I work behind screens all day. 16 hours maybe. And it's fast, business focussed work. Data, data, data.
When I studied, it was high level abstract theoretical nonsense. Nothing practical. And it was a lot of money for a degree... 
I'm thinking of quitting it all and becoming a carpenter/cabinet maker/woodworker. It looks amazing to carve furniture, houses, toys out of wood. And I've looked into the ecological side of it, and compared to the work I am part of now, it is so much more environmentally friendly. 

I don't earn much as is. 
Am I crazy? 

CarmelCamel wrote on 15 Mar 2022 08:28:

Are you asking a general parnassa question?  Or asking if you should switched jobs so you dont have to work in front of the computer all day, which is too tempting for you?  Either way, the question should be asked to someone that knows you and is qualified.  Asking this on an anonymous forum is not the right place. 

CarmelCamel wrote on 15 Mar 2022 08:28:

Can I just say that this is GYE - for people with porn and masturbation issues. So I think my, now deleted by a MOD, comment was quite reasonable.  

Rabbeinu Bego Shlit"a,

​I didn't have the zechus to read your comment, but I can imagine how it went : )

I would be מעורר that - at least for me - kedusha issues were HEAVILY intertwined with anxiety. So perhaps CC's post was not so "off" after all.

בדרך אפשר מגרודנא

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The answer is a clear and resounding NO you are not crazy to consider changing jobs! 

Whether you actually should or shouldn't is a longer discussion with somebody qualified who knows you, but it sounds like you are considering changing to working with your hands because 1) It fits your personality better than your current job and 2) it gets you away from the nisayon of a computer screen. 

Trying to make your parnassah more fulfilling and enjoyable while also better for your ruchniyos? I can't think of a healthier thought to have. 

Hatzlacha with your decision!

I agree with concerned

I will say for myself i used to think this way - i was working on my computer all day for past 7 years, and would wish i did not have to as it lead to me looking at a lot less p@rn.

But then i think back to many years ago when i was working in an office all day and couldnt watch p@rn - i came very close to actual affairs and  if i continued there i would have destroyed my marriage. So i would have watched less porn but I would have been divorced by now and destroyed my life and that of my kids (and probably many other lives ass well).

So yeah working alone all day on a PC has challenges but is alternative better? For me certainly not. Maybe if you do woodworking you will need to go on business trips and interact  a lot with female clients?

Instead if i was you i would work on getting good filters and having a partner/distraction for when issues come up 

I don't have an answer for you either way. Here are just some thoughts, pros and cons, and things to think on.

​You said, "it looks amazing," but have you tried it? If not, getting tools and practicing as hobby would be a good place to start.​ Build a bird house, or a chair, try it out, I'm sure there's guides on the internet. 

I have heard that off all the trades, woodworking is one of the most difficult. Do you have the time and money to go to back to a trade school for a couple years to become a carpenter?

On the other hand, trades can pay fairly well. Is there a demand in your area? It's quite possible there is, since there's been a skilled labour shortage for a while now.

Hope that helps. If you find that it's right for you that's terrific. Rabbi Shafier also has an episode of The Shmuz, #21, "Choosing a Career," that might inspire you. 

Too true. 

​Thanks for the reminder.