Author Topic: What is your 'carpentry'?  (Read 16378 times)

MMMdude

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What is your 'carpentry'?
« on: March 02, 2013, 01:09:03 PM »
So part of the MMM lifestyle is that you should do something you enjoy upon start of 'retirement'.  MMM has his carpentry.  What about everyone else?

I am an accountant and although I dislike my full time gig, I could see being OK with something part time, or even doing bookeeping on my own terms to bring in some extra cash.  Other things I've thought about possibly doing when the time comes is driving instructor or shuttle driver as I enjoy meeting new people and driving.

William

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2013, 04:45:58 PM »
Cool thread!  I may consider detailing cars.  Cleaning a car inside and out is relaxing for me.


One thing I need to do is remember to be respectful to each person no matter what they do as a job. Many of them are people like you who are intelligent, just want to have some fun with a part-time job.

Zaga

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2013, 07:34:44 PM »
Mine would be something domestic.  Most likely something involving my sewing machine, I love sewing!  My favorite thing I ever made was a custom fitted victorian corset. 

Nords

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2013, 07:41:25 PM »
Blogging.

Helping a neighbor out with an occasional repair, for food or money or just goodwill.

kendallf

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #4 on: March 02, 2013, 07:46:05 PM »
I have a lot..I aspire to be a modern Renaissance Man, and know how do everything.  :-)

Of course, I'm a long way short, but just having the mental attitude that you'll try any job goes a long way.  I love restoring cars and building hot rods, I love cycling and building bikes, and I'm enjoying renovating my new/old house right now.  I could see some combination of those three keeping me busy in retirement.

Jamesqf

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2013, 08:30:24 PM »
Problem with that is that I enjoy what I'm doing now (compute-intensive software development), so there's no more-enjoyable alternative to take its place.  But if I had to give it up for some reason, I could see starting a part-time job as a dog walker, for dogs that need say a 10 mile hike or mountain bike ride to stay in shape.

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #6 on: March 02, 2013, 08:40:17 PM »
Mine would be something domestic.  Most likely something involving my sewing machine, I love sewing!  My favorite thing I ever made was a custom fitted victorian corset.

Rawr.

/break/

I don't really have a side-gig right now, but I think I will have enough money in a couple years to comfortably do the Lacking Ambition thing... purchase some cheap houses, renovate them, and then rent them out.  My dad was really into this when I was younger, we lived in a few different houses, all of them bought, renovated, then sold.  I helped out and really enjoyed it. 

John74

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #7 on: March 02, 2013, 09:11:21 PM »
In the first few years after I retired, I spent a lot of time working on our house - interior painting, building a deck, making wood furniture, etc... I have branched out - and moved - since then and I spend my days very differently now.

Jon_Snow

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #8 on: March 03, 2013, 12:52:01 AM »
I have ten acres of bare land on a B.C. Gulf Island. I need to learn how to build a cabin. This will be priority #1 the minute I quit my day job. Actually, carpentry would be a great start. :)

boy_bye

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #9 on: March 03, 2013, 05:47:05 AM »
Mine is writing. With a full time job, i don't have as much time to write as I would like, though I'm still making progress on my next book.

But I'd like to have more time to write music and screenplays, experiment with different forms than the creative non-fiction that I'm focused on now. I'd actually really like to write a sitcom, and a musical.

Jill the Pill

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #10 on: March 03, 2013, 08:28:19 AM »
Sigh . . . ah, math! 

Teaching high school math part-time would be great, but that's often not a choice.  Tutoring is ok, but last time I put up signs seeking students, I didn't get one call.  I have even volunteered at a school, but they are only interested in standardized test prep -- meaning once the tests occur, they don't think they need the volunteers anymore!  In-school math tutor is now a job out-placement for local university education programs, and I was told I could not be a college tutor without a Master's in math (though my B.S. program covered more than their grad program, and the math I do daily is much harder). 

