no longer full-time

NickWheeler

NickWheeler

Joined
Dec 3, 1999
Messages
9,437
Since I'd rather not air my entire personal life on the forums, I'll just say that there were MANY MANY factors involved in me making this decision.

I am 28 years old and trying to make it in a field that for most is a hobby, for many that are full-time- supported by another income, and for only a very slight few with a lot of grit and determination- their only income.

I absolutely WILL NOT STOP making knives!!!

But it was time to change things... a LOT. I need medical insurance...dental...vision...retirement. Things I have not had AT all for the last 5 years.

I am still planning on going to Atlanta in June for my Js. I am still planning on filling my orders. But shop work will now be relegated to time when I'm not at work.

In case you're wondering, they wanted to hire a young, dumb, and strong individual to work on a demolition team at one of the largest paper mills in the US. I happened to apply at the right time. There IS the possibility to either get into an apprenticeship under their one and only blacksmith/mill-wright, and/or try to get my foot in the door with their Engineering department.

So to recap:

I got a "real" job
I'll still make knives
I'll still make yours if you ordered one :D

Thanks everyone for the support in getting me as far as I have as a bladesmith. I'd like to think I've worked pretty hard for it, but there would have been no chance of it without anyone else (you guys) supporting me along the way. :cool: :D
 
Sounds like a smart business move to me. VERY smart to assess yourself and understand the benefits of working 'for the man'. I like health insurance....

I see it as win-win for Nick Wheeler. :thumbup:

Coop
 
CONGRATS on the new opportunity, that sounds wonderful!! Good for you, for taking care of YOU!
 
I just wanted to add, that some of my friends were looking at this as the end of me making knives.

Quite the contrary... this is what's going to allow me to keep doing it, as it's a position that pays well enough to let me spend my off-time in the shop. Yet not be freaked out about the shop time making me a living. And the medical insurance will keep me healthy so I can work on knives as well.

I actually see this as an opportunity to help me continue to grow as a bladesmith... and maybe even come back to full-time in the future.

Thanks for understanding guys! :cool:
 
Sounds like a good plan, Nick. A person needs security in their life. Very few makers can make a go of it full time. If this keeps someone with your immense making knives, then I say :thumbup:.
 
Nick, I really think you've made a good business decision.

In my case, I work full time (construction) to provide a financial base to operate everything else from. Through our primary jobs, my wife and I keep insurance, vacations, and other benifits, which allow a cushion to enable us to travel to the knife shows and other family related affairs. It's a very comfortable arrangement. I sometimes have time off because of bad weather, but I always have my knife shop to go to. I also have knifemaking for a semi-retirement plan.

If a person can make knives fulltime and do well, and I know some do, that's great. If you check closely, most of those are married to a wife that has a job with good health benifits.

I also recognize that in knifemaking, as any "business", things like insurance, vacations, etc., should be figured in. In reality, those things are usually the first to be cut.

I agree with the guys above, you will probably do much better at knifemaking because of your decision. Sort of a step back to see things more clear. :) Lin
 
Very smart move Nick. Health insurance and retirement and important, and often cut out because they're not "immediate" concerns. Good that you're looking at all the practical benefits of having a full time job.
 
Congrats on the second job. Many people work 2 jobs in this country. Before I started making a decent living in corrections/law enforcement it was knifemaking that gave me and my family financial hope at the end of the month and the other job a financial future. Smart move.
 
Nick
I left Northwest Airlines and returned to active duty Air Force to earn a great living, health benefits and pension. Previously I had served 15 years on active duty before leaving for the airline. Now that I'm back I feel more blessed than ever. I serve my country, fly jets, shoot the 9mm tomorrow and M-16 on Tuesday and have a blast. Now I can buy a Fowler and not worry about mergers, bankruptcy, and the price of gas. You're young. Max out your 401(k) each year and put the rest into your knife business. Enjoy those steady paychecks. With your outstanding talent and infectious personality you'll always have a huge customer base with which to sell your knives.
Good Luck!
Hercules
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top