I've been a newcomer to timberframing, for I was introduced to it in '05. Prior to that, I had been in a factory and in-and-out of computer courses for several years. The interest in woodworking, architecture, history, and construction had been there dormant all along. Hands-on experience and Guild materials opened that floodgate of interest, and this "scratched alot of itches." For the first time, I was doing a job that actually interested me, for even in my spare time (as my wife can testify) I read all I could on the subject.
Perhaps I joined the fun too late. Sadly, I'm wondering if I have to walk away from this trade I've recently come to enjoy so much here in Western NC. Laid off for over two months now and hoping my employer does not fold in this recession, I am applying to all sorts of things with much sadness. I want to do this for the rest of my life, but am afraid I will have to bid it farewell. This thing ain't over, but let's face it folks: the market for these fine structures is hurting and I wonder if it will ever come back.
I know I'm not alone. There's alot of you folks out there in the same spot. I welcome response here. I may need a rhetorical thump to the head. Thanks, Dave, for your posting. Well stated.
