Lately I’ve read several books about artists, craftsman and tradespeople who eschewed a typical career path to instead become a “maker”. Their careers included custom motorcycle builder, pottery artist, glassblower, blacksmith, wooden table maker, handmade jeans creator, stone carver, knife maker, clock maker and calligraphist.
Some of them were drawn to their craft from an early age. Others had traditional jobs before walking away to pursue the craft that called to them. Most learned their craft by working as an apprentice (or sorts) under a master craftsman/artist before going out on their own.
What all of their stories had in common was that they didn’t make much money. As apprentices they worked for minimal hourly wages, often part-time and even for free. As self-employed craftsmen, they all earned a living, but it was a meager one.
They built their lives around their craft often living in their workspace. A garage, a studio, a barn or an inexpensive commercial building became their workplace and their home. They lived on the outskirts of towns and in rural areas where property was cheap.
None had “day jobs” to pay the bills. Their free time was spent focused on their craft.
After listening to how some of them priced, marketed and sold their products, it became clear to me that none were pursuing their craft to make money. Their disinterest and lack of effort to sell their work was clear. They were content to let business come to them from word of mouth, reputation and occasional art & crafts fairs.
They purposely chose to live a life of meaning vs. one of material and financial comfort.
The other thing that resonated in their stories was that all of them seemed quite happy. What little money they had was used to support themselves, their families and their craft. They lived simple, frugal lives.
The few had left traditional careers all said they made more money then but felt like something was missing from their lives.
Several grew up in comfortable, middle class families with all of the normal trappings of a middle class life. None expressed regrets for walking away from that lifestyle.
I admire this.
I did a little this myself when I purposely stepped off the career ladder in my mid-forties and then retiring when I was 50.
I wish I had pursued a different career path altogether. I would have loved to immerse myself in a craft. Instead, I chose to pursue money to take care of myself and my family. That was my priority. I don’t regret it. But I sometimes wonder how different my life would have been had I made better choices.
Today I have all the time in the world to pursue a craft. I’ve chosen to dive into different hobbies – fitness, swimming, painting, music and writing.
I’m keeping my eye open for other interesting pursuits. I’ve made a few attempts at other activities but nothing has stuck yet.
Whatever I do, I have a feeling I won’t be chasing money again.