What do you do

What do you do professionally? Or want to/studying to do?


Me I am currently working on a framing crew framing houses as my full time job. I also do some work as a freelance programmer. Mainly Web Development, but from time to time I dabble in other projects. I have my A+ cert, my MCSE (microsoft certified system eng.), my N+, and my CCNA (cisco certified network admin).. I got all my certs between the age of 15-18 and then really kinda burnt myself out on computer hardware.

I worked as a network administrator for a national shipping company for 2 years after high school. Since then I've been mainly working construction along with my freelance programming services I offer to local businesses. Roofed for a year with my uncle who was 67 years old. We were the entire team. The experienced old roofer with 40 years under his belt and me the guy who hauled shingles up the ladder until i developed a knack for it myself. Roofing really is pretty nice work. I plan to do it again with him this summer for a month or two maybe. Depending on the storms he gets up there.

I've worked on oil rigs as a floor hand for short periods usually just a hitch or two at a time. I don't really care for the work, but the pays nice. Well it was anyways most of the drilling companies around here have closed doors and filed bankruptcy. Also worked as a hotshot for around 8 months hauling Well Logging cabins to rig locations for a mud logging company. Really wasn't bad work. I mean I would work anywhere from 8-24+ hours a day depending on the weather and how busy we were. More or less though on a 10 hour work day 6-8 hours of that is spent driving to and from location. Once you got there you just had to rig up/down and leave again to another location or the yard.

I'm working on getting my degree in mechanical engineering. I have applied to MIT twice and been rejected twice. I would really like to go to MIT, but they accept something like 30 students a year. I'd like to join the Marines, but they don't want me. Which is why i'm currently working on waivers to allow me to join. I was suppose to ship out in January, but due to some waivers I needed I was discharged from the DEP. I have been working on getting that taken care of since.



Now... what I'd really like to do. Kind of a dream job.. something you would think of when a child.. I was watching Mythbusters earlier today the one where they test Youtube myths. Well in this one lego myth they went to Legoland. I guess Legoland has a lead engineer that's sole purpose is to design masterpieces of legos. Jaime and Adam from Mythbusters have a pretty kick *** job as well.

I've done some work in a mechanic shop. Dad owned a mechanic shop growing up.. I've Built 2 cars from the frame up so far. a 1997 S10 with a 5.3l EFI, and a 1937 Plymouth 3 window coupe with a 327 chevy. Really not something I would ever consider doing for a living. It's a nice place to go and relax and work at my own pace.. but more than that and I wouldn't enjoy it. More or less the same goes with computer work to me. Which is why I freelance. I hate deadlines.


Well.. I covered a lot (a lot=too much.. i know) of areas that should spark some conversations. I'd like to hear what you guys do or enjoy doing.. Sorry I wrote so much, but I type really fast and usually ramble on quite often.

I spent 30 years with a telecommunications company before retiring. I did everything from install and repair phones to manager corporate mergers. I was an IT Manager for several years and headed up the Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity efforts for domestic operations for a while. I figured if I hung around long enough they would find something I could handle. Just didn't happen. They offered an early out package and I knocked down a couple of folks headed toward the door.

I taught college for a bit over a year. Was head of the academic committee for a bit. Long enough to know teaching college wasn't where I wanted to be.

I consulted for a telecommunications company this past winter may still do some of that. I did liked that. I also have my own outdoor products company.

I have an MBA. A major in business with a minor in mining engineering (long story). Oh, yea. I've been married 35 years to the same angel. Some jobs are just more fun than others.

I know some freak out when I tell them, but I kill things for a living.

@Talon: Roof for a few years. It starts to get OLD really quickly. Knees ****ed, back ****ed, sunburnt ALL the time, always got effin fiberglass in you... No thanks. I'd rather go run an idiot stick on a dirt crew. At least with the shovel you're standing up.

I'm currently working in Network Security. I didn't get some of the lower level certs you mentioned like N+, but I'm an RHCE and trying to find the motivation to take the last exams to finish up my CCSP. It's hard, though, because I really don't care about IT. Never did. It was a stepping stone to get somewhere else, but that went away when I got married.

