Can't Find Good Help for the Sawmill

[@goliath200us]

As a home owner, I’ve come to the same conclusion. If you want something done right, do it yourself. Sometimes I can and other times have to rely on others. Sometimes I get lucky and it’s done right other times not. Very frustrating but at least they showed up.

[@TomBrueggen]

I don’t mind teaching people at all, I rather enjoy it. But I don’t like babysitting, that’s all. I thought I explained it pretty clear and simple. Guess I should have stood by and watched a while to get them going. My whole thing is, if I’m willing to pay someone else, it’s usually because I have something else to do that pays better, so I can’t stand by and watch them while also doing what I need to. The two grown men, sure, they had a big mess looming and were probably a bit overwhelmed, so whatever. But after floundering with them I was very direct with my HS helper. He just claimed it was too hot, which to his credit it was like 105° that day. But still he was a bit heavy on the breaks he took 🤣

[@isolinear9836]

Merry Christmas

[@johnmcdowell9468]

I have young guys asking me for side work all the time. I tell them that I need someone to cut boards for me using the chop saw. I ask them, "what's half of 37 1/2 inches?" Not one of them can give me the correct answer. So sad.

[@TomBrueggen]

I might have found a decent one. Smart enough kid but also strong and good work ethic. I told him to show up tomorrow and be ready to just stack boards all day. I hate mill cleanup day so I have random piles of boards and scrap everywhere. It’s totally worth paying him $150 or whatever while I keep the mill hammering out boards. And I’ll be out there working with him to make sure he stays busy and does it right.

[@isolinear9836]

On a side note, it sounds like you probably needed to spend more time on what the purpose of arranging these "bundles" were, so they could better understand what you were aiming for, which would illicit important questions from them. As much time as you think you're saving by not "training" them - or not willing to encroach on egos? - it often costs more time/money and pride by not ensuring proper "training". Insert Napolean quote. This kind of problem becomes especially acute the larger you expand operations in any business, of course.

[@TomBrueggen]

Good comment. I assure, I explained the objective clearly. They all know I have a kiln and I explained why the boards needed to be sorted and stacked the way I asked. I very much agree with your angle. Anytime I am asking someone to help me or telling them what to do, I make it a point to explain why and the bigger picture. I firmly believe if a guy understands why to do something, not just how to do it, that he’ll do a better job.

[@jefespicoli5521]

I have three teenage boys, free labor...

[@TomBrueggen]

Maybe someday for me. My son is approaching 10 but he seems lazy. He always says he wants to be just like me but then never wants to tag along to help with anything. Then again, I guess I never wanted to work with my dad as a kid either 😆

[@jefespicoli5521]

@@TomBrueggen I get it, it takes courage as a father to get your kid to do chores. I sometimes find myself taking the path of least resistance and doing the work myself. But find the courage to tell them to do their chores of throwing the garbage, feeding the dogs and chickens. My kids want me to challenge them, even when they resist. We end up having a good conversation when i feed along side of them or walking the dogs. A lot of my courage came after getting rid of my porn, and drinking addictions that truly clouded my judgement and weakened my testosterone... I now find the courage to challenge my boys and talk to them about porn, drugs, alcohol and other things that can also weaken them...

[@davihi92]

🤣 so much for “ more hands make for less work”. No good deed my friend.

[@kerychesh9784]

I wish we are neighbour

[@TomBrueggen]

Ha! I’ve got a few good ones around me. And a few duds.