What's your job in Real Life?

[Peweh]

I'm just curious. I know many regular posters who are teachers, lawyers, Moms, vet students.... but I am sometimes surprised by posts (CindyWeightWatcher, didn't know you were a divorce lawyer! Hope we never meet in the Professional sense :p )

So I'll start. I have a BS in biology, abandoned my Vet Student path, had a lucrative job in Telecom as a Project Manager, and now... not so lucrative :cool: I own an antique/vintage/retro goods store.

What do YOU do?

[tyroleancutie]

I am a Full Time Student at the Illinois Institute of Art (Culinary Arts) and I work as a Kitchen Assitant for Dinner by Design (http://dinnerbydesignkitchen.com/)

All in all very unexciting ;)

[SheRa]

I'm a Graphic Designer for a non-profit organization, which is rewarding (in the non-monetary sense) but sometimes bland. I was supposed to be promoted to Senior Graphic Designer this year, but excuse of all excuses, "it's just not in the budget for this year". Lame, but whatever - I hope to get it next year.

I have a BS in Commercial Art & Illustration, so I do fun stuff from home in my spare time. I'm working on a 3 part photo/illustration/negative commission right now. That's the stuff that really gets my creativity flowing, so I'm fortunate to have a nice set-up at home.

[Paula H]

Real life?? Pffft, massively overrated...

By calling I am a diva goddess. However I choose to spend my time as an aromatherapist and naturopath, as well as teaching massage and cooking (healthy and Italian) at night school.

[chazkp]

Right now I am a student finishing my Masters in Mental Health Counseling. I hope to work with troubled teens.

My undergrad is in Mass Communications/Interpersonal Communications. Until I started my internship for counseling I was a Communications Director for a Construction Association. I did all of the marketing, pr, communications, and graphic designing for the association. I liked the designing aspect, but the rest was pretty boring for me. I am much happier in the therapy field.

[Leslie Ferguson]

This is fun... I'm a career Navy Officer getting ready to finish my 22nd year and will retire in September this year.

You wouldn't believe my education background - BS in Business Administration minoring in Math (how that got me into the Navy - stubbornness only knows), a MS in Operations research and an MA in National Security and Strategic Studies thanks to the Navy. Oddly, I hope to go back for another degree in September en route my second career (better said, my true vocation) - the Priesthood in the Episcopal Church.

Peace,
Les

[armel]

Rocket Scientist.

But since I would rather live near cheaper housing, now I wish I had gone into something like medicine. It seems like you can go anywhere with that field.

Or at least Civil Engineering. Everybody uses that too.

But, no, I thought stars & planets & space exploration was super cool.

[Cookin4Love]

I'm an assistant principal. Not lucrative, but frequently rewarding.

[ClaraB]

Part time gynecology RN, full time mom :).

[jjsooner73]

I was a Risk Analyst/Statistician in the financial sector.

Now I'm an early childhood special education teacher.

I have a BS in Math, MS in Statistics, and M. Ed. in Special Education. Next up will be either a PhD in Special Education or a M.A. in Counseling Psychology (and a LPC & LBP). Funding will probably be the final determinant, but not for a few years.

[mcgeiger]

Ready............................................. .......vet student!!!
I hope to do an internship and then practice small animal medicine...if I feel super ambitious I may try for residency in radiology, dentistry, dermatology, or opthamology:cool:

How I got here:
BS in Biology and Chemistry
taught high school for a year
Master's in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (really an abandoned PhD:rolleyes: )
work and volunteer as a vet tech

[Jalapeno]

Rocket Scientist.

But since I would rather live near cheaper housing, now I wish I had gone into something like medicine. It seems like you can go anywhere with that field.

Or at least Civil Engineering. Everybody uses that too.

But, no, I thought stars & planets & space exploration was super cool.

Hey Armel if you like a man who has commitment issues maybe I should introduce you to my ex. He's a mechanical engineer for JPL, he worked on the Mars Rover....we'll talk about it at the next supper club. he he he AND he's got a little Jack Russell Terrior named Satch...maybe Gigi would like him. :D

[Robyn1007]

I'm a Customer Support Coordinator for a technology company which basically means I am responsible for making sure our customers are taken care of and for driving support division revenue.

I have a BBA in Marketing with a minor in Economics. I've done sales and marketing since then and really like the combination of responsibilities that my current job offers me.

[gabbyh]

I'm the Manager (just got promoted YESTERDAY!!!) of Scientific Information, Inc. (Health Advisors) at The Life Extension Foundation. a vitamin supplement company in South Florida.....

In my former life (when we lived in PA) I was a Nursing Administrator in a Child & Adolescent Acute Care Psychiatric Hospital...professionally I'm a psychiatric RN.

~Gail

[kwormann]

Hello all :)

I have a BS in Public Relations and a teaching certificate. I taught public school for 5.5 years before we moved. Now I combine the two degrees in my current job. I am the Senior Program Manager for Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee. It is the BEST job!!!:D

[slawrence]

Marketing/community relations coordinator for a group of orthopedic surgeons (a position they allowed me to develop). I also wash dishes/assist at a cooking school in the evenings so I can get my foodie-fix. )Good thread...it's interesting!) Sue

[jphilg]

I'm an intellectual property lawyer currently "on sabbatical" as a SAHM. I've been dabbling in some different food careers since I left my legal practice, and found that I love teaching cooking, I am good at catering but find it too stressful, and that, at the end of the day, I'd rather be a lawyer who gives great parties than a food professional. It's been a very useful exploration.

[Chefzhat]

Mom. :D

And teacher, if any jobs ever open up.

[Hammster]

No college degree, or fancy letters after my name here, but I'm working as a Process Engineer for a company that makes lasers. Not medical lasers, but lasers for the semiconductor industry. This March will mark 10 years with this company. I started as an assembly technician on the floor and for the last 6 years I've been doing this Process Engineer gig. Lucky for me they like to promote from within. :D

[Meganator]

My education is in geology and geophysics. My husband and I have an environmental consulting company, whose primary activity is a privatization contract for the State of Texas.

[FruitsAlive]

I'm an IT Director at a hospice. I don't have college alphabet soup, but I'm a CNA 5 and 6 and Network + certified. Not very exciting.

[leebee]

I work as a writer in a marketing department for a company that specializes in collector car & boat insurance. I work about half & half on insurance-related communications and marketing/advertising pieces. It's actually a LOT of fun. I have a bachelor's in English (literary criticism, mostly) and am a licensed insurance agent.

[mmbedard]

Real life? I'm still in my dream world. I am a personal chef (and loving it)!

