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[QUOTE=Matt Gage]    keep your day job.

Matt[/QUOTE]

I know Matt is speaking from experience.

While I didn't keep my day job, I've done plenty since leaving it to supplement building. And yes, some of us need therapy from those day jobs.   

I have a son headed into just this type of employment and I don't envy him dealing with all those problem kids. Someone has to do it though and my hat is off to them for choosing that as an occupation.

Sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.

And besides, seven years is average before changing to other jobs than what we train for anyway.

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

Kristopher,

My very best wishes and prayers for your chosen vocation. You passion for building instruments really shine through- and remember the full time job in Luthierie won't just be the workshop stuff, but the self-promotion, getting out there, finding contacts, sources for tonewood...

It could go anywhere- and one day you could even be imparting your knowledge to others by teaching. (and getting an income from that) Remember there are many offshoots to this specialised craft.

All the best,

Sam.

Thank you all for your input and honesty, it is very much appreciated. If I do well, I will keep y'all up to date on my progress. If I don't do so well, I will not keep in touch because I will have sold my computer to buy more Ramen.    I am looking forward to the adventure...If I fail, it will have some educational value I'm sure, and that may make it worthwhile. "keep your day job"...probably the best advice I will ever receive. thanks again.

Much good advice from the people who have done this before you, and I’m sure that you have done some serious soul searching prior to taking this step, so when all is said and done…

Only you can decide if this is the right move for you, time will show if you have got what it takes. You guys are my heroes; I wish I had your courage.

Best wishes!

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

I agree with Bob Long 100%. You will regret it if you don't go for it.

My wife has the entrepreneurial streak and set up a business years ago. To make a long story short, she closed up shop after 7 years and lots of hard work and never really made much money. But the wonderful people we met and helped out along the way and the wonderful people who worked with us in the business made it all worthwhile.

My advice: I know you will be building guitars, but if you make the journey about people you will be well awarded in ways that you cannot anticipate or measure, and in ways for which things cannot substitute.

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck