When the hobby becomes work... and the excitement fades.... !!

[ERIK KNIVES]

The hobby becomes work when you make promises, or when you spend more than you can afford. Try not to do either - I know it's easier said than done.

Erik

 

[Matthew Gregory]

That's where Salem's post comes in Matthew... "WORK" doesn't have to be a bad word. It just is for most people anymore.

Dude, you called me 'Matthew'... you're either scolding me like my Mom or trying to seduce me, aren't you?

I know what you were saying bro, and in the context which you and Salem are presenting, you're correct! Knifemaking is a hella lot of work - but if I'm doing it right, it's exhausting, trying, difficult work that I enjoy (just, obviously, as you do). HOWEVER, the title of this thread is When the hobby becomes work... and the excitement fades.... !!. That's why I keep bringing up context!

We're both right, I'm just more right than you.

You used to love me, you know.


Your last line is perfect, btw - although it was delivered with far less grace in my domicile. We like the phrase "Life's hard - get an F'ing helmet!"

Robert, best wishes in whatever decision you end up making - you're obviously talented enough to make it work, if that was the path you choose!

 

[Tinbasher]

I do take orders but everyone is told I have a 8 to 10 week turnaround from the time the order is received.
Some times they get it sooner.
Only work in the shed on week ends, start about 9:30am and stop work about 3pm.

Richard

 

[Fiddleback]

BTW, I think the 'work' part is necessary for the good feeling part. Its not easy work. My hands are always rougher than files, my neck hurts from looking down at my beer belly all day, my arms feel like rubber after filing or sanding for 8 hours straight. It is work, good honest work. If it wasn't, who would care if the tools were good or not? People have started to feel like the word work is a bad word. IMO, this comes from working our entire lives under the finger of BAD MANAGERS. I was told by managers more than once that I wasn't a 'self starter'. Haha. Screw those idiots.

 

[Robert Dark]

BTW, I think the 'work' part is necessary for the good feeling part. Its not easy work. My hands are always rougher than files, my neck hurts from looking down at my beer belly all day, my arms feel like rubber after filing or sanding for 8 hours straight. It is work, good honest work.

I always feel much better after a good days work. Knife making is not easy, it is work. That old saying, "If it was easy, everybody would be doing it" is so true.

People have started to feel like the word work is a bad word. IMO, this comes from working our entire lives under the finger of BAD MANAGERS. I was told by managers more than once that I wasn't a 'self starter'.

Been there and done that Andy. Poor management/supervision makes everyone's life miserable. If I am miserable making knives now, its because of my own (lack-of) management skills.

Robert

 

[KFU]

I have nowhere near the experience as most of you but I have felt that way at times. I think Rick was right when he said not to take orders. When you first start out you make what you want and while it is work, there are no deadlines. After you sell a few knives people begin to take notice. Orders are the next step because you feel like to sell your knives you have to make what people want. Deadlines, material orders, and constant communication with your customers take a toll. Im in that stage now. I work 60 hours a week with my day job and put in at least another 20-25 on knife orders. It doesn't leave much time for family. In the next couple of months I will phase out ordering and make when I have the time. Listen to these guys that have posted, they have been there done that!