"I was a carpenter for a time and everybody watches what you do"

This quote by Jack Vance speaks to the concept that when you are in a position of responsibility, individuals are enjoying you. As a carpenter, Vance was in a position of trust and authority, and he understood that individuals were watching him to see how he managed his task. This quote is a suggestion that when you are in a position of power, you need to be mindful of how you perform yourself, as people are constantly viewing. It is a suggestion to be mindful of your actions and to always make every effort to do the right thing. It is also a pointer that even when you are not in a position of power, individuals are still seeing you and judging you based upon your actions. Vance's quote is a pointer to constantly be aware of how you perform yourself, as it can have a lasting influence on how individuals perceive you.