There are many different kinds of crafts you can learn to make a living of. I know, you might say it is a waste of time to learn a profession as you are young and strong and are able to earn money by discovering hidden treasures guarded by mighty beasts. But let me tell you a small story, maybe you will change your mind afterwards:

When I was at the age of 15 my mind was preoccupied by heroic tasks I would soon be able to do. I was longing to leave my parents home, to set my feet out on the road and learn the art of fighting. I practiced a lot together with a friend and we found an old soldier living close by who taught us how to handle a sword.

One day my father came to the small clearing where I was training on my own. He sat down on a tree trunk and watched me in silence as I was practicing the different forms and moves. After some time I stopped and walked slowly over to my father, expecting him to scold me and to tell me that I should not spend my time with this worthless stuff. But instead he looked at me with his sad eyes, addressing me in a way I hadn’t expected and I still remember his words well:

“My son, for a long time now I have seen the longing in your eyes, the desire to leave your home and explore the world.
At the beginning I have dismissed the possibility that you would actually go, thinking that it would just be a temporary desire. Seeing that you really mean it, that with great effort you prepare yourself, I wanted to forbid you to leave. But that would have been a mistake, wouldn’t it?
I love you, my son, and I would regret to loose you. But I can not make you stay forever, that I have realized. Because I love you, I will not hinder you to go, if your destiny lies in far away places. If this is really your wish, than you should not stay behind.
But I want to give you one last advice before you choose your path for the future. To live a life as a soldier is not better nor worse than any other profession, even though it might hold more dangers than other kinds of trades. But keep in mind that one day you will become older. Your arm that had carried the sword with great strength, will feel the weakness of your increased age. Your agility and quickness will fade with the coming years. Than the desire will grow in you to retire and live a more peaceful life, maybe to find a wife and get some children. But if you stop being a soldier, what will there be to do? Besides fighting what can you do to support yourself? If you haven’t learned a decent trade in your youth, than an easy life will be denied to you!
But whatever you do, whatever path you will turn to, the love I feel for you will not diminish.”

After he had finished talking, he stood up and embraced me. I still remember that I felt quite uncomfortable, as my father had never done this before. He walked away, not expecting an answer and without turning around, leaving me on this clearing.

I don’t know what made me stay. I’m sure that at the time he talked to me I didn’t understand thoroughly the meaning of my father’s words. But I realized that he truly loved me. And nowadays I can only agree on what he had said. I stayed for another three years with my parents, learning as much as my father or any other person I worked together with, were willing to share with me.

Now, that should have been enough sentimental thoughts about my past. If you have cared enough to listen to me until now than have a look around. There are many different kinds of professions you are able to learn. Some of them I have described here, but for sure not all of them. “Keep your eyes open”, I used to tell myself as there is always something new to learn, even for a seasoned craftsman.