Bob the Job Hunter

[BobBurnes]

I'll be leaving active duty service in October and I can't help but feel like the world is wide open. I've had two really cool careers, one that's really burned me out, but cool none the less and the other was awesome, but very life consuming.

I want to explore some new options but since I've only known law enforcement and military, I've come to the tribe for some new, fresh ideas.

So, with that said, "I've got a few questions and I want them answered."

1. What do you do?
2. Why did you choose that?
3. Do you enjoy it?
4. What are the high points?
5. What are the low points?

Please leave out personality conflicts with co-workers or bosses. I've learned that no matter were you go or how high up you climb-there's a bunghole or two...maybe a few million.

I'd appreciate your feedback. Remember to speak clearly into the microphone.

Cheers, STR!

[2wheel_lee]

I'm surprised this thread hasn't seen more action.

Currently, I work as a technical writer, but I don't really consider myself as a writer. But before this, I've enjoyed many very exciting jobs, such as being the competition director for an international sanctioning body for jet ski racing; I was a magazine editor for a jet ski magazine and the managing editor for a short-lived dirt bike magazine for a very large publishing company; I was a product specialist wearing many hats for a home and car audio manufacturer; and I had my own car audio business for a number of years.

I've enjoyed each one of my jobs, but the best part is that each job - although very diverse - has contributed to the next. Although it's often easier said than done, I think it's very important to find enjoyment in what you do - whether it's the actual task at hand, or the environment. And know when it's time to move onward or upward.

I get my greatest satisfaction in my jobs from learning. Once there is no more for me to learn, I tend to want to move on.

All of my jobs have been found by accident through networking. And so, Bob, I'm sure you'll have no problem moving into something you really enjoy. The only limiting factor you may find is your location in Vegas - but even that has many pluses.

I'm sorry that I didn't answer your questions specifically, but hopefully I offered some useful information.

[bighit8]

I to was in the Military. I had alot of odd jobs, constuction ect.I started changin oil at a Jiffy lube, went to school to become a Mechanic. I did that for about 14 years, 8 of them working for Mercedes Benz, but got burned on turning wrenches.By net working I now am in the Auto Auction Business still work with cars but no longer fix them, and exploring the idea of opening a detail shop for Auction cars.There is the possibility of doing 3000 cars a week.I went to school for awhile to give a go at wildlife Bio, still have an interest, but got to fit it in somehow.Just my story.

[Fired Yo Momma]

Allright cool thread. I wish I would have asked questions like this when I first investigating on what I wanted to do as a career. We still need to discuss those green things though

1. What do you do?
I am Electrical Engineer, specifically testing specs and writing test automation programs
2. Why did you choose that?
Technology has always had my interest even as a little kid. I wanted a job that I did not have to physically work hard in.
3. Do you enjoy it?
Not anymore, but I do think that is just more the company that I work at
4. What are the high points?
My paycheck, and working depending on company with some very very smart people.
5. What are the low points?
Too many to say but like I said before its more of the company I work for. I guess I could say that if your working on a hot project and millions of dollars are riding on your test results, then I would say long hours and work stress. Work stress in the way that you pray your not the guy that drops the ball so that the time when you put in major hours. Traveling as well

[Trizz]

Man i feel for you, i was active for 4 years, and 2 years in the guard, just recently got out, and boy do i miss it every day, (these damm civilian's with out a clue)

anyways to answer your questions

1. What do you do?
I work as a Technical Advisor in a Dental Lab
2. Why did you choose that?
It kinda chose me, i know the owner, helped me out when i got out of the Army
3. Do you enjoy it?
yes i do enjoy it, i love working with my hand and getting a little dirty
4. What are the high points?
High points are that my hours are the same everyday, not alot of problems
5. What are the low points?
Low points, its really repetitive gets kinda old.

but on a good note, im also a full time student using my GI bill.

[queenwilhelmina]

Cool, these are fun!

1. What do you do?

Sales administration for FedEx. I work with a lot of numbers, deadlines, reports, and MS Excel is my favorite program (or most used at least).