Me personally? I'd either go back in the military or go work for a private security company like Blackwater (now Xe), but I can't do either unless I want to get divorced. No big loss. I don't identify myself by my career. So now I'm looking for some type of hybrid work, something that allows me to utilize my expensive education but still be outdoors. Unfortunately, most of the tech jobs are all indoors maintaining the servers and access layer devices while the other guys are out in the field testing the end user equipment.

Other than that, maybe smokejumper or avalanche forecaster, but those jobs are RARE.

I have worked as a wildlife/wetland biologist since 1990. 8 years for the state of Arkansas and the past 11 years for DU in AR and LA.

I'm currently a domestic engineer, preparing to go back into the workforce again as an elementary teacher. I just joined the local mycology club in hopes for a new hobby, inspired by some topics on here. Basically, my passion is raising my children, reading, and COOKING (I'm a darn good cook....see my husband's belly for reference).

I'm an EMT soon to be an EMT specialist.

I went to school on the Nine Year Plan. I have degrees in Political Science, Business Administration, and a Doctorate in Law. I worked in retail for about eight years in high school and college.

During law school and for a while after, I worked as a consultant in banking and data/securities processing (mostly mutual funds), and served as Project Director in several system designs and conversions for major banks and government agencies.

Since I liked to keep busy, I spent my "free time" involved with the state and local EMA, and rescue organizations. I attended every local, state, and federal class I could find, and later became an instructor teaching rescue, water rescue, EMT, NBC response, and disaster planning. I developed and taught the first EMT course in Mass. in hypothermia and cold water rescue.

I've practiced law for the last 25 years and own a small general practice firm. About 75% of my practice is in criminal law, mostly major felony defense. While practicing law, I've also taught undergraduate and graduate classes at a few colleges and universities, including UMass and Mass Maritime, and I've lectured at B.U. In the late '80s and early '90s, I served as the chief elected officer of my community of 18,000 residents.

I have 3 children (all adults), two soon-to-be step daughters, and a fiancee who loves me for some reason I can't understand. :innocent:

When I grow up, I want to own a small charter fishing boat in the Caribbean..........

Retired Federal Agent , 29 years, Anti Terrorism / Force Protection (ATFP) Specialist (was doing it before it became “sexy”). Retired at age 48 while mobilized (2002)

Retired Air National Guard, Law Enforcement and Security Supervisor (27 years total active duty and National Guard). One short tour in Vietnam, then 2 years in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. Participated in numerous and sundry squabbles on behalf of the government over the years. Last two years of service (post 9/11) were in ATFP. I spent more time than I cared to in the “Sand Box”. Retired 2003.

Current Corporate Security Consultant for a major DoD Contractor. Spent some time in the various Sand Boxes, preparing employees for foreign assignments, and equipping them. Emergency Management and Disasters Prep.

Fingers crossed, 2-3 more years will pull the plug for the last time. No more organized work. Just puttering in my work shop and traveling.

Retired: Alaskan Big Game Hunting Guide & Commercial Pilot. Alaska Homesteader. I work part-time as a Goose Herder, it is kind of like being a sheep herder, however the daily round-ups and goose drive is more challenging.

A number of careers through my life

US Forest Service
Land Surveyor
GeoGraphic Information Systems (GIS)
Webmaster self employed
Webmaster for large Vermont newspaper
Survival Expert

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hopeak

Retired: Alaskan Big Game Hunting Guide & Commercial Pilot. Alaska Homesteader. I work part-time as a Goose Herder, it is kind of like being a sheep herder, however the daily round-ups and goose drive is more challenging.

---

Well, finally an expert! Perhaps you can help me. When you have more than one goose, is it called geeses, geese, gooses , or do you have another term you use when refering to the herd (printable of course)?:rolleyes:

opps, I almost forgot....I'm also an interpreter

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pal334

Well, finally an expert! Perhaps you can help me. When you have more than one goose, is it called geeses, geese, gooses , or do you have another term you use when refering to the herd (printable of course)?:rolleyes:

---

Mobile $hit-machines.......:knight::knight::knight::knight:

I am an attorney, but no longer practice. Attorneys suck. I hate them, for the most part. Clients and other lawyers ruined it for me. I tried to stick it out so I could be a judge. . .then I learned about them.