I left real life and my risk management insurance brokerage job behind and started having fun 4 years ago, when I took a 1-year Professional Cooking course in preparation for my dream job of personal cheffing. Who needs real life :D

I'm the Manager (just got promoted YESTERDAY!!!) of Scientific Information, Inc. (Health Advisors) ...

Congratulations Gail!

[cocoa'smom]

I'm the Office Manager for a Spanish-language television station (although I do not really speak much Spanish). I handle HR, EEO, maintaining the office, do some work with the accounting department, and other different things that come up. My background has always been in advertising and I have a BA in Journalism.

[hollysmom]

BS in Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M - so...

Various EHS jobs in operating chemical plants over the years interlaced with SAHM time.

Currently a Process Safety Specialist in the Loss Prevention Group of the Oil, Gas, and Chemicals Global Business Unit of Bechtel Corporation.

Office in the Houston Galleria area - that's fairly cool.

Currently assigned to a $9B Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas plant project that may or may not happen soon depending on the increasing level of violence in the exact swamp that we want to build in. Thankfully no need for me to travel there - all my work is office-based.

Kim: I taught JA to Holly's class last year - glad to see you back here!

SSM

[lindrusso]

Interesting!

These days I'm a very part time substitute in the schools and recreational baker/cook/blogger. :) I'm hoping to get a steady job in one of the schools so that I can continue to be home when my boys are home.

I have a BA in Psych but never did anything with it. I loved Psych, but there's really not much you can do with it if you don't go on for an advanced degree. I considered going for my MS or PhD, but when DH and I got serious/engaged, he was going for his PhD and one very poor grad student in the family was enough! :D

I have visions and dreams of certain foodie ventures, but that requires money - at this point in our lives, I need to make money, not invest it on risky ventures. ;)

[DeeK]

I'm a full-time wife and mother. :)

[Gilgamesh37]

BA in English Lit
MFA in poetry
Law degree

so naturally, I'm a Managing Editor for a specialty surgical journal and part of the administrative team in the Dept of Surgery at a major academic hospital. :rolleyes:

[cumulus]

So many interesting jobs! And it's soo nice to know there are other people out there that actually like their jobs as well ;)

I have a B.S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, and a second B.S. in English (I got sick of doing calculus, and longed to read...). Anyway, I currently work as a meteorologist (no, I'm not on TV- that's the first thing people always ask!) and LOVE every minute of it!

[engineer]

BS Metallurgical Engineering

Background - Power Industry (coal and gas fired electrical generation), Oil Patch (Downhole tubular supplier), and now Recreation vehicles.

I currently spend most of my time being the coroner for the company figuring out why thing failed and how to keep it from happening again. Which is good because it allows me to work with each of the product groups - so I'm never bored. Although sometimes it's a bit too interesting if you know what i mean:rolleyes:

I envy you folks in the oil patch - it is my first love, they deal with so many different issues and exotic materials to solve problems....ah those were the good old days:cool:

[LA98]

I have a BA in English and worked for 15 years in publishing (children's trade and educational) till I was laid off last year. I took a job at a printer thinking I could put my knowledge of print production to good use, but it turned out that was a pretty bad idea! :rolleyes: I've also spent the last 15 years doing freelance editorial work at night for extra money, which I'm hoping to do full-time as a work-at-home mom once Baby #2 arrives in April.

[pilgrim719]

This is an interesting thread, and fun to read what everyone does! :)

As for me, I have a BS in Computer Science, worked for several years as a programmer, then left that industry. Now I'm a baker. :D

Kari

[SDMomChef]

This is an interesting thread!

My real life job (to support my spending habits on books and cook books and cooking gadgets) is a lawyer. I have a BS in finance. I practice transaction law - I have a fear of public speaking - so, if I am in court, I am either (a) the last attorney left standing in the state, or (b) I'm being sued! :eek:

[lindrusso]

Now I'm a baker. :D


Professionally or as a hobby of sorts? I noticed you do a lot of experimenting and was curious........ ;)

[pilgrim719]

Professionally or as a hobby of sorts? I noticed you do a lot of experimenting and was curious........ ;)

Both! :) I'm a baker professionally, and it's still my biggest hobby. I still do a lot of baking at home when I have time, which surprises people. I just love to bake I guess! But the experimenting you hear about on the BB is all at home.

Kari

[tamawrite]

BS Elementary Education
MA Writing Popular Fiction
CPM (certified public manager) in progress

As my "real job," I work for the state to oversee Idaho's public charter schools. Love it!

DH and I also own In the Night Barbs, a Barb horse breeding and preservation farm. My passion!

And, in my spare time (ha!), I write novels. Livelong drive!

:)

[Gracie]

My degree is in Medical Technology with a specialty in Clinical Chemistry so my first job was in a hospital lab. All of my jobs have related to the laboratory in one way or another.

I've worked in a general hospital lab, a reference lab, a special hospital lab, done marketing for 2 companies that make clinical lab instrumentation and disposables, done "sales" for a local hospital lab, did laboratory contracting for a large health insurer, then got into clinical quality, first with a health insurer and now with a super large group of physicians.

My job right now is to create and implement preventive health and disease management programs to ensure our physicians are providing the highest quaility of care and earn the maximum reimbursement from our health insurers that pay for that program performance.

Loren

[slknight]

Software developer. Very boring, but I telecommute full-time so it has its advantages. :cool:

In my next life (5-10 years from now), there are several things I'd like to do, but I'm stuck in software at the moment.

[AvrilH]

I'm a lawyer. Unlike Sherri, I love to speak in public (which is a cover of a deep desire to be an actress). So I practise as a prosecutor and am in court most of the time.

COol thread.

[leightx]

Master's in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (really an abandoned PhD:rolleyes: )


Ha - I have one of these too (minus the developmental part)! Got out when I realized that researching in a lab for the next eternity would be my idea of hell (you'd think I would have figured it out earlier, since I worked in a virology lab all through undergrad too).

I also got my teaching certification while in grad school, and taught AP / Honors Biology at the science magnet school in Austin for a few years. I quit when I had kids since it made sense financially, but I still miss teaching those 10th and 11th graders!

My current job is in the digital scrapbooking world - I've been teaching classes at scrapbook conventions all over the US, but recently quit to write online scrapbooking classes for websites (HP, Sony, etc...). I'm finding the writing terribly isolating as well, and I'm chomping at the bit to get back to teaching in front of real live people.

[Canice]

I was an Italian major, so I made my career in advertising agencies, where so many liberal arts majors go to die. I am (I hope) moving more toward general marketing - I'm done with ad agencies.