2. Why did you choose that?

I didn't like my previous job, so I researched a bunch of Fortune 100 companies and applied at FedEx - and got the job

3. Do you enjoy it?

Most of the time.

4. What are the high points?

Cool boss, great co-workers, awesome company to work for, low-mid stress level, great benefits and perks (tuition reimbursement!), job security, nice salary and bonuses, close to home, close to school. Man, I got it made!

5. What are the low points?

Sometimes I get bored sitting at a desk all day. And I wish my office was a little bigger and had a window. Having no natural light makes me sleepy sometimes so I drink too much coffee.

It would be nice if everyone could "do what they love," but sometimes that's not realistic. I've found that I am a lot happier when I like my environment and co-workers, and work for a stable, organized, and fair company.

I also highly suggest researching Fortune 100 companies. People stay at these companies for a long time, and for good reasons.

[Rockinthecasbah]

1. What do you do? Manage three buildings full of exotic reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds and raptors. Also teach school children at a nature program ran by the OC school district. www.insidetheoutdoors.org
2. Why did you choose that? For right now it is what i have experience in and it is alot more kicked back working for a non-profit
3. Do you enjoy it? YEAH pretty much if it wasnt for weekends i would say im pretty stable there
4. What are the high points? Kicked back, I get to play with hawks,owls, eagles, rattlesnakes,opossums, and play mr smart guy adviser to everyone that teaches. Also I few days a week while teachign i get paied to walk around irvine regonal park, take kids to the zoo, and squirt kids in the face with water.
5. What are the low points? Working almost every weekend sucks. Also some kids are horrible, I'd prob get along great with them outside of a schoolastic situation because they are alot like me but some kids are just looking to battle with you all day.

[Kid A]

i get paid to snowboard and mtn bike. my sponsors give me free gear and jet me all over the globe to rip it up and pose for pics with all the local honeys. sometimes i get a bit bored but it pays the bills (oh, was i dreaming again

j/k just a desk jockey working for the man. hope u find out what u want to be when you grow up as i'm still looking myself

[bighit8]

Hey, what are the odds I can come and Play with them birds and reptiles?

[Rockinthecasbah]

Wow thats what i do too and then i wake up and sigh

Originally Posted by Kid A

i get paid to snowboard and mtn bike. my sponsors give me free gear and jet me all over the globe to rip it up and pose for pics with all the local honeys. sometimes i get a bit bored but it pays the bills (oh, was i dreaming again

j/k just a desk jockey working for the man. hope u find out what u want to be when you grow up as i'm still looking myself

[El Salt]

1. What do you do?

Work as part of an “IT” department for a multi-billion dollar investment management company in Century City.

2. Why did you choose that?

Hum, did not choose it. Sort of a lateral move – what I was doing was drying up, and I had an “in” into this sort of work. Took it because I needed to work.

3. Do you enjoy it?

In one word, no. In fact, I just got home, and as usual I’m working on my resume and checking for leads. Maybe doing this sort of job for a different (kind?) company, but otherwise I say stay away.

4. What are the high points?

The money. Hands down. What ever I end up doing, I know I will get paid less, but I don’t care. Other than that, the commute. It is very close to home.

5. What are the low points?

Well, honestly, the biggie is my manager. I’m currently on my third, and worst boss. Some how I managed to make it 7 years at this place, but now, the newest boss is such an a$$. I dread each morning when the alarm goes off.

I know my post sounds like a joke, or a little over the top, but it is not. TRY NOT TO ONLY TAKE A JOB BECAUSE YOU NEED THE JOB, FIND SOMETHING THAT YOU WANT TO DO, AND PERSUE IT.

[Fired Yo Momma]

I feel your pain El Salt. I sometimes sit in my car for 5 to ten mins before going into the office. Hey it could be worse I could be out of a job and making no money at all

[Evil Chocula]

1. What do you do?
Financial Planning
2. Why did you choose that?
Top three highest paid professions in the country, investing is cool
3. Do you enjoy it?
Love it.
4. What are the high points?
Help people, mucho time off, $, very exciting and never boring
5. What are the low points?
The people your helping are ussaully already rich, legal/compliance reporting is a b!tch, and the fist three years in the business is brutal.

