You Know You Are Old When

[MossRoad]

Do any skilled trade folks or somewhat skilled diy individuals who are now older still get in the "zone" I'll call it. weather laying block or tile, framing walls, doing finish work, welding, fabrication, fixing equipment? Seems like 20 or so yrs ago I'd get in a zone and everything went together as I wanted in a quick professional manner. Not so much for me anymore. Slightly depressing but still feel pride in what I now occasionally build and fix granted it takes much longer sometimes finished product isn't as good I used to expect with more 4 letter word frustrating moments for me than previous yrs.

I get in the zone when I'm doing shingles or siding, or painting for that matter. Something about the repetitive task and seeing progress puts me at peace.

 

[not2old]

Do any skilled trade folks or somewhat skilled diy individuals who are now older still get in the "zone" I'll call it. weather laying block or tile, framing walls, doing finish work, welding, fabrication, fixing equipment? Seems like 20 or so yrs ago I'd get in a zone and everything went together as I wanted in a quick professional manner. Not so much for me anymore. Slightly depressing but still feel pride in what I now occasionally build and fix granted it takes much longer sometimes finished product isn't as good I used to expect with more 4 letter word frustrating moments for me than previous yrs.

I didn't invite you, but welcome to my club.

 

[scootr]

Do any skilled trade folks or somewhat skilled diy individuals who are now older still get in the "zone" I'll call it. weather laying block or tile, framing walls, doing finish work, welding, fabrication, fixing equipment? Seems like 20 or so yrs ago I'd get in a zone and everything went together as I wanted in a quick professional manner. Not so much for me anymore. Slightly depressing but still feel pride in what I now occasionally build and fix granted it takes much longer sometimes finished product isn't as good I used to expect with more 4 letter word frustrating moments for me than previous yrs.

Life brings changes, physical and mental. I like to think that even though I lost something physically I've gained something mentally when it comes to tackling any project. Old guys rule

 

[jjeff]

Maybe your standards have just gone up?

Just my standards when I hire a project out.. id problaby be known as YouTube Darren if I hired projects out.

 

[bigtiller]

I often get "in the zone" when I'm on my afternoon walks. Something will awaken me and I find I have walked faster and farther than I planned. That's the fun part. It's similar to what's called a runners high.

 

[scootr]

I often get "in the zone" when I'm on my afternoon walks. Something will awaken me and I find I have walked faster and farther than I planned. That's the fun part. It's similar to what's called a runners high.

You know you are old when you get a walkers high.
Sorry Tiller, I just had to go there.

 

[jjeff]

Anyways one thing I noticed is projects I do myself functionality is more important than aesthetic appeal. However somehow Ive developed a pretty keen eye for flaws or lackluster execution of ideas and can point out flaws I committed on such projects until it sometimes gets to me enough till I do something about it to remedy.

 

[Runner]

Do any skilled trade folks or somewhat skilled diy individuals who are now older still get in the "zone" I'll call it. weather laying block or tile, framing walls, doing finish work, welding, fabrication, fixing equipment? Seems like 20 or so yrs ago I'd get in a zone and everything went together as I wanted in a quick professional manner. Not so much for me anymore. Slightly depressing but still feel pride in what I now occasionally build and fix granted it takes much longer sometimes finished product isn't as good I used to expect with more 4 letter word frustrating moments for me than previous yrs.

For me, it's been the opposite. I really didn't start turning out what I would consider to be "quality work" until I was about 55 (I'm 66 now). Not saying that I'm a particularly great fabricator, carpenter, concrete finisher, or whatever now, but it took me that long to learn techniques (tricks of the trade type stuff) to feel relatively confident (and competent).

Another BIG part of it was that, as I got older, I was able to obtain the tools and equipment that allows me to perform better work. In fact, to be honest, that's probably about 90% of my improvement.

Edit: Availability of the internet has also helped a lot.

 

[not2old]

I've been participating in an organized dual sport dirt bike ride since it started in 2008. For a few years now, I realize that I won't be riding the A course on my 500cc four stroke or even on my 300cc two stroke anymore. They don't do a B+ anymore so last week-end I did 138KM (85 miles)through the bush on the B course on my 300, skipping the last bit of singletrack as my body had no gas left. Next year Ill be back on the four stroke on the C course, a bit of pavement lots of gravel roads and Jeep trails. THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE ANYMORE!!!!

 

[jjeff]

For me, it's been the opposite. I really didn't start turning out what I would consider to be "quality work" until I was about 55 (I'm 66 now). Not saying that I'm a particularly great fabricator, carpenter, concrete finisher, or whatever now, but it took me that long to learn techniques (tricks of the trade type stuff) to feel relatively confident (and competent).

Another BIG part of it was that, as I got older, I was able to obtain the tools and equipment that allows me to perform better work. In fact, to be honest, that's probably about 90% of my improvement.

One thing I learned when doing different projects is despite looking like the correct way to do something may be more difficult or take longer it always turns out to be the opposite in my experiences. I've seen and am guilty of spending more time making so called shortcuts look ok than just doing it right in the first place.