For 3 decades + I have made a generous living being an artisan and artist...first and foremost...
During which time.. had its ups and downs like any business...
And would either hire my skills out on the side for extra coin to top up my bank account...
Or not...
Never restricted myself to not learning something new...
Which has led me down interesting paths..
Now...
I find that the balance of the musical instrument building...carving and art I have enjoyed doing and still do...is secondary to the enjoyment of working in a high security restricted access environment...
I do find that to be rather exciting work...
Been doing it for a long time now...
It gets me out of the studio and social....
And believe me...
Give it a few years of working by oneself ...
With no interaction...and it wears after a while..

Consequently since working in such an environment ...
I got saddled with a position which is quite cushy...
In a job for life...
Hell most of my peers...are in their 80's
Retired military or federal police...
Great guys...fascinating individuals..
Couldn't luck out on better work comrades....
And the work allows me my studio time...
Which I must have...

Now.. so taken with the field...
I am in the process of starting my own security firm...

It will be a far cry from what I do now....but I am intrigued with the field...

So what does one say to such a question as "what do you do for a living? "
For me...I can't live without making something in the studio...
I just start to wither if I don't ..
Need human interaction....or the same happens...
Money...is an easy thing....
Being content or happy ...that is the real work....

So best answer that is concise....is ..."I'm a Jack..."
As in ...Jack of ANY trade..."
Whatever I can do and get to keep me intrigued and happy...