[Lauren]

Currently unemployed ... but looking! I'm in marketing communications (Marcomm) and/or employee communications. I like to plan events, do fundraising, write for newsletters, intranets, etc. My degree is in PR/Marketing. I hope I get a job soon because I've been doing a lot of cooking and eating! :p

[BarbaraL]

I'm a mom, with a 19-year-old DD. Professionally, I've got a BS in Biology and an MS in Biology with a minor in Business, and work for a pharmaceutical company. Started out working in the lab (preclinical research), and eventually became a medical writer. Currently, I write research reports, articles for submission to scientific journals, and abstracts/posters/presentations for presentation at scientific conferences. At my previous employer, I was very involved in the chorus and the little theater group.

However, I still haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up . . .

[PAMMELA]

Worked in a CPA firm as Administrative Supervisor for 17 years, then found my dream job at a huge law firm (5 miles from home) assisting the Executive Director (best boss ever). A year later we moved to Texas! I'm now working for a small venture capital company. Interesting and completely new for me. :)

[stacy7272]

I have a BA in Psych but never did anything with it. I loved Psych, but there's really not much you can do with it if you don't go on for an advanced degree.

I hear you! :D I have a BA in Psychology but my true love is biology. I dabbled in Neuroscience research while in college and I actually have an article published in The Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology!:eek: I probably wouldn't even be able to understand it now. :rolleyes:

I was going to go to grad school but I decided to take some time off thankfully and got a job at a national newspaper (as a recruiter/trainer). Met DH and had wonderful dreams of becoming a SAHM.

Wow- all the cooking and baking! I'll watch Oprah! I'll have cups of tea! What a rude awakening! The beginning of being a SAHM was the hardest time in my life. I had a DS that cried 24/7 - or so it seemed. I aged more during his first few years than at any other time in my life. I had a DD 25 months later - very planned because I wanted to get the 2 over with. Luckily, she was easy (well, average but it was easy to us!). I never had less time for myself and I haven't watched Oprah since the days before DS was born.

But now, both are in school and I am living the life I signed up for when I became a SAHM. I drop them off at school, make a cup of coffee and come onto this BB. I can bake some bread, the house is relatively under control, and I cook every night with a meal plan that I have time to make up. My kids are great and the once challenging DS is the best behaved kid around! :D

[raka1214]

No alphabet soup behind my name but I have 2 jobs:

I am the music minister at our church - DH is the assistant pastor - love this

I work as an office manager for a family owned retail business - pays the bills but I've got a great boss.

We've been in the ministry for 18 years and really - for us - everything else pales in comparison to that calling.

[Shechef]

I am a proffesional mommy, and I work part-time at the local gorcery store cake decorating.
Most of my past work has included cooking/baking/cake decorating, and several years in the mortgage industry as a loan closer. With the strange and sporatic from my younger years: warehouse, convenient store, forest preserve, house painter.
Fun thread! I enjoyed reading them all. Even those of you whom think your job is boring or mundane, it's still exciting and different to someone else!

[linsleyd]

Very cool jobs out there!

I have a BFA in studio arts. Right now I'm an executive assistant and searching hard for a new job. In the past I did conference planning and handled all of the GED testing in one city area.

[greysangel]

I'm a do everything office/administrative/project/facilities junior manager for the global legal offices of an investment bank. I graduated from a music school with an opera performance/arts management degree and then decided I hated the business part of the business. I enjoy what I do and just hate the environment I'm in. I'm vested in about a year so I'll be free to look for something else. I think I would like to get more involved with event planning and think my facilities background would help with that but who knows. I feel like I'm somewhere between a rock and a hard place. I do way more than an admin or a "typical" office manager, but yet don't have the financial background to be a business manager and don't have the engineering background to be a facilities manager. So I have my foot in all worlds and hopefully will find something to fit.

[foodfiend]

I'm an emerging writer :D :D :D

[suebear37]

I have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, but I "retired" when my oldest son was born almost 24 years ago... I like to joke that I am the last of the "hand-trained" accountants. Nothing but a pencil & an adding machine for tools of the trade. Computers were just starting to be used when I left, & I think the accounting world has passed me by & I'd have to go back to school in order to get back into it. That is SO not happening!!!

So I've spent the last 24 years doing the Mom thing. My older son graduated from college in 2005 & lives & works about 10 minutes from home. Just close enough to come home & do his laundry & grab dinner on Saturdays. My younger son is away at school, almost 3 years down, 2 to go. He's a rower, so during the fall & spring seasons, I bake cookies like crazy for the team.

I did use my education somewhat as treasurer for every activity the boys were involved with, Cub Scouts, PTO, sports boosters, etc.

Now that I don't have a daily kid routine, it's been nice to do whatever I want, like hanging out here with you great folks during the day!!!

DH is threatening to retire in the next 5 years or so, and that will be a new chapter!

[cangoss]

For the last seven years, I was doing exactly the job I envisioned doing when I went to library school - I was a law firm librarian. I really enjoyed the environment and the challenge.

Then we moved to east central Illinois, and my job doesn't exist here. I'm currently working as a project assistant on the mass digitization project at the University of Illinois library. I am learning something about digitizing, which I can take other places. But I'm working 30 hours a week with no benefits and my hourly pay is less than half of what I was making in Michigan, so it's kind of demeaning... I'm hoping to get pregnant so my career can be a non-issue for a little while.

[Varaile]

I'm a Forester in Northern MN. I've been here for, oh, 10 1/2 years now.

I also teach yoga part time, doing 2-4 classes a week depending on the schedule.

I work to support my hobbies of reading, cooking, hiking and writing. Oh, and my furbabies Ben and Kia. :D

[cherylopal]

teacher- first grade
and i also work at a winery in virginia

[Curiosity Hears]

Great thread!

Looks like I am in the Lindarusso & stacy7272 camp although I did the philosophy/English lit. double major (never quite got psychology).

Up until I hit 40 I did various types of sales. My favorite was working for a supplier to the lodging industry. I found bidding tremendously fun and developing long term working relationships with people quite rewarding.

At 38 I suddenly found myself instant parent to my darling little niece who just turned seven. My sister passed away. The job I loved and becoming single parent had conflicting requirements of my time. After about a year it was becoming clear that I was not there enough for her and she really needed me so I left my job. Had a little bit of money in the bank (enough for a couple of years mortgage payments and such) and prayed quite a bit.

Apparently my prayers were answered better than I could have imagined for at 40 I met DH and got married. We both had one daughter. They get along perfectly as do we. He has a good job. So today I am mostly a SAHM and a part time Realtor (which I find very rewarding helping people realize different dreams).

(DD (niece) is doing fantastic too now. She goes to the magnet school in our area, is in honors classes and excelling. She seems very well adjusted and happy).

