What do you do for a living (or what did you use to do)??

[Gracie]

I always find it interesting to learn what everyone here does (or did if you no longer work) for a living. We are such a diverse group!

I'm sure we've had threads about this in the past but if we have, it's been awhile and so many people have joined us.

I have such a vague profession. My new position starting Monday is Director of Quality Improvement for a physicians' organization. My major skill set is project management, though I went to school to be a medical technologist and worked at that for awhile.

What do you all do if you work? If not, what did you do before you got the luxury of staying home?

Loren

[tbb113]

I'm a computer programmer/analyst for a major outdoor clothing/equipment manufacturer and retailer. I have done this for the last 23 years (not with the same company :D but on the same type of machine - IBM AS/400). I would love to do something different for lots of reasons, but I really like the paycheck that goes with my job.

Tyra

[Kayaksoup]

I manage a small shop specializing in stocks, soups and sauces. Very challenging and a lot more stressful than you might imagine. I dream of the day when I don't have to be sweet and lovable to the public, no matter how rude they are. I also dream of the day when I can afford to have a lot less responsibility.:)

[HeatherTx]

Pre-kids I was a speech-language pathologist in a nursing home. I will get back to it one day but for now I stay home with my 4 and 5 year old. :)

[ellery]

Official title: Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.

Unofficial title: snakecharmer, playmate, mom, crowd wrangler, role model, meddler, detective, helper.

Ideal title: Someone who makes a difference.


Neat thread! I look forward to reading it. I love finding out more about the fascinating people who populate this board!

;)

Leah

[slknight]

Originally posted by tbb113
I would love to do something different for lots of reasons, but I really like the paycheck that goes with my job.



Yep. Same here. Software developer. It's boring, but it pays the bills.:rolleyes:

[pinky]

Im an assistant to the First Vice President of the Special Asset Department at a bank. He has a reputation for being the biggest jerk ever, but I like him. He's really smart, and likes things done right. We get along. This is my I-just-finished-college-and-now-I-need-a-job job, but I enjoy it - even though what I really want to do is write, and this is the furthest thing from it!:D

[Beth Y]

I used to be a partner in a major law firm here in NC. Now, I am just another mommy at the playground, with 3 kids. I love it, although some days........................

[jem927]

Originally posted by tbb113
I would love to do something different for lots of reasons, but I really like the paycheck that goes with my job.

Ditto here... I am a public accountant with a firm in Atlanta.
I love my job most of the time, except now (tax season), but there are days when I REALLY wish I could ditch it all and do something with food.

BUT the paycheck and the perks make it SOOOO difficult to walk away from.

I look forward to hearing everyone's responses -- this is a good question for folks.

Jamie

[SandyM]

I'm an Executive Assistant at an automotive firm. I have a fabulous boss (which wasn't always the case), and I'm quite happy where I am right now.

Although sometimes I think I'd like to be a bartender..... ;)

[Grace]

Mortgage Broker. Basically self-employed. I love it.

[ebobbitt]

I manage a computer helpdesk for a large school district. Many years ago I was a programmer but just hated it because it's way too solitary for me. At least now I chat on the phone all day with what is usually pleasant people. I think their pleasantness stems from the fact that they THINK I can fix anything. :rolleyes:

[aggie94]

Another lawyer here. It's demanding and stressful, but I have the pleasure of working side-by-side with one of my best friends (so we have a blast!), and the partner I work for, I consider a friend. That's a new experience for me, but it makes all the difference in the world.

[HDgirl]

I do all aspects of running a construction company, masonry to be exact. Well, I don't actually install brick and block though.

[mlr73]

I am an administrative assistant for a management company that manages shopping centers, but only until this Friday. After that, I will become a housewife and soon to be stay at home mom. Somehow though, in the letter of recommendation I received from my boss, in the nearly 6 six years I've worked here, I became an assistant property manager shortly after I started. I wish I had know sooner than a couple of weeks before I left my job. :rolleyes:

[gertdog]

I'm trained in developmental psychology, but now I evaluate the effectiveness of informal science education programs. I work from home for a small consulting company and I love it, but I will probably leave this job in a few years. The downside of being with a small company is that there aren't many opportunities for advancement!

[yorkshirepud]

Self-employed designer (packaging, retail, interative etc). Hoping to branch out and become a Project Manager within the design field.

[hrk]

I'm a chemist at the National Institutes of Health. I love the excitement of research, but some days could give up the long hours on my feet.

Heather

[wallycat]

I worked for a major company as an International Assistant (letters of credit, lading, etc. for shipping medical equipment to various parts of the world) for years.
Got married, quit, went back to school.
Got my degree in Dietetics (am registered, RD) and then went for my Master's in Library and information science.

DH retired a few years ago, so I am lucky to say I am semi-retired very early in my life :D .
When I do work, I do some private nutrition/diet consults and teach occasional cooking classes. I also work at two local medical libraries as needed. I also wrote a health and nutrition column for about 5 years.

Of course, I now consider schlepping around with DH to find our dream relocation spot as my job of choice :D ;)

[jphilg]

I am an intellectual property lawyer in DC. Right now I am in the early stages of my career (this is career-sub-two, after a bunch of years as a biotech researcher) and am sort of on the fence about what I want to be when I grow up. I am not finding this job to be very creative, just demanding.

The paycheck is nice, though.

[Kay Henderson]

This is fascinating! I have been retired for almost three years after 32 years of teaching. During my career, I divided my time between elementary classroom teaching and working as a reading specialist. It was very intense, but I had and have no regrets. I feel priviledged to have had the opportunity to spend my working life doing something which always seemed worthwhile to me.

[linsleyd]

I am currently titled GED Manager for an Adult Basic Education Division at a community college, testing a couple thousand students a year in the GED. I keep trying to leave, but I keep getting raises and promotions. A good and bad thing!

My previous job was an admin asst. for a roofing company near Philly.

I have a degree in art, and no idea what to do with my life! In a perfect world though, I would get my Masters in Art History and work in an Art Museum. Unfortunatly, it's not going to happen as soon as I thought it would.

[HRJ]

I'm a writer for the publications dept. at a university -- I write for alumni magazines, in-house publications, etc. I used to do some freelance writing, too. Maybe I'll get back to that when DS is older.

My job is nice -- but before that, during what I consider my "real career," I was a newspaper reporter/editor. Sometimes, I find myself nostalgic for my newsroom days; other times, I'm so glad I got the heck out of there when I did. It was a very intense environment -- when it was good, it was very, very good, but when it was bad, it was horrid.

Helene

[615bride]

I am a reading specialist in a private school. I work mostly with first graders.... Love it most days...

[Sami]

I was director of a Science Library and loved the job and all the travel that came with being part of professional societies. What I didn't like was the personnel headaches so when they offered early retirement, I took it. Although I miss the paycheck, I am having a wonderful time.

I do a lot of volunteer work now, developing databases for our local chamber music society, taking classes at the community college and travelling. I've gone back to cooking after years of not having enough time to do anything beyond the basics.

Sami

Sami

[KathrynY]

Administrator/department manager for a small academic department at a university.

[Pony]

Wow, perfect timing for this thread...

I've been working as a Registered Dietitian at a dialysis center for around 5 years and just decided Monday to start a small business and be a Personal Chef. Thanks to sweetpea (amanda) for all her help in figuring this out! Ha, really nervous but really excited. I will still be working at the dialysis center until I figure out what the heck I'm doing.

Michelle

[Kismet]

I'm an actuary at a life insurance company. I work in a corporate area and do a lot with financial reporting and projections. I love that my job is different all the time and that I work in a great department!

[badunnin]

High school teacher.

[jjsooner73]

I am a statistician by degree; I work as a risk analyst in a bank. I could also be called a programmer/analyst. I do a lot of number crunching/reporting.

Turns out that the me I was when I thought I wanted to sit behind a desk all day and crunch numbers isn't the me I am today. I am hoping to get accepted to a Teacher Prep program at U. of North Texas that is geared towards Special Ed. My goal is to be in a classroom in August, preferable with profoundly disabled 3-5 year olds. :)

It will be hard to walk away from the paycheck/benefits I have now, but I think the rewards will make up for the pay difference immensely.