Now, I work for a legal publishing/software company. I also teach the LSAT and Tae Bo. I am a mom of 3 kids and a wife. . .pretty busy.


Rick, I thought you must be younger. Your wife is lucky. You speak of her in great terms!

Started working as a whitewater rafting guide during college, and realized being a professional guide and outdoor educator was the life for me. So, now for two decades I have been guiding, and instructing stuff all around the Northern Rockies. Over the years I have worked alot of hours in the restaurant business and construction during the off seasons of guiding. However, now I pretty much guide year around.

Here is my guiding schedule
January- to early April - dogsled tours- Yellowstone Park Wolf watching tours
April- May- Fly-fishing and Yellowstone Park Tours
June-July- Whitewater Rafting
Aug-Oct- Expedition Canoe trips, Yellowstone park tours
Oct-Nov- Backcountry Big game hunts- sled dogs
Dec- Sled dogs

I spice up this schedule by leading weekend long youth skill camps for kayaking, canoeing, dogsledding, and primitive skills once or twice a month.

I also teach a class at Montana State University (intro to Whitewater Kayaking)every Tuesday night during the school year.

I teach occasional courses on Wilderness First Aid and CPR, and Swiftwater Rescue.

I write a few articles a year on wilderness topics, I think I have now had 22 articles published in magazines and newspapers.

Currently, I am learning to handle Karelian Bear Dogs, and will be getting a bear dog later this summer, so I can work with local government agencies in Grizzly Bear management

I have a degree in Anthropology, and professional level skills as a horsepacker, sled dog musher, big game hunter, dog trainer, cook, toilet scrubber, wood chopper, whitewater rafter, kayaker, and canoeist.

Lastly, I am a partner in a restaurant, and a proud father of a 7 month old son named Noah.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by amy headrick

Attorneys suck. I hate them, for the most part.

---

Thanks! :innocent:

I've spent most of my time working as a quality control manager for adhesive companies or adhesive tape manufacturers. I specialized in trouble shooting quality defects in ether manufacturing or application in the field. I was also an EPA, OSHA, ISO officer.

I enjoy Historical reenacting the 16th, 18th, 19th century. I have been part of artillery groups in those centuries. I also collect or make hand tools used in woodworking, blacksmithing and timber framing representative to those centuries. I'm getting to know our local primitive camping group and have been invited to camp.

Currently I'm working on opening a working 19th century printing office and museum in WV. I am am also involved in the promotion and preservation of our town's buildings and heritage.

Now I find myself along with my wife researching and doing things that increase our self sufficiency. Needless to say, this forum has been a great source for new information as well as reenforcing what we already knew. Like a lot of things in our lives, my wife and I are looking to the future with the past in mind. We are trying to reduce our dependency on others for day to day needs. If we can grow it, make it, build it or improvise it. We will be better prepared to deal with an emergence. We are

I want to continue our study and doing on wild edibles, gardening, and hunting. Another important thing is to get involved with local CERTS and community. I want to know who is around me if an emergency happens. Like any cross section of society we have those who are helpers, those who need help, those who run, and those who take.

So much to learn and do.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Amy

Rick, I thought you must be younger. Your wife is lucky. You speak of her in great terms!

---

I'm only 30. I started my career when I was really, really young. Here's a picture of me holding one of my first staff meetings.

http://thelavertys.com/mckenna/mcken...ff_meeting.jpg

As for my wife. She wrote that thing about the angel.

My EDIT job is unbelievable, I'll try to sum it up by first telling you about the folks I work with:

First there is the supermodel wanna be chick. I'll give her credit she if pretty EDIT hot. But She's constantly fixing her hair or putting on make up. She is extremely self-centered and never considers the needs/want/desires of anyone but herself. She is as dumb as a box of rocks, I'm surprised she has enough brain power to continue to breath. She must EDITa mean EDIT, because the boss keeps her around.

The next chick is exactly the opposite. She is probably one of the smartest person on the planet. He career opportunities are endless, yet she is here with us. She is like a -10 on a scale of 1 to 10. I'm not sure she even showers, much less shaves her 'womanly' parts. I think she is a lesbian, every time we drive by a Home Depot she moans like she is EDIT her pants.

Finally and the jewel of the crowd is a EDIT stoner. I'm not talking like an occasional toker. This guy is baked before he comes to work, during work and I'm sure after work. I would doubt that he has been 'sober' in the last 10 years easily. And he's only 22. He dresses like a freakin' beatnik throwback from the 1960's. To make it worse he brings his big EDIT dog to work. Every EDIT day I have to look at this HUGE EDIT DOG!! This thing usually walks around about 1/2 stoned from the 2nd hand smoke. Hell, sometimes I even think its trying to talk with its constant bellowing. Both of them are constantly hungry, require multiple stops at McDonalds and Burger King.

Anyways, I drive these EDITtards around in my van and we solve mysteries and stuff.

I tried to clean it up. Remove if inappropriate. I work as a Registered Nurse - ICU.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by crashdive123

I know some freak out when I tell them, but I kill things for a living.

---

and youve got some professional gooddies to do it with crashdive.

I also built frame homes and log cabins,i have worked as a const. foreman, i have worked in civil utilities planning,and other planning and develpoment jobs one worthy of mention is a presb. church compound and youth campground. now i install disaster protection devices in homes and buisnesses.(tornado bunkers ect...)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Boker

My EDIT job is unbelievable, I'll try to sum it up by first telling you about the folks I work with:

First there is the supermodel wanna be chick. I'll give her credit she if pretty EDIT hot. But She's constantly fixing her hair or putting on make up. She is extremely self-centered and never considers the needs/want/desires of anyone but herself. She is as dumb as a box of rocks, I'm surprised she has enough brain power to continue to breath. She must EDITa mean EDIT, because the boss keeps her around.

The next chick is exactly the opposite. She is probably one of the smartest person on the planet. He career opportunities are endless, yet she is here with us. She is like a -10 on a scale of 1 to 10. I'm not sure she even showers, much less shaves her 'womanly' parts. I think she is a lesbian, every time we drive by a Home Depot she moans like she is EDIT her pants.

Finally and the jewel of the crowd is a EDIT stoner. I'm not talking like an occasional toker. This guy is baked before he comes to work, during work and I'm sure after work. I would doubt that he has been 'sober' in the last 10 years easily. And he's only 22. He dresses like a freakin' beatnik throwback from the 1960's. To make it worse he brings his big EDIT dog to work. Every EDIT day I have to look at this HUGE EDIT DOG!! This thing usually walks around about 1/2 stoned from the 2nd hand smoke. Hell, sometimes I even think its trying to talk with its constant bellowing. Both of them are constantly hungry, require multiple stops at McDonalds and Burger King.

Anyways, I drive these EDITtards around in my van and we solve mysteries and stuff.

I tried to clean it up. Remove if inappropriate. I work as a Registered Nurse - ICU.

---

That was so motherEDITing funny I think I EDIT myself I was EDITing laughing so EDITing hard when I finally got to the EDITing end of it. I honestly had no EDITing clue what you were talking about until you got to the EDITing part about driving the EDITtards around in the EDITing van. Guess I shouldn't have smoked my EDITing breakfast this EDITing morning, huh? (and yes, with the exception of replacing **** with EDIT, I really do talk that way. The chaplain stood gaping at me openmouthed in the motor pool one day, listening to me talk to an E-4. I turn around and see like 4 or 5 GI's just grinning standing with him. I'm all "What the EDIT? Why's every EDITing body staring at me? What the EDIT did I do now?" That's when the chaplain told me that he counted 134 EDIT's in 120 seconds of speech from me. My response? "That's EDITing all? I'll have to try EDITing harder next time, sir."

you should send that to jay leno

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Boker

My EDIT job is unbelievable, I'll try to sum it up by first telling you about the folks I work with:

First there is the supermodel wanna be chick. I'll give her credit she if pretty EDIT hot. But She's constantly fixing her hair or putting on make up. She is extremely self-centered and never considers the needs/want/desires of anyone but herself. She is as dumb as a box of rocks, I'm surprised she has enough brain power to continue to breath. She must EDITa mean EDIT, because the boss keeps her around.