[muriel3002]

No degrees, but 15 years of various purchasing experience

I'm currently a buyer for a major automotive parts supplier.

[badunnin]

BA in German Literature, MA in Teaching, secondary education, concentration in Foreign Language and Mathematics. I teach HS German and math.

[JMM74]

Primarily I'm a SAHM, but I also coach figure skating (competitive).

[colleency]

I'm a hardware analyst for a high security access company. Our company makes security systems for schools, embassasies, prisons, banks, museums, FBI, etc. I test the firmware and hardware as it is designed in the engineering department, and I translate from Engineer to English.

How did I get here? I was studying to be a court reporter when DH lost his job. Someone I had volunteered with, writing newsletters at science fiction conventions, needed an assistant that wouldn't quit when they got their engineering degree.

But I really like making costumes and baking.

[misskitty100]

Great thread!

Looks like I am in the Lindarusso & stacy7272 camp although I did the philosophy/English lit. double major (never quite got psychology).

Up until I hit 40 I did various types of sales. My favorite was working for a supplier to the lodging industry. I found bidding tremendously fun and developing long term working relationships with people quite rewarding.

At 38 I suddenly found myself instant parent to my darling little niece who just turned seven. My sister passed away. The job I loved and becoming single parent had conflicting requirements of my time. After about a year it was becoming clear that I was not there enough for her and she really needed me so I left my job. Had a little bit of money in the bank (enough for a couple of years mortgage payments and such) and prayed quite a bit.

Apparently my prayers were answered better than I could have imagined for at 40 I met DH and got married. We both had one daughter. They get along perfectly as do we. He has a good job. So today I am mostly a SAHM and a part time Realtor (which I find very rewarding helping people realize different dreams).

(DD (niece) is doing fantastic too now. She goes to the magnet school in our area, is in honors classes and excelling. She seems very well adjusted and happy).

What an amazing story!!! Thank YOU so much for sharing!

[MISSINDI]

Seems like lots in the field of technology, engineering and law ... quite an interesting, varied group on the CLBB.

Up until last July, I was the Financial Department Manager for an engineering firm. I "retired" and became a freelance writer FT. I had planned to concentrate on just the area of food, but fell into technology writing, and that's been keeping me busy as well.

I also have my own travel agency, doing all the corporate travel for my old job, as well as personal clients, and sell Avon and Tupperware. And in my spare time, I also do editing, proofreading and marketing consulting. ;)

[LakeMartinGal]

I have a BS in Business Administration, specializing in retailing. Most of my jobs have been retailing-oriented, from trainee at Sears to merchandising for Black & Decker, Neutrogena, Bic and Gillette.

When DH started his business, I left the retail world to be the office person for his company, with all that entailed -- invoicing, database creator and manager... everything but payroll, for which we (Thank God) had an accountant. When the company got too big, I selected the part I liked most to do, and DH hired someone to do the rest... The DDs were in college, and I went back to part-time merchandising... He travelled a LOT!

Most recently, I was a receptionist for a realtor (boring!), and now I volunteer as the Secretary for the local fire department. I'm also a first responder, though mostly I direct traffic and bring equipment and supplies...;), and enjoy being 'retired.'

[Lrimerman]

Wow, what an interesting group of people we have here. It would be neat to do a job swap as some sound really fun and very interesting.

I am really a SAHM for the last 5 years. I have a BA in Psychology with a minor in Spanish, I also have a law degree. I am still a licensed attorney, and hope to go back to work in the next year or 2.

Before I quit practicing, I had my own practice and did mostly Probate and Estate Planning and the rest general practice (contract work, civil litigation, landlord/tenant, collections, etc.). I really love the law and still do stuff here and there for friends and family.

I have sort of switched gears of late. I started volunteering for a local non-profit that is a local chapter of a national organization. This sort of lead to me being involved in a lot of activism. I have now become an activist/lobbyist for mostly agricultural issues. I was recently asked by another non-profit to be the Michigan Coordinator for their group. Mostly this relates to a specific government program (The National Animal Identification System) and related issues and programs here in MI. It is very interesting and I am getting a good dose of constitutional law, agriculture law, lobbying, writing, contract law, and a bunch of other interesting topics and issues that go with this stuff. I also am doing a lot of other work that is ancillary to this in the agriculture arena. I have been working with retail, consumers and farmers and I really like this area of law and all the lobbying is interesting.

I have been told that I will be very well versed in a lot of this in the next year or so, and since I like it, hopefully I can break into this area of law when I go back to work.

However, it is keeping me very busy and is very fun for me. I also am involved in Girl Scouts, so between all the volunteer hours I am doing, there is no time to work and the I am lucky that DH is picking up the slack at home.

Lisa

[misskitty100]

I am a SAHM now but before that worked in HR as a Fleet administrator for an industrial chemical company -- I managed a fleet of 600 cars for their sales staff and executives. It was VERY interesting! I was able to work directely with reps from GM, Ford & Toyota and learned so much. I also REALLY enjoyed working within the HR dept.

I have a degree in Asian Studies ;)

[Canice]

Yes, I was just going to say the same thing - LOVE that story! :)

ETA, meant Curiosity Hears' story.

[Mlasley]

Audiologist - part time at an ENT practice. Just started my own business geared towards hearing conservation for musicians.

Mommy to Anna, my 5 year old DD

[wallycat]

I too love this thread...so many exciting careers/paths/futures to read about :)

Let's see, my "dream" job is when I am a stay-at-home-mom-with-NO-kids :D :eek: :D .

I worked for GE for about 13 years, then went back to school...
my BS is in dietetics (with an RD degree) and my MS is in library and information science. I wish I liked public speaking--I could really make a decent living with the RD/public speaking thing, but it isn't worth my health :( . I do some personal/private and pro-bono consults with the RD portion of my degree. I've also helped edit a book for an RD friend of mine.
Part-time, I have been working at a medical library at the local hospitals---
the last 3 months I've been working as a corporate librarian (engineering/standards/etc. that is totally greek to me and boggles my mind how people can understand that stuff :p ).

I'd kill to be able to say I'm a "novelist' and actually write a book worth reading. In the mean time, I am hoping my stay-at-home-mom gig starts again soon :p :D

[greta]

i just recently became a full-time SAHM to an almost 3 year old boy and a 15 mo old boy. it's the hardest job of them all, i'm finding.

i have a BA in psychology and sociology. when i first graduated from college, i was a "resident advisor" for a runaway crisis shelter in manhattan. i worked with girl 17 and under. i realized very quickly that it's tough to survive on 18 thousand dollars in nyc. but, what an experience that job was!

that's when i decided to go into "business". i felt i needed to be able to support myself in order to be any good to anyone else. for the majority of my professional life, i worked in finance in manhattan--mutual funds.

most recently, i was a business coordinator for a university athletic dept. this was a perfect job for me as a mom. more reasonable hours than finance in manhattan, and it combined my business background with my athletic background (volleyball player in college).

now, i'm on a mission to figure out what i really want to be when i grow up...and go to school to do it!!! (all while being a mommy).

greta

[tbb113]

Software developer. Very boring, but I telecommute full-time so it has its advantages. :cool:

In my next life (5-10 years from now), there are several things I'd like to do, but I'm stuck in software at the moment.