It's crazy -- I have this seemingly necessary skill to share, and I can't give it away! :) 



Zaga

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #11 on: March 03, 2013, 09:18:56 AM »
Mine would be something domestic.  Most likely something involving my sewing machine, I love sewing!  My favorite thing I ever made was a custom fitted victorian corset.

Rawr.

/break/

Um?  Not sure what you mean by that.  Anyways, here's a pic of one.  Actually I've made 4 of them, this is on a friend.

GoStumpy

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #12 on: March 03, 2013, 11:39:50 AM »
Much like the first response, I love polishing / cleaning cars... I'd love to have a side hobby of fixing up cars that are still worth something to someone... I know a lot of older gentlemen that started restoring classic cars in their later years...

maryofdoom

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #13 on: March 03, 2013, 12:31:31 PM »
Mine is probably embroidery. I have about twenty years of projects to work on already, plus I could pursue appraisal certification and master craftsman certification through the guild.

I would also love to completely re-do the landscaping at my house, it is kind of crap right now and devoting more time to it would be quite satisfying on many levels.

Nords

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #14 on: March 03, 2013, 01:41:54 PM »
It's crazy -- I have this seemingly necessary skill to share, and I can't give it away! :)
Around here the side-hustle math experts spend their time (and earn their money) at Kumon.  There might be a similar franchise in your area-- Sylvan or an independent tutoring service?

Iron Mike Sharpe

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #15 on: March 03, 2013, 04:31:21 PM »
Mine is playing poker.

Sparafusile

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #16 on: March 03, 2013, 04:58:46 PM »
Writing software for people that can't handle it on their own.
Writing technical books and selling on Amazon.
Building computers for anyone who asks.
And, um, carpentry.

KimAB

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #17 on: March 03, 2013, 05:12:22 PM »
What would I do if I was retired?  Or what would I do for money if I was retired?

I'd do the same as I do with my days now!  Read, nap, pay attention to people that need it, watch trashy tv, do charity sewing, embroidery, work on crafts, and in the forseeable future I'll have grandchildren to pay attention to.

What would I do for money?  :-/  If I could think of something I'd be doing it now!

kudy

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #18 on: March 03, 2013, 05:35:09 PM »
Probably a good chunk of playing around on the web. Some on-my-terms consulting in web marketing. Maybe property management/DIY home renovations. Lots more gardening (no idea how this turns into money, but I imagine community gardening providing a source of food instead of money).

frompa

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #19 on: March 03, 2013, 06:02:17 PM »
I'm with Kendallf -  If my current with work approach is any indication of what will come in retirement, I take the Renaissance approach, as well.  I am a writer/baker/bike mechanic/mason/fermenter/wild food forager/ brewer/gardener/knitter/spinner/
sewer/politico and host of other things, any one of which I could turn into a driving force, given the time.  Isn't life fun?

c

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #20 on: March 03, 2013, 07:01:11 PM »
I'm a metalsmith and recently got in to DIY.

gooki

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #21 on: March 04, 2013, 01:18:04 AM »
Inventing things, the problem with this there's no guaranteed return.

happy

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #22 on: March 04, 2013, 04:07:40 AM »
Great thread since I've asked myself this same question...not really come up with answers.

I can think of lots of fun things to learn to do to save money eg grow own food/keep chooks/sewing alterations/ various DIY skills

A couple of things I really want to do e.g. have and drive a horse.

But when I try to think of side gigs that make money, some of the commitment/responsibility/liability issues seems to make it no longer fun or so doable. Maybe I have Tiny Details Exaggeration syndrome, or need to have a broader vision or something.

rtrnow

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #23 on: March 04, 2013, 07:18:22 AM »
Mine is definitely food. I already make some side money in the culinary and even started culinary school part time to up my skills before ER. Because I'm tired of my current job and know I can make money in food (I already do), I will probably leave full time work as soon as investments cover my most basic living expenses or even a bit sooner.

Southern Stashian

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #24 on: March 04, 2013, 08:34:17 AM »
Food, fishing and flipping here.