[nixmom]

I work in the accounting department of an engineering firm. There are days when I love it, and days when I am so busy working on the server, organizing vehicle maintenance, filling in for word processing, and a hundred other things that I can't get my actual job done. Actually, I love all that too. If I was just counting the beans I would be bored very quickly!

[Jessica]

Originally posted by HRJ
Sometimes, I find myself nostalgic for my newsroom days; other times, I'm so glad I got the heck out of there when I did. It was a very intense environment -- when it was good, it was very, very good, but when it was bad, it was horrid.

Helene

I worked as a newspaper and online publication reporter for eight years and am about to end my third year as a freelance writer. The money isn't great, but it is enough, and I love the flexibility and the constant variety. I was born for self-employment and consider myself fortunate that I am able to work for myself.

Fun thread.

[Beth]

I was in TV news before I went to las school, then practiced law for a number of years. I had to stop working for medical reasons, so now I'm a SAHM who still doesn't feel like that title fits.

[Lucinda]

I have a very odd profession. For the past six years I have been a Technical Design Manager for an apparel catalog. That means I make the garments WORK-- I assess the fit/measurements/construction of the garments are factories submit to us for our approval. I don't actually design the garments, we have product managers who come up with the concept for the look of the garment. I also analyze why customers return products and suggest improvements for future orders. It's endlessly stressful, we are ALWAYS on deadline and most of our factories have no clue how clothes should fit on a human body. But I get to play detective all day long, which suits my brain very well.:D

Friends have suggested I write my memoirs of my 20+ years in the apparel business. Oh, the stories I could tell. . .;)

[Ralph]

As most of you know, I'm a physician. By certification, I'm a family physician, but I now to urgent care.

[ellamay]

Let's see how vague I can get this :D

I coordinate the advertising and promotion of live entertainment events (concerts) for our New Mexico regional office, which is a division of the nation's largest promoter of live entertainment.

[MandMs]

I'm a Senior Statistical Analyst for a major Railroad. Just a fancy title for "Numbers Person". :D

And I have degrees in Psychology and Art. Just a wee bit outside of my "field". :rolleyes: Though some days, the Psych degree comes in quite handy.

[crlykat]

I'm the lead editor of an IEEE magazine on computer security and privacy. That means I edit articles but also get content, coordinate freelancers, art, and, since we only use volunteers for content (leaders in the field), make nice with everyone to make sure I get their content in time to make deadlines. I like it most days.

[LonghornGal]

Wow, what a varied group here!

I'm a Service Partner at Central Market (aka checkout girl). And a MBA student looking for a career. :)

Before school, I was a manager at a winery where I got to work with tons of fun people and solve different problems every day.

Before that I made toilet paper and had to participate in daily softness testing.

--Kristin

[Cinnamon Crazy]

I am a tax accountant for a major public accounting firm. I love my job, especially tax season. It may sound insane, but I love the late nights working out those numbers in order to maximize our clients savings. I love when I am driving home trying to figure out why the numbers don't work, and then suddenly the answer comes to me (and then I leave a message on my voice mail so that I won't forget). I am looking forward to April 15 so that I can have a break, but I am enjoying every minute up to then.

-Anna

[little_bopeep]

These days, I'm a SAHM to two kids with special needs...I have so much to handle with them that I can't work outside the home just now. I do miss being among adults and having a paycheck, but the guys need me. I have a degree in music and 2/3 of a degree in IT, which completely qualify me to be a customer service rep. :D I've worked in telecom mostly, but my last job was on the tax team at Xerox.

[Molli526]

I am a sales representative for a large company. Most days, I love my job. I am out and about talking to people, doing what I do best :)

[KristinK]

I'm an Assistant Project Manager in our family glass contracting business. Basically, I do all the paperwork for the project managers, including my dad and my uncle.

It's a long stretch from my political science major. I might still try for law school in the future, but in my last years of college, I decided that I wanted to start my family first. For now, working here will give me the flexibility to do so.

[erinl]

I'm currently a SAHM, but I was a forensic chemist for a branch of the federal govt for 5 years before that. Whenever I return to the workforce, it'll be doing something different. I'm thinking about nursing, but a friend keeps planting little seeds of opening a pastry shop...

[colleency]

My title is Hardware Analyst at a High Security Access Control Company. My job is Engineer Wrangler. I assist the hardware and firmware engineers, test their products, and translate from Engineer to English.

I think I'd like to be an event planner.

[ccooney]

Middle School Choral Director.
But boy, would I love to work on my Masters & get a job at the college level. Or better yet, a full time, well paid position with adults.

[claire797]

When I'm not googling or eating bon bons, I'm a stay at home mom.

[KathrynY]

Originally posted by Cinnamon Crazy
and then I leave a message on my voice mail so that I won't forget

LOL - I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who does this! :D ;)

[Kathy B]

I'm an RN working in the Peds ICU of a children's hospital for going on 17 years now.

[melis_d]

I am a management consultant focusing on human asset management. Translation: I help big companies with issues related to their people or organization structure and work way too many hours.

I'm thinking about a career transition to higher ed administration; if anyone has any experience I'd love to hear about it (via PM).

[kbs]

I am an Account Manager of Mutual Fund Accounting.
For those of you who look in the newspaper at the price of your mutual funds- I am the person who figures out that price.
It's not as boring as it sounds because it is extremely deadline oriented.

-Kim

[SueK]

Up until last summer, I worked as an Events Planner and Communications Director for a research center at the university in town. I quit to be a SAHM, but a few weeks ago I started doing some freelance work for my old office, creating some marketing and P.R. materials for them. It's all done from home, which has been great. I'm also going to start doing some events planning for them again in the near future.

[aggie94]

Melissa,

I PMd you. :)

[seathyme]

Unitarian Universalist parish minister here. Love it, except when there's too much of it or it's too sad. Mostly love it.

[JenniferJJ]

I used to be a program coordinator, kind of like an assistant project manager, for a major automotive supplier. My job was cut a month ago. I got my real estate license almost a year ago and have been working very hard at that in the past month. Next week I will be a dog/house sitter.

[Lrimerman]

I was a lawyer (well technically still am) who had my own solo practice. I quit working when I was pregnant with my son (who is now 2 1/2 years old) due to being put on bed rest. Never went back. I am now a SAHM for my 5 yo DD and my son and have a third on the way.

It has worked out nice because DH travels pretty often now. However, there are lots of days I miss the intellectual stimulation.

I will go back to work someday.

Lisa

[boisewinesnob]

Originally posted by claire797
When I'm not googling or eating bon bons, I'm a stay at home mom.

LOL!!! ;)

[jrichards]

I'm an Operations Manager/Project Manager at a health care information company.

Jennifer

[lisalee]

I am the Literacy Coach for my elementary school. Fancy title for being the reading teacher for grades 1-8. I see them all-the whole class so that the teacher can have their planning period. Means I see about 780+ students a quarter. I am also the SST (student study team) co-chair and schedule coordinator. And. . . I'm the coordinator for the Reading Is Fundamental program (I get to hand out free book (s) to each child in school. It's the part of the job I love the most) and the Read Across America school coordinator (I plan the activities for the school for March 2nd).
:)

Lisa

[Lauren]

This is so interesting!

I'm a Communications Specialist in an HR department for a stock transfer agency. My background is marketing communications and I think of my job as marketing/communicating to an internal audience (2,000 employees) rather than external. In addition to writing, I am in charge of our recognition program and all company sponsored events.

BTW - I was a SAHM for almost 8 years before re-entering the job market.

[Jazzmatazz49]

I'm a second grade teacher with emphasis on reading. I love it! I was originally a home economics education major, and went back to school to become certified in elementary grades. Right now I'm off for a week for spring break. I've never done any other kind of work, and can't imagine what it would be.

[summer02]

PhD student here...one of the reasons that I don't post very often.

