I came here for the pipe smoking, but I stayed because Muttnchop is an amazing fella. Thank you for everything you do!

Uncanny. I've had another bad day with bad company. It's sure time for a change, for me.

I literally just quit my job, similar scenario. I was very stressed and unhappy. Had to make the change despite how scared I was to leave a good job. Luckily my finances allowed me to do it

moral of the story ; if someone doesn't properly value your contribution, then walk away and when they realize what its like without that, they will learn their lesson

Work to live NOT live to work. Enjoy life you only live life once!

Muttnchop, I'm retired Army, and I had nearly identical circumstances as you did, when I entered the civilian workforce. I was an electronics technician at the time (later an engineer), and I was amazed by the amount of dirt and disorder these guys let accumulate in the repair shop. Like you, I also wanted to actually work, I dislike idle time and I enjoy the challenge of difficult to solve problems. I immediately set about cleaning up my work area. I cleaned in between my repairs when there was a lull in activity, instead of talking about hunting, fishing, or sports. I worked circles around the other guys, and it caused a lot of resentment towards me. I was accused of trying to make them look bad, just by giving an honest days work for an honest days pay. It was a good paying job, but it was poorly managed. It allowed some technicians to coast because they were buddies with supervisor. I was picking up the slack for slackers. And all it did was to set the bar higher for myself. The more I did, the more I was expected to do. I was making great money, but I was miserable. Professionally, something had to change, I went through several jobs, but they were all pretty much the same as the first one. So, I went back to school, utilizing my GI benefits, and got a degree in electrical engineering. It was hard work, and took a long time to complete, but I needed to do it, because I could never really fully assimilate into the civilian mentality. 22 years of Army service had permanently changed me. I needed the freedom to work the way I wanted to, without upsetting my coworkers. After I finished college, I worked for a large aerospace company, hoping that it would be better regimented. It was, but it too allowed for the hard workers to pull others along, without benefit. I once again become dissatisfied, so ventually, I went to work for myself. It was very difficult at first, but I stuck it out (with the help of my amazing wife). It is extremely liberating, to be your own boss, but it has its own challenges. I settled in and found that I quite enjoyed it. Unfortunately, some of the old injuries and wounds I picked up when I was younger, caused me to mostly retire last year. But I retired a happy man, with no regrets. You seem like a great guy, with similar work ethics as myself. We were both taught to accomplish tasks efficiently, and effectively. I have watched a lot of your videos, and I admire what you are doing. In our day, we could rely on older pipe smokers to (hopefully) guide us through the process of of learning how to pick a good pipe, and smoke it without getting tongue bite. But we older pipe smoking fellows are quite a lot fewer than we used to be, and we're a lot harder to find because of the fewer places we're allowed to smoke. You've got a very friendly style, and are doing a great service to our young pipers. I've been a pipe smoker's since 1978, and I think that you and I would be able to make some great conversations over a pipe or two, or three....

This sort of mentorship is sorely missing today. Semper Fi.

Excellent video. As a former Marine, I have struggled at times with a civilian mindset. I want to do things correctly, by the book, and others like to work around the rules. I have adapted a bit but I still struggle with that. Cheers brother.

Thank you Sir! I have lived that life and it took me a couple years of “therapy” and pills to finally come to the point to make that career change and now 7 years later I’m happy as a pig in poop! Our lives and happiness are our responsibility and my family depends on me to be productive and happy so again, thank you for your service to our nation. I was Navy and my son is currently active duty Coast Guard and in his 2nd tour and is turning into a fine mechanic himself. I was an elevator mechanic for many years and now I’m an inspector who is respected in the field.

The very first pouch of pipe tobacco I smoked was Borkum Riff Bourbon Whiskey. My grandfather and uncle smoked this tobacco. You couldn't miss it. A pouch was on every table in the house and we would try and play with it. That black and white graphic was beautiful. When we was kids pa-pa and unck would tell us stories, The smell around them was phenomenal. When I first smoked it, it made me sick. It stole my virginity. But I kept going back to it. First love? To this very day I always keep a pouch of Borkum Riff with me.

In case you don't have a father figure in your life. This man. Great life lessons, great pipe connoisseur, a man of sage wisdom and beautiful facial hair. The easiest subscribe I've ever done.

