I have quit my job.

[Someoldguy]

After 40 years of being on the oceans and being gone most of the time I was completely fed up.It was great at one time,but increasing company management and regulations turned a
great job into a bunch of "El Toro Caca".Got a small shop by my house and do what I want.Now take them kids out and shoot something,,safely.

'Mucho El Toro Caca.' Dang. I thought I'd invented an original. Should have known better.

 

[PatMiles]

Here is a fine example, Can you make me a hammer for this for 20.00

Sure, here ya go.

 

[davidjoe]

I met an interesting lady the other day who rides motorcycles like me. We got to talking and she said she had been a widow for 12 years. I said “how can that be — you’re still young!”. She said her husband, a high pressure labor law attorney, dropped dead from a heart attack at age 51.

Thank made me think ... I worked as a litigation attorney for a decade before changing careers. Where would I be if I stayed in that job, working 12 hrs/day 29 days a month? One thing’s for sure, this Forum would not exist...

I don’t know where’d you be either, Paul, but thanks to your site, I work a lot less than 12 hours a day!

 

[lancexxx]

Have you got one in a little better shape, Dont need the rust.

 

[swd]

Here is a fine example, Can you make me a hammer for this for 20.00View attachment 1107154

I have seen way too many of those walk in the door. It raises my BP just seeing it, lol. And your always the jerk when you tell them what it would actually cost. The last guy that wanted me search forever for a lost bolt for some obsolete 22RF I told him I needed a $500 deposit just to start looking and He should expect to spend a lot more.
It’s amazing how guys think it’s ok to pay you about $1.00 an hour because it’s a hobby for them and then warranty it for life for any other problems that might arise..

 

[matthias]

Glad to hear I am not the only guy dealing with customers like that.

The best one I have had was a Stevens side by side 12 with plastic stocks . He left it next to the stove and melted the stock set and was upset (very upset ). I told him I would not sit around and pick the melted plastic out of the action. It truly was a sight to behold.

 

[jpx2rk]

Best wishes in whatever comes your way. Enjoy it while you can.

 

[Bogusname]

The shop I worked in- told me “ no general gunsmithing”. Plus a bunch of other stuff I already new, like- customer gives you 2k for parts, that 2k is for parts. Not pocket. I do what I know how to do the best I can and that’s it. I’m not quiting my day job. Pay house off and save.

 

[Bully]

Great thread for me to read.

I'm considering getting in to the gunsmithing world. I do NOT want to be a general gunsmith. I admire those guys and am glad they are around but I don't want to be them. I'm currently researching the market and evaluating my own proclivities to determine what specialty path to choose. Right now I am looking at the broader categories of handgun vs. rifle. Once I figure that out, I'll look into where I want to fit into that broad spectrum. I'm nervous and excited as I continue to build my skillset (and toolset) and am blessed that my wife is encouraging and on board. I don't plan to get rich. I'm planning to stay busy once I quit my current career and be a bit less dependent on a boss.

 

[Jimmy James]

To the OP. Been there and done that. I quit a good paying job at 55 due to 13hr work days and a 30 year old boss that said I wasnt working hard enuff. I paid my dues. I'm done with all that. Good luck with your new endeavors.

 

[jr600yd]

I feel your pain! Just ask any retired LEO if you want to know about burnout.

 

[jackson1]

I enjoyed reading many of the threads on this subject. Had a job I truly loved. Took early retirement in 09, at the height of the great recession. Had my 30+ in and was frugal and a life long investor. As part of my exit package, was offered unemployment for 3 years and free re-education and full pension. Could not stand to see my guys with families losing their jobs, so I took the offer. Went to school far a year, got straight A's. Hit 55 in October 2010 and went to the schools office and told them I am now retired. Worked for a friend on and off for a couple of years, rigging MRI machines and got to work in most states. Learned hate travel. My wife also has an excellent job and gets to travel the world. I have not left the state since. For several years, I would shoot 4 or 5 times per week, hunt, fish, and anything else that took my fancy. For the past few years, I am a the care giver to my grand children and my elderly mother. I have a heck of a life. Thought I would work until 67, but life takes turns. Think of Phil Robertson's day care. Having a blast, McDonalds's playland 2 to 3 times per week. Would not trade it for any thing. Once upon a time, being a star tool maker defined me. There is life beyond work. Couple of years ago got a call asking me if I would be interested in coming back. You know my answer.

