's skill is getting good results at speed, whereas as things stand I'd take all week trying to turn out a passable piece, and may still be off.
I'd like to ask for advice about where I might start, and where I might get to. I think what I'd love to get into the most would be bespoke furniture-making, working production for someone else, and eventually thinking about setting up for myself. But none of that strikes me as particularly realistic. Possible, just unlikely. And in the meantime, where would I start? Where are the best entry points - if I don't mind starting humble, but want the opportunity to grow and take on interesting work quickly? (but still need paying!)
Thought I'd ask some human beings, before throwing myself on the mercy of AI for advice >_<
Also FWIW I'm in Newcastle, so there's a fair bit going on around me, for better or worse.
Thanks for reading, safe travels \m/
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