I started out as a marine biologist and even went so far as to get a Masters in it - then decided that it just wasn't for me and that what I really want to do is study infectious diseases...I tried it out first by spending a few years teching in a parasite lab and now here I am back in grad school. I think that my biggest mistake was not trying out marine biology first - I'd rather eat fish than study their genetics :p Germs are much more fun! I research, study, teach, etc - all of the usual grad school stuff. Can't wait to graduate and get a real paycheck again :D

[Melman]

Computer support and training at a large college. I LOVE what I do. I love helping people solve their computer problems. My favorite time is when I get to see the lights go on in someone's face when they finally figure out how to do something easier or more efficiently. (You'd never believe how much BAD information is out there about how to do something. <sigh>)

[mbrogier]

I was in interior design. I sold wallpaper. Actually, I would take someones swatches of paint and fabrics and put everything together. I loved it. My husband and I moved to Michigan, and I was diagnosed with Intersititial Cystitis. I worked for a while at a social security disability benefits coordinating company until I couldn't work anymore.I got my interstim implant and worked for a major countertop fabricator. I quit again when we moved. I was about to go to work again when I had my stroke. I want to work in design again. I am having a problem blanking out on words. I'm thinking that working at Williams-Sonoma would be nice. I love working with people, and I love to cook. I will finish the last few credits of my degree (I switched from Graphic Design to Interior Design in college) and hopefully one day will be able to get back into the full swing of things in interior design. Maybe working from home. I would love to have my own shop with cool things from France and Great Britain and offer design services from my store. I think low-stress is my key. :D

(I over-extended myself in college and my health suffered)

Before I graduated from college...I had worked selling airplanes, managed an aerial banner operations,worked a summer setting the banners up on the field and assembling them. I had almost finished my pilot's license before my medical got yanked.

This thread is really interesting. Its fun to hear what everyone does.

[Alethea]

Manuscript/Production Editor for a university publishing house. Basically I oversee copyediting, design, proofreading, and typesetting of business books. I like enjoy aspects of my job but overall know I'm due for a change. My dream would be to see if I could actually hack the science and math required to pursue an advanced degree in marine biology (taking summer02's post into consideration:) of course), but I suspect time may have caught up with me.

Great thread!

[gabbyh]

Started my career at 40 as a child & adolescent psychiatric nurse/nursing administrator when I lived in PA...now in South Florida I work as a Health Advisor for a vitamin/supplement co...fun, fun, fun!

~Gail

[Escher]

Grief Councelor for the Red Cross.
When people lose their homes to flood, fire, or storm, I am assigned to help those people emotionally cope with their loss.

[karen w]

I am a physician(anesthesiologist). But after DD was born(she was #3 in a 3 1/2 year span), I decided it was time to stay at home with them. Now I am also "doctor mom", mom, chaffeur, referee, cheif cook, cleaner, handy person, cruise director etc..etc...:)

Karen

[lhall]

Originally posted by crlykat
I'm the lead editor of an IEEE magazine on computer security and privacy.

Which one? I'm an academic librarian at a small engineering technology university, at least for the time being.

Anna,
You crack me up!

Leigh

[Amber Waves]

I'm retired now. I worked all my life for the Social Security Administration.

[crlykat]

Originally posted by lhall


Which one? I'm an academic librarian at a small engineering technology university, at least for the time being.

Leigh
Hi Leigh,
Its IEEE Security & Privacy-- www.computer.org/security We just launched last Jan, but our subs are growing!! Thank God :D
I always thought being a librarian would be cool, but I would probably not get much done--too busy looking for good books! :o

[eas11]

This is so cool to hear abouts everyones jobs, careers and passions!

All of my professional life has been spent in the Human Services field. M.Ed in Counseling Psych and a trained Behavior Analyst. After spending 15 years as Behavior Analyst/Clinical Team Coordinator at a school for kids with Intensive Special Needs, I needed a change and reduction of stress. I'm now the Intake and Parent Education Coordinator at a large multi-service agency. My dept is Services to People with Disabilities.
I also consult and facilitate psychosocial groups for kids with Asperger's Disorder. I so enjoy working with these wonderful kids!

Ellyn

[slawrence]

Was a radiologic technologist, now manage two of our three orthopedic medical offices.
Great thread!

[ellamay]

crlykat, I think my husband gets your magazine! :)

[crlykat]

Wow, that makes me very excited!! Thank you for telling me. :D Now, I hope he gets it but also likes receiving it.:D :D

[Kristine]

I am a student. After I graduate next year, I'm planning on going to law school. Honestly, I'm not sure if being a lawyer is really what I want to do "when I grow up", but I like school alot and there are obviously various different things you can do with a law degree. I had to interview a judge for one of my classes this quarter, and she gave me some great perspective about alternatives to being a trial lawyer.

When I have kids, I'd love to just be a mommy for a while though. :)

[ErinM]

HR Generalist for a manufacturing plant, a division of a major industrial company. I take care of the training, staffing, communications, and various other projects. I like my job...to a point. I enjoy HR and all of the people issues. I'm starting to realize, however, that manufacturing is NOT the area I want to be in...I'd like to move to a more "service" oriented field, but not sure what that means yet.

[HejazSunKat]

I have a degree in accounting and have always worked in private industry. The first 2 jobs out of college were for a commerical construction company then a commercial property manager. Both businesses ended up going under! The 3rd was for a totally different type of business: A privately held company that provides concession services for big stadiums and other entertainment venues (and the most dysfunctional business environment I ever had the misfortune to work in!) where thousands of people need to get fed.

When my husband got transferred to Saudi Arabia my career was sort of put on hold (because the opportunities for women are virtually non-existent) but it's turned out to be interesting for me anyway. I've had 3 jobs in the 6 years I've been here: Working for the US Consulate as the business manager for the outfit that put on all of the social functions, assistant to the controller for another subsidiary of my husband's company and for the last 4 years as the business manager for a law office. I'm thinking of looking into training to become a real estate appraiser when I go home.

[Guest]

Originally posted by Escher
Grief Councelor for the Red Cross.
When people lose their homes to flood, fire, or storm, I am assigned to help those people emotionally cope with their loss.

Not to be picky, but what exactly do you do? Do you work for the Red Cross or in the IT industry? I ask because you posted the following on the Who's sick of paying expensive prices for stuff made in the Third World?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



"You are absolutely right. And it is not my problem, nor is it even the governments problem. *SHOCK* Why escher, do you mean, it isn't the goverments role to provide jobs for it's citizens?!?! Why, yes, that's exactly what I mean. And don't confuse high paying jobs with survival. People in other countries are struggling to survive. Not so here.

FTR, I work in the IT industry, and I'm doing quite well on my own, thank you very much. My job won't go overseas because I can do the job better, and faster than my overseas conterpart, and my employer knows it.

We do not need a nanny state, and I resent any efforts to (s)mother me.

And then there is more in the same thread-
Registered: Jan 2004
Location: Midwest
Posts: 412

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by ellamay
[B]
As far as the American standard of living being "disgusting," there are few blue-collar workers in America eating out every night and buying designer clothes.
/B]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



I work for Chrysler (indirectly) and I guarantee those folks are doing exactly that. I suggest YOU educate YOURSELF.
(Not that there's anything wrong with that)

Let's see...let me just reach around the corner here and grab my Union wage/seniority/position table......

[fudi2000]

Okay, it's official, I suck. Reading all these great posts I have decided that I have the most useless job ever. I'm an Assistant Store Manage of a Blockbuster Video store. YEESH!! My problem is, I haven't found "it" yet. I don't know where I belong or what I want to do. Which is probably why I jump from job to job every few years. You guys have such meaningful careers. But I can't complain, because I at least I have a job which is more then I can say for a lot of people nowadays. I just wish I had a job that helped people for real. ARGH!! How did you guys figure out what you really wanted in life?
Theresa

[Kayaksoup]

Originally posted by fudi2000
Okay, it's official, I suck. Reading all these great posts I have decided that I have the most useless job ever. I'm an Assistant Store Manage of a Blockbuster Video store. YEESH!! My problem is, I haven't found "it" yet. I don't know where I belong or what I want to do. Which is probably why I jump from job to job every few years. You guys have such meaningful careers. But I can't complain, because I at least I have a job which is more then I can say for a lot of people nowadays. I just wish I had a job that helped people for real. ARGH!! How did you guys figure out what you really wanted in life?
Theresa
You don't suck. you have a job, you are supporting yourself. you don't KNOW what you want yet, but it will come to you.

