My occupational roots might be a fun topic. I began machining, followed by drafting and design. In 2013, after being a barista, trying real estate, private investigative and some other work, I received an opportunity to get paid to learn the particular machining required for the company I would work for.

The start was rough. I had never really worked with my hands, per se, and had zero industrial skills. But I did have a determination to become competent enough to hold my own in the shop. Yes, there was some blood, tears and drama – but a heck of a lot of learning occurred.

I learned how to operate old school, medium sized lathes, mills, drill-presses, hand tools, cut-off saws and other general shop tools. Most of these machines were from the 60’s and 70’s. Some simple CNC on a three-axis mill was also used.

The learning curve was steep but once I could conceive the basics I grasped some of the more advanced setups, parts and procedures. None of this could have been done without my patient mentor who has since retired.