TBH at this point in my career I think I’d rather just deliver mail even if it paid 75% of my current salary (unfortunately it’s more like 33%).
TBD :) I've been doing more learning than earnings, but we did plan for this. We paid off our mortgage, got solar, drew down six months of expenses into cash, and bought $5,000 2011 Leaf this year.
Worst case scenario is I get another job in tech and I'm right back were I started from, so we saw it as little downside.
Do you live somewhere that you can afford to have enough space for a home workshop? I want to woodwork, but the Seattle area is prohibitively expensive to have the woodworking space.
I do not have a home shop. I pay $200 / month for access to a maker space with all the big tools along with a 10’x5’ CNC and lasers. Check out Is Good Woodworks for an example of a community shop in Seattle.
I'm loving it. I don't sit or stand in place for eight hours a day. I'm learning a ton. I'm engaging with both local builders and master craftspeople. I get to share my work with family, friends, and neighbors. There's a lot of volunteer opportunities that don't require anything but showing up and willingness to help.
If anyone is interested in leaving tech for woodworking, feel free to reach out. My contact info is in my profile.