[Beth]

Originally posted by Kayaksoup

You don't suck. you have a job, you are supporting yourself. you don't KNOW what you want yet, but it will come to you.

And don't think that the rest of us don't appreciate an intelligent, capable person at Blockbuster when we are lucky enough to find one -- especially one who can give us some worthwhile insight on a movie (like, can the kids see this or should we get the other one), can straighten out our account when the computer gobbles things up, or will even look at the stack of stuff that just got dropped in the return bin to help us find a decent movie to watch after a really long, hard day, week whatever and do it with a smile on their face even though some schmuck was in front of us in line.

Maybe it's not glamorous, but we're talking some serious, transferable life skills here! Hang in there. It will come to you.

[Guest]

fudi 2000,

Please don't be so hard on yourself. We are all so much more than our jobs. In the big picture, it takes all sorts of people to do all sorts of jobs so that this world goes round. Not all of them are glamorous and exciting, but they all fill a very important need. When I was working in a salaried job in retail banking doing training and technical writing, it was always just a job. I never felt passionate about it, but I enjoyed the work and the pay was good. I never defined myself by what my job was, because I am so much more than the job, which is only a small part of my life. Finding our what you want to do is quite a journey. Be open to all possibilites and you never know where you will end up. You are important and please remember that.

[HejazSunKat]

Originally posted by fudi2000
Okay, it's official, I suck.

Oh Honey, you SO do not suck! It hurts my ears to hear someone say that. I just got an e-mail from a friend of mine yesterday with 3 daughters: 1 is getting a doctorate at Johns Hopkins, one is wrapping up a Master's program at Yale with all kinds of honors and the third is a junior at Colgate and looks to be another high achiever. My husband and I were marveling that no less than 3 incredibly accomplished women came out of one family and hearing this certainly makes you look at your own life and think about what you've done with it - just like this thread. Everybody looks great on paper :D but that doesn't mean they are happy or satisfied. That is the most important thing in life, that you live it with a sense of meaning for you. There is nothing wrong with sweeping streets if you're happy doing it.

I'm another one who doesn't know what I want to be when I grow up. I'm still searching for my niche, for satisfying work that makes me feel like I'm using my talents in a place that appreciates them. I envy those who came out of the womb knowing what kind of work they were born to do. It would be so restful to have that kind of certainty! I think they're few and far between though. The rest of us are still trying to find it but as Miranda said above, we are all so much more than a job.

[BeachBum]

I call myself the Director of Marketing and Strategerie, my boss calls me wife. My husband and I own a retail fudge shop/ice cream store. He works there full time, I work there about 15-20 hours a week. The rest of the time I eat bon bons with Claire797.

[Chefzhat]

I was a Legislative Aide for a local municipality, and Assistant to the Mayor. Long hours, but wonderful job and boss (in fact, he married my dh and I!)

Then, mommy at home for 8 years, and ran a secretarial service out of my house.

Now - full time student to be a high school teacher.

Don't let anyone tell you you're stuck. Even at 40 you can change directions!

Fudi - you so do not suck. But I laughed out loud at your comment, 'cause it'd be the kind of thing I would say. :D

[HDgirl]

Originally posted by fudi2000
How did you guys figure out what you really wanted in life?
Theresa


I didn't ever think I wanted this kind of job. It sort of found me. My last job was exactly like this one, for a different contracting field. I know this work so I stay in it. (I was a SAHM for ten years before this) It doesn't really matter too much to me as what I do for a living. What I do AFTER work is more meaningful to me.

I should have said that my job was raising my children into two well adjusted adults. That is the only thing that is important to me.

[AZLorena]

I am an elementary school vocal/general music teacher. I teach everyone k-6 at my school....and I also run an afterschool Middle School Choir at the middle school nearby. Sometimes I teach pre-school music in the summertime. So, Connie, we have something in common.

Lorena

[Angela]

Interior Designer here. Though at the moment I'm a stay at home mom to the dog. I was laid off the begin of March and am in the process of looking for the perfect design job. I've done residential design, worked in the facilities departments of hospital as an on-staff designer, and worked in a design firm designing senior housing facilites.

[NewMrsG]

Originally posted by Pony
Wow, perfect timing for this thread...

I've been working as a Registered Dietitian at a dialysis center for around 5 years and just decided Monday to start a small business and be a Personal Chef. Thanks to sweetpea (amanda) for all her help in figuring this out! Ha, really nervous but really excited. I will still be working at the dialysis center until I figure out what the heck I'm doing.

Michelle

Wow Michelle - how exciting!! And so neat to hear what everyone does for work.

I am a clinical psychologist. I'm currently involved in clinical research, meaning that I'm primarily a researcher, working on projects designed to test the usefulness of specific therapy techniques and treatments. As of September 1, I will be a professor, teaching in a master's program in behavioral medicine counseling. I can't wait!

[sneezles]

Before kids I was a store manager for Pier 1. Had managed stores in Peoria, Omaha and Lincoln. After amrrying we were ex-pats for 4 of our first 6 years of marriage and my visa didn't allow me to work but by then we had 2 of our 3 boys.
When all 3 were school age I worked as the librarian at their school. That was lots of fun except for never having enough books about horses for all the 3rd grade girls! ;)
When my DH sold his company and we moved to the country I became a part-time bartender when we bought the local beer joint. Ran a B&B business for about 2 years (6 houses) but that was really just a glorified maid (and I don't do the maid thing very well). We turned 4 of the houses into rent houses and now only have the 2 guest houses on our ranch.
Currently I'm suppose to be re-doing some furnishings we bought for re-sale. Problem is I have a hard time parting with them once they look decent again...

[RD chef]

I am an account manager/sales rep for a pharmaceutical company in their medical nutrition division. My office is my car!

Before that, I was a clinical dietitian at large renowned clinic. I'm much happier now. ;)

[engineer]

:D Like the name says I'm an engineer, metallurgical engineer. My current job is more like company coroner. I get the broken parts and figure out the how and why and then suggest ways to make them better. I work for one of the major recreational vehicle makers (big boy toys). I like to call them items for testosterone junkies.

Would have liked to be a real coroner (watched too much Quincy as a kid). But college, med school and specialty was too much time. And mother told me from the time I was 6 mos old that I was going to be a metallurgical engineer from mines. Didn't really know I could do something different.

Had a period where I was unemployed (former oil patch victim) and went back to school for BS in chemistry - criminalistics but couldn't finish as DH found a job here and we had to move. Oh well.:(

[BarbaraL]

Medical writer for a pharmaceutical company. I write the reports presenting the results of clinical trials, manuscripts for medical journals and assorted other documents. At another pharma company, I used to write training material for the sales force, patient education material, and review promotional material. Before that, I worked in a series of laboratories doing preclinical research.

[Pony]

Originally posted by RD chef
I am an account manager/sales rep for a pharmaceutical company in their medical nutrition division. My office is my car!

Before that, I was a clinical dietitian at large renowned clinic. I'm much happier now. ;)

We've got 4 RD's on here that I know of! Wallycat, Pony (me), RD chef and sweetpea. How cool!

What pharmaceutical company do you work for? I thought about going that route once, but got too comfy in the dialysis setting. Plus, I never really saw job ads for this, so I figured you had to "know" people? Although working in dialysis you get to know a lot of pharmaceutical reps.

fudi2000, I think I just figured out what I want to do! Still not sure, but going to try the Personal Chef thing with hopes that it is what I want to do when I grow up! I remember being in college and just hating not knowing what I was supposed to study. My mom said, "you like food and health, why don't you look in to being a RD". So, I did. When I finally finished college and the internship and passed my exam, I was thinking how this really isn't what I want to do. I love food (as we all do) but I wasn't really working w/ it. It can be really hard working with such sick people, very draining at times, but I must say it can also be really rewarding. So, low and behold sweetpea (amanda) kept mentioning this family she cooked for and I was thinking, hmmmm....sounds right up my alley. Now the RD can definitely help me in the Personal Chef business. Anyways, all of this rambling was to say, you might figure it out when you least expect it. And you sooo do not suck! :D

I've really enjoyed this thread, I'm always wondering what people do with their lives!