I'll be looking to fix up and flip 1-3 homes per year for a small profit each ($10k - $25k each) and tend to our rentals. We are also looking to purchase a few fish camps right now in the Lake Okeechobee rim canal area in South Florida to rent out to parties down there for bass tournaments.

I have found a bunch in the $40k - $60k price range and could rent them out to parties of 4 for $600 - $1000 weekly and use them myself in the off weeks. Since SFL is warm most of the year and the fishing down there is great, we should be able to rent the camps out on a regular basis. We used to rent the same camps when we were in town for our tournaments and the $150 - $250 per person we each spent was reasonable for a weeks stay.

On top of that I think the family and I will do some regional BBQ cook offs from time to time. A few years back we did fairly well during some local two day cook offs and selling our BBQ to the public (with proper permits and health inspections). We made an average of $3000 per day with our $500 investment and had a blast in doing so. Any vacation that we can take as a family and make some $$$ back is a win - win situation!


www.theFIguy.com
« Last Edit: March 04, 2013, 05:07:51 PM by Southern Stashian »

KulshanGirl

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #25 on: March 04, 2013, 10:59:19 AM »
Graphic Design, book binding, book repair.  Although I'm pretty rusty on the repair side these days. 

I did freelance design for about 3 years a while back.  Being self employed was fun but stressful.  Then again, I wasn't a mustachian back then.  I think that I will probably get back into freelance work in the next couple of years as a side job, keeping to the things that I enjoy and do well at and won't stress me out.  And I have enough book arts supplies to make many many journals to sell like I used to do.  That was all before Craigslist & Etsy too, I bet I could go that route with those.  That is my joy, though.  I have more fun making books as gifts and giving them away than selling them.


ace1224

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #26 on: March 04, 2013, 11:39:30 AM »
teaching swimming lessons

Russ

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #27 on: March 04, 2013, 12:09:20 PM »
I have quite a few options I'm thinking about right now. Good thing, 'cause I have a whole bunch of life ahead of me.

- small batch or one-off manual machining
- professional student
- professional volunteer (e.g. Americorps)
- bike things
     - travelling bike mechanic for a continental team
     - learn to braze and weld, open up shop building frames
     - cycling tour guide
- produce & DJ dance music
- bake tasty things to sell at farmers markets and such

velocistar237

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #28 on: March 04, 2013, 02:12:39 PM »
Maker stuff, like robots and other mechanical and electrical design.
Handyman stuff.
Maybe woodworking, though I haven't done much of that.

sheepstache

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #29 on: March 04, 2013, 04:19:44 PM »
I have generally done "carpentry" type stuff as my full-time career.  It's not super high-paying but when I hear about people dreaming of FI because their jobs are so stressful, I figure I made a fair trade-off.  However, it means I don't have any particularly fun idea for what I'd rather do.  I mean, my job would be even more fun if I could afford not to show up so that each day was more of a choice, or if I could just do freelance gigs and lose the salaried version, but that's about it.

Maybe this is hedonic adaption.  Or maybe the fact that I have a fairly fun job and still want to stop working means I am a miserable asshole.

StarswirlTheMustached

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #30 on: March 04, 2013, 04:24:11 PM »
Gardening/food production, as much as I can. Upto a full scale hobby farm if I can wrangle the land.
I also enjoy writing, and woodworking.
Now that KulshanGirl mentions it, I've been wanting to try my hand at bookbinding, and quite a few other things besides. (If you end up back into it and on Etsy, you should post a link!)
Oh, we'll keep busy, the lot of us.

WhatMomWears

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #31 on: March 04, 2013, 04:45:58 PM »
Gardening, spreading the *real food* love, teaching people to cook, travelling and hanging out with my family :)

KulshanGirl

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #32 on: March 04, 2013, 04:56:43 PM »
Bookbinding is like carpentry - for ANTS.  :) 



Measuring to 64ths of an inch, thread thickness and glue thickness often counted in there.  Grain direction, precise angles ... it's pretty fun, and finished pieces are satisfying.  It combines sculpture and sewing and engineering and history.  LOVE it, and I'm excited to get back into it.  I will post some photos, maybe, in my journal section here, so as not to litter up this thread.  :) I have 60 or 70 books somewhere in a box.  Probably several of those would be from the for sale pile.  Hehe.

