1 hour ago, Woodbutcherbynight said:

Me either but I have had a few supervisors that a slow roasting over a fire was considered appropriate and worth the 10-15 in prison.  

Just smile and go on with the job your way. Worked for me. 

9 hours ago, 1fizgig said:

Hey gang, I realise this is a touchy subject. My underlining 2 cents is that as long as it's fun and you're happy with what you earn (if you do - zero judgement from me - I give stuff away too, and haven't had paying clients yet), then that is the most important thing, regardless of what anyone else thinks it should or should not be.

 

When I was doing a small computer business in New Zealand (as a side to my fulltime job as a baker), I found that even charging a meager 5% over cost of parts and not much in labour, people still did not want to pay me for quality parts and service. They'd rather buy big-box stores cheap quality (and sometimes pay more doing so). I still enjoyed doing what I did, and nobody could change that.

 

Those that came back definitely were repeat customers and happy with the service, and most of the time, the cost. But there were many, many that got a quote I never heard from again.

 

The same can apply to woodworking in my opinion (such as it is). There are people that will appreciate the love and care we put into our work, and for that they will pay, they will refer others, and they will be good people to deal with. There will be others who will balk at the costs, make disparaging comments about how much cheaper things are at retail stores and not understand the quality or the craftmanship if you like, of what we can and will deliver. And we have to be okay with that too.

 

We can choose to let it get to us, or not. But no matter who turns up asking, choose to enjoy what you do, regardless. That is the quality of life thing to remember. When it stops being that good, rest it. If it's still a passion you'll pick it up. But never let it become a drudge, even when it's your livelihood. Your spark matters, and it matters to your customers.

 

by jove, i think he's got it!