Engineers like woodworking because they spend so much time often building intangible things (like software engineers), that it satisfies an unmet need to hold, feel, or experience their creations in a tactile way.
Another key difference is that software is never finished, you can always fix a bug or add a feature or tinker with it.
When you build a piece of furniture for yourself or especially somebody else, when you finish it, it's done. All the little mistakes and imperfections are just part of it, and there is nothing you can do about it. Just accept and be proud of it and move on to the next project. It seems odd but it's a very nice feeling for somebody who mostly deals in abstract, perpetually updating software.
The material and sensitive aspect are important but I'd add another factor: physical geometry. Real objects can't be coupled virtually like bits. They interlock in simpler ways.. it creates hard constraints too but I think our brains often prefer them. Unlike a video game, most objects can traverse each others (well to an extent).
I got into software because I loved making stuff, I got my computer as a gift at 12 and I was consumed - I could make stuff and the only limit was my knowledge - not materials or tools - 20 something years after I'm still doing it.
Woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D modeling, CAD - just different ways to thinker with stuff.
Totally. A computer is worth tens of thousands of board feet of wood. Until I could afford a house and woodworking tools, this (and music) were my two primary creative outlets.
I say this in my woodworking classes to my fellow SWE classmates. It's so rewarding to have something you can hold, and people like looking at wood a lot more than they do code.
Also why I like playing instruments and drawing with pen and paper and sculpting with clay. After awhile I just got so tired of screens and living in essentially virtual reality.
Another factor I'll add is that anything you build yourself like this is actually a completed project that you can use.
When you look back at your career, how many projects did you complete which were actually used by someone? And how many were just canceled, or failed in the market?
This is exactly why I enjoy cooking so much. It produces something of value from raw materials, and, if I do everything well enough, other people get to derive joy from my effort. :-)
Same here! I started cooking like an adult around age 30, and then really got into it around 35, but didn't feel confident enough to feed large groups until my late 40's. Now I'm in my 50's and love throwing parties and cooking days in advance. My next house needs a dining room that can seat at least 14 or I won't be happy.
Thus said a therapist I had ages ago.