Careers in woodworking and cabinets?
Wendy B asked:
My husband has been working in custom cabinets for the past 10 years. He knows all phases from fabrication to install, but has focused the last 5 as the finish department manager. At 32, it’s pretty clear that the pay is topped out already and for the most part, we’ve yet to find a company that offers medical benefits of any sort. He’s also concerned about being exposed to all the paint fumes 40 hours a week.
My husband has been working in custom cabinets for the past 10 years. He knows all phases from fabrication to install, but has focused the last 5 as the finish department manager. At 32, it’s pretty clear that the pay is topped out already and for the most part, we’ve yet to find a company that offers medical benefits of any sort. He’s also concerned about being exposed to all the paint fumes 40 hours a week.
He enjoys what he does, but is considering a change to hopefully earn what he’s worth and get benefits.
To those of you who have experience in the woodworking field, what can you tell me about careers in cabinets…does the pay get better? What about becoming a general contractor? Up’s and down’s of opening his own shop to do finishing and refinishing work?
He’s exploring possibilities right now and he really wants to make a smart move….where there is room to grow, decent money, and lots of work. We would like our own business, but $’s an issue. Thanks.
Question posted courtesy of: James
You Ask, We Answer
April 21st, 2008 at 10:18 am
I work for an HVAC contractor. The amount of work we have in any given month depends on what the housing market is doing. The same would be true if your husband were a general or cabinetry contractor.
His best bet is to stick with cabinetry since he enjoys it, but maybe open his own shop so homeowners can buy new cabinetry when they remodel their home and also provide contract services to general contractors who are building in the area.
As far as the money thing goes…many banks will make loans to start a business, but you can also get government grants for the same thing. I’ve never tried getting a government grant so I can’t tell you about the process, but I have heard it can take a long time to get approval.