
Family-Centered Economies That Have Stood the Test of Time
by Rory Groves
With over 30,000 occupations currently in existence, workers today face a bewildering array of careers from which to choose, and upon which to center their lives. But there is more at stake than just a paycheck.
For too long, work has driven a wedge between families, dividing husband from wife, father from son, mother from daughter, and family from home. Building something that will last requires a radically different approach than is common or encouraged today. In Durable Trades, Groves uncovers family-centered professions that have endured the worst upheavals in history—including the Industrial Revolution—and continue to thrive today. Through careful research and thoughtful commentary, Groves offers another way forward to those looking for a more durable future.
“Mr. Groves recovers a profound truth: a job is not an end in itself; it is rather one means—and only one means—toward building a rich and satisfying life, toward human flourishing.”
ALLAN C. CARLSON, editor of The Natural Family
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Testimonials
“Not every book is necessary—not by a long shot—but Durable Trades is necessary.”
—WENDELL BERRY
“If you desire to build your life and work around a durable, resilient, and family-centered career then Durable Trades is an excellent place to start your journey.”
“Even if you’re not searching for potential new careers, Durable Trades is a great read, describing how our fragile economies have compromised other values in life and offers discussion on ways to refocus on our jobs, families, and communities.”
—COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL
“This book should be in every home and school library. Rory profoundly evaluates and articulates the significant impact that the Industrial Revolution had—and continues to have—on society and culture. One is awakened to how much, as a culture, we have paid for ‘convenience.'”
— PAUL GAUTSCHI, Master Gardener and originator of the Back to Eden gardening method
“Here is a preeminently relevant, strategic, and helpful book for families in the twenty-first century! With the extreme instability and upheaval that so characterizes the debt-laden world economy today, Christian families will need such a resource as this to both survive and thrive.”
— KEVIN SWANSON, Generations Radio
“Durable Trades is a book designed to help people identify trades that can be held by households—household-friendly trades, you could say—as well as trades that are likely to remain viable for the foreseeable future. His book merits your consideration.”
— C. R. WILEY, author of Man of the House and The Household and the War for the Cosmos
About the Author

Rory Groves is a technology consultant and founder of multiple software businesses. Several years ago he moved his family from the city to the country to begin the journey towards a more durable way of life. Rory and his wife Becca now reside in southern Minnesota where they farm, raise livestock, host workshops, and homeschool their five children.
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• About the Author and Background
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5 comments
Great job building the gate door, Ivar! Perfect fit!
I enjoyed your book, which I got for Christmas, so much I sent a copy to one of my sons who may enjoy and eventually act upon it.
I have been “homesteading” with my family for some 16+ years and practicing some of your “durable trades” at least part time for those years. But slowly I am relying more and more on off-homestead (less durable) jobs. Your book is motivating me to get back to where we want to be as a family.
Thanks.
Jim Curley
Jim, this made my day! Thanks for the good word.
Rory
Hello Rory and hope you’re enjoying the fruits of your labors!
Having trouble sourcing an ebook version of Durable Trades. WIPF site didn’t want to work for me — said I had to register but didn’t display a registration form. Christian Books has only the paperback. So I trudged over to Amazon, and found paperback, hardcover, and Kindle which I don’t use.
Any suggestions on whiere I might obtain an ebook version?
Hi Janna-
Wipf & Stock’s phone number is (541) 344-1528. They should be able to help you resolve the registration problem.