A Tradesman's Life Perspective at 65

This interview of Scott Wadsworth, AKA The Essential Craftsman, sheds light on his thoughts on some of life's most important topics like balancing family & work as a father, why faith is a primary motivator for him, what hard work means, and a few things he's learned at 65 that he wishes he knew in his twenties. Enjoy.
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[Wadiculous]

As one of Scott’s three boys, I assure you, whatever wisdom, humility, and overall goodness you see in these videos pales to the real thing. It’s impossible to accurately say what a good man my father is.

When I was 14 (20 years ago), a man in his mid twenties said that someone should just follow Scott around and record everything he says for posterity. Now it’s finally (kind of) happening with YouTube, and the world is a better place for it.

[g.c.]

I'm an electrician. I'm 33 years old and I haven't done this job for a long time, life is full of surprises and quick turns. Every day I have to deal with the stress of increasingly tight construction times and the stress of a trade that I still have a lot to learn about. It's hard to make ends meet... It's hard in general. I felt so much relief watching this video that I almost wanted to cry. I once read a book by a Japanese author who said that after a certain age it is difficult to find teachers. True, but not this time. Thank you

Greetings from Italy

[SMichaelDeHart]

"Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire."

- Gustav Mahler

Excellent quote, Mr. Scott!!

God bless you and your family.

[kylenmaple]

Joy requires responsibility. Responsibility requires sacrifice. Sacrifice requires work. Work requires discipline. Discipline requires motivation. Motivations requires love. Love is free if you can find it, and is strengthened by joy.

[horatiohornblower]

You don't have to regret not going to college, Scott. You display more wisdom than many highly qualified people.

[khiggins]

This is obviously a very intelligent man with a lot of life experience.

[robertsanders]

I’ve been watching your channel for years now and even though I have a few years on you I’ll be 72 in June, I always seem to get something from every episode. I live in New Jersey, my Father was a carpenter but he forbid me from doing carpentry. Well I didn’t listen, started framing in 1972 and completed 90 some homes and loved every minute. Of course now at 71, I too have slowed down. Working in NYC for some time I was at the Twin Towers when the first plane hit. Down the road I contacted Cancer from 9 -11 and had to deal with Chemo and a handful of surgeries. I am Cancer free now and can’t wait to get back to work. As you know, when it’s in ur blood you can’t help it. I still have twenty some Porter Cable saws, and lots of tools. I climbed the corporate ladder for a while but at the end of the day I’m just a carpenter. And proud of it. Love ur channel, keep it up

[Ryan-hotz]

I am a 46 year old carpenter and have felt the same way. Even after achieving great accomplishments along the way I'd have anxiety getting the next job done. Not many people I started with are still going. It takes a certain inner strength to last in this trade. Feeling like you never really made it until you realize I'm still here still going. The struggle is real. Survive is the only thought you have at times.

[michaelwiza]

Millennial here and it is so refreshing to listen to someone like this. Someone so grounded who shares wisdom on what matters in life. Our generation has no clue.

[bradford]

As a 30yo carpenter with a wife, two kids, and the wolf always at my door, I NEVER regret the time spent listening to Scott. This was a consoling and enlightening interview, and gave me a lot of pause to reflect on where I'm at, and thank God for it.

[andrewcooke-hedin]

Damn this was good. Sitting here as a self employed carpenter holding my 13 month baby girl. This was heartfelt.

[billymolina]

I've watched you while I was a lost young man to now a loving, dependable husband and father. Thank you. Your words, experience, and guidance mean a lot to me.

[Harry-nczi]

I love working with older guys, no wasted time & also great conversations 👍

[carlbukowsky]

As a young kid, fresh out of high school, I got a job as a carpenter helper for a small general contractor. I learned a lot and continued working for him each summer as I attend junior college working for an engineering degree. College was hard for me and the construction work was more appealing (and it paid me well). After two years I told the general contractor I wanted to stay on and become one of his job site superintendents. He looked at me and said, " That's fine with me, but first you have to get your degree and then you come see me about that job." After four more years I got my BSEE degree and I never went back to construction. He was a very wise and successful man, in business and family life. He told me once, " you can earn a living with your back or with your head, you make the choice."

[CavanalK]

Every young man or woman needs someone like this in their life.

[brenyboy]

I love just sitting down and listening to this man like a lil boy with his legs crossed, head in hand, just listening. (32 M, plasterer, 🇦🇺)

[Quadrille]

Life is experienced going forward but best understood backwards. Thank you for this video

[keithhalls]

Retired after 50 years in the building trade as a carpenter in the UK .This man sums it up for me should be giving public lectures

[jacobwilson]

I love listening to my elders always have ever since I was a kid I feel as if its a necessity to keep and grow culture, knowledge and wisdom. I love this mans interpretation on life and the different perspectives he brings through experience and age. He hit the nail on the head with what this generation is needing.

[BoilerRoomRadio]

Interviewer: Fantastic!! Interviewee: Legend!! This world needs 100 million more essential craftsmen. So blessed to have found this channel, Scott, you feel like a friend I will never get to meet.