The dangers I managed to avoid.

Break times are great. You get to share stories, jokes, opinions. You really do meet all sorts on the shop floor. There is no typical woodworker.
You get writers trying to earn a buck to put food on the table, young organists who fancy giving building a try, old hands who survived the pacific theatre and never stray from their bench until knocking off. A preacher, a teacher, a journo, burnt out accountant, nam vet's etc.
Everyone has a story but not everyone share's it. Many are broken by dark secrets or ill-advised associations.
When the prospect of a big career break was offered I took it on a provisional basis. But I didn't trust the person and as always had a plan B. At a critical point my partner told me that networking was vital to success. Sure I replied.
Then he suggested becoming a Freemason.
I refused. I also refused to invest my savings to buy a larger share. I knew it was the end before he told me.
There was no way I was going to be hog tied by the left leg and humiliated. 
So be warned. Nobody avoids the shame that attends winning through that game.
Better to walk away a man, than a broken humiliated fool.
The machine bites. 
Soon my time here will end too. 
Look after those you love, avoid the well laid traps and honey pot's. 
Keep it simple. A good marriage is the best partnership. Let the fool's fight over the arm candy and empty parties.