Next year, 2026 will mark 50 years of my learning and working as a carpenter, builder, designer, woodworker, boatbuilder and ultimately someone who uses the all encompassing title of Maker.  I’m ready to step back but the concept of retirement is a hard one to wrap my head around. The work I’ve done for the past 50 years is a huge part of how I define myself and to just stop would be to lose myself. I need room and time to reflect and towards that end, I’m on a six month sabbatical.  From November 2024 to my first class in June and the start of the 2025 teaching season I’m focusing on long deferred personal projects. 

It’s been a rewarding career, at least in regards to the satisfaction of creativity and hands on work. I could hardly have asked for more. Looking back though, I do wish I could have been a better business man, made better decisions. I was self taught in all aspects of my craft and that’s a hard path to walk. I’m trying now to be gentle in my reflections and judgments. The odds were stacked against any craftsman getting started in the ‘70s. The skills and work were not valued then and I personally was insecure about my choices and abilities. I have found that my place and the climate for today's tradesman and craftsman has changed. There is a new respect that’s reflected in status and income, long over due and most welcome.

Over the coming summer as I teach and reflect on my career,  I’ll revisit what work I’d like to do going forward and perhaps I’ll settle on a plan. But for now, this winter I’m enjoying a slower pace out in the shop and in my life.