Working As A Carpenter | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Working As A Carpenter

Discovering the reward of physical labor

8
Working As A Carpenter
Donovan Olsen

At the beginning of last year, I was hired to work in the scene shop of my school’s theater. While I started as an electrician, I quickly branched into carpentry as well and fell in love with both. I had done a little bit of carpentry before for high school shows, but never any electrics, and learned both rapidly on the job. My job is one of the most rewarding things in my life. The process of using your hands to make something physical (and beautiful) is a unique one.

I’m frequently sore from shifts at work, which always serves to remind me how physical and productive what I do is. While most of my day is spent sitting in class, writing and talking and thinking, my work shifts are always spent moving and lifting and making. There’s always a sense of accomplishment at the end of a shift, knowing that what I did contributed to the overall project of whatever show is being worked on.

Last spring, we built my favorite set ever, for Twelfth Night (pictured as a work-in-progress in the cover photo of this article) and seeing it every day at work and in rehearsal filled me with awe and pride. Going from a small model to a beautiful, physical set that was used was amazing, and striking that particular set was almost heartbreaking.

While there is a general process for every show, I never know exactly what my job will entail in a given day. In one shift, I assembled a drill press almost entirely on my own— and by the end, it was taller than me. The next time I went into the shop, I was able to use it. It worked! I built it and it worked!

There’s something invigorating and empowering about power tools that I can’t quite put my finger on. People are often taken aback when I profess my love for power tools. Those people usually don’t use power tools with the regularity I do. Obviously, I highly recommend doing so if you can.

There are times I wish I worked in the library, or in a slow office where I could do my homework while on the clock. That’s never the case when you work in the shop. But honestly, I wouldn’t trade my job for more homework time—or anything else. Because not many people can say they legitimately look forward to going to work and, even if I’m tired before I go into work, my time I spend in the shop is often some of the happiest and most fulfilling of the entire day.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196686
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18728
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460776
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28254
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments