My father has spent his whole life, literally, working with his hands. He is a highly skilled artist in his field, but his field is suffering from the recent recession. It’s been 8 months to no avail and depression is starting to take hold. I’m at a loss on how to help him. Does anyone have advice on how to move on without total loss of dignity. I would appreciate anything, but specifically technical advice regarding resumes and maybe public resources we aren’t aware of.
Comments
Is he able to retire? Does he need a full salary?
He can print up a much of business cards and spread the word around town that he may be commissioned to build high-quality, custom furniture for anyone. In my town, we have a weekly Farmers Market where a couple of guys do just that.
During slow times, he can build much need items for the benefit of local charities or his church.
He may not be able to continue making the money he did like before, but for most people the satisfaction of providing people unique items that they will enjoy and that they can’t buy at their local furniture store; or of being of service for others, specially the needy, is more than enough compensation.
Work for himself may have todo restoration work between
commissions or get a production line going then sell on QVC or Ideal World be an inventor of something in wood or a tool to help carpenters,he must have if I didnt have to do this… or you have already made that tool get producing more,…lol Good Luck
The depression that your father is feeling is totally and completely normal, and also to be expected. With the experience that he holds, he will definitely find something which will allow him to continue in the field that he has a wealth of knowledge. Home Depot, Lowes and several other hardware/home accessory companies are always looking for individuals that have knowledge in this field. Because your father has carpentry/cabinet making skills and knowledge, he may want to possibly considering looking in this direction. Understand that his salary may change somewhat, but having something is a lot better than having nothing. Tell your father to keep his head up and not to lose faith. Trust me, his age and experience is of far more value than you would think!!
First he needs to register at employment agencies, second, put his own ad in the local classifieds. third, go to craigslist.com and look inn there. He should also try Home Depot, Sears or Loew’s, good money, steady work and he would be a shoe in with his background.
