Seems I spend an inordinate amount of time in my shop. My wife asked me to figure out how much money I make in terms of hourly rate. I had to think about it for a minute. then put pen to paper and pull out the calculator...."about $20 an hour", I finally chimed with a half grin.
She didn't smile as much as I did, but a telling smirk soon covered her face.
"well, let's see, if I work 8 hour days for 5 days a week, that's 40 hours, takes about 3 weeks to complete a build. After materials, shop expenses, beer and the daily trip to the store for something I need (ok, wanted).
...X3 (Xa + Yb)..Carry the 1, drink a beer, dang polynomials, Ok, I'm right there at 20 bucks an hour, maybe a little more, or less. Depends on if I have to make dinner! But think about the peace of mind I have now, that's easily worth the money I don't make now, Right".
She very gently pointed out that I am in the shop for 12 to 14 hours a day, 6 and sometimes 7 days a week, often greeting her in the morning as she gets up and I am just coming in. But then I do take time everyday to play with the kids and make breakfast and lunch, go for icecream, you know family stuff.
Truth is, she's right. In order for me to make any money from my building, I have to stay at it and see it through. Never really paid attention to how long a day I actually put in. But there's always something to do. If I only have one guitar to build, well, I can kinda coast, but you get 2 or 3 or 4 going at the same time and I never see a clock. So anyway...How much time do others spend in their shops?
Full-timers, I know will be more than hobbyists, but let's hear all.
Not how much you make, that was just my wifes way of telling me she makes more than me, but time spent building (and , OK, maybe a little playing too).
BTW- we just celebrated our 16th anniversary, I'm proud of that.
![[:Y:]](./images/smilies/smiley20.gif "Thumbs Up")
. Bad week, that one, which is why I can't even remember how many hours it was 
. I'm trying to keep it down to 40-50 hours lately, after awhile your productivity suffers overall despite working more hours.
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