Bob the Job Hunter

[Alex]

1. What do you do?
I tutor in mathematics, both publicly and privately:
publicly: At RCC, I work at their math lab (open help for any RCC students)
privately: On the side, one-on-one or in a group

2. Why did you choose that?
I'm doing particularly good in math, and it's a good way to stay current, even if I'm not taking math during a semester.

3. Do you enjoy it?
I do! I would have never had thought I could teach in any way, but I guess I'm doing OK, since the school wants me back.
I like one-on-one tutoring also.

4. What are the high points?
Tutoring at the school is fairly laid back, when it's not crazy.


5. What are the low points?
Pay, and the limitation of hours.


BobBurnes, thanks for posting this thread! I always wondered what fellow STR riders do for a job/career, but I never really thought about asking. It gives me some more ideas for the future...

I interested in some more!

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Bob, you're a good people person, so the networking you do here or even at the races could pay off some time - you never know. Do you want to know how I made contact with my current job?

Well, so there I was...talking to a beautiful woman at a bar in Ensenada, Mexico. Seriously. We were both working the Baja 1000 for SCORE International. While chatting, I asked her what she did. As she explained, I was thinking that my current job at that time was scheduled to end in a couple months, and I thought what she did sounded interesting. She said they were hiring. I sent in my resume, and I was employed at the company two months later. My point to this is that networking happens everywhere all the time. I've since referred several people who I met via networking who were hired there.

Cheers, Lee!

That's a great opening by the way! "So there I was in Mexico..."

Since you mentioned it, and it's a great idea, is anybody in here interested in hiring an award winning veteran USAF Airman?

Keep the info coming folks! This has really helped me see a broader horizon!

[Wrecker]

1. What do you do? RN, currently working pre-op/recovery at a local hospital

2. Why did you choose that? I love helping people and volunteering at the shelter didn't pay enough

3. Do you enjoy it? There are good and bad aspects to all that we do in life. One benefit is that there is a shortage and many opportunities in different fields. But, the major one is when you are able to touch someone's life in a positive way.

4. What are the high points? Several opportunities; a shortage means you pretty much get to start in the department you want to try, and there are several departments; helping people; 3 day work weeks (full-time); you can get a job all over the world (shortage isn't just here); traveling nurse opportunities; with experience, you can expand and work in medical device companies, drug cos, etc; some "weekend only positions" where you work your full time commitment by working Sat/Sun or Fri/ Sat--the rest of the week off; overtime potential; earning potential is really dependent on how much you want to work (3 day work weeks, per-diem potentials, or 2 day/wk part time work); collaboration on patient care...and more that my tired little brain can't think of right now

5. What are the low points? Doctors Hard to find a job that doesn't require weekends; must work holidays; people don't always think of you shoving something into their orifice as you helping them; for every thank you that you get, there are several others that you don't (or worse, act out against you); 12 hours really is a long time; shortage--staffing isn't always optimal, don't always get your brakes; physical work, back injuries; overtime isn't always an option--you can't abandon patients; aggressive behavior can be directed at you

I've worked ICU, home health and now pre-post op.

Home health is probably my fave because it is what I feel is the core of nursing--getting to know your patients, patient teaching, one on one patient care, developing care plans, and working with MDs to get the patient's needs met. Downside is that you often have to fight to get the patient what they need.

ICU was interesting and stressful. There is nothing like knowing everything about your patient, including the depth of their breath, then trying to control it all. And, there is absolutely NOTHING like performing ACLS/CPR and saving a life.

[spookydave]

Originally Posted by BobBurnes

Since you mentioned it, and it's a great idea, is anybody in here interested in hiring an award winning veteran USAF Airman?

I have found that hiring a good American is not easy to do. What type of work are you looking for? A clean hands or dirty hands job? lol

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by spookydave

I have found that hiring a good American is not easy to do. What type of work are you looking for? A clean hands or dirty hands job? lol

Well, that's why I started this thread. I wanted to see if there was anything out there that peaks my interest. I'm sorry to hear about your troubles in hiring a good American.

