Employment

[Flash525]

Quite simply, I'm after a little inspiration and a career change. I have some obstacles in my way, but hopeful I can overcome them.

Just curious what everyone here does for work, whether you enjoy your work, whether you don't, how you got into it and where you see yourself in five years..

Edit: I'm a valve technician, working in the oil and gas sector, inspecting, building and testing high pressure valves that go down on the sea bed.

I've been doing this for some 13yrs, initially it was supposed to be temporary until I found my calling, but that never happened, and now it seems like it's too late because of other circumstances.

I've moved around a bit within this company, but it's very mundane work, not mentally challenging at all - except for when something goes wrong but then it's more mentally stressful than challenging because a lot of the problems could easily be sorted out, but nobody wants to know.

Before this I studied computing in college, that was my then goal, though it's certainly not something I'd like to go into anymore. I had thought about therapy (as a counsellor) but that's too much studying and a lot of debt, and a good four plus years of education if I could even do it.

 

[MissMarvelous]

I've been working on Intellectual Property for 8 years now (trademarks, patents, designs etc).

What really made the difference was changing firms. Been here for a year now: my boss is a really nice human being besides being a good leader, pays very well, recognizes my work and effort.

About how I got here: A friend told me that this firm was looking for someone and that I should send my CV, ASAP. Asked around the office for references and one of the lawyers said "an acquaintance works there, let me call her". Long story short: they weren't actively looking for anyone but they really liked my profile and they kept me

Would I be here for long? I don't know.

 

[Mandon Knight]

My initial working life was in the public sector, NHS, Education, Housing etc. and then some private sector when I was made redundant from the NHS in 2012 and I ran my film-making outside of that.

Severe and dangerous illness in 2014 meant a re-think, and recovery 'gave me' opportunity to consider my options in 2015 and given I'd run my film-making alongside my 'out of industry' 9-5 life prior to illness and was advised to work from home, and being made redundant, I decided to concentrate everything into developing my writing and launched myself self employed as a script consultant which I've developed & grown subsequently.

Having worked my ass off to get where I am, I love it. Work from home, able to plan own day, gotta cat for company.

 

[InCali]

I've worked as an electronic engineer for a few years after I got out of school. I designed and built prototype infra red detection systems that you now see all over the place (you might not recognize them, but they are there). They flush toilets, turn on lights, dispense water and paper towels, etc.

After I had a salary disagreement with the VP, I decided to throw my hat in at the University of California where I ran the computer repair facility. Gradually, I moved in the direction of networking and my current skill set is designing network infrastructure that efficiently and safely carries data. After a years and years, I decided to move into the private sector because the pay is really good. I recently got a layoff notice and am pretty happy about that because it opens up some possibilities that weren't there before.

My goal in life it to work at a really cool movie theater; one with at least 8 theaters and one premium one. I would be happy taking tickets, sweeping, working behind the food counter or tending bar, or planning/showing movies.

 

[InCali]

My initial working life was in the public sector, NHS, Education, Housing etc. and then some private sector when I was made redundant from the NHS in 2012 and I ran my film-making outside of that.

Severe and dangerous illness in 2014 meant a re-think, and recovery 'gave me' opportunity to consider my options in 2015 and given I'd run my film-making alongside my 'out of industry' 9-5 life prior to illness and was advised to work from home, and being made redundant, I decided to concentrate everything into developing my writing and launched myself self employed as a script consultant which I've developed & grown subsequently.

Having worked my ass off to get where I am, I love it. Work from home, able to plan own day, gotta cat for company.

I suggest poodles.

 

[joombo]

I was in the same boat some time ago. I started learning Computer Science 'coz I want to make a career in IT. Right now I combine work and study, I found service to help with java assignment, they help me with homework too. Great service for working students.

 

[Lily Adler]

Advertising. Cheese, crackers best friend.

 

[terry78]

A support analyst for a social media company you probably all know and use, even if you don't think you do. I also resell website domains as a side gig via godaddy.

 

[InCali]

A support analyst for a social media company you probably all know and use, even if you don't think you do. I also resell website domains as a side gig via godaddy.