The next chick is exactly the opposite. She is probably one of the smartest person on the planet. He career opportunities are endless, yet she is here with us. She is like a -10 on a scale of 1 to 10. I'm not sure she even showers, much less shaves her 'womanly' parts. I think she is a lesbian, every time we drive by a Home Depot she moans like she is EDIT her pants.

Finally and the jewel of the crowd is a EDIT stoner. I'm not talking like an occasional toker. This guy is baked before he comes to work, during work and I'm sure after work. I would doubt that he has been 'sober' in the last 10 years easily. And he's only 22. He dresses like a freakin' beatnik throwback from the 1960's. To make it worse he brings his big EDIT dog to work. Every EDIT day I have to look at this HUGE EDIT DOG!! This thing usually walks around about 1/2 stoned from the 2nd hand smoke. Hell, sometimes I even think its trying to talk with its constant bellowing. Both of them are constantly hungry, require multiple stops at McDonalds and Burger King.

Anyways, I drive these EDITtards around in my van and we solve mysteries and stuff.

I tried to clean it up. Remove if inappropriate. I work as a Registered Nurse - ICU.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Alpine_Sapper

That was so motherEDITing funny I think I EDIT myself I was EDITing laughing so EDITing hard when I finally got to the EDITing end of it. I honestly had no EDITing clue what you were talking about until you got to the EDITing part about driving the EDITtards around in the EDITing van. Guess I shouldn't have smoked my EDITing breakfast this EDITing morning, huh? (and yes, with the exception of replacing **** with EDIT, I really do talk that way. The chaplain stood gaping at me openmouthed in the motor pool one day, listening to me talk to an E-4. I turn around and see like 4 or 5 GI's just grinning standing with him. I'm all "What the EDIT? Why's every EDITing body staring at me? What the EDIT did I do now?" That's when the chaplain told me that he counted 134 EDIT's in 120 seconds of speech from me. My response? "That's EDITing all? I'll have to try EDITing harder next time, sir."

---

Just like Sapper, I didn't know What The EDIT you were talking about until the sentence about why the boss keeps the supermodel (supermoderator?) around. Then I re-read the whole thing and laughed so hard I cried. I'm still laughing.........

And Sapper - I understand - everything. :innocent:

After getting out of the Navy, worked for my Dad in his grocery and ice business, but my ex didn't get along with my Mother, so we moved from Florida to Maine. Applied at the shipyard here, 35 years ago and still working. I will say we build some darn fine Destroyers for the United States Navy. Always wished I had worked building houses.

Retired Quality Assurance Engineer in the nuclear engineering and construction industry

and stand by nightlight -----^

Grew up painting and roofing houses in NJ. At 19 joined the USMC and stayed active for awhile, got out and ended up being a safety director at a copper refinery.

Moved down here to Georgia with my first wife and started working in the environmental field.

Owned a printing company for many years, did the pow wow and rendezvous vendor circuit for awhile. Spent a year as a high school acc.I, II, and computer teacher.

Ended up back in the environmental field. Worked up from a tech to project manager, then requested to be a senior tech. and work on remediation systems.

That's what I do now. Went to college to get a BS and found out I HATE offices, office politics, and the pogues that inhabit the office and gossip.

I work alone most times and have grown to be kind of a hermit at work. Working with most of the other employees is a pain in the arse. They talk too much, work not enough, and take too many breaks. I sit there and listen to them talk about their prior sexual conquests, their award winning fights, how they are always right and their supervisors are all dumbarses.

Yeh, I'm the arsehole of the office, just leave me the **** alone and the job will get done.

In High School and College I held down odd jobs to generate enough cash for the next semester. I was a waiter, worked at McD's and QuickTrip. I sold cell phones, worked at a Disney call center, and owned my own Lawncare/Landscaping company.