As for clean or dirty-I've done both and I like it. The biggest thing to me is challange. I love to be stressed out, I like pressure, I enjoy it when things are on the line. That's when I shine the most.

I get pretty depressed when I'm confined to a corner and I'm playing a supporting role though. I'll still do the job, but it won't be as rewarding and I'm not as likely to continue that work.

I'm very interested in a career and not a temp job that I'll do for a couple of years.

[Burner]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

so there I was...talking to a beautiful woman at a bar in Ensenada, Mexico ... and I was employed at the company two months later.

Bob, sounds like you need to get to mexico and start hitting the bars and talking to beautiful women until you find your next job.

[g-dub]

1. What do you do? Aerospace Engineer

2. Why did you choose that? Too much "Star Trek" as a kid; good at math, but not sadistic enough to work at a hedge fund or i-bank.

3. Do you enjoy it? Looking back, absolutely. I've not always felt that way in the thick of things...

4. What are the high points? Bolting my stuff into Space Shuttle Discovery and sending it into orbit. (Union rules forbade me from actually getting to wrench on the vehicle, so I had to stand behind the mechanics and watch. Still cool though.)

5. What are the low points? Drawing revisions.

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by Burner

Bob, sounds like you need to get to mexico and start hitting the bars and talking to beautiful women until you find your next job.

Jee...the things I'll do for the future of my family.

[mtnbikej]

1. What do you do?
I am a AWS Certified Welding Inspector specializing in structural steel inspection on state run buildings....IE: schools

2. Why did you choose that?
I didn't really choose it.....it chose me. Followed my dad and 2 uncles.

3. Do you enjoy it?
Do I enjoy it.....not really. After 12 years I am pretty bored with it.

4. What are the high points?
I cannot argue the money....that is what keeps me doing it. For the very little acutal work I do, I am paid very well for it.

Partially the work hours. I am usually home by 2- 2:30pm

5. What are the low points?
I am always the bad guy. I am the one that tells the welder that what he just spent a bunch of time on is wrong. I get to be the asshole inspector.

The work hours. I usually have to leave the house by 5-5:30 depending on where I have to be.

Location.....I work anywhere from the Valley to the IE to the OC.

[spookydave]

1. What do you do? Work for myself. I have a local hose and fitting shop / machine shop for the motorsports ind. My wife does the books and helps on weekends. I do everything else from screw machine work to sales. I'm to busy at this point and am on the edge of getting some help.

2. Why did you choose that? I had a cush job before. I was way over paid and way under worked. And you know what? After a few years it just sucked. I was bored stiff. This keeps me involved in motorsports and out from behind the wheel.

3. Do you enjoy it? Yeah I dig it. Working for yourself is not for everyone. I would say it's not for most as it's freakin hard.

4. What are the high points? Well lately it's been really taking off and that's pretty cool. I hate to jinks myself though.
I've had a few of my childhood heros come over to get parts I make and that's a bitchin feeling. Just so you know, old Blown Fuel Flatbottom racers seem to like Bonneville. And they still run nitro. lol
I get to help some people build their dream project. It can be pretty rewarding at times.
5. What are the low points? The start up pains. I've missed out on a lot of ride time too.
Collecting money from dead beats is always a bummer.


I think soon I'll need to find some shop help (dirty hands) and some sales / marketing type help (clean hands).

[spookydave]

Originally Posted by BobBurnes

Well, that's why I started this thread. I wanted to see if there was anything out there that peaks my interest. I'm sorry to hear about your troubles in hiring a good American.

As for clean or dirty-I've done both and I like it. The biggest thing to me is challange. I love to be stressed out, I like pressure, I enjoy it when things are on the line. That's when I shine the most.

I get pretty depressed when I'm confined to a corner and I'm playing a supporting role though. I'll still do the job, but it won't be as rewarding and I'm not as likely to continue that work.

I'm very interested in a career and not a temp job that I'll do for a couple of years.