Michelle

[TLee4]

I'm finding this interesting as well!

I am licensed as a Clinical Social Worker. I manage an employee assistance program (EAP) for an academic medical center. I love it!

Terri

[lhall]

crlycat,

I don't think we get that one, but if it's new I wouldn't necessarly know. I do interlibrary loan so I mostly deal with older journals. We do get lots of IEEE stuff though.

I checked, we do get your journal from volume 1 number 1. :D

Leigh

[boisewinesnob]

fudi2000, you most certainly have nothing to be ashamed of!!!

I was a grocery store checker for 7 years (1990-1997) and other than being on my feet all day it was a great job. I have seen grocery clerks dissed on these boards several times :rolleyes: , but I actually made more money than 4 out of my 5 degree-holding high school friends, and most importantly, I was happy :D .
Then I went on to manage the wine department of that same store, buying and selling all the wine and beer. That job was even better ;)

[Lil'Jmarie]

i do technical support for dish network. i LOVE my job! :)

[hlao23]

I'm a program coordinator for a research office at the state university. Most of our research is about teen smoking currently. I had the opportunity to teach this semester and am loving it. I hope to be able to teach more classes. I love my boss and my co-workers but I don't like the fact that most of my job has to do with being at the computer all day. I'm much too social for that.

I got into research because I didn't have the patience to deal with clients. I used to do crisis counseling and have also been a case manager in a substance abuse outpatient program.

I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I spend way too much of my "free" time in theatre and/or dance classes and am trying to learn Hindi - not easy on my own. If I could just go back to school and not have to worry about work I would go to Duke or Penn State and study Hindi/Indian culture full time...now what the heck I would do with a degree like that I have no idea. I'm much to chicken to attempt the performing arts as a career.

[NewMrsG]

Originally posted by sneezles
Before kids I was a store manager for Pier 1. Had managed stores in Peoria, Omaha and Lincoln.

I just had to tell you - I grew up in Omaha and went to school in Peoria!

How often do two people have those two places in common?? :)

[Vicanddi]

I am/was a critical care nurse, (a nurse for 12 years, ICU for 7)until I hurt myself at work, leaving me with a fairly serious injury. I am working on my MBA in Health Care Management and maybe my MSN (in Nursing). I would really like to get well enough to be able to teach nursing, either at the college level, or as a clinical educator at a hospital. For now, I spend my time going to physical therapy 5 days a week, trying to get stronger and better. Cooking is my oasis, and keeps me sane.

Thanks for starting this thread. It's fun to learn more about everyone :)

[MinEaston]

This is a great thread!

For pay: Director of data management and analysis for a non-profit that monitors the quality of health care provided to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

For fun: sailor (crew and skipper), cook, manager of a vocal chamber ensemble, stage manager for local community theatre company & big local chamber music festival

[bobmark226]

I first came to New York as an advertising copywriter, which I did for about ten years, but got typed as a "technical writer," which was odd because although I did it, I never really knew what the hell I was writing about. A friend told me that computers were the "next big thing" and got me a job at Forbes doing data control. This was pre-PC with tons of keypunch cards and tapes, the real Stone Age. But from then on, it's been data entry or data control in one form or another, not counting when, after a long layoff during a recession, I worked as a receptionist. (Yeahrightsure, Mr. Personality behind the desk.) That was actually a lot of fun because I got up to the executive floor at Sony where I hobnobbed with and got abused by all kinds of celebs, including "The Gloved One," and got to schlepp Mariah's china samples around before the wedding.

One day I played diva and stormed out and found myself temping. One reception job led me back to data control and entry at a place I really loved, but got laid off again after 9/11, when the company took a real beating.

Next thing I knew, best friend/ex-lover, who is a CPA, told me he needed some administrative help, mostly entry, so I did a couple hours a week for him. He then decided to start his own firm, and here I am, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, receptionist, phone answerer, office manager, and administrative assistant, all in one fat, happy package. The situation couldn't be better, the friendship has flourished and so has business. I also have only a ten minute walk to work.

BOB

[boys03]

I work in a science and engineering library at a "major" university. Working in the library started out as a student job many decades ago. It has nothing to do with my religion/english majors and Masters in Divinity. I know we get the IEEE title - we get all of them.

[granolagirl]

I work at an anti-hunger non-profit. :) I wish there wasn't a need for anti-hunger organizations, though. I do lots of stuff, but in general I work with food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, after school programs, etc.

[Escher]

Originally posted by MWS
Not to be picky, but what exactly do you do? Do you work for the Red Cross or in the IT industry?


Dear me, I assumed people would realize I was kidding. Should've included a "winkie" http://bitterrivals.com/forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif You are not alone in your confusion, some others have PM'd me w/ "proof" of my inconsistancy....
It would be a sad day indeed, if strangers had to rely on me for emotional support....

I am in IT, working through a contract house for Chrysler. Both of the last two IT companies I worked for went belly-up. Hopefully, Daimler-Chrysler has a little more staying power....

[RobinC]

I am a CPA. Up until a few months ago I worked for a Big 4 public accounting firm. Now I work in internal audit for a manufacturing company.

DBF and I also run a business out of our home. I like to call him a stay at home engineer. ;) (He's an electrial engineer). After I do the accounting for our business, I change hats and go work on the assembly line. ;)

[yorkshirepud]

Originally posted by Escher


Dear me, I assumed people would realize I was kidding.

I did. ;) You're sarcasm is transparent. :p

[rosie_one]

I'm a SAHM now, with lots of volunteer stuff going on.

In my working woman days I was a clinical research associate for a large cancer center in Chicago. I loved it, still miss it, but know that it is too draining of a job for me to do while my kids are little. Some day, hopefully, I'll get back to it.

[ellamay]

I work at an anti-hunger non-profit. I wish there wasn't a need for anti-hunger organizations, though. I do lots of stuff, but in general I work with food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, after school programs, etc.

I would love to do this someday. I am currently volunteering with a food bank and it is amazing the stories that come out of the bank. You are doing a tremendous thing for society.

[Guest]

Originally posted by Escher


Dear me, I assumed people would realize I was kidding. Should've included a "winkie" http://bitterrivals.com/forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif You are not alone in your confusion, some others have PM'd me w/ "proof" of my inconsistancy....
It would be a sad day indeed, if strangers had to rely on me for emotional support....

I am in IT, working through a contract house for Chrysler. Both of the last two IT companies I worked for went belly-up. Hopefully, Daimler-Chrysler has a little more staying power....


I am not confused. There is so much in what you have written that leads me to believe that you aren't what you seem and that your credibility is questionable at best. And by the way, the word is counselor.

[menat]

This is fun... first came the user names, then the colourful little avatars, now occupations, are we going to have to put a face on all those names?? ;)

Trying to keep the world (paper world that is) from chaos, you have a Professional Organizer here!

[Escher]

Originally posted by MWS
I am not confused. There is so much in what you have written that leads me to believe that you aren't what you seem and that your credibility is questionable at best.

Then you will have to educate me. If you weren't confused, why would you ask for clarification?

I'm not what I seem?!?! :eek: :o :eek: :o
No! Tell me it isn't so!

You crack me up!

[mbrogier]

Escher, I figured you were teasing, or you were two people posting under the same name. At least you keep the board interesting. :p You've also been nice yet funny lately. Keep it up!

[Gracie]

Originally posted by boys03
I work in a science and engineering library at a "major" university. Working in the library started out as a student job many decades ago. It has nothing to do with my religion/english majors and Masters in Divinity. I know we get the IEEE title - we get all of them.

