Appreciation post: My high school shop teacher told me to drop the idea of being a custom furniture maker and stick to 'real work' like roofing.

I listened, and now at 42, I still wonder what my life would look like if I'd ignored him and tried to build that workshop in my garage like I'd planned.

4 comments

4 Comments

ruby_henderson362mo ago

Ugh, reminds me of what @avery_ross just said.

seth_singh203d ago

Wait, didn't @avery_ross already say the same thing?

avery_ross2mo ago

Ever hear about my buddy's old art professor? Guy told him to give up painting, said he'd never make it. Now my friend sells his stuff online and just bought a house with the money.

jade_jenkins2mo ago

Seriously though, that professor probably did him a favor. Getting told you'll never make it lights a fire under some people. Your friend had to prove it to himself, not just the teacher. That kind of rejection can be the best motivation if you don't let it break you. The professor was wrong, but being wrong pushed him harder than any praise would have.