I had a flash of insight one day while digging a sump in 105 degree heat. The sump had to be 6' deep and at 3' I hit a thick layer of limestone. So while trying to pound through it with a sledge, I decided it might be good to finish my studies afterall, because there was no way I wanted to do that again.

I eventually got an Engineering degree in Computer Science from University of Kansas. Since then I have moved around a lot working in Web Design, then R&D designing a search engine, Internet phone software (SIP), then to a mobile phone company as a DBA and Developer, and finally back in R&D doing data conversion for a pharmacy automation company.

I am currently working on a personal side project for a web based "business" and hopefully within 90 days it will start generating revenue. The idea is to generate enough revenue to be free from having to rely on a company for my income and future.

My current desire is to save up enough cash to buy a decent plot of land, where I would like to be able to sustain my family with farming and livestock. The rest of the land I would like to plant a vineyard on and practice making wine, which I would like to turn into an eventual income. I would like to augment my residence to use solar and wind-power as well as have a high energy efficiency so that I can reduce my need to pay the government for everything. The eventual goal is to only have to pay the bare necessities such as the MANDATORY insurances and the hefty taxes the government thinks we owe them.

I absolutely love the outdoors and the activity of agriculture. I find it extremely rewarding to have such a huge reward from my hard work and I would love to make that my full-time job.

use to be an assistant for a real estate agent. was pretty close to getting my real estate license. been an armored guard for 2 years now.

armored guard sounds like more fun.:tongue_smilie:

I worked as a roughneck on offshore rigs, then a tackwelder in the shipyards and a deckhand on a supply boat. All in Louisiana. Came back home to Florida to frame houses, worked my way into finish trim and finally stair systems in multimillion dollar homes. Right now with the housing crash Im doing any carpentry and painting jobs I can find. Thank God I got out of debt when I was booming.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by amy headrick

armored guard sounds like more fun.:tongue_smilie:

---

haha way more fun! little bit more dangerous but the steady paycheck and being outside is worth it.

So, tell the truth, do you ever sneak up behind your partner and yell, "Gun!"

"I got you good that time. You should have seen the look on your face. LOL. Oh, man. You peed yourself."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rick

So, tell the truth, do you ever sneak up behind your partner and yell, "Gun!"

"I got you good that time. You should have seen the look on your face. LOL. Oh, man. You peed yourself."

---

I'm sure tonester can set us straight on this, but I think the deal in that business is you get two for free and then on the third one, your partner shoots you....

There are just a LOT of jobs I'd be no good at. I'd just have way too much fun at other's expense. Bomb disposal, funeral home, parachute packer. Just no good I tell ya.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rick

So, tell the truth, do you ever sneak up behind your partner and yell, "Gun!"

"I got you good that time. You should have seen the look on your face. LOL. Oh, man. You peed yourself."

---

lol. something like that, the only time we really do that is when your partner starts to dose off...sneak up behind them then clap your hands as loud as you can or yell at the top of your lungs right by their ear, that will make them think twice the next time they think they are getting tired.

another good one is hiding something smelly and rotten in someone elses truck...good stuff haha.

I did that once when I worked outside. Once. They got even with me. They put a live snake in mine. Have you ever seen a snake drive a truck? It did a pretty good job what with no arms and all. I know. I was running along side the truck for a moment trying to get my balance. You know, the first step is great. The second and third aren't too bad. When you step out at 50 MPH those first three steps cover a lot of ground. After that, they sort of catch up with you.

WOW I'm ashamed of what I do for a living now. I'm outta my league. After spending almost 20 years in the army. ( early out due to slick willie C down sizing the military) Last 4 airborne/air assault with the 101st. at Campbell. ( Among other things) Worked private security (personal protection) now i drive an 18 wheeler for the local bread Co.
Like I said outta my league here.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by oldsoilder

WOW I'm ashamed of what I do for a living now. I'm outta my league. After spending almost 20 years in the army. ( early out due to slick willie C down sizing the military) Last 4 airborne/air assault with the 101st. at Campbell. ( Among other things) Worked private security (personal protection) now i drive an 18 wheeler for the local bread Co.
Like I said outta my league here.

---

Ain't nothing wrong with hard work and an honest living.