Job Seekers Mull Careers as Artisans & Blue-Collar Workers

Livelihood and Lifestyle Are at Stake Now

THANK YOU, ANNIE

A recent article by CNN columnist Anne Fisher ("Ask Annie") brings up the notion of unemployed white-collar workers who choose to shed their jackets and roll up their sleeves for some "real work".

A compelling excerpt from Anne's article:

"Dear Annie: I just finished reading Matthew B. Crawford's new book, Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work, and it has really got me thinking. I always liked working with my hands, and I spend most of my free time woodworking (building furniture and cabinets for my family and friends) and tinkering with old cars. But like lots of other people, I got a college degree because I was told it would be the ticket to a lifetime of employment security. Ha! Pretty funny, right? Having been laid off twice in three years, I'm not laughing. Meanwhile, my wife's brother, who did an apprenticeship instead of college, owns a successful business as an electrician and has been urging me to come to work for him."

REALITY

As sure as most desk jobs come with paychecks cut by a faceless bean-counter in the corporate office, the impending reality of white-collar work is the "unseen axe" that may one day drop onto your head - dropping most likely upon the order of same said bean counter.

DOUBLE-TAKE

With Americans steeped for generations in the belief that desk jockeying is a far better cry from work as a handyman, landscaper, or as an artist, the sullied US economy has turned the tables on conventional thinking. Given that in some parts of the US unemployment rates are edging upwards of 20%, many workers have good cause to reconsider lifestyle as a growing factor in future prospects for work.

No more pencil pushing and shuffling forms. It's time to do a double-take on the prospect of getting one's hands dirty.

REAL WORK WITH TANGIBLE VALUE.

Despite seeing risk peering from every corner, some folks have made a successful go at a new career closer to their hearts.