Leaving a million-dollar tech salary for carpentry, he says he's 'never been happier'

A 32-year-old man from Las Vegas has made a significant career pivot, leaving a stable, high-paying tech job to pursue his passion for carpentry. Jae Park, who previously worked as an operations strategist, felt a growing disconnect from his work, particularly as his company pushed for AI integration into workflows. He described the corporate atmosphere as anxious and chaotic, likening it to a large ship attempting a high-speed turn, causing many to be left behind.

Park's interest in carpentry dates back a decade to a furniture-making course that sparked a strong fascination. However, burdened by over $100,000 in student loan debt after college, he opted for the higher income of the tech industry to achieve financial stability. Now, with no mortgage or children to support, he feels this is the opportune moment to chase his true calling.

He has begun the process of becoming a carpentry apprentice, exploring salary expectations, benefits, and the four-year training program. The path, however, has proven more challenging than anticipated. Despite visiting seven construction sites in a single week and actively seeking opportunities, he has yet to secure a formal apprenticeship, facing difficulties with unclear site information and busy site managers.

Park views his age as an advantage in entering the skilled trades, an industry historically dominated by men and known for its demanding physical labor. His years of corporate experience have equipped him with skills in setting boundaries and advocating for himself, which he believes would have been harder to navigate at a younger age. He also finds unexpected support within the union culture, where workers share experiences and offer mutual encouragement, a sense of solidarity he had never felt before.

“

I have never felt such a strong sense of support.