You’ve helped me so much, Chris. I’ve been in a similar situation for a couple of years in the kitchen I’ve worked at, where I’ve been taken advantage of, been expected to do extra work, working ridiculous schedules, left to run the entire kitchen alone, and not being paid well for it. It’s been so bad that I’ve taken that stress and frustration home with me. After I saw this video it inspired me to put my foot down and find another job. I even showed this video to my girlfriend and she said it sounds just like my situation. Well, I’ve just been hired somewhere else and gave my notice at my current job. I’ll be working a normal 9-5 in a quiet spot where I’m responsible for my own tasks, and making the same money, and I can be home with my family in the evenings now. I never would’ve found the courage or the inspiration to do it if it weren’t for you. Thank you so much, Chris Happy Piping

Chris you stepped on toes and they wanted to get back at you . Your hard core training paid off. A Marine finds a way to adapt and you showed them by being a better man . I am now 54 Chris and want to go back in sales and change jobs . I am burned out and I have no one to help me . I am like you lone wolf . Thank you for all your wisdom . Money can’t buy happinesses. Your so right Chris . I respect you and i am going to make a change . Pray for Gods help and he will open doors . You did the right thing . Your wisdom is wonderful, thank you Brother and I am glad you made this . Life is too short To not be happy . I hope your well . Hope you still have some Christmas cheer . Thank you Chris Your the Best . Scottie Dickens Tennessee

I really needed this, happy piping Chris thank you

The simplest of stories, but the greatest impact. I've been in this same boat for a long time and still have yet to figure out what I want to do.

Love the life advice. I've got a great job right now. The only downside now, is that I've been on an afternoon/nightshift for several years, which I had enjoyed, but it's taking a big effect on my health over the last year. On average I had been putting in around 11.5 hours a day, sometimes up to 12.5-13. Not really mandatory, but I have 5 children, so I always took the overtime. I now try to keep it around 10.5 hours, which is more manageable. Plus around a 50 minute commute to and from work. I'm supposed to go to day shift this year though, which should help greatly. It's always the lazy people that hold a grudge against the guy that is willing to do more, and work harder. Or, they let stuff go and hope you do it. Happy piping Chris! Loving your pipe smoking information, and great stories.

You might not be a preacher but u just spoke a sermon to my heart man ... God Bless

i always said that if i got to the point where i was unhappy with what i was doing i would move on,,, and that's exactly what i did

it's good to see this kind of positivity now a days with everything going on in the world keep on doing great things my man

Muttnchop your videos always seem to be exactly what i need to hear

Thank you for the advice! I really needed to hear this.

It was really interesting to get to hear your backstory. I appreciated hearing that. I'm sorry you were stuck with such incompetent co-workers. You did right to leave it, and I'm sure you don't need reassurance from me to feel that way anyway. Thanks for the word!

Thanks for doing this. I’m just a kid,17 but this is great advice. Thanks.

This Memorial Day I find myself here watching some more of my favorite vlogs of yours my friend and I wanted to say to ya that I hope you have a blessed Memorial Day and to also say thank you for your military service that you provided in the past, wanna say God bless you Chris and to tell you I'm praying for ya my friend. May the good Lord watch over, lead, guide, and direct as well as keep ya safe this Memorial Day weekend. Love ya my friend.

Thanks Chris! So glad your keeping your tag line closing. I have learned so much from you through your videos and recently past on your rehydration video to a closef FB group I am in. Keep them coming. As you are able.

Love ya Muttonchop, thanks for sharing your personal insights 👍🏽

Good advice. I've made a lot of changes over the last decade. It works I've never been happier. Also thank you for your instructional videos. You've really helped a rookie get started.

Excellent video! Thank you for your service Chris! My dad was a Marine in WW2

This is absolutely relatable, no matter what field of work you're in.

Thank you for the advice sir, i like all your videos about pipe smoking or about you i hope you do more videos from time to time about you , i really enjoy watching your videos all regards to you from Iraq.

Thanks I needed to hear that and feel the same way. Life is to short to dread every day at a bad job with difficult people. I had to do the same at least 3xs . It is so toxic out there

It's kinda funny that I would find this video today on my feed, I am going through a similar experience that after 12 years at a job I have finally decided that I'm not happy working there and it's time to make some big life changes. It will be challenging because I know that I can't make the same money starting out in a new job but I have learned that you can make loads of money but if your unhappy it means nothing. Thanks so much for the great video it has resonated so much with what I am currently doing in my own life.

Good chat, appreciate your perspective. Have a great IPSD, all the best Chris.

You're so absolutely right. I made a chance myself on march this year. Made a 360 turn. I was depressed...had burnout from too much stress and Overtime at work. I cancelled my job, my flat, and moved away from the big city back to my hometown-area. Now I enjoy life again...i start loving myself again. I never felt so good in all these years. Happy piping! You're an Inspiration, a pipe-buddy and our tobacco coneisseure ;) thank you so much for your videos. I enjoy my pipes now after Work, without stress, in my bigger flat, in nature. I will have a pipe for you this evening.

