Whenever I teach a class or answer e-mails from readers, I’m always interested to find out what that woodworker does (or did) for a living. What I’ve learned is anecdotal, but interesting.
The ranks of woodworkers seems to be filled with engineers, machinists, doctors, computer programmers, firefighters and police officers.
I’ve met only a few attorneys who are woodworkers. And, even more interesting, only one fellow newspaper journalist. I’ve never met a politician who was a woodworker – though I know there are some out there, such as Jimmy Carter.
What does it mean? Probably not much. But I think it’s interesting how professions that thrive on conflict – journalists, attorneys and politicos – seem less likely to take up our craft. And those who build or serve – engineers and firefighters – are more common.
This might just be dime-store philosophy. So I prepared a quick survey. If you could take it, I’d greatly appreciate it. It’s just one question: What is (or was) your occupation? You click the button by your job and click “Done.” That’s all.
I’ll post the results when we have enough to say anything about them.
(Don’t leave your occupation in the comments… it won’t be counted.)
— Christopher Schwarz