So Judy, have you ever dared to use the Harvard stuff?? :D

Loren

[eas11]

Originally posted by menat
This is fun... first came the user names, then the colourful little avatars, now occupations, are we going to have to put a face on all those names?? ;)

Trying to keep the world (paper world that is) from chaos, you have a Professional Organizer here!

God, do I wish you lived closer to me!!!
Elllyn

[Gail K.]

Fascinating thread! Such diverse and interesting occupations.
In my former life I was an accountant/CPA (started out in one of the "Big 8" public accounting firms way back in 1986 and then moved on to a large publicly held corporation)and had just finished my MBA in banking and finance(part-time in the evenings while working full-time in my profession)when my 1st DS was born.
I have been a SAHM for the last nine years.
It's funny how life can turn out so differently from one's initial expectations. I used to be so education and career oriented. Now, I live an old-fashioned 1960's lifestyle. I do yoga twice a week, meet different groups of friends for lunch and breakfast on a monthly basis and am now taking tennis lessons to improve my game. Don't get me wrong -- I like it .;)
It's funny how the longer one is away from the world of work, the less inclined one is to return. For me, it is partly a fear thing. I feel that my brain is just not what it used to be. (Combination of staying at home and perhaps the six months of chemo I had a couple of years ago - (breast cancer at 36 - for those who don't know)). But truthfully, I am not yet ready to give up the social life that I have made for myself this past year with my younger son now in full-day kindergarten.

[crlykat]

Originally posted by lhall
crlycat,

I don't think we get that one, but if it's new I wouldn't necessarly know. I do interlibrary loan so I mostly deal with older journals. We do get lots of IEEE stuff though.

I checked, we do get your journal from volume 1 number 1. :D

Leigh

Cool!!! :D It's nice to know people who get it. Sometimes feels like I'm creating it in a vacuum. Thanks for letting me know!!:cool:

[Aesha]

This is a cool thread. As for me, I have no job right now besides full-time student. I'm tired, though; I've been going to school off and on since I graduated high school (1997). Since I can't take any of my music theory courses over the summer at the junior college at home, I'll be here another 2 years probably. Then I will (hopefully) have a degree in music management. I want to work in film and television music (my #1 career choice), but I'm also interested in music publishing and performing arts administration.
I'd really love to live in Europe, probably in England so I wouldn't have to learn a new language. I'll have to do some research and see if there's anything I can do over there.

[claire797]

Originally posted by bobmark226
I first came to New York as an advertising copywriter, which I did for about ten years, but got typed as a "technical writer," which was odd because although I did it, I never really knew what the hell I was writing about.

Do any technical writers really understand what they're writing about :). I love technical writers. They're either super-smart engineer types or gifted BS*ers.

Before my bon bon eating/sitting around googling days, I worked in advertising too. First, at a huge, stodgy old agency in New York and then at a smaller but "cutting edge" multimedia agency which now has locations world-wide but can call itself cutting edge.

[claire797]

Originally posted by bobmark226
I first came to New York as an advertising copywriter, which I did for about ten years, but got typed as a "technical writer," which was odd because although I did it, I never really knew what the hell I was writing about.

Do any technical writers really understand what they're writing about :). I love technical writers. They're either super-smart engineer types or gifted BS*ers.

Before my bon bon eating/sitting around googling days, I worked in advertising. First, at a huge agency in New York and then at a smaller but "cutting edge" multimedia agency which now has locations world-wide but can't really call itself cutting edge anymore.

[boys03]

Originally posted by Gracie


So Judy, have you ever dared to use the Harvard stuff?? :D

Loren

You mean in public??? On campus???:D :D Maybe after basketball season. Actually we are switching to the same online catalog that Harvard uses.

[cab321]

Right now I am a Project Engineer by title - I actually do biomedical engineering and am a ChemE by education. But I don't like my job and don't feel like I know enough so I'm quiting in August and going back to school for a Ph.D. in chemistry . I think I want to make biosensors so that you won't have to wait around for days/weeks to get test results back from the lab when you go to the doctor's office. But I don't really know - I'd also like to run a small R&D company someday.

Before I became an engineer I worked in a flower shop, a chocolate factory, as a horseback riding instructor/trainer, waitress, dishwasher for nuns, door-to-door gas and electricity salesman, cashier and most embarassing of all....receptionist at a "massage parlor". I was desperate for a job and I swear to god I thought that they just did topless massages or something - and since they only needed someone to book appointments and answer phones I figured it was ok. Well, I showed up for work and found out that it wasn't what I thought it was :eek: :eek: :o :eek: . So naive! :o :o I had no idea what to do, and was too scared to just walk out in the middle of the shift so I stayed and booked appointments! Then ran away as fast as I could after work and never went back. Did you know that those things are legal in the UK? Wish I had.

[matt]

For me i work as a paraprofessioal with EMH kids all day in a self contained classroom setting. i have recently decided to go back to school and become a sign language interperter. My previous job is working in retail for 5 years and i felt it was time to go back to school and make something for myself. i love my job and my kids. i have only one regret that i did not start working with kids earlier but i know i am making the world a better place.
take it easy
Matt

[Aesha]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by menat
This is fun... first came the user names, then the colourful little avatars, now occupations, are we going to have to put a face on all those names??

Trying to keep the world (paper world that is) from chaos, you have a Professional Organizer here!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Wow, how funny- I'm always telling my mom and friends that if I had to choose another career, it would be either as a midwife, labor doula or professional organizer. Though the current state of my room would suggest otherwise, I looove having things all neat and orderly. Heh.

[SusanPC]

I am a CPA and a Fund Manager for an European LBO fund. It is a great job but has its moments. I am so ready to stop working around the clock. I envy those of you that are staying home with your children. Too bad I don't even have a serious bf at the moment. Ah....someday!

[LaurenP]

I'm an Ultrasonographer,and have been for 20 plus years. I work in a hospital, so that means "on-call" nights and weekends. The "call" and some of the politics are getting really OLD. I'm looking around me and trying to figure out what I can do for the second half (well, maybe less than half) of my life. I do love my work but not the working conditions, and doctors offices, although they don't have "on-call" have their own set of problems. I'm not sure I want to deal with the office situation, although, I may give it a try. It's what I know, and pays well. But I'd really like to go a whole different way, try something really different for the REST of my life.

Anyone else looking at,or gone into a second career?

[cniles]

I was on vacation when this started - I am currently a SAHM ( my husband thinks I'm like Anna and eat bon bons all day!!)

I graduated from Penn State with a degree in Rec Therapy - I was a Rec Therapist working with individuals with brain injuries - did that for 5 years, became a Case Manager out of necessity for the job.... Our company downsized and I got a job in a specialty pharmacy working with patients who took Clozaril, patients who took infertilty medication and patients who had transplants....

That company got bought out by CVS and I got a job with a health care information company. I was a Client Manager working with Pharmaceutical companies. We housed information on drug formularies for insurance companies - I worked with the Pharma companies and analyzed data on their drugs vs their competitors. Fascinating.

I still do consulting work for my former company in between being a mom! My husband was promoted and we moved otherwise I would still be working full time.

BUT ( sorry this is longwinded!!) I have found I really have enjoyed being a SAHM. (and eating bon bons!!)

[tbb113]

Originally posted by LaurenP

Anyone else looking at,or gone into a second career?

I am looking at a second career. My only problem is that I really don't know what I want to do and even worse I really need my current income level to continuing supporting my kids and me :( So, I think I'm stuck doing what I do for the next 10 years or so (till the kids are through college) and then I think I'll be told old (55) to change careers.

Actually, I've thought about doing what you do...but I don't think I really have the temperment for the job. I guess I should do more research on it.

[Lynn B]

I work in the Social Services Department of our local hospital, have been there a looooong time. But what I really wanna be is a FOOD CRITIC! ;)
Lynn

[stefania4]

Granolagirl, if we lived in the same area we'd probably know a lot of the same people! I work with state-funded homeless shelters and homeless service providers (job training, GED, soup kitchens, clothes closets, etc.); I collect data and generate statistics. I have a lot of contact with the shelters and keep up with a lot of the news around Georgia (if the only employer in a small town shuts down, then the shelters in that area will see a spike in 2 - 6 weeks).