Or, maybe we could start a photo thread in the marketplace - mustachian-made wares! 

121 Seconds

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Micro Shelter
« Reply #33 on: March 04, 2013, 09:47:47 PM »
I'm not retired, but for me one of my current projects is building a mobile Micro Shelter.

                              http://www.thedirteffect.com/1/category/outback%20shack/1.html

It will be a quiet place where I can dream about future plans and projects. My own cabin in the woods if you will.

Jon_Snow

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #34 on: March 05, 2013, 01:47:39 PM »
I kinda goofed when I responded to the topic earlier - yes, I need to learn some carpentry skills to build my cabin, but I certainly can't employ those skills for a bit of income.

My ideal scenario would be to do some sea kayaking tour guiding in the Gulf Islands/San Juan Islands (future site of previously mentioned cabin). Long distance sea kayaking is my #1 hobby, and if I could make a bit side income from it... I mean, being paid to paddle amongst orcas, sea lions, porpoises, etc - that would be pretty much stealing in my books. :)

Melissa

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #35 on: March 05, 2013, 02:06:16 PM »
I'm a PTA and would be able to do this work on a contract basis forever since I love my work.

I could also coach, train people, or work as a personal care assistant.

If we decide to stay in the country when we 'retire' (we currently live on 5 acres) my husband and I also thought about gardening and doing CSAs or local Farmer's Markets

GoStumpy

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #36 on: March 05, 2013, 02:09:27 PM »
Last night I did a side job for a friend who does air-brushing, I do the wetsanding/polishing of his work to make the finish like glass, without any imperfections...

While doing it I was thinking of this thread...

That is my current 'carpentry', wetsanding/polishing paint to remove imperfections, orangepeel, and make the surface as smooth and glass-like as possible.  I try to keep the pay at or above $50/h as well.. I think I could do this well into my later years!

kisserofsinners

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #37 on: March 06, 2013, 02:35:06 PM »
I love food service. DW and I have may times talked of a dream to own a B&B. I think first off i'll likely go into carpentry, too. It really sounds fun.

I am also very drawn to looms and paper presses. I've used them before. Id like very much to build a loom. I've seen paper presses go for very cheap if you have the space to keep them. Both are very easy to keep running assuming there's no cracks in the press.

joseph100

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #38 on: March 07, 2013, 12:39:42 AM »

mustachecat

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #39 on: March 07, 2013, 08:16:10 AM »
My fiance and I both love picking around junk shops and estate sales, so we've talked about starting up a little resale company when we're FI. I'd also love to work part-time at a specialty food shop or wine store, both for the human interaction and the employee discount. ;)

meadow lark

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #40 on: March 07, 2013, 09:51:06 AM »
  Probably foster care.  I really love kids, and have a lot of experience with Attachment Disorders.  Also I may do some volunteer or for pay work with teenage runaways, teenage mothers, gay teens, etc.  Maybe some work with March of Dimes or a free clinic in the US or outside the US.
  I think I would also love my job a lot more if I was way part-time. I am a labor and delivery nurse and I specialize in high risk antenatal and postpartum, pregnant teens, mothers with a fetal or neonatal death.   And even though I really, really want to retire and get away from that job, I also feel a calling to it.
I would do more crafts, DIY projects.  Yoga, gardening, jewelry making.  I am sure I will take classes.  Especially travel and classes.  But I don't plan to make any money from these things.  I might do financial planning for money, though.

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #41 on: March 11, 2013, 09:50:29 AM »
I design electronic filtration devices, power conditioners and amplifiers. generally for military use.

I do like to renovate property. Refurbish drum sets. Play music. I generally am the "go-to" person for any computer based project or just general labor and helping.

I'll do just about anything for a meal.