I was a programmer/analyst for the last 25 years (and hated it for most of the time, but liked the money). After the last layoff (in December) decided to switch careers completely. I'm currently working as an admin for a friend who is training me in case management and encouraging me to become a Conservator of Person for Elder Abuse cases (like she is).

Very scary change since it is a HUGE cut in salary for the time being and I'm a full-time single parent to two teenage boys. I'm thinking I need another job to make ends meet and to get benefits :rolleyes: It will all work out in the end....

[Snickers]

I'm a scrub nurse in surgery. My children are grown and gone; it's just me.:)

[Goin' Coastal]

I am currently an operations manager for JoAnn Stores.

I have a BS in Ed and taught Home Economics for 6 years before having children. I did the SAHM thing for a while and then started working at the local JoAnn Fabric store part time. I did subbing for a while and renewed my teaching certificate, but ended up not going back to teaching, as the curriculum of home economics had changed drastically during the years I was off. I was already working for JoAnn's, and ended up going into management with them. For several years I was the Education Coordinator at our store, but when that went from a full time position to part time, I went back into management and have been there ever since. I am counting down the years until retirement now! :)

[Sarah]

I have a BMusic with a concentration in elementary education, piano and choral conducting. I also have a BEd in elementary education, and am now qualified to teach up to the end of high school.

I'm a music and high school living skills math teacher for the visually impaired. I'm also the Ed Coordinator for the school, so I do a good deal of training and presenting on new curriculum initiatives as they are released.

[blrn1]

Full-time recovery room nurse, currently working some seriously wacky hours but still enjoying my work after ten years. I still can't believe I'm old enough to have been a nurse for ten years! :o

[Terri_A]

Let's see...BA in Analytical Chemistry, BS in Molecular Biology, Masters in Pharmacology...a PhD dropout! :D

I have worked for almost 13 years in the pharmaceutical industry as a sales rep....it's a pretty good gig!

Most recently - I am now the owner of my part time venture - Sugar High Cakes - Sugar & Spice and Everything Iced! My own cake decorating business!

And of course, I am a full time mommy to the weeone who will soon be 5!!!

[Snickers]

I still can't believe I'm old enough to have been a nurse for ten years! :o

Would you believe I've been at the same hospital for 33 years?:o

[CindyWeightWatcher]

Very interesting thread...glad SusanPC's question last night spawned it!
She was looking for a family law lawyer and I answered! SusanPC, hope I helped.
Peweh, I know we're in the same part of Massachusetts geographically but I'm sure we'll never meet because I recall from reading other threads that you are a happily married newlywed!

[DanaSD]

Until last week, I was a scientist/technical support mgr for a biotech company. Before moving into the customer support area, I was a bench scientist (molecular biology).

Last week, I was laid off so I've decided to start my new career that I've been thinking about for a few years - business owner (and chef/decorator) for a custom cake and chocolate business.

Its very exciting and very scary - big change but much more interesting field (IMHO)

[JuliN]

I was originally a Process Design Engineer and I worked on what later become NutraSweet. I have a BS in Chemical Engineering.

For the last 18 years, I've been in IT Consulting, primarily selling services. It can be tough, but I love the relationships and the problem solving aspects of it.

JuliN

[avariell]

Until last week, I was a scientist/technical support mgr for a biotech company. Before moving into the customer support area, I was a bench scientist (molecular biology).

Last week, I was laid off so I've decided to start my new career that I've been thinking about for a few years - business owner (and chef/decorator) for a custom cake and chocolate business.

Its very exciting and very scary - big change but much more interesting field (IMHO)

eep i am sorry to hear you were laid off last week... how stressful! it sounds like another door is opening for you, however.

ok so i think so far i win the award for the most useless set of degrees..
i was a triple major in American History; Latin American, Iberian Peninsular and Caribbean Studies; and Portuguese (the language...everyone seems confused by this one the most ;) :D ). My minor was in Dutch Studies... LOL... My poor parents were like what the heck are you going to do with all of that!@!$? :eek: :p
well i ended up in commercial real estate. i work for a title company but refuse to touch anything residential... there is a part of me that would like to go to law school ... but i think i will eventually end up exploring opportunities in real estate acquisitions. i figure i can always change my mind when i grow up :o

[eas11]

I always love these "getting to know you" threads!

My undergrad was general psych/mental health, my masters is in Counseling Psych and CAGS in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Most of my working years have been in clinical services/ABA for people with developmental and/or psychiatric disabilities, working up to Clinical Director positions.
I worked for 15 years in a school, left for a change of enviornment and more $$ as that private SPED school was dropping enrollment, and stayed at new job for just under 3 years- my own personal he!!. I describe it as "the worst job I ever loved". I miss my coworkers and clients, but the demands were crazy in a growing non-profit. I learned that I am no good to anyone when I work 60 hours a week and am always on call, whether it's official on call, or not.
I'm back at a school system now making about 12,000 less and couldn't be happier! My present job is more program admin as it relates to ensuring kids' SPED needs are met in institutional schools (prisons, psychiatric intensive treatment programs) than direct clinical, but I still do many things I love- consulting with teachers on behavioral issues and program design, inservice trainings on various topics, reorganization of systems... I'll have the summer off!
I also work privately/consult as a Behavior Analyst, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly social skills for children-young adults with Aspergers.

[seathyme]

Unitarian Universalist parish minister here. I've been doing this for about 17 years now, and have spent the last 2-3 of them seriously thinking about doing something ELSE, but don't know what!

[kwormann]

Kim: I taught JA to Holly's class last year - glad to see you back here!

SSM

COOL!! I LOVE it when parents teach for their child's class! Give the girls a hug for me!

[HRJ]

I'm a writer in the publications office at a university.

In my former life (before DH and I moved to Massachusetts, and before I was a mom), I was a newspaper journalist for almost 20 years -- at various times, I was a reporter or editor for daily or weekly newspapers. Newspapering was the most wonderful, and most terrible, job in the world -- overall, I'm glad I made the switch to higher education -- it makes for a much saner existence.

