Embracing a New Path
Share
A New Beginning
When I was informed that I wouldn’t be retained by the company that acquired my previous employer, my initial reaction was to get back on the horse and ride again. The world was in an economic downturn, and opportunities were scarce. Despite the challenges, I committed myself to networking, reaching out to connections I'd made throughout my career. I am incredibly grateful to those who met with me and especially to those who referred me to potential employers. However, after a year of searching, I still hadn’t found the right fit.
Support and Encouragement
My partner was incredibly supportive and encouraged me not to settle. It was she who suggested that I should do what makes me happy. She understood that I had developed a passion for woodworking and proposed, somewhat firmly, that I take it seriously. At this point, I didn’t need much convincing—I wholeheartedly agreed.
Building a Dream
The first thing I needed was a workshop. Although I had the tools and was confident in my ability, I had never built a structure of this scale before. Fortunately, there are many books written on constructing sheds and garages, and of course, many YouTube videos on the subject as well. So I got to reading and watching, learning how to go about completing the project I had decided to undertake.
Constructing the Workshop
As soon as the snow melted and the weather warmed, I was ready. I had my plan in place and ordered the necessary materials. Near the back of my yard, I squared up where the shop would be and started digging for the foundation. I won’t dive into the construction details, though I’d be happy to share if you're interested. After two months of effort, my workshop was open for business. It was time to start crafting products and building inventory.