That is an inspiring anecdote which I can empathise with. I have an aquaintance I've known for around 35 years he has had limited formal education, has never been unemployed and through a natural interest and in part necessity has taught himself a wide range of skills Blacksmith, Wood worker, Engineer. His life is simple, unaffected by materialism yet his work is of the highest quality. His prices are reasonable yet he makes a comfortable living. Perhaps we are becoming too tied up with the competitive workplace working for people promoted beyond their level of competance, perhaps we Lose it in middle age as the next bunch of high flyers take to the career ladder or perhaps it is just presure endless pressure. Whatever it is there are far too many casualties for the problem to be ignored.