[LaurenP]

tbb113
Check out ARDMS.org for more information on becoming a Sonographer.
The money is decent and there is, and will be for the foreseeable
future, a Hugh demand for more Sonographers. There are few schools and the requirements have recently become more difficult to fulfill. The job is interesting and rewarding. I, however, am at that 50 plus age and am feeling a bit burned out. Hospital work is demanding on your time and emotions.

Looking onward.....

[kjl]

I am currently a SAHM, and loving it (and the bon-bons)! I have an electrical engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and have worked as an electronics buyer, new products manufacturing engineer, and a consultant. After my first child, I went part time. Now with two children (ages 6 and 1), I'm at home. I'd love to go back to work someday, but would like a job that parallels the school day/calendar. I'd like to work 9-3 or so, and have summers off. Any great ideas here? Teaching is the obvious choice, which I may do. I'd also love to open a restaurant, but that would be loooooong hours I know, so maybe later in life!

[frygirl]

Originally posted by tbb113


I am looking at a second career. My only problem is that I really don't know what I want to do and even worse I really need my current income level to continuing supporting my kids and me :( So, I think I'm stuck doing what I do for the next 10 years or so (till the kids are through college) and then I think I'll be told old (55) to change careers.......



I remember hearing an author interviewed on NPR, maybe 2 years ago, about his book. Of course I can't remember the name, but it was about 2nd careers, quite LATE in life, some folks even in their late 70's on a new career!
Does anyone know the name of the book?

It's not too late for us 40+ folks to be thinking :)

Ellyn

[shumanata]

Fun thread!!

I'm getting my doctorate in French literature, and I'm the Graduate coordinator in our "French House". I teach lower-level French classes once in a while. I have a part-time job as a singer, and I work at Barnes and Nobles during school holidays.

Looking forward to more responses!

[sharris315]

HS English Teacher

[cniles]

Originally posted by kjl
I am currently a SAHM, and loving it (and the bon-bons)! I have an electrical engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and have worked as an electronics buyer, new products manufacturing engineer, and a consultant. After my first child, I went part time. Now with two children (ages 6 and 1), I'm at home. I'd love to go back to work someday, but would like a job that parallels the school day/calendar. I'd like to work 9-3 or so, and have summers off. Any great ideas here? Teaching is the obvious choice, which I may do. I'd also love to open a restaurant, but that would be loooooong hours I know, so maybe later in life!

This is exactly what I'm thinking about as well - I'm probably going to be looking for work in the fall when my boys go back to school... BUT want to be there for the bus pick up /drop off etc.. Am thinking about looking into any school admin jobs - however they aren't very plentiful!!

[kjl]

Charisse - One idea I had was to be a tutor. This would work well with the school calendar, however the hours may be in the evening instead of during the day. Let me know what you come up with, as you search for something this fall.

Kim

[knunes]

Originally posted by kjl
I'd like to work 9-3 or so, and have summers off. Any great ideas here? Teaching is the obvious choice, which I may do.

Teaching is a wonderful job, and it's great to have summers off. Most teachers can't leave by 3 though, and be prepared to do homework nearly every night of the school year!


As for my own answer to this thread:
Currently a high school assistant principal (Dean of Academics). Prior to that, I was a part time h.s. administrator and part time h.s. Spanish teacher, prior to that a full time h.s. Spanish teacher.....and many years ago a junior high French teacher.....!

[jjsooner73]

Originally posted by knunes
Teaching is a wonderful job, and it's great to have summers off. Most teachers can't leave by 3 though, and be prepared to do homework nearly every night of the school year!


I'm not a teacher (yet) but have many friends who are. MOst of them have little or no 'homework'--they are able to get stuff done in their planning period. Of course, these are those who have taught for quite a few years and have the routine down pretty well.

[Robyncz]

I'm so late getting to this thread. I swear it just took me a full hour to get through the whole thing. What a talented and interesting group of people!

I'm another stay-at-home-mom (and, incidentally, Claire797 and I are actually neighbors--we just sat and had some bonbons tonight). Besides all the roles the mom-gig entails, I do a little bit of freelance writing and editing in educational publishing. My pedagogical expertise is in applied linguistics/second language aquisition (bilingual ed/ESL/foreign language education), but I have worked on materials for just about every subject area in K-12.

Before leaving the full-time work force I was a senior editor at a publishing development house. Before that I worked in-house at one of the leading educational publishers. Before that I was an ESL teacher. Before that I taught English at the gymnasium level in Germany. Before that I waited tables and worked retail to earn money for school. Before that--nuttin!

I'm seriously enjoying the freelance thing, and I hope to be able to do it full time once my girls are in school.

[mobear]

Gosh, I need to come back to read all of the posts cause I have to start getting ready for work. Somehow I missed this thread earlier.

I am a environmental engineer turned financial analyst. Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking! I loved getting the MBA and feel that I learned alot at grad school, but now I need to try to relocate to Greenville SC and have not had much luck searching for jobs online...trying to be closer to DBF. Most of the jobs are for CPAs, not pure finance. Oh well. Wish me luck. :) Trying to get DBF to send me a list of local recruiting agencies from the phone book (in case they have ads that tell me what they specialize in) so I can start calling them to see if they place people like me.

As an engineer, I used to remediate superfund sites, gas station sites, and then went into air permitting and regulatory compliance auditing for chemical plants. I loved my old field, but did not get paid enough for all of the hours I worked. I like my new field okay so far.

[MISSINDI]

I am technically a Financial Administrator for an engineering firm, but, of course, do many things at work that don't really fall under this title.

My 3-5 year plan is to open up my own restaurant and I've started to formulate my ideas. Would love to hear from anyone who has experience in this area (pm me).

I'm also a mommy to a 20-month old son, and we are hoping to add to the family in the next 2 years.

My husband amd I also have a concierge service.

Busy, but happy lives. :D

[knunes]

Originally posted by jjsooner73


I'm not a teacher (yet) but have many friends who are. MOst of them have little or no 'homework'--they are able to get stuff done in their planning period. Of course, these are those who have taught for quite a few years and have the routine down pretty well.

Wow! Maybe it depends on the grade level one teaches. The teachers at my school (and I and the teachers I taught with in the last school I was at) spent their planning periods photocopying quizzes, writing reports for special education I.E.P. (Individualized Education Plans), returning parents' phone calls or e-mails) or talking to other teachers about their students. That didn't leave much time for correcting papers of approximately 100-125 students or planning creative lessons for usually two or three different preparations (for example Spanish 1, 3 and 4 or Algebra 2, Geometry and Precalculus).

[JayDee]

I drive for the second largest food service co. in the nation.I've been driving trucks for the last 20 years & still enjoy everyday on the road.I also do concrete work on my days off & when I take vacation.If the wife & son don't have anything goin'on.Still find time to garden & play as much as posible in the kitchen.:)

[memartha]

I'm currently a preschool teacher (part-time)and a Mom (full-time). My income has never been lower, but I'm doing what I love and that's what matters the most to me.

Before that, in order from most recent:

- freelance copy editor and writer
- caterer
- magazine editor and writer
- clerk in a gourmet food shop
- project manager in consulting firm (promoted from editor)
- freelance writer

BTW, DH is a technical writer and I love Bobmark and Claire797's assemements of the job. You are right on!

[eas11]

Originally posted by knunes


Wow! Maybe it depends on the grade level one teaches. The teachers at my school (and I and the teachers I taught with in the last school I was at) spent their planning periods photocopying quizzes, writing reports for special education I.E.P. (Individualized Education Plans), returning parents' phone calls or e-mails) or talking to other teachers about their students. That didn't leave much time for correcting papers of approximately 100-125 students or planning creative lessons for usually two or three different preparations (for example Spanish 1, 3 and 4 or Algebra 2, Geometry and Precalculus).

