This post is written by Contour Construction Superintendent Eric Lund. We appreciate his well-written words giving meaningful insight into the rewards of a carpentry career.
As the calendar winds down on 2020, I find myself reflecting on the victories and defeats I’ve had at work this year. As part of a self-imposed annual evaluation, I decided to jot down a few things that mean something to me. Some of these observations seem obvious as I write them down, but recently I have discovered a new appreciation for the commercial construction industry and the people who choose this carpentry career path.
Reflections on Choosing a Carpentry Career
Carpentry is an Art
First off, there is nothing quite like the feeling of creating something beautiful. To take raw materials and transform them into something useful and appealing to the eye is an art. True craftsmen take that art very seriously. Quality is not only desired, it is expected. We are our own harshest critic and we don’t walk away until we are satisfied. It takes a special kind of person to be a great carpenter, but individually we cannot accomplish a big job in a limited time frame.
Teamwork is Where the Magic Happens
To build something as a group and watch it come together is an unrivaled bonding experience. Crew members gain respect for themselves and each other simply by working side by side. Watching a crew function as a unit to achieve a common goal is a beautiful thing. True friendships are forged as we learn from each other and build each other up. I know that I’m a better person and a better carpenter because of the people I have been lucky enough to work within my career.
Attitude is Everything
Experience isn’t as necessary as I once thought it was. Sure, it’s good to have some knowledge but a good attitude and willingness to learn will take you further than you can imagine. I would take a green guy with a good attitude and a good work ethic over a 20-year guy with a bad attitude any day of the week.
We are a Unique Group
Carpenters are sometimes thought of as being a little rough around the edges. Maybe it’s our vocabulary or our sense of humor which can at times be less than proper. Whatever it is, I’m happy to be part of the carpentry culture. If you’re a hardworking, detail-oriented person, I highly recommend looking at becoming a carpenter. I guarantee you won’t regret it. There is a shortage of skilled workers in the trades right now so there is plenty of opportunity. If nothing else, you can take what you learn with you and save some money on your own home projects down the road. You might even learn a thing or two about life while you’re at it.
I feel lucky to have the carpentry career that I do. To have a job that gives you such a sense of accomplishment and pride is a rare thing. I look forward to work every day and it’s where I feel the most alive. I’m also blessed to work for such an outstanding company. Contour is full of dedicated craftsmen who keep quality at the forefront of their thinking. I’ve never worked with a group with as much collective positivity on a day-to-day basis. That alone speaks volumes about how Contour treats its employees. Yeah, being a carpenter is pretty cool. I think I’ll do it again tomorrow.
Contour Construction | Commercial Carpentry in Omaha
Contour can complete large and small carpentry jobs for:
- Multi‐Family Residential
- Commercial
- Educational
- Small scale tenant improvement and build-out projects
Contact Contour Construction to outline performance in carpentry on your next project. Click to check out our services, projects, or contact us today.