
Laura Zahn
Founder
Allied Woodshop
Los Angeles, CA USA
“Get some real world experience...I ultimately would have gotten so much more out of my time in school if I had known what I wanted to do and applied my education directly to [my passion].”
Allied Woodshop
Los Angeles, CA USA
“Get some real world experience...I ultimately would have gotten so much more out of my time in school if I had known what I wanted to do and applied my education directly to [my passion].”
Founder
I run a community woodshop that offers classes and a collective shop space for LA woodworkers.
The morning starts by answering emails and interacting with students and clients. I visit the shop to make sure everything is running smoothly. I might empty the dust collectors, purchase sandpaper, prep for an upcoming workshop, or handling shop visits from people who are interested in what we're doing. In addition to the daily work, running my own small business means that there's always a business, legal, or financial matters to deal with. I love the constant challenge.
Here's the first step for professionals
Know your strengths and weaknesses. Assess what you've liked and disliked about your past jobs. Be honest with yourself. Be very, brutally honest with yourself. Then consider what path you'd like to pursue, and make sure that it's aligned with your strengths and passions. Surround yourself with people who will complement your strengths and weaknesses. Seek input from people with experience in your desired field. Be prepared to work very hard.
"You don't have what it takes to do this work."
Finding rewarding work without a four-year degree