bootsmagee
Treehouser
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2017
- Messages
- 32
Getting a little bit anxious counting down the last few days; after Easter Sunday this coming weekend I start as a brand new groundie. I've been homeowner/firewood treework experienced since I was a kid (bigger kid now, turning 34 this summer) and decided about a year ago that I want to learn to climb. I know some things, but technically zero professional/production tree work experience. Between then and now I've been using these forums, Beranek's works, EducatedClimber, TheSchultzEffect, youtube, etc. to learn as much of the intellectual side as possible.
I wanted to learn the right way, so I started by searching ISA for local Certified guys, talked to many different Arborists about my situation and things in general, and zero'd in on a smaller sized but seemingly high quality operation close to me. We did an "intro" day a few weeks ago, just reorganizing the truck so everyone gets an idea of where everything is, going over chipper, bucket, and some other basics. I'm about 2 weeks behind their season start date at this point because of transitioning from my current job, but the owner had no problem with it.
I'm confident in myself being a quick learner and hard worker, but still feeling the pressure of actually making this leap. I'm going from 11 years behind a desk working with AutoCAD to starting completely new at production tree work. It's a big change and there's going to be a lot to take in. It's also a moderate pay cut for now, but I've crunched the numbers diligently. I'm a hockey player and I process 10-12 cords per year on my own to burn and sell, so I'm not lazy, but I'm sure I'll need a few weeks to break-in before I'm used to the physical work every day.
I'm looking to put my time in on the ground and hopefully advance to learning to climb as time/experience allows. I'll also be looking to get my CDL soon as well. I think the owner is the only one who has it right now. So there's a lot going on this year! Maybe I'll use this thread as a way to keep a journal of sorts. Any words of wisdom going into my first week are welcome and appreciated!
I wanted to learn the right way, so I started by searching ISA for local Certified guys, talked to many different Arborists about my situation and things in general, and zero'd in on a smaller sized but seemingly high quality operation close to me. We did an "intro" day a few weeks ago, just reorganizing the truck so everyone gets an idea of where everything is, going over chipper, bucket, and some other basics. I'm about 2 weeks behind their season start date at this point because of transitioning from my current job, but the owner had no problem with it.
I'm confident in myself being a quick learner and hard worker, but still feeling the pressure of actually making this leap. I'm going from 11 years behind a desk working with AutoCAD to starting completely new at production tree work. It's a big change and there's going to be a lot to take in. It's also a moderate pay cut for now, but I've crunched the numbers diligently. I'm a hockey player and I process 10-12 cords per year on my own to burn and sell, so I'm not lazy, but I'm sure I'll need a few weeks to break-in before I'm used to the physical work every day.
I'm looking to put my time in on the ground and hopefully advance to learning to climb as time/experience allows. I'll also be looking to get my CDL soon as well. I think the owner is the only one who has it right now. So there's a lot going on this year! Maybe I'll use this thread as a way to keep a journal of sorts. Any words of wisdom going into my first week are welcome and appreciated!