I had the opportunity recently to speak with a group of students competing in Skills USA at Gadsden State Community College. I was asked this question, “How long does it take to know everything about carpentry?” I was surprised to hear my answer, and as I discussed it later with Tracie, found it quite profound (not normal for me!).
My answer: “Well, I know it is more than 30 years. And according to some of the elder mentors in my life, they didn’t seem to know “everything”. Carpentry is similar to life, you never know everything but you can always work through the current obstacle or situation with the fundamental basics that you know. Complex problems being processed through with basic knowledge. And then you have that experience when you encounter something similar later”.
I am thankful for the carpentry trade providing for my family and the many complex experiences along the way.
Bobby