The Royal “we”
Reflection
As I sit in my van eating my lunch while I await the arrival of a lorry load of oversized logs, I can’t help but reflect on how many “hats” I’ve worn today. You might remember from some of my previous articles, my job role has changed many times since I entered the world of work and it’s left me questioning when I’m asked that small talk question “what do you do for a living?” I’m left wondering how to answer it.
In the past I’ve simply said I’m a chainsaw operator as it covers lots of bases. Given I’ve not climbed a tree in probably 9 months and I only dip into commercial forestry on occasion, I feel answering with “I’m a chainsaw carver” is now a bit more accurate. The role involves so much more than just swinging round a chainsaw and an angle grinder though.
Morning Routine
Typically my day starts with admin and I’ll spend easily an hour responding to emails and enquiries. It’s very difficult to be a small business and not have a presence on social media these days, so I’ll also spend time editing video and photos in order to post on facecrap and instashite. MTD or Making Tax Digital is now in force and I’m having to learn new systems in order to keep the tax man happy. If I make it to the workshop by 9.30, then I’ve probably forgotten something.
I’m still bedding into my new workshop so space is at a premium and I generally have to move things round like a rubix cube in order to maintain and lay out tools, clear away the previous days projects and start on the days plans. I might not have actually made any sawdust come lunch time.
Making sawdust is the easy part but after the carving is completed, the wood then needs finishing, which means no more sawdust until it’s dry. I’ve got off cuts and sawdust to clear up, probably some firewood to split and then setting up for the next carving. Each finished carving needs stored before collection in order to minimise risk of damage or deterioration along with obligatory photos and video, if I remember.
Follow the procedure
My timber is stored off site as there’s limited access to get a timber lorry in and out, so there’s some logistics needed in order to select and transport the next log on site. I have machinery in order to lift and move things that are too big for me to manhandle. Like me, the forklift is showing it’s age so it needs some TLC from time to time.
My workspace is shared with two other businesses so there’s a bit of liaising need just to keep everyone’s ball rolling. And of course I’ve got my best friend watching over me while I work, or for at least 2 minutes until she falls asleep. Well obviously she needs out for a pee and a sniff about every couple hours.
Me, myself and I
By the end of the day the tittle ‘chainsaw carver” has expanded to include digital creator, secretary, accountant, haulier, forklift operator, dog walker, mechanic and of course tea boy and general gofor! I’m a one man band, there is no “we.” But, there’s still only one person I answer to!