In the tech industry, where speed and efficiency are often prioritized, there is a growing interest among workers to engage in hands-on activities that provide stress relief and a sense of connection.
Lydia The checks to see if the pieces of her bridle joint prototype fit together at the Clayroom woodshop in San Francisco last month. She and her husband are working on constructing a dining table from scratch. (Photo by Kristen Murakoshi for The Washington Post)
Haomiao Huang is a venture capitalist immersed in the fast-paced world of tech investment, but he and his wife, Lydia The, have discovered solace in the art of woodworking. Their current project involves crafting a dining table using an ancient technique that seamlessly interlocks two pieces of wood. Despite the obstacles they face and the materials discarded along the way, their determination remains unwavering as they strive to create a table that will stand the test of time.
In the tech industry, where speed and efficiency reign supreme, there is a growing desire among workers to engage in hands-on activities that offer stress relief and foster a sense of connection. Woodworking studios have emerged in the Bay Area, attracting tech professionals who yearn for the therapeutic benefits of working with their hands. Simultaneously, the maker movement has gained popularity, encouraging people to explore various do-it-yourself techniques to construct objects. The pandemic has only intensified this trend, with tech workers rediscovering forgotten hobbies such as Lego building, glass-blowing, welding, and pottery-making.
Woodworking, in particular, serves as a bridge to our rich human history of craftsmanship and offers a tangible result that contrasts with the intangible nature of digital work. However, woodworking can be an expensive pursuit, with classes and studio memberships often costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars, catering to the affluent salaries of tech workers. Additionally, the transition from a high-speed work environment to a slower, deliberate approach presents challenges for individuals accustomed to prioritizing rapid progress and efficiency.
Yet, despite the obstacles, woodworking bestows a profound sense of accomplishment and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Woodworking studios become vibrant havens in post-work hours, where people gather to work on their personal projects and exchange experiences. The hobby provides a welcomed respite from the digital realm, fostering connections in an era defined by remote work and limited personal interaction.
Huang and The approach woodworking as a shared experience, providing mutual support throughout their projects. They have established a rule that allows one person to take over when the other feels overwhelmed or burnt out. Their collaboration is marked by a collective sense of purpose and unwavering encouragement.
Lydia The with a floating nightstand that’s nearly ready to be installed. (Kristen Murakoshi for The Washington Post)
Haomiao Huang cuts wood for one of the projects he and his wife are working on. He finds woodworking to be “meditative” and “grounding.” (Kristen Murakoshi for The Washington Post)
For many tech workers, engaging in woodworking and other hands-on activities offers a refreshing change of pace and an opportunity to tap into the rich legacy of craftsmanship. With reduced commuting time and a growing need for connection, these hobbies serve as outlets for creativity and personal fulfillment. Woodworking studios and classes also offer spaces for team-building exercises, revitalizing desk workers who spend their days immersed in screen-based activities.
Huang and The, like countless others, have discovered deep satisfaction in woodworking. Despite setbacks and challenges encountered along the way, they persist, embracing the patience and skill required by this ancient craft. The imperfect pieces they create serve as tangible reflections of their learning process and unwavering determination to fashion something meaningful with their own hands.