Thanks for this video, ive been going threw a rough spot lately and it was so good to see this. Thanks for sharing your life with us Chris it means allot to me and im sure allot of others. Happy piping!

Life is a gift. You cannot return this gift, so you make the best of it and enjoy it. You are spot on! Thanks, Chris!

Thank you Chris (glad I finally know your name). You seem like a really decent guy and a good American. God Bless.

Thank you very much for sharing this message. It is very much appreciated. Thank you for all you do for the piping community. Best Wishes, Josh DDP

Great story muttnchop! I can’t wait for the blend club videos.

Thanks! I myself made a big change last year, you are totally right. Relaxing and inspiring as always:)

Sound wisdom Chris, I had to make those difficult career decisions a few years ago myself and I’m thankful that I did. Life is too short to remain in an unhealthy environment long term. I recently found your videos and am really enjoying them! Thanks

Great video Chris. Very thought provoking.

Good on you, dude! There’s no point in living a life without happiness. We only get one shot at this!

Love this stories...... 🙌👏

This is the most helpful video you have made! thank you.

Its amazing that I'm in the exact pitiful trap right now that you were able to escape from. Im a maintenance mechanic for a good company, make good money and i like what I do but I cant stand the people I work with and I loathe the hours I work. Theres two types of people I work with, all the new hires which are children that never had to work a truly terrible job an the old timers that have been here for a thousand years and really dont care about anything. Unfortunately I've painted myself into a financial corner and finding another job that pays this well will be difficult. But I'm always looking. Thanks for the pep talk

Great video as always, Chris! My father in law is a retired engineering manager from Exxon in Houston, TX. When he retired, everyone was so unhappy because he took the time to walk the floor and get to know the people, the process and the machines. There is something to be said about a consummate work ethic, which you share. He now teaches and writes and shares with me the importance of living life according to a set of values, which includes the pursuit of happiness. Thank you for the wisdom!

Thank you for sharing not just your pipe knowledge but also your life experiences. I can assure you that they indeed helped me.

You, Sir are a gentle man and a gentleman. Because of you I will brush my teeth if my momentarily appointed lady doesn't smoke the same blend as I do. The Yvideo I got to experience your humble style (the most humanly decent exchange of opinions) was a changing point in my life. Even if you can't stand being lifted that high, bare to be lifted! Some are good and some are neccesary. Thank you for being.

Great perspective! I couldn’t agree more.

Wise words. Having a family to support I stuck around in a job I hated for way too long and had a complete breakdown from stress. Ended up really depressed and miserable. I’m better now but I’m still working out issues. I’m going to stress this to my children when they come of working age. No job is worth sacrificing your health.

Great Video.Lifes lessons sure has its lumps and bumps!

This is wisdom, thank you for sharing it.

I made the change a couple of years ago and now I have less money but more time and much more harmony in life. Smoking Dunhill and smile 😊 thanks for inspiring video as per usual

Great story Chris. Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday!

Great video MuttnChop iv been down that road an finally landed at a job I love take care 🤠

Inspiring! Thank you sharing this!

Absolutely. When I was younger I worked at quite a few different places, some good and some bad. If it wasn’t for the experience of working in the wrong environment I might be able to appreciate working in an environment that I can thrive in. Some say that you have to lose before you learn how to win. Never stop learning and never settle for anything that doesn’t make you happy. 😀

Muttonchop, I can appreciate your experience with your machine shop job. When I began my present job, I learned every aspect of my position, so I would be able to do it well and meet the needs of our clients. Because my family taught me the importance and value of work, (and I enjoy what I do), I keep busy. At my previous job I worked 12 hour shifts, doing continuous hard work. Now I work 8 hour shifts and alternate between periods of mentally draining work, as well as times when the work can be challenging, yet rewarding. Like you I work with a number of colleagues who spend their time doing anything but the work for which we are paid fairly well. A number of people whose responsibility is to manage others allow coworkers to sit on their behinds, and even engage in the same behaviors. I've learned, (the hard way), to focus on my responsibilities and avoid stressing over other's behaviors. If I ever got to the point you found yourself in, I would also do what I needed to do to remain sane and healthy. You obviously have a positive attitude, Good for you. P.S. I really enjoy and look forward to your pipe smoking videos, I recently began smoking a pipe again after a looooong hiatus.