. Interesting. When I worked on computers I had a side business repairing and building computer systems. The domain I had was cloudcomputing.com . When I got involved with the union, I didn't really have time and gave up the domain. What do you think that domain name would be worth today? I'm kind of thinking I don't wanna know the answer.

 

[ComicChick]

I am a CAO tech (Computer Assisted Ordering) for the commissaries. I am in charge of the perishable item sections (chill and frozen) for a store that does between 70k-120k a day. And I also travel to other stores training personnel on how to use the new operating/ordering systems we are unloading into all the stores. I have worked for the DOD in the grocery sector for almost 18 years now in various positions.

For 11 years i've also been an event merchandiser for the bands that perform in our area. I've worked at multiple venues and although the company sometimes travels out of state to do gigs, i've not done that myself because my other job is my priority.
I coached high school JV softball for 3 years, coached a total of 17 years across AAU/Little League etc

ive worked various odd jobs off an on throughout the years as many know and have teased me about, but these are my main ones

 

[Lily Adler]

A support analyst for a social media company you probably all know and use, even if you don't think you do. I also resell website domains as a side gig via godaddy.

Lena Dunham is that you?

 

[terry78]

Nobody knows who that is.

 

[Mandon Knight]

My initial working life was in the public sector, NHS, Education, Housing etc. and then some private sector when I was made redundant from the NHS in 2012 and I ran my film-making outside of that.

Severe and dangerous illness in 2014 meant a re-think, and recovery 'gave me' opportunity to consider my options in 2015 and given I'd run my film-making alongside my 'out of industry' 9-5 life prior to illness and was advised to work from home, and being made redundant, I decided to concentrate everything into developing my writing and launched myself self employed as a script consultant which I've developed & grown subsequently.

Having worked my ass off to get where I am, I love it. Work from home, able to plan own day, gotta cat for company.

In light of Covid-19 and that causing a large reaction to work flow in my sector, have taken on a part-time 'manual-labour' job in a warehouse, with a refrigerator manufacturers and deal with parts orders and dispatch, that kind of thing.

My working life (to date) has been office based or as the above post indicates, worked from home, prior to Covid also as well as during, so the change in physicality of the job is 'new' but is doing my Type 1 Diabetes good, in the sense that the constant physical movement (as apposed to being at a desk all day) is allowing my insulin to distribute better and more evenly.

In all the ways I feel areas of my 'life-skills' could be improved, this new job does that and for what the job entails, it's pretty well paid too. All good.

 

[ComicChick]

hope you're still enjoying the new job Mandon. an old colleague of mine made that switch this year and has lost about 40 pounds so he's really enjoying the improved health coming along with the new active work setting

 

[Mandon Knight]

hope you're still enjoying the new job Mandon. an old colleague of mine made that switch this year and has lost about 40 pounds so he's really enjoying the improved health coming along with the new active work setting

Going great guns thanks CC. Aye, my body weight has dropped with being T1 and has stayed pretty much level for a few years now, but certainly the job has maintained that and built my body strength and durability.

 

[Iceman]

In light of Covid-19 and that causing a large reaction to work flow in my sector, have taken on a part-time 'manual-labour' job in a warehouse, with a refrigerator manufacturers and deal with parts orders and dispatch, that kind of thing.

My working life (to date) has been office based or as the above post indicates, worked from home, prior to Covid also as well as during, so the change in physicality of the job is 'new' but is doing my Type 1 Diabetes good, in the sense that the constant physical movement (as apposed to being at a desk all day) is allowing my insulin to distribute better and more evenly.

In all the ways I feel areas of my 'life-skills' could be improved, this new job does that and for what the job entails, it's pretty well paid too. All good.

Excellent! Really glad this new job is helping out with your health.

 

[Mandon Knight]

Excellent! Really glad this new job is helping out with your health.

Thanks so much bud, means a lot

 

[Hobgoblin]

I work in a Walmart deli. It’s absolutely not where I thought I’d be working at this point in my life but it’s also the best paying job I’ve ever had, by far. Having insurance is nice, too.