 

[hogpatrol]

After long and careful consideration I have quit my gunsmithing job. Due to changes in the ownership of the shop, continued issues with home life and overall benefits of being a gunsmith deminishing.

It has gotten harder and harder to go into work and fix grandpa's 22, then turn around and fix trap shotguns for highschool kids. I have been a general gunsmith for 5 years and fixed/worked on somewhere in the neighborhood of 6000 firearms over that time . Barreled 350+ rifles etc.

I just don't see how to keep going and have the same job satisfaction and interest in what I do. I can not continue doing the job for the general public if I am not striving for better results on every job.

I am starting a new chapter of being a hobby 'smith for me and me alone. It's a good thing my wife has a great job and I can become a stay at home dad for my 4 kids 5-9 years old.

Just had to get this out. Thanks for reading.

Life is like a crossword puzzle. Sometimes you just have to step away and come back later. You'll find something better to do. Count on it. In the meantime, good luck and have fun.

 

[pirate ammo]

To the OP. Been there and done that. I quit a good paying job at 55 due to 13hr work days and a 30 year old boss that said I wasnt working hard enuff. I paid my dues. I'm done with all that. Good luck with your new endeavors.

how about 20 to 24 hour work days,,oh yea.

 

[JFrank]

I met an interesting lady the other day who rides motorcycles like me. We got to talking and she said she had been a widow for 12 years. I said “how can that be — you’re still young!”. She said her husband, a high pressure labor law attorney, dropped dead from a heart attack at age 51.

That made me think ... I worked as a litigation attorney for a decade before changing careers. Where would I be if I stayed in that job, working 12 hrs/day 29 days a month? One thing’s for sure, this Forum would not exist...

Hey Boss
I bet the pay was better
J

 

[hoz53]

After long and careful consideration I have quit my gunsmithing job. Due to changes in the ownership of the shop, continued issues with home life and overall benefits of being a gunsmith deminishing.

It has gotten harder and harder to go into work and fix grandpa's 22, then turn around and fix trap shotguns for highschool kids. I have been a general gunsmith for 5 years and fixed/worked on somewhere in the neighborhood of 6000 firearms over that time . Barreled 350+ rifles etc.

I just don't see how to keep going and have the same job satisfaction and interest in what I do. I can not continue doing the job for the general public if I am not striving for better results on every job.

I am starting a new chapter of being a hobby 'smith for me and me alone. It's a good thing my wife has a great job and I can become a stay at home dad for my 4 kids 5-9 years old.

Just had to get this out. Thanks for reading.

More power to you sir. It’s never good to stay in a job we dislike. I proved that to myself. Being able to spend the time with your kids will be a great thing you’re fortunate to be able to do. Best of luck in your future.

 

[Someoldguy]

I'm no gunsmith by anyone's definition, particularly my own. I did restore a few rust damaged firearms for friends. Talk about a labor of love, Oy!

One of these fellows approached me a few weeks after I'd reblued a pistol for him asking if I'd be interested in some more work. I'm thinking 'Grandpa's .22'. Inside, I'm thinking 'Hell, NO!'. Outside, I says, 'Well, I don't know, what have you got?'

Turns out, he had a gun safe he'd lost the combination to and finally got it open after 10 years.

I went into 'early retirement'.

There just isn't enough money to wade into that mess.

 

[shortgrass]

And people wonder why they can't find a 'general' gunsmith who'll restore Grandpas' old .22 that held the chicken coop door open for 15yrs, and then build their 'dream' 1000 yard rifle (that they proceed to put a Tasco or Simmons scope on)! Only those who haven't been at it very long will take on all that comes their way. Locally, I'm known to be a 'cranky, opinionated old guy' (well, probably not just locally!) who usually says what he's thinking. NO! I won't be changing your SKS into an AK47, and , "get that piece of junk outa' here! It's way beyond fixin' at any price!"

 

[nmkid]

Well, guess I'm really old. But, it would be a cold day in HE** before I quit a job because I was working too hard or didn't like it! After I left the Army I started working at the Post Office. At first, I really enjoyed it and my fellow workers. Later on, after I was appointed Postmaster the "joy" started to go away. But, I kept working even though my wife had a good job. Yeah, I know guys that worked much harder then I did and paid the price. I also know many others who also worked hard all their working years and still enjoyed retirement.

 

[fyrewall]

One of the happiest days in my life was the next Monday morning after I quit my job on Friday.