I enjoy woodworking because it's something I can do with my hands that has a definite beginning and end, unlike most software which is often never really done. I find the completion of these whole projects very cathartic.

I think I've heard this exact response from other developers who turned to wood working. It's a common plus side.

I like the fact that it produces something tangible and (hopefully) long lasting. None of the systems I've set up between 2000-2015 are still alive; so much time and effort lost.

From what I heard back during the dot com bust bartending was somewhat similar. Perhaps these days it'd be mixology, or attempting to become a sommelier.

> Woodworking is a popular hobby with developers

huh? TIL.

Most devs I know live in condos and have no chance of having a place to do woodworking.

Maybe it's a regional thing.

Might be an age thing. I started doing it in my 30s, and we have a diy channel in slack that's pretty active with wood workers. And I know of at least one famous YT wood worker that used to be a developer.

It intersects well with 3d printing and CNC stuff.