Durable Trades

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.

“Not every book is necessary—not by a long shot—but Durable Trades is necessary.”

WENDELL BERRY

Testimonials

“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

“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.”

—MOTHER EARTH NEWS

“An excellent introductory guidebook, the first foray into making the Christian Family-Work Movement a practical reality for ordinary people.”

—CATHOLIC WORLD REPORT

“Impressively informative, exceptionally well written, thoughtful and thought-provoking, Durable Trades is especially and unreservedly recommended.”

—MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

“The book . . . has a prescient and nearly prophetic voice, as is often the case when reminding people of forgotten truths.”

—HEARTH & FIELD

“Durable Trades is more than a career guide; it’s a treatise on why certain professions have always been necessary and what makes a career fulfilling. It is also an argument for a return to family-centered economies rather than a focus on climbing the career ladder.”

—PJ MEDIA

“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

“Beautifully written, and timely. . . an outstanding work that will inspire individuals, families, and communities.”

—THE REPOSITORY PROJECT

“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

Interviews & Reviews

Awards

• Winner, 2020 Silver Nautilus Award
• Finalist, 2020 Midwest Book Award

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.

Contact Rory Here

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Media

Permission is granted to use any artwork or photos associated with this book for reviews and promotion:
• Book Cover Art
• Author Photo (credit: Jennifer Sanders Photography)
• About the Author and Background

Where possible, please include a link back to this page: https://thegrovestead.com/durabletrades