Today, I had the bittersweet task of picking up my “Gluebo” workbench, and the remainder of the personal tools and timber I had at the PW shop. (Many thanks to Christopher Schwarz for his truck and help, and to Brendan Gaffney for his help.)
As I drove, I was thinking through the projects I built for the magazine; almost all of my larger and more involved pieces were made when I was still in the managing editor’s chair. While moving to the top of the masthead and working more directly to shape the direction of the publication was altogether rewarding, there were trade offs in time and energy that kept me out of the shop. Plus I’ve been rehabbing a house on nights and weekends instead of making furniture – and I’m a lot older and more tired than when I first picked up a handplane.
Yet I’ve forgotten none of it, and now I’ll have the time – and I hope the energy – for my muscle memory to catch back up to what I know, and to keep learning new tools and techniques. Just as soon as I finish hanging drywall and installing tile.
The drive home was a journey of both 12 and a million miles.
Rude Mechanicals Press Blog 
good luck on your new works
I have nothing but an inkling of what has just transpired in your career, but let me describe what happened to me about 20 years ago, while in my 3rd (or maybe 4th) career.
I had been with a large corporation for 9+ years, Sr. Management with about seven direct reports. Then one day between Thanksgiving and Christmas the Regional people showed up, and I, and all my people were outsourced. We were shown the door that day.
I had a job in two weeks, making a little less than I was making before, but it was fewer hours, closer to home, no pressure – and it allowed me to work with some other guys to make a decent amount of money doing side jobs. That exposure led to a really good job, and then another offer from the competition. Each was a major boost in pay, and good perks.
In the course of six years I went from unemployed to my dream job.
It was my dream job. This is the new dream job 🙂
😕 I’m seriously going to miss you as editor, Megan. And I hope this all works out for the better. Something tells me it will. 😌
Thanks Ethan! I’m sure, however, that PW will carry on just fine.
Are those wide boards white pine? Sure look like it. I am so very jealous. Wide, rough cut white pine ( or any width of rough pine) is not available where I live although I am on the east coast. Anyway, big congrats on being able to spend more time in the shop and fixing up your place. There is nothing better than working for no one and being your own boss. Schwarz had it right all along. Who knew?
Yep – and more specifically, Sugar pine (if I recall correctly). And thank you.
I am looking forward to following your further adventures. Have fun.
Thanks – I will!
I looked at he stars and they told me you were going to be wildly successful. Take it and run. I wish you all the best.
Thank you.
I, along with many others, will miss your stewardship at PW. I will continue to relish the opportunity to follow your through your blog.
Leaving is hard. Staying is even harder sometimes. You’re embarking on a great adventure. Bon chance, mon ami.
Merci beaucoup
That corporation must really suck with as many good people leaving there as I have seen over the years.
Good luck in the next chapter.
Perhaps corporations are just often a poor fit for people who consider themselves “creatives.”
You left a body of work and a legacy you can – and should – be proud of. (Sorry for the stranded preposition, but that’s how I roll) I look forward to following along as your next adventure unfolds.
thanks! Chuckle, that made me. (Yoda is apparently how I’m rolling today.)
Megan,
I wish you well in your new journeys! Can’t wait to see you again in Maine.
Be well, your cats need you!
~Karyn
On Sun, Dec 10, 2017 at 4:26 PM, Rude Mechanicals Press wrote:
> fitz posted: “Today, I had the bittersweet task of picking up my “Gluebo” > workbench, and the remainder of the personal tools and timber I had at the > PW shop. (Many thanks to Christopher Schwarz for his truck and help, and to > Brendan Gaffney for his help.) As I drove, ” >
Thanks Karyn – I’m looking forward to Maine and seeing you as well!
It was a pleasure seeing you on Saturday. Hope the book signing went well for George and Mary.
Now that the pressure of “corporate” is gone, your creative side is going to explode. I will closely follow your next adventures.
I hooted when you jumped up on Gluebo to demonstrate its’ sturdiness. I thought then that it was going to be fun having you at PW. I was right! Great times are ahead and thank goodness for rudemechanicals!
I’d offer you a position in a heartbeat Megan, whether Her Majesty’s inland revenue will be happy for your taxes to be paid in air dried walnut offcuts remains to be seen.
Wherever you end up, take your warm soul, happy heart and hungry mind with you.
Thank you. I will also work for scones, clotted cream and a bottomless pot of tea. Perhaps that would sit better with Her Majesty.
As the layers of stress (that go even deeper than you realize) peel away, you’ll find you have more energy than you can imagine!