 

[InCali]

I am a CAO tech (Computer Assisted Ordering) for the commissaries. I am in charge of the perishable item sections (chill and frozen) for a store that does between 70k-120k a day. And I also travel to other stores training personnel on how to use the new operating/ordering systems we are unloading into all the stores. I have worked for the DOD in the grocery sector for almost 18 years now in various positions.

For 11 years i've also been an event merchandiser for the bands that perform in our area. I've worked at multiple venues and although the company sometimes travels out of state to do gigs, i've not done that myself because my other job is my priority.
I coached high school JV softball for 3 years, coached a total of 17 years across AAU/Little League etc

ive worked various odd jobs off an on throughout the years as many know and have teased me about, but these are my main ones

How's the new gig working out? Are you able to put in less hours and have a more reasonable work/life balance?

I came on here and saw some of Terry's posts. Made me .

 

[Lily Adler]

How's the new gig working out? Are you able to put in less hours and have a more reasonable work/life balance?

I came on here and saw some of Terry's posts. Made me .

Yeah I forgot I said he had the same job as Lena Dunham's character from Girls.

 

[InCali]

Yeah I forgot I said he had the same job as Lena Dunham's character from Girls.

Nobody knows who that is

 

[ComicChick]

How's the new gig working out? Are you able to put in less hours and have a more reasonable work/life balance?

I came on here and saw some of Terry's posts. Made me .

dude it was thanksgiving, i was pulling 5am to 5pms almost every day lol. the OT pay was nice, used it to get ahead on some bills and to buy a couple things for myself.

it's lulling out a little now between holidays, especially since i have all my people back from leave for now. this time of year is especially hectic

i've been doing more life things though, so that's a plus.

fwiw, we are up 1.6 mil in sales for the year over last, but i am curious how much of that has been since i got there or before my time. i'm extremely hard on myself since i took the position but i got a lot of positive reinforcement this week telling me ive done a good job and to relax, and that i can't leave ha

 

[Mandon Knight]

I was made redundant from the NHS back in 2012 after a lengthy service of time & employment and then in subsequent years of the decade worked in both public & private sector roles alongside my own self employment and recently got 'back in' after a long struggle to 'engineer' an opportunity back into the NHS.

Am temping (for now) at a smaller, community hospital on the borders of Surrey & Hampshire (towards SW Coast of UK) within a unit specifically aimed at helping the over 65's with their health needs.

Only in second week but it's going very well, enjoying it hugely and sense of personal 'effort' in making it back to what was primarily 'my ideal' work setting, outside of my own film & script work.

 

[enterthemadness]

I currently work in the kitchen, grill and sandwich table, at a McDonald's. Got gig cause at 33, I moved out of parents house from NC to OH, to live with my best friends. This was summer, so been at McDonald's for like 6 months. My friends/roomies I also worked with at Panera and Dunkin. Before I moved, I went back to walmart and did overnight stocking for 7 months. Before that, hardees, which was probably my worse job.

Uh...its different but cool not living at home. This arrangement is only for 2 or 3 years. Then back to NC either at home or close by to family.

I video chat with family like 2-3 times a week.

 

[InCali]

I currently work in the kitchen, grill and sandwich table, at a McDonald's. Got gig cause at 33, I moved out of parents house from NC to OH, to live with my best friends. This was summer, so been at McDonald's for like 6 months. My friends/roomies I also worked with at Panera and Dunkin. Before I moved, I went back to walmart and did overnight stocking for 7 months. Before that, hardees, which was probably my worse job.

Uh...its different but cool not living at home. This arrangement is only for 2 or 3 years. Then back to NC either at home or close by to family.

I video chat with family like 2-3 times a week.

What do you see yourself doing when you get back to NC? What kind of things do you enjoy doing? Quite some time ago, I did a lot of landscaping with a friend of mine. It allowed me to take off a lot of time and I bummed around Mexico for months at a time. When I got back, I took some part time classes in electronics and found I had a knack for it. It worked out pretty well.