In this episode of the CareerCraft Podcast, we sit down with educator and coach David Joest to explore how his career journey weaves together teaching, coaching, and advocacy work. David shares how his early interest in multiple fields eventually led him to education, and how his experiences—from teaching in challenging environments through Teach For America to coaching cross-country and founding a Unified Track program—have shaped his approach to his craft.
Read moreCareer-Craft Foundations: Series Lookback
Discover where you are on the craftsman's career journey—from roughout to master—with targeted diagnostic questions and actionable steps for each stage. This guide synthesizes key insights from our Career Craft series, helping you identify your current phase and develop stage-appropriate skills. Learn how to move beyond the "perfect job" myth and avoid common career dead-ends by applying timeless principles of craftsmanship to your professional development. Whether you're defining your direction, building foundational skills, working through others, or creating lasting systems, find practical guidance for your next meaningful step.
Read moreThe Roughout
When your career feels directionless, the problem isn't laziness—it's the lack of a meaningful connection between your work and identity. The roughout methodology, inspired by traditional woodworking, helps you find career direction by identifying what doesn't work, recognizing flow states, experimenting through micro-projects, and seeking direction rather than a specific destination. Through case studies and practical steps, learn how to move beyond the paralysis of seeking the "perfect job" and discover the territory where your unique strengths, interests, and values can flourish.
Read moreThe Stages of Craftsmanship
The ancient craftsman's path from apprentice to journeyman to master offers a powerful framework for modern career development. Each stage – apprentice (building fundamental skills), journeyman (developing independence and versatility), and master (creating legacy and advancing the craft) – requires different capabilities and mindsets. By understanding these distinct phases and the transitions between them, professionals can approach their career journey with greater intentionality and purpose, focusing on meaningful development rather than just upward movement.
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