CheckEngineLight

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #42 on: March 13, 2013, 11:40:42 AM »
I am an Accountant as well, great paying job, but not something I'd like to continue doing for 30+ years (29 right now).

The problem is that it is a job that chains you to an office and a computer, sure it pays very well, but I am not the type of person who can sit 8-10 hrs in front of a computer screen and feel satisfied at the end of the day.

In the meantime, with my free time I've taught myself a lot about different trades (electrical/plumbing/gas fitting/etc) by reading and also having worked in construction during university.  Simply by working on my own house and friends'/family homes I've acquired just about all tools necessary to do any jobs, all used from craigslist.

Having a house has also allowed me to make my garage into a full shop.  I've been a gearhead/car fanatic since forever (it has been a huge waste of money in some respects, but I will never regret the fun I've had).  Same principle as above, I've acquired pretty much all tools to do all jobs.  I change my own engines/transmissions, I generally drive old hondas and do all maintenance on my own.  The only thing I am missing is a car lift, which I am looking for (hard to find a used one that will fit in a residential garage).

So between automotive/house renovation work I feel that's where my 'carpentry' is headed.  The important step is to prepare for it early, especially if it requires a capital investment like both of mine do (tools, LOTS of tools).
« Last Edit: March 13, 2013, 11:44:37 AM by CheckEngineLight »

tmac

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #43 on: March 13, 2013, 11:59:42 AM »
DH and I are both musicians in a Scottish bagpipe band (he's a piper, I'm a drummer). He does gigs regularly (weddings, funerals, etc.) that pay about $300 a piece.

We both have a few paid students for lessons, which pays about $30/half-hour.

Once we've gotten to a high enough competitive rank, we can test to become judges, for which you get paid to judge solo and band competitions. It's just a couple of hundred bucks, but they pay for lodging and food, and we'd probably be going to those games anyway.

We've also discussed building a workshop to do some custom bagpipe manufacturing (essentially, specialty woodworking). A nice set of bagpipes can cost more than $2000.

In our hungrier moments, we think that someone could make a killing with a festivals food cart that sells Scottish bacon rolls (soft white buttered rolls with Ayrshire bacon).

In other words, we'll be be part-time professional Scots. :)
« Last Edit: March 13, 2013, 05:50:26 PM by tamara »

William

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #44 on: March 13, 2013, 05:43:59 PM »
I am an Accountant as well, great paying job, but not something I'd like to continue doing for 30+ years (29 right now).

The problem is that it is a job that chains you to an office and a computer, sure it pays very well, but I am not the type of person who can sit 8-10 hrs in front of a computer screen and feel satisfied at the end of the day.

In the meantime, with my free time I've taught myself a lot about different trades (electrical/plumbing/gas fitting/etc) by reading and also having worked in construction during university.  Simply by working on my own house and friends'/family homes I've acquired just about all tools necessary to do any jobs, all used from craigslist.

Having a house has also allowed me to make my garage into a full shop.  I've been a gearhead/car fanatic since forever (it has been a huge waste of money in some respects, but I will never regret the fun I've had).  Same principle as above, I've acquired pretty much all tools to do all jobs.  I change my own engines/transmissions, I generally drive old hondas and do all maintenance on my own.  The only thing I am missing is a car lift, which I am looking for (hard to find a used one that will fit in a residential garage).

So between automotive/house renovation work I feel that's where my 'carpentry' is headed.  The important step is to prepare for it early, especially if it requires a capital investment like both of mine do (tools, LOTS of tools).

That's pretty neat, you working on your own cars.  I am big into DSMs.  I just got finished doing a myriad of things to a new 10th Anniversary Edition I bought including head gasket, timing belt and components, water pump, all belts/gaskets/fluids/filters, you name it.  Very fun and I learned on nearly every step of the way.

And I have a lot of respect for old Honda's.  I spoke with one man who owns a Ferrari and I commented on it being nice to have a different car around the neighborhood other than a Civic.  He's like, "I would drive a Civic any day of the week".