You sound like you could be a good sales guy. And that's were the money is if you're good at it.

[TrailJesus]

Originally Posted by spookydave

I think soon I'll need to find some shop help (dirty hands) and some sales / marketing type help (clean hands).

Shop help? I took a machining class at OCC. Just wondering what kind of help you need. I could use any little extra money right now. Partying costs a lot of money . I pretty much play with spiders and mud at my current job and have been getting dirty at most of my past jobs so it wouldn't be a problem. Let me know.

[DBD]

Originally Posted by g-dub

4. What are the high points? Bolting my stuff into Space Shuttle Discovery and sending it into orbit. (Union rules forbade me from actually getting to wrench on the vehicle, so I had to stand behind the mechanics and watch. Still cool though.)

5. What are the low points? Drawing revisions.

So you work with my wife 'eh? She went to KSC for this launch. I need to go watch it, had to record it because the kids watch all the launches and since this one was at 23:00 our time they were asleep.

[ohyeah89]

1. What do you do?
a) Chemist for a year at an analytical lab
b) Now currently a Water Biologist for the City of LA

2. Why did you choose that?
a) I had no idea what I wanted to do when I graduated from college, thought maybe I wanted to be a criminalist and needed lab experience so I took forensic classes and the first job I interviewed for (don't do that!)
b) Like others have said, it kind of chose me. I knew for sure I wanted to work for government in some capacity and I didn't want to pay for grad school myself. I had applied for it when I was still in college and was hating my job at the private lab when the offer came in.

3. Do you enjoy it?
a) I really loved learning and exceling in an area I have always sucked in (chemistry). However, I did find out that working in the private industry is not for me.
b) I LOVE it! It is the perfect mix of field work (being on the lakes, at the rivers/creeks, getting to wear jeans and hiking boots to work), office work (getting to goof around on STR, LOL), and meetings/conferences (getting to learn from others and sharing my knowledge). I do have some downtime but that just means I can just get absorbed in new and interesting topics.

4. What are the high points?
a) Learning more chemisty than ALL my years in college and high school and finding out I really enjoy it! Discovering I excel at efficient lab practices and challenges. Did I mention learning? It was amazing how much I learned in mere months, chemistry really comes alive when you're doing it and not just being lectured to about it.
b) Being a city employee. The benefits are great, I couldn't ask for better pay, and a 9/80 schedule. I much prefer to be a Generalist than a Specialist and in my current group I am not forced to remain focused on a narrow subject but am allowed to explore a variety of subjects. Great networking opportunities, I could advance pretty far if I want to work for it.

5. What are the low points?
a) THE PAY! I was making dirt. That is the nature of the private industry in chemistry, however. If you like very fast paced, high stress work than working at a private lab is much better than working at a public facility, you will NEVER be bored. However, you WILL be overworked, most likely underpaid and the expectations are very high. Making money was the bottom line. I would rather work for a greater good like the environment/public safety, etc.
b) LA TRAFFIC!!!!!!! Also, I feel kind of stuck here since it IS such a fantastic job, I'd be a fool to try to find another but I do not want to live in LA for the rest of my life. When I want to advance, other positions in the city may not have the variety of my current job and I could NOT just work at a desk all day. Lastly, what if I still want to become a criminalist? I know it's never too late but I will have to take a pay cut (start over) and what if I decide forensics is not for me afterall?

Haha, is this detailed enough? LOL JK! Good luck and hope these posts help in your decision =)

[sdyeti]

Wow...that sounds pretty cool! I was a bio major in college (even though I teach HS chem now)...

Originally Posted by ohyeah89

1. What do you do?
b) Now currently a Water Biologist for the City of LA

[BobBurnes]

Originally Posted by ohyeah89

1. What do you do?
a) Chemist for a year at an analytical lab
b) Now currently a Water Biologist for the City of LA

2. Why did you choose that?
a) I had no idea what I wanted to do when I graduated from college, thought maybe I wanted to be a criminalist and needed lab experience so I took forensic classes and the first job I interviewed for (don't do that!)
b) Like others have said, it kind of chose me. I knew for sure I wanted to work for government in some capacity and I didn't want to pay for grad school myself. I had applied for it when I was still in college and was hating my job at the private lab when the offer came in.