I have a BA in Rhetoric and Literature.


Helene

[southjerseymom]

teacher- first grade
and i also work at a winery in virginia

What's the name of the winery? We frequent Va wineries a lot when we visit my SIL in Ashburn. We love Loudon and Naked Mountain. We've been to many and always bring cases back to NJ.

OK. Back to the question. I am a wife, mother, and elementary school teacher. I have a business background but HATED it. Went back to school and became a teacher. One of the best decisions in my life. I love to write and used to write for a monthly newsletter my church produced. Would like to freelance, but finding extra time is difficult.

[armel]

Hey Armel if you like a man who has commitment issues maybe I should introduce you to my ex. He's a mechanical engineer for JPL, he worked on the Mars Rover....we'll talk about it at the next supper club. he he he AND he's got a little Jack Russell Terrior named Satch...maybe Gigi would like him. :D

Gee, thanks for thinking of me!?!:eek:

[Jalapeno]

Gee, thanks for thinking of me!?!:eek:

He he he I was just kidding.

I knew where you worked but I didn't know what you did. Funny you mention civil engineering...I work for a big engineering firm and women engineers, especially experienced PE's are in HIGH demand and boy oh boy will big firms pay top doller for them.

[Mimeea]

I'm an undergrad at Wellesley College. I don't have a major yet... although I'm leaning towards history, political science, religion... even sociology. Hopefully I'll figure that out pretty soon, luckily I have a few months till I have to declare one (or two). Afterwards, my plan is to go to law school... hopefully the details for that will manifest themselves.

I find it truly fascinating to read all of your stories as I'm currently considering my future career and to see how your career paths have veered into unexpected directions. Hopefully I'll find something I love!

[tbb113]

Meg -
You might want to check out these two old threads that I started 4 years ago


What do you do with a history degree? (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=38865&highlight=history)

and

Is your job related to your major (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=38997&highlight=history)


Good luck with your decisions!

[aggie94]

Labor & employment lawyer, representing employers. My undergrad degree is a B.S. in Wildlife & Fisheries Science, with an emphasis in Fisheries & Aquaculture.

[cookin_healthy]

This thread has been a lot of fun to read. Such a variety of occupations and backgrounds.

I've got bachelor's and master's degrees in Management. I spend my days dealing with compliance issues for an aerospace company. Certainly not the most exciting job in the world, but the work is a good fit for my skills and abilities and the company is a good place to work. I work to live, not the other way around, so I'm happy with this job that allows me the time and energy to fully enjoy my life outside of work. :)

[Leslie Ferguson]

Audiologist - part time at an ENT practice. Just started my own business geared towards hearing conservation for musicians.

Mommy to Anna, my 5 year old DD
In response to your tag line - moderate to significant bilateral senso-neural hearing loss (100dB shift at 6kHz in rt ear; 95 dB in left). Your new business sounds like a blast (no pun intended) being a musician from way back.

Les

[matt]

In real life I am a Para professional working with children with special needs, I am currently in school to become a teacher of the disabled. I am hoping if all goes well I will be graduating in Dec of this year. I love my job very much, and believe I am making the world a better place. When I finish school if all goes well I have thought about getting my Masters in Autism or Hard of Hearing. I am facinated by both so we shall see.
I love to cook for the regular children, So I can show them a man can cook. When I had the time I used to love bring goodies to my co workers but since time is tight for me right now, I can't but they understand.
Matt

[cherylopal]

What's the name of the winery? We frequent Va wineries a lot when we visit my SIL in Ashburn. We love Loudon and Naked Mountain. We've been to many and always bring cases back to NJ.


I work at Lost Creek- a small family run place in Leesburg near Tarara. I like Naked Mt too- my fave down that way is Farfalu.

http://www.lostcreekwinery.com/

[cherylopal]

Let's see, my "dream" job is when I am a stay-at-home-mom-with-NO-kids :D :eek: :D .



LOL LOL LOL me too:D :D

summers for me are just a taste of the good life!!:D

[springsgourmet9]

Wow, lots of exciting people on the CLBB!

I've been an office manager for an architectural firm for the past 5 years. Before that I worked as a accounting manager and payroll manager for 15 years. I'm happier now that I have a low stress job and have more time to cook, exercise and enjoy the slower pace and 40 hour weeks. My two boys are in college and I enjoy date nights every Wednesday with DH.

[Mimeea]

Meg -
You might want to check out these two old threads that I started 4 years ago


Thanks Tyra for the links- they were quite insightful!

[GADawg]

This is one of my favorite threads!

I am a Meeting Planner for a medical education company. Love my job and the travel it affords me, although most of it is to Las Vegas. I hope to in the future open a home and gifts store with my SIL.

I have a degree in Furnishings and Interiors (Interior Design).

[LHBryan]

I love reading about everyone! There are so many interesting careers out there that I never even imagined.

I'm a curator at an art museum/historic house/botanical garden. I'm the sole curatorial staff, so I manage our collection and all of our exhibitions. (Just indoors--we have a horticulturalist for the gardens. My thumbs are black!) I have undergrad and grad degrees in art history and museum management. I love what I do b/c it's widely varied and rarely ever the same day twice, if you know what I mean. Sometimes it astounds me when I realize that I'm no longer the museum intern working for free and waitressing at night. I spent quite a few years working my way up from the very bottom, but have really enjoyed my professional experiences for the most part.

DH and I are about to become first-time parents, and I'm really nervous about juggling work and family. My hours are typically pretty manageable, but I shudder to think what it will be like when trying to get an exhibition ready to open. I'm afraid my time management skills may need some tweaking when the baby arrives!

-Laura

[MinEaston]

I was a double-major BA (Economics and Spanish) and worked for two economic consulting firms right after college.

Right now, I'm the data management director for a non-profit that monitors health care quality. I do a bit of analysis but my "specialty" is knowledge of healthcare datasets regardless of source (Medicare, Medicaid, private, HMO, etc...). I also have an MS in Management Information Systems, which I completed on a part-time basis. As others have said, I work to support my non-work habits, which include community theatre and sailing.

I'm also our principal household engineer and cook :D, mom to an almost-2-year old DD, and wife to a DH who's a museum curator and absolutely in love with his job.

[erinlovesmarc]

So interesting to find out what everyone else does...:D

No university degree here - just a boring diploma in Business Administration....in my short life I've been already been all over the map so far as careers go...let's see - resto hostess, resto manager, barmaid, barista @ Starbucks, production manager (furniture), and now I am Admin Assistant/Invoicing Clerk for an Pharma/Manufacturing IT engineering company...3 years and I still love my job! Barmaiding was certainly a good paying job but very far from challenging...I'm glad I made the move to go back to school to change industry!

