Cate McLellan: From Office Admin to Carpenter & Content Creator
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. This week, we sit down with Cate McLellan, better known as @carpenter_cate on Instagram and TikTok—a woman who traded spreadsheets for staircases and found empowerment in the world of carpentry.
Cate’s story begins after a decade in office administration. A pivotal moment during the pandemic led her to make a bold change and enroll in trade school, where she discovered not only her love for carpentry but also a new understanding of herself, including her late ADHD diagnosis.
“I thought, ‘Enough! Time to make a change,’ and here I am, trading admin for carpentry!” – Cate McLellan
In this candid conversation, Cate reflects on the role of mentorship in her transition, the unyielding support of her husband, and how she balances her new career with being a mom. She speaks with heart about the unexpected camaraderie in the trades and the confidence that comes from working with her hands.
From building staircases to mastering new tools, Cate walks us through the highs and lows of her journey. Her story is both deeply personal and universally inspiring—showing how resilience, curiosity, and community can guide us toward new purpose, even when the path is uncertain.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career pivot, navigating parenthood while working, or simply craving real talk about what it means to build something—literally and figuratively—with your own hands.