Man, I
used to fish a lot more than I have this past year, same with woodworking. I have built a lot of nice stuff in this garage, much of my woodworking stuff has been paid for by commissions, but to think I am not in the red (if this were a business) would be a joke, LOL. I work in healthcare IT as my "real job" and have just been burnt out, I can't see myself at a desk for the next 30 years. Fortunately/unfortunately, I got laid off due to the whole COVID mess last year and this garage supported my family for months (attached a few pics of just a couple of the projects I put out during that time). While out of work, I found myself enjoying life a lot more, so I was determined to figure out how to get away from my desk... Long story short, I ended up purchasing a marine electrical/electronics "business" (in quotes as it was only the owner and his wife previously, never had employees) the first of this year. I was also back to work from the layoff, so have been burning the candle at both ends since. Since healthcare is 24/7, I was able to adjust my shift to afternoons, so I could run the business during the day (obviously I didn't tell my company I had bought a business and was working to leave, told them I had child care issues because the kids where doing COVID virtual school). I planned to work both jobs until the business was in the black, but I am over the BS and wont be far from it after year 1. I have decided to quit the day job in Feb/March after I use up the new years sick and floating holiday time (no reason to leave that on the table this close).
I also am in the process of getting my captains license. Figure if I have time and if needed, I can run charters a day or two a week for extra income. To say I am excited for this coming year, and the opportunity ahead, is an understatement. Many stars lined up to make this all work. Slightly nervous to not have a "guaranteed paycheck," but I think ill manage.
All that to say, I used to woodwork and fish a lot more than I have the past 11 months. I plan to get back to the two of them this coming year, though. Here's to 2022!