BUT...If I had the money and/or time to go back to school I think I would want to train to be a pastry chef! I love baking! I wish I had found my passion for baking when I was younger...!

[Couperine]

What an interesting read!

I got a BA in Vocal Performance with a Piano Performance minor, but we needed extra income, and I felt much more comfortable teaching piano, so I did that for 5 years while singing whenever I was able. I stopped teaching to try to help my stepson through some really troubled years, and that has segued into a full-time SAHM to my 21-mo DS. We're currently building a home on 2 acres situated behind my in-laws -- my plan is to start teaching again after we've moved in and at the beginning of the next school year.

My goal is to instill a love of music into my students that will translate into adults who enjoy and value the arts by going to performances of all kinds. I had good success integrating the computer into lessons, but I want to work on getting students to local and professional performances as well as performing themselves.

I don't get to think about who "I" am much these days since I spend most of my time raising my toddler and managing our household. It's nice to step back to realize that I do have bigger goals than organizing playdates and trips for my toddler.

[FruitsAlive]

Does anyone else find it interesting that so many lurkers came out of hiding to reply to this thread?

[emily]

I have a BA in Computational and Applied Mathematics. I started off as a software developer for the oil & gas industry to save money to go to pastry school. Went to pastry school and worked as a baker for a year. But I was bored. So I decided to go back to the math and now teach HS math in urban public school. I'm currently applying to teach math at an international school (any one really) but am also considering returning to the software gig as it paid a lot more money. And with that money I'd like to open a yarn/tea store :)

Emily

[Paula H]

Does anyone else find it interesting that so many lurkers came out of hiding to reply to this thread?

Yes, I'd noticed that too!

[shoezoo]

Great thread. My dh and I own and run a comfort shoe store. My degree is in mass communications-broadcasting and journalism. Obviously I haven't used it a whole lot since I've worked in our store full time for 20 years.

[DeeK]

Does anyone else find it interesting that so many lurkers came out of hiding to reply to this thread?

I think it's because most of us like to talk about ourselves (me included). :D I think it also accounts for the popularity of blogs.

[DeeK]

And with that money I'd like to open a yarn/tea store :)

Emily

Let me know when that comes about. You've hit on my two FAVORITE things! :D

[MusicMom]

I work at Lost Creek- a small family run place in Leesburg near Tarara.

We drive by there a lot and never knew it was there! I love that part of the county.

I have a BA in Sociology and some grad courses in Public Admin. Right now I work in the Research Office of our public school system supporting schools with surveys and helping with program evaluations. Before this job, I coordinated surveys for an association and worked as a freelance writer for 16years, writing summaries of books and articles for child welfare databases.

[cniles]

I have a BS in Recreation Therapy - worked 10 years with adults with brain injuries in the community setting.

Now I'm working as a Learning Support Aide in the school - 1/2 day is spent 1:1 with a boy with autism. I LOVE it.:)

[Romandub]

I have SO enjoyed this thread! Thanks to everyone for posting! I have a BS in Psychology. Went back 15 years later and got an MBA. I started out my career working in municipal government, but for the last 19 years have worked for our state school board association (a non-profit). I oversee the association-sponsored insurance programs for school districts in Texas. Love the organization and the job. It's the perfect blend for me of a business environnment and the desire to contribute to the greater good! : )

[Kay Henderson]

I have SO enjoyed this thread! Thanks to everyone for posting!

Me too, Romandub! I love learning that I have common interests beyond cooking and recipes with many of you -- an opera enthusiast here, a sailor there ---

BA Psychology, elementary teaching credential, MA reading specialist.

I taught public school elementary students for 32 years, dividing my time about evenly between classroom teaching and working as a reading specialist. Between the two, I worked with students in all grades K-6.

DH (a high school teacher) and I retired in June, 2001. I had found teaching to be very intense, so I have enjoyed rediscovering the rest of myself through new interests such as gardening, and participating in clubs and community activities.

Kay

[atrfo]

This thread is way cool, I love reading about other peoples paths.
I went to college to be a social worker changed paths mid streem, now bachelors in aviation safety and a Captain for the airlines

[mabvt]

Another narcistic (sp?) lurker coming out from the woodwork...

BA in art
Post BA K-8 Teaching certificate

I teach 8th grade English Language Arts at a Title One charter school. Every day with my precious adolescents is truly an adventure! I enjoy it especially since I just finished my report cards AND we are now officially at the half way point in the school year.

[AdGirl]

i am in marketing (brand manager) at Hasbro toys. i love it! i play with toys all day, how can that ever be bad ;)

i graduated from undergrad with a degree in marketing and management. i worked in advertising for many years before coming here (hence my nick!) and i'm applying to business school right now, so we'll see where that takes me...

[saserre]

I coordinate an evening program for adults to take/teach classes via the local public school system, when the schools aren't in use. We're one of the largest systems in the nation, so have many ways of making the school available to the public when the children are not in session. I'm not a teacher, I work at the central office.

Currently going to college in evening to get my Associates, then onto Bachelors hopefully in Communications (as noted on another thread).

[HeidiD]

Another psych major on an unrelated path.

While saving money to go to grad school, I took a job assisting the creative director at an ad agency and never looked back. Over the past 24 years, I've worked for ad agencies as a copywriter and PR director, then freelanced from home for 12 years while my kids were younger.

Three years ago, I got back into a "real" job as the marketing director for a children's museum. I had loved working from home so I was unsure how I'd like being back in an office setting, but it's been great thanks to terrific co-workers with a similar work ethic.

I could make more money working in the private sector but I'm leaving that to my husband. ;-) I am an automatic penny-pincher so I try to make the most of my salary by never eating out breakfast or lunch. I make a big batch of steel-cut oats to have for breakfast every day, and soups or salads for lunch. Reading the CLBB keeps me inspired with new recipe ideas (though I'm also always up for reading about shoes and purses and jeans!).

Heidi

[pointerhaven]

Well in real life I am a Rescuer...I am Foster Coordinator for Pointer Rescue, Org. and nfp organization that rescues English Pointers.

My paying job is office manager at my husband's Engineering Firm. I do basic accounting, billing, some IT but mostly it is baby sitting and mothering the 40 employees, you know making them play nice and wiping their faces...It's amazing the guys can get dressed in the morning with some help and they are supposed to be professionals. LOL! Wanda

[pointerhaven]

Well in real life I am a Rescuer...I am Foster Coordinator for Pointer Rescue, Org. and nfp organization that rescues English Pointers.

