
It may irk some to call myself old at 28, but using the analogy of a tired dog fits perfectly when discussing my physical and mental health a year ago. Like many before me, I was chasing my dream of acting and writing, with about as much success as those who went before. 10:00 wake-ups (or worse), followed by long days of gaming on the couch before an often unproductive caffeine-fueled writing session, can only fulfil a person so much.
And utterly unfulfilled I was.
I had clung to the notion that my self-worth was wrapped up in what I had achieved in my chosen passion, languishing as I stubbornly clung to the image I had generated in my head fifteen years earlier. When reality came knocking and I became interested in living a life beyond the depressed artist, I found myself with a useless degree, no job prospects, and a partner, who though incredibly supportive, couldn’t see much of a future with me. And rightly so.
For a year, I half-heartedly searched for work, dispirited by the lack of responses and options available to someone with a fine arts degree. My parents often discussed other options with me, something I dismissed with haste, confusing my poor mental health with my lack of artistic work – instead of my lack of productivity, my disposition to blame others, and my desire to wallow in self-pity (can you tell I’m an actor?).
I finally cracked.
The pressure of my loved ones became overwhelming. To quieten their booming voices, which never rose above a conversational tone, I enrolled in one of the government’s free TAFE courses at Holmesglen—a pre-apprenticeship in carpentry.
I entered the course sceptically, expecting nothing more than a bunch of young hooligans and unengaged teachers. I was very wrong. (Well, not about the hooligans, but they were endearing).
I found the teachers to be both informative and helpful. Most importantly, they were adaptive, which was vital for a group of people who moved at separate paces. My worries about standing around were soon alleviated as we rocketed through the coursework.
In the span of a few weeks, I had gone from being unable to use a saw to interoperating plans and framing up three bedrooms. In between, we: made trowels, stools, mitre boxes, saw horses, prepared foundations, went through weatherboards, hanging a door, skirting, architraves, windows, plaster, roofs, scaffolding, and still, somehow, I’ve left things out.
The shift in my mood and productivity was nothing short of remarkable. Within the span of four months (and with some help after utilising the student services and free counselling), my self-worth had unravelled itself from my stagnant career and latched onto something much healthier: what I could become.
But how was I to capture this productivity at TAFE and turn it into love for a job I could do every day? Luckily, towards the end of my time at Holmesglen, an open day had been organised in which the students had the opportunity to hear from professionals (and snag some of that sweet, sweet merchandise).
Nathan from Carpentry Australia was one of the guest speakers who helped shape my understanding of the industry. Then, going above and beyond, he stuck around to chat with the students and help those who felt unsure of what was right for them.
For myself: It was the opportunity to have a trial at LMS building and construction. I couldn’t be more thankful to Nathan and Carpentry Australia for the introduction.
Rightly or wrongly, the industry has a certain reputation that worried me. I would not thrive in that sort of environment. What I found was a fantastic culture of young men striving to hold one another up and actively rectify the reputation that trades frequently hold.
I am not so naïve as to think this is everyone’s experience. In fact, I count myself incredibly fortuitous despite learning a harsh lesson and having my brand-new Milwaukee kit stolen on day six.
The best part about it all? I’ve had more creative opportunities since joining LMS than in the previous four years combined. Luke (my boss, though more of a leader than the image that word conjures), has actively engaged with me about my passions and strived to show me that I can still pursue my dreams – something I never thought possible.
My mental health has never been better. I’m down three belt notches, and I leap out of bed at 5:45, ready to tackle the day.
Turns out that describing myself as an old dog was wrong.
I’ve never felt better.
I can’t thank Nathan and Carpentry Australia enough for the favour they’ve done me.
Unbelievably, I look forward to venturing into my apprenticeship with LMS with the same vigour I still have for my creative pursuits.
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