Viv A. Stache

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #45 on: March 13, 2013, 10:56:41 PM »
I can't say I'm on the same page as Meadow Lark, but we're in the same book. I've always been interested in being a foster parent, and I my husband and I have had some deep discussions about it for later in life/post-FI. We'll be young enough, and I'll have the time and attention to devote to a child that needs it.
I've never done any carpentry work other than electric, so my plan to buy rental properties and do lots of the work myself may or may not come to fruitition. It was the plan I had long before finding MMM, I just don't know if it's realistic.

keith

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #46 on: March 14, 2013, 03:32:26 AM »
Great thread, love the responses.

I know I will be working on software projects for fun, since that's what I do now and enjoy it.

But my main passion is music. Besides writing/recording my own music, I really want to own a small independent record label and run a small venue, like an all ages non profit music/arts center. Of not running one, then volunteering a ton of time at one of the few already around seattle.

Kaytee

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #47 on: March 14, 2013, 09:29:34 AM »
I like to brew things, particularly unusual combinations of things not normally fermented, and I'd probably pick up bellydance again. Also, more volunteer work.

Villanelle

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #48 on: March 14, 2013, 11:55:00 AM »
I don't know, and it stresses me out!  With a lot of luck and even more hard work, I might get some of my fiction published, which would be a great little income stream.  Other than that, I can't think of anything I can do that I could make money with.  I have a ton of grant experience (post-award), but have had zero luck getting an grant writing gigs, which would be great side job.  There are a few other leads I'm pursing as well, but thus far, all my talents don't seem to be worth much to anyone else.


CheckEngineLight

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Re: What is your 'carpentry'?
« Reply #49 on: March 19, 2013, 07:11:28 AM »
I am an Accountant as well, great paying job, but not something I'd like to continue doing for 30+ years (29 right now).

The problem is that it is a job that chains you to an office and a computer, sure it pays very well, but I am not the type of person who can sit 8-10 hrs in front of a computer screen and feel satisfied at the end of the day.

In the meantime, with my free time I've taught myself a lot about different trades (electrical/plumbing/gas fitting/etc) by reading and also having worked in construction during university.  Simply by working on my own house and friends'/family homes I've acquired just about all tools necessary to do any jobs, all used from craigslist.

Having a house has also allowed me to make my garage into a full shop.  I've been a gearhead/car fanatic since forever (it has been a huge waste of money in some respects, but I will never regret the fun I've had).  Same principle as above, I've acquired pretty much all tools to do all jobs.  I change my own engines/transmissions, I generally drive old hondas and do all maintenance on my own.  The only thing I am missing is a car lift, which I am looking for (hard to find a used one that will fit in a residential garage).

So between automotive/house renovation work I feel that's where my 'carpentry' is headed.  The important step is to prepare for it early, especially if it requires a capital investment like both of mine do (tools, LOTS of tools).

That's pretty neat, you working on your own cars.  I am big into DSMs.  I just got finished doing a myriad of things to a new 10th Anniversary Edition I bought including head gasket, timing belt and components, water pump, all belts/gaskets/fluids/filters, you name it.  Very fun and I learned on nearly every step of the way.

And I have a lot of respect for old Honda's.  I spoke with one man who owns a Ferrari and I commented on it being nice to have a different car around the neighborhood other than a Civic.  He's like, "I would drive a Civic any day of the week".

Old hondas are unbeatable.  Not so sure about the new stuff they are making.  Reliable and cheap, that's for sure, but as a car enthusiast they don't provide that "fun" factor that I require sometimes.  I have a a german sports car sitting in the garage that I drive in the summers ;)  It's my most anti mustachian possession that's not going to be changed/sold unless I am broke and can't put food on the table.  Other than that I also have a Suzuki GSX-R 750 sports bike for the speed fix, but that is getting sold this summer.  I don't ride it enough to justify it and it's been sitting idle for a few years due to lack of time.

So for daily driving duties, my civic will do.  There are times were I dream of getting a "new" used car to replace it, but there is simply no point.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!