My paying job is office manager at my husband's Engineering Firm. I do basic accounting, billing, some IT but mostly it is baby sitting and mothering the 40 employees, you know making them play nice and wiping their faces...It's amazing the guys can get dressed in the morning with some help and they are supposed to be professionals. LOL! Wanda

[LakeMartinGal]

My paying job is office manager at my husband's Engineering Firm. I do basic accounting, billing, some IT but mostly it is baby sitting and mothering the 40 employees, you know making them play nice and wiping their faces...It's amazing the guys can get dressed in the morning with some help and they are supposed to be professionals. LOL! Wanda
You have a duplicate post...

This is exactly what I did when DH had the consulting company! We didn't have that many employees, but at least that many contract workers... since the guys travelled all the time, I was the "Mom" for the company! I actually was called to take one of the gals to the hospital after her water broke! I talked one of the men out of buying a bowling ball for his anniversary, and into a diamond bracelet, instead... you know, just the little things!;) :D

[MNGirlTX]

I've got a BA in English with a writing emphasis...and the only time I "use it" is when the boss hollers - "Lori, come read this and tell me if it sounds right!"

Since graduating in the 80s, I've been a legal assistant for a prosecuting attorney (municipal law...misdemeanors only, no felony work), an executive assistant for a company that is a distributor of welding and safety equipment, an employee (several job titles) for the business office at Tulane University Hospital, and currently I do Disproportionate Share re-openings for hospitals.

It's so cool to hear what other people do in "real" life!

Lori

[JenniferJJ]

I work in purchasing in program management for one of the automotive "Big 3". I would rather be a buyer, but I am learning some interesting things, work for a fair boss, have made a close friend there (to the point that she's not just a friend at work) and generally like working with a lot of the people there. A group of us go out to lunch together sometimes and we have "snack time" for a few minutes in the afternoon sometimes. There is one person who gives me trouble and wrote an email to his boss about how bad I am, but the good thing is that my boss supports me. So, I am happy there.

[JanetJ]

I have a BA in Communications - Public Relations. I work in the marketing department of a rental car company. I was the supervisor of the department prior to having DD and have now dialed back on the career path and now work 3 days a week.

[Robyn1007]

I work at Lost Creek- a small family run place in Leesburg near Tarara. I like Naked Mt too- my fave down that way is Farfalu.

http://www.lostcreekwinery.com/

:eek: I've been there! I stumbled upon it a couple of years ago while living in Ashburn and out for one of my exploratory drives. From what I remember I enjoyed the wine I got and liked the look of the store. :)

[Canice]

....
While saving money to go to grad school, I took a job assisting the creative director at an ad agency and never looked back. Over the past 24 years, I've worked for ad agencies as a copywriter and PR director, then freelanced from home for 12 years while my kids were younger.
....

Oooooh, Heidi -- we could talk! ;)
My first job out of college (see aforementioned "Italian major" reference, lol) was as a secretary in Account Management on the Taco Bell business. My illustrious entre into the world of advertising...back in 1990! Should be working for Barilla pasta now, instead of where that lead!

[gabbyh]

...and i also work at a winery in virginia

Cheryl,

When we move to Australia someday....I want to work in one of the wineries! That's the only thing that will make me hang up my stethoscope:D

~Gail

[pschambers]

I am an RN with a certification in Dialysis. I work at an outpatient Dialysis facility.

Patti

[kathyann]

Very interesting thread. It is nice to get to "know" all of you a bit better.

I work as a Research Associate for a veterinary diagnostic manufacturer. When you take your dog to the vet for a heartworm test, it is likely that my company made that test. I, however, work in the lesser known production (ie food) animal department. I spent several years working on a test for Mad Cow and related diseases, and I'm currently developing a test for bird flu in poultry and wild birds.

Anyway, it is pretty close to my dream job, and I sort of stumbled onto it by accident when I was trying to make up my mind about applying to vet school. 13 years later I still have only a BA in Biology, but I'm pretty sure I made the right decision. There are lots of challenges with my job, but I like to think of it as being paid to solve puzzles all day.:)

[Bawstinn]

BA in English and History with a minor in Elementary Ed - count me as one of the many who had teaching degrees and couldn't find a full-time postiton in the 90's.

MS in Systems Engineering, currently working as an avionics engineer. Basically, I make sure all of the boxes in the cockpit talk to each other.

Toying with the idea of going back for another MS that is a bit more specialized in avionics, but with a 7 month old at home, I don't see that happening anytime soon.

[LakeMartinGal]

I like to think of it as being paid to solve puzzles all day.:)This is exactly how I described my job for DH... and all I was doing was taking expense reports and invoicing the client according to the PO! Your puzzles sound very rewarding! Mine got our company paid!:cool:

[cherylopal]

Cheryl,

When we move to Australia someday....I want to work in one of the wineries! That's the only thing that will make me hang up my stethoscope:D

~Gail

It is such fun and you meet the most interesting people- and there are the regulars that you really get to know. And most importantly, learning about the wine and ummm the sampling!:D :D

[barbara-cook]

I was in the middle of typing up my post on this the other day when my computer hung up, so my post never made it. I Love computers, I love computers, I love computers.....:-(

I have an AS in Liberal Arts (I attended college in the late 70's before I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up). I had worked part time on a production line the summer before I went to college and KNEW I'd better do something with my brain or I'd be stuck putting cans on a line for the rest of my life!

After graduation, I worked in a Pharmaceutical firm's reference library, and then moved to their Anyalytical Chemistry department as a "secretary". After that I worked for a military radio manufacturer - sending out mailers and form letters. Wow, that degree was really getting me somewhere!
After 5 months of that I found a job with a Manufacturer's Representative for electronic components. I must have enjoyed the work because I was there for 21 years! I then took a job with a competing rep for about the same $ and I absolutely hated it. After 5 years, I just up and quit one day (not that I hadn't toyed with the idea because after all, I was totally miserable). I was afraid my husband would be upset with me, but when I told him what I'd done he asked me "what the h&*L took you so long?". After allowing myself some time off, I started my own business.

So now my "real" job is gardening. I hire myself out to people as their "personal gardener". I have about 40 customers that I visit many times over the course of the season. Some have me do everything, others work along side of me, and others want me to completely re-do their garden. It's a physical challenge, but my mental health is MUCH better now that I'm out of the stress of a corporate office, and I'm pretty much my own boss. I have winters off and during the spring/summer/fall months, I enjoy the sunshine (and rain too) and the fresh air, along with the satisfaction that I have done something for people that no longer can!

I only wish I had started this when I was a bit younger, but I will stick with it for as long as I'm physically able. And for now, pray for an early spring!

[nanco]

I am a Full Time Hardresser and a Charter Consultant for Taste Of Home Entertaining.