Yup, this is an accurate description of teachers I know. Even non-teacher school professionals. As a school Clinical Coordinator, I often brought paperwork home- otherwise, I would not have had time during the day to spend time with your kids!!! My sister, a NYC Guidence Counselor, does the same. Even our school nurse brought paperwork home on busy days in the health office!
Plus, teachers in my sons school often were in VERY early to be available to meet with students. I thought this was amazing... Since many HS students were in after school sports or other activities, teachers were in as early as 7:00 to meet with students.
At least in these parts, a 9-3 "teacher day" does not exist. Also, many, many teachers take summer jobs.

Also, you'll rarely see those of us who work in schools on this BB during our work hours. :D
Ellyn

[JanetJ]

I thought I had already responded to this thread, so I'm really late to the party. I work for a rental car company in their marketing department. Basically, we get the majority of our business from insurance companies (people whose cars have been in accidents or stolen). My job is to strengthen and maintain our business relationships with these companies so that they will refer our company when rental needs arise. I also handle the rental billing for a few select insurance companies and manage of team of three other people who do basically the same thing.

[doggerham]

Another attorney here.

First career was in arts management; undergrad was music-business.

We'll see what the next career will be. :)

[AZLorena]

Originally posted by jjsooner73


I'm not a teacher (yet) but have many friends who are. MOst of them have little or no 'homework'--they are able to get stuff done in their planning period. Of course, these are those who have taught for quite a few years and have the routine down pretty well.

Okay....After I just spent a couple of hours grading papers, I would like to know where those teachers work. None of the teachers that I work with just go home at the end of the day. If they do leave right at 3, then they are taking home piles of stuff to work on. Planning periods go by rather quickly.....usually, with not enough time to get everything done.

Lorena :)

[Loremma]

Originally posted by tbb113

So, I think I'm stuck doing what I do for the next 10 years or so (till the kids are through college) and then I think I'll be told old (55) to change careers.

Oh please don't say that!

[tbb113]

Originally posted by Loremma


Oh please don't say that!

Which part...that I'm stuck doing it for the next ten years or that I'll be too old to switch careers at 55?

[Kathy B]

Tyra,

Have you ever read the "Mrs. Pollifax" books? Basically a retired Grandma who applies to be a spy for the CIA. They are fun, and who knows....might give you a few ideas for your career change when you reach the advanced age of 55!:D (I can say that, because I think we are about the same age. ;) )

[GalNC]

I am a 3rd grade special education teacher in an inclusion classroom. Like the other teachers who have posted, teaching is defintely NOT a 9-3 job! Between lesson planning, photocopying, project ideas, IEPs, and parent communication, I am never out of the building at 3:15 and ALWAYS have work to bring home with me. Right now, because I am recently married with no children, I work over the summer to keep myself sane! However, once I have kids, one of the major perks of teaching is having the summer off!

[bmonczka]

Originally posted by AZLorena


Okay....After I just spent a couple of hours grading papers, I would like to know where those teachers work. None of the teachers that I work with just go home at the end of the day. If they do leave right at 3, then they are taking home piles of stuff to work on. Planning periods go by rather quickly.....usually, with not enough time to get everything done.

Lorena :)

I'm quitely and slowly raising my hand:) Over here!;) I work my butt off during the day and have for the past six years and I can honestly say that I rarely do stuff at home anymore for school! I do usually leave around 3pm but that wasn't the case until about two years ago. We're on block schedule so I do have 1 1/2 hour planning period everyday. I've developed lots of strategies for grading and getting prepped for classes and mind you I don't have the easiest schedule. Unfortunately, I don't have a secret formula for other teachers it's just what works for me. One key is to have a community service (teacher's aid) to help you grade your papers!

I teach high school marketing and business. I typically have four preps, sometimes five one of which includes a class in retail called School Store (basically a second job) where the kids (I mean me!) run an actual business during school hours- so I get the lovely job of ordering inventory, accounting, taxes, etc.. for this "business". I also run our DECA club, and teach other classes like Fashion Merchandising where we do an annual fashion show. Usually on my schedule are also classes in Advertising, Sales, Entrepreneurship, and Sports Marketing. Do I sound like I don't love my job? Somedays I really don't.

I've thought about getting out especially with all the layoffs in my distric this year but I know if I went in to a corporate job I would never make what I make teaching in Michigan plus the benefits and future penesion. I would love to go in to advertising- the creative end. I worked in PR before I went back to school to be certified in marketing.

Who knows!!:)

[RebeccaT]

Wow, I am ever late to this thread! :o

I work for a large software company as a Usability Specialist. Basically, my job is to help developers develop software interfaces for real people - make them as intuitive and easy to learn and use as possible. Not so easy when it's a really complex, specialized product. I also try to help them make sure they are developing the "right" product - does this help our customers accomplish a goal, does this functionality help them do their job faster/more efficiently/more effectively.

I am trying to move into a position that allows me to do more of that second part. My current position requires a lot more design than I would prefer to do... I am not such a detail person! I like talking about the "big picture," having conversations with customers that start with "So what is it that you are trying to accomplish?" I actually had a great conversation with my manager this morning about career development (long overdue), and we are going to try to look for ways for me to move into marketing. He said that he would rather lose me from his group but keep me within the company than lose me altogether... which I found flattering. :)

This has been a very interesting thread!

[leightx]

I was working at least 60+ hours a week when I taught AP and Honors Biology. There was zero time for grading or lesson planinng in my "off" (HA!) period - that was reserved for parent conferences, helping students, making copies, etc. I NEVER had a teacher's aid (and neither did any teacher that I know of at the school - or maybe they just weren't telling me!! ;) ). I had at least 10-15 kids eating lunch in my room, just because they wanted to chat (not complaining - that was one of the best things about teaching). Granted, I left after only 3 years, so I'm sure the lesson planning would have been easier over time, but when you're in a field that is constantly changing, and teaching students who are often smarter than you are :eek: , you had better be spending a lot of time reading science magazines and journals, designing projects, changing your lesson plan, and working on labs. I improved on my lesson plans every single semester, and I imagine that I would have done that no matter how long I taught. There is always something that can be improved! :) I LOVED teaching, and I would do it again in a heartbeat if I could just appear in front of the kids, with the labs all set up and ready to go, teach, and then leave. Heck - I'd even throw in tutoring. But grading, making tests (ick - hate, hate, hate tests), setting up labs, dealing with an incompetent principal and parents who are SURE that their child is the brightest pupil in a 250 mile radius - no thanks!

After being a SAHM for a few years and driving myself crazy, I started my own business writing scrapbooking classes and selling them to instructors. That led to a job with Epson, and now I get to travel to scrapbook conventions all over the country and teach! It is truly a dream job for me - I love the people that I work with, I get all of the printers and scanners that I could possibly want or need :), I get to travel somewhere different 2-3 times a month and talk to wonderful women who are enthusiastic about my hobby, and I even get to scrapbook every once in a while! I only work part-time (2-3 weekends a month), but I make more now than I did teaching full time, and I still get to stay home with the kids.

[RebeccaT]

Leigh, it is SO good to "see" you! Wow, you've had a lot of life changes in the past year! How exciting! Sounds like a great job, congratulations on finding something that works so well for you!

[leightx]

I had to take a break from the boards for a while - not enough time, and I was cooking way too many bad-for-me things! :rolleyes: Now I'm trying to just ignore all of those recipes requiring 9 sticks of butter on the Great Food board. :p
Oooo - and I see you just got back from Scotland!!! Scurrying over there to read....

[shoefling]

Another latecomer to the thread! Currently I am a registered nurse in an intensive care unit. This fall I will be become a full time graduate student pursuing a masters degree in nurse anesthesia. I am very excited!

[Loremma]

Originally posted by tbb113


Which part...that I'm stuck doing it for the next ten years or that I'll be too old to switch careers at 55?

That 55 is too old to start a new career. In that case, I have to make a change in the next 9 years or I'm stuck where I'm at!

[tbb113]

Originally posted by Loremma


That 55 is too old to start a new career. In that case, I have to make a change in the next 9 years or I'm stuck where I'm at!

IMO its not too old to start a new self-employed career or business. I just find it hard to believe that someone is going to hire an ex-programmer to do something BRAND NEW at 55. I hope I'm wrong :D