[DBD]

Other then time in the service I have held two jobs that lasted 5+ years. Well three but I will answer these questions for two of 'em.

1. What do you do?
Job 1 - Personal Trainer - 18yrs
Job 2 - Veterinary Technician, X-ray and SX tech at the same place - 11yrs

2. Why did you choose that?
Job 1 - Allowed time to stay in shape, VERY relaxed atmosphere and I made my own hours, got to hang out with some great lookin' women good pay, made a few peoples life's better.

Job 2 - I became fed up working with stupid people, I like working with animals, relaxed environment, could ride to work and NOT worry about a shower, being able to take my own x-rays after a serious crash was a plus, I love helping out in surgery and got to use some pretty cool instruments

3. Do you enjoy it?
Job 1 - yes until the stupid people pushed my last button.

Job 2 - Yes, only left because I now raise my kids.

4. What are the high points?
Job 1 & 2 see answers to question #2

5. What are the low points?
Job 1 - Having to listen to people whine about how horrible life is and how there is nothing they can do about it. Listening to why she left her husband or why he left his wife. The worst part of all (if you get offended easily do not read)
having a women who is not very clean sit in front of you on the abductor machine, start to do the exercise and then feeling like you are being smacked in the face from 5 feet away with a tuna, then losing said client after politely explaining to them they should possibly visit the OBGYN

Job 2 - Slow time. When no animals are in for sx, and there is nothing to do it can get boring, getting bit through the lip by a dog because the Dr was in a hurry to check the anal glands of the dog

[SAR_boats]

1. What do you do?

Diesel Mechanic, Weldor, Fabricator

2. Why did you choose that?

Everything I specialized in while I was in the Navy wasn't hiring:
Too many applicants for Fire Dept, Civilian SAR is primarily volunteer Sherriff Deputies, Takes too long to get into the Longshoreman/Rigger's Union.

So my hobbies during my off-hours while on ship (Machining, Welding, Diesel Boat Mechanic) became my career

3. Do you enjoy it?

Yes and no.

4. What are the high points?

I work for a fantastic company that pays well. Being challenged with a problem and having to figure it out. I love taking raw materials (Steel, Aluminim) and bending, shaping and making something out of it. Company truck. Working outside

5. What are the low points?

Grease (up to the elbows sometimes), Oil changes(boring)

[bighit8]

Originally Posted by SAR_boats

1. What do you do?

Diesel Mechanic, Weldor, Fabricator

2. Why did you choose that?

Everything I specialized in while I was in the Navy wasn't hiring:
Too many applicants for Fire Dept, Civilian SAR is primarily volunteer Sherriff Deputies, Takes too long to get into the Longshoreman/Rigger's Union.

So my hobbies during my off-hours while on ship (Machining, Welding, Diesel Boat Mechanic) became my career

3. Do you enjoy it?

Yes and no.

4. What are the high points?

I work for a fantastic company that pays well. Being challenged with a problem and having to figure it out. I love taking raw materials (Steel, Aluminim) and bending, shaping and making something out of it. Company truck. Working outside

5. What are the low points?

Grease (up to the elbows sometimes), Oil changes(boring)

I love to weld, such an art. Tig especially.

[Zippy]

I just switched jobs because I'm a full-time student and needed a Summer only job. I'll answer for what I did before I went back to school and for my Summer job.
1. What do you do?

1- Was-Paramedic (both on an Ambulance and for a major metropolitan FD)
2- Now-State Park Ocean Lifeguard (Woo!)

2. Why did you choose that?

1-Started as an Emergency Medical Techincian and wanted to know more about medicine, Paramedic was the next logical step.
2-Needed a Summer job while going to school and had a swimming and medical background

3. Do you enjoy it?

1-Yes
2-HELL YES!!

4. What are the high points?

Both-Cool people to work with (mostly), the gratitude from people whose life you just saved. People think you're cool