What’s Your Dream Job?
I have a dream job. Yep, I really do. I get to read and write about woodworking every day. And I get to talk woodworking with my coworkers. And access to our well-equipped shop is just across the street. Yep, I have a dream job.
As an editor, I don’t get as much time in the shop as I’d sometimes like. I was talking with one of our managing editors yesterday about woodworking and shop time and taking on side projects. You know what I mean. Like the neighbor who happens to see a table saw in your garage and says, “Can you build me a set of bookshelves?” Or your mother-in-law who sees that $99 coffee table in the Sunday paper advertisements and says, “Can you build one like that? Only I want one made out of walnut.” That started a whole discussion about how and if we charge for our time. And if we do, what do we really make per hour and is it really worth it.
Here’s my philosophy. I take on those projects from paying customers:
- When I need the money (or new tools!).
- When they agree to pay me what my time is worth.
- It’s clearly defined up front what they want and what their expectations are.
- I’ve gone over the materials list and estimated labor several times to come up with a fair price.
If the project doesn’t interest me, I don’t do it. That’s the nice part about having a full-time day job. I can take on only those side projects that I really want to do.
What about family and friends? Well…that’s a touchy subject. At the least, I try to get them to pay for materials. Usually they’ll kick in a little extra at the end to help me buy another tool or two. But it’s usually considerable less than you’d expect if you were charging a reasonable hourly rate for your time.
What about those projects your significant other has put on your list? Well…you’re on your own, there, buddy!
Here’s the story of a guy who used to work in the insurance industry. He started taking on woodworking projects on a part-time basis. He eventually quit his job and went to work for himself building reproduction furniture. What he says is true about woodworking:
“You don’t do this for the money. It’s truly a passion…”