3. Do you enjoy it?
a) I really loved learning and exceling in an area I have always sucked in (chemistry). However, I did find out that working in the private industry is not for me.
b) I LOVE it! It is the perfect mix of field work (being on the lakes, at the rivers/creeks, getting to wear jeans and hiking boots to work), office work (getting to goof around on STR, LOL), and meetings/conferences (getting to learn from others and sharing my knowledge). I do have some downtime but that just means I can just get absorbed in new and interesting topics.

4. What are the high points?
a) Learning more chemisty than ALL my years in college and high school and finding out I really enjoy it! Discovering I excel at efficient lab practices and challenges. Did I mention learning? It was amazing how much I learned in mere months, chemistry really comes alive when you're doing it and not just being lectured to about it.
b) Being a city employee. The benefits are great, I couldn't ask for better pay, and a 9/80 schedule. I much prefer to be a Generalist than a Specialist and in my current group I am not forced to remain focused on a narrow subject but am allowed to explore a variety of subjects. Great networking opportunities, I could advance pretty far if I want to work for it.

5. What are the low points?
a) THE PAY! I was making dirt. That is the nature of the private industry in chemistry, however. If you like very fast paced, high stress work than working at a private lab is much better than working at a public facility, you will NEVER be bored. However, you WILL be overworked, most likely underpaid and the expectations are very high. Making money was the bottom line. I would rather work for a greater good like the environment/public safety, etc.
b) LA TRAFFIC!!!!!!! Also, I feel kind of stuck here since it IS such a fantastic job, I'd be a fool to try to find another but I do not want to live in LA for the rest of my life. When I want to advance, other positions in the city may not have the variety of my current job and I could NOT just work at a desk all day. Lastly, what if I still want to become a criminalist? I know it's never too late but I will have to take a pay cut (start over) and what if I decide forensics is not for me afterall?

Haha, is this detailed enough? LOL JK! Good luck and hope these posts help in your decision =)

Forensics is one of the few, if only, office positions that have ever truely interested me. As a cop, I had to follow my evidence from collection to court. I'd make several trips a week to the DOJ FBI labs to follow up on cases and I loved the science that went into processing the evidence!

In fact, the more complicated the case, the more I enjoyed my work.

Thanks for your input!!! You've given me something to think about!

SDyeti! I knew it! I had a feeling you were a teacher of somesort. You're a hero!

Actually, everybody who's shared has given me something to think about. From engineering, aerospace or otherwise, to medical.

Keep it coming, please!

Originally Posted by spookydave

1. What do you do? Work for myself. I have a local hose and fitting shop / machine shop for the motorsports ind. My wife does the books and helps on weekends. I do everything else from screw machine work to sales. I'm to busy at this point and am on the edge of getting some help.

2. Why did you choose that? I had a cush job before. I was way over paid and way under worked. And you know what? After a few years it just sucked. I was bored stiff. This keeps me involved in motorsports and out from behind the wheel.

3. Do you enjoy it? Yeah I dig it. Working for yourself is not for everyone. I would say it's not for most as it's freakin hard.

4. What are the high points? Well lately it's been really taking off and that's pretty cool. I hate to jinks myself though.
I've had a few of my childhood heros come over to get parts I make and that's a bitchin feeling. Just so you know, old Blown Fuel Flatbottom racers seem to like Bonneville. And they still run nitro. lol
I get to help some people build their dream project. It can be pretty rewarding at times.
5. What are the low points? The start up pains. I've missed out on a lot of ride time too.
Collecting money from dead beats is always a bummer.


I think soon I'll need to find some shop help (dirty hands) and some sales / marketing type help (clean hands).

You've got my interest. Who are your projected customers? The racers or the weekend warriors?