Thank you for the inspiration and the company... there's alot of changes to make and work to do in the coming days weeks and months but its all worth it

MuttonChop you’re a great guy and I really enjoy lighting up a pipe and just listening to all your old videos. It’s soothing to me and I enjoy your stories and the way you present your videos. I hope I’m not posting this on the wrong video but it’s would be could if you brought back the Life lessons style of videos or the fireside chats. Keep it up Mutton Chop!

Thanks for the excellent videos Muttonchop!

Thanks for all you do , I know you help, many new pipe smokers, and senior pipe smokers out also with your videos. I've never seen anybody actually read and respond to people's comments thanks again.

Muttonchop, thank you for the great video! And thank you for your service to our great country! You and I have some things in common. My situation sounds very similar to yours. I have 9 years into my current job. I'm a mechanic, and everyone comes to me for everything, on top of doing my job I end up doing everyone else's job, I'm always a go getter and fast learner like you are.The pay is good but I am MISERABLE. Ive been working 6 days a week, 50 to 60 hours a week for 12 years and i'm burned out with it. I actually quit my job 2 years ago, got three days into my new job, found out the company was dishonest about pay. So I ended up going back to my old job. I recently found a job I thought would be perfect, but they hired someone else. I'll keep looking, but its difficult when you cant afford a pay cut. I'm sure i'll find the right job for me, and I hope sooner than later. I've got a roof over my head, bills paid, and a little extra money to spend on pipe tobacco, so things aren't as bad as they could be! One day i'll find a job where i can be both happy and profitable! Thanks again for the great video and the reminder things wont always be as bad as they are now. Happy piping my friend!

you're absolutelly right. I worked in 3 countries and 3 colonies, I was a US Army GI then an Air Force mechanic...(4 ys in Alaska) I got hired by a tobacco company that pay me 3 times the last salary. I had good co-workers but we worked a lot, 50+ a week... I was a zombie... I didn't change jobs, I changed countries. Here in France we don't work more than 35 -40 a week, we have a month paid vacation from the start and if laid off we get 75% pay for 2 years... I have less material stuff but I'm so relaxed and debt free... I'm going to smoke me a bowl... à bientôt!

I made the change 8 years ago, and, time has flown by. I was a land surveyor in Atlanta for many moon. After our children were grown, I ditched it and moved to the coast to cut grass on a golf course. I am making half the money but, I am twice as happy.

Chris, you are inspiration to many people and i am one of them..Love your lifestyle philosophy.

My grandpa always told me "Their's people who work for their paycheck and people that just collect a paycheck".

Great video muttnchop. A small change of direction takes you to a brand new destination. Jonathan 🇬🇧

Thank you for sharing.

This is great. I was in a situation a few years back where I was making really good money, but the boss and the other worker I worked with ended up just turning on me. I had been with that company for 12.5 years. Every day i'd come in the boss would find some way to try to make my day shit. Drove me nuts. I hadn't looked for jobs in so long that I was petrified out going out and thought, "It's been so long, who will hire me?" I finally made the jump to go look for jobs and had 3 offers within a few weeks. I ended up landing a job that made me 25% more, I got to work with a few friends, I'm still there, and could not be happier. I waited for far far too long at the last place being miserable and putting up with crap that I shouldn't have. Life is FAR too short for that.

They should have been so appreciative, and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, SO I WILL SAY THAT FOR THEM. THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!

Great video!!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Nice life story! Thank you for share.

The first shop I worked at my step father got me on there. It was a non union shop but I understand the mentality that your describing. Its tough! They told me ounce to choose what side I was on... I told them I wasn't hating anyone to be there friends. Shops can be tough

Life lesson, thank you for sharing, thank you for inspiring, thank you for your teaching, happy IPSD

Solid stuff. I spent 8 years on a job I hated. I think it contributed to a heart attack and subsequent surgery. I had to get additional help. It has been said that "if you find a job you love you'll never have to work another day in your life." I'm retired (74) and there are still things I need to change. You're right, happiness is important.

Splendid thoughts brother, thanks for sharing. Took me awhile to learn to make a change when I was unhappy, but that was a great thing to learn. Happy piping brother.

Muttnchops how many times did you hear men saying "" Don't Kill the Job!"". Fabulous video,I Thank You.

Great advice and brave decisions!

Life lesson learnt. Thanks man. X

So he created mirth...eat, drink and be merry. Eccles 8:15. Love it Chris, so true.

Thanks Muttnchop, very wise words. As a new pipe smoker I am really glad I found your channel. I knew there was something I liked from the first video I watched. Now I know there are a many things I can appreciate not only from your videos but you as well. I am the father of a currently serving Marine. So first of all, Thank You Sir for the dedication and service to our great Country. Secondly, I have been an industrial maintenance electrician for just over 30 years so I can relate to your past job experiences. I have found smoking a pipe to be one of the most relaxing things I have ever done. Now that I am needing to slow down a bit it seems to be just the thing that fits my needs. I really never know it could be so enjoyable. Stay happy my friend, and keep the great videos coming.

Love it Brother! I agree with you totally! I love the video! It reminds me of our conversation outside of your work. Even though I already now this about you, I know your point & understand what you're saying a million percent. I been there! You are a better person for you & family! I love you man & the next time I come up there I wanna visit a little longer & share more stories with you. The wifey might be with me too. 🍻😎👍

Totally applies to anyone/everyone.

A good illustration of good advice.

Thank you. Same thing is happening to me now. 😄

thanks I really needed this. I'm stuck in a rut and I'm not happy. Haven't been since high school. I'm a software engineer for a living. Sitting in front of a computer while having problems at home is very difficult. I'm having to make difficult decision just so that I can be happy one day. I'm willing to change everything at this point, make new friends, change programs at work, lose old friends, I just don't care anymore. The hardest thing to do right now is to appear happy and smile around people and places that don't make me happy.

Great video as always!!! Happy IPSD tomorrow my friend.

EXCELLENT VIDEO CHRIS!👊 I'M ACTUALLY IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING INVENTORY OF EVERYTHING AROUND ME TO SEE IF I CAN MAKE A CHANGE FOR ALL THE REASONS YOU WENT THROUGH - AND THEN YOU LAY THIS VIDEO ON US 😂 FUNNY HOW THE UNIVERSE WORKS, THANK YOU FOR BEING OUT THERE FOR US

Thank you for that great video!!

Thoughtful video Chris, if you not happy doing something then move on if for nothing more than for your health. Your story could have been about tobacco blends although smoking a blend that I didn't like for 12 years, wow. 😁

'Happiness is not a goal...it's a by-product of a life well lived .' Eleanor Roosevelt 👍👍

thank you so much for the advices good sir.

Going from the military to civilian life can be a tricky transition, I found after 9 years in the Army I struggled to be idle at work, I had to keep busy while my co workers would be happy to stand about talking or take longer on jobs on purpose, I didnt make many friends at this company because they looked at me as someone who made them look bad or lazy in comparison which was never my intent, after four years I became quite unhappy and got tired of being paid the same as others who slacked off half the time, like you I got zero recognition or incentive just more responsibility because of my work ethic, I put in my resignation eventually which was scary at first as I had become quite good at my job but being unhappy was wearing me down. Im now a Police Officer and wish I had done it alot sooner.

Another well blended vid with flavors for contemplation and reflection. Sweet smokes amigo 😎

There is always so much to learn from other peoples lessons.

How on earth did the guy cussing at people keep his job?! Being decent with people pays off long term, treat people as you would like to be treated is a good yardstick to follow. Your "work colleagues" sounded like an unpleasant bunch of people to be so offhand with you Muttnchop, you did the right thing to quit that job. Especially being a respected ex-service man as well. Thanks for posting and best wishes.

Great advice! We had a new guy join our company straight out of university. I trained him, and the whole team including management bent over backwards to help him and be nice to him. Turned out he was a narcissist. He was getting in arguments about how he deserved a pay rise (only a few months into the job, still being trained, and most junior member of the team). He didn't want to do the work he was hired for but rather wanted all the senior high-profile stuff. Any time management directed him on what to do he got argumentative. He became a bully but everyone remained nice and civil. When he realised he wasn't getting his way he anonymously reported a bunch of us for a huge list of offences for which we were innocent. A lot of the accusations were sack-able offences. We got investigated by HR and because he had used the anonymous whistle-blower process they assumed he was telling the truth. HR was very aggressive in dealing with us and we were assumed guilty until proven innocent. There was no evidence because we hadn't done anything. When he realised we weren't going to be punished he reported us again, plus the people who conducted the first investigation, for breach of confidentiality and victimisation. We were investigated again and found not guilty. The company refused to acknowledge that he had abused the process to destroy our careers. When I told them his abuse had ruined my career and feelings towards the company they denied it and said everything would be fine. People with 40+ years have had mental breakdowns and had to retire because some new idiot felt entitled. I've had a workers compensation claim accepted on mental health grounds. I hate my job now, I hate the company, and despite earning a six-figure salary our house is on the market and my wife and I are moving from Australia to Canada. Looking forward to the day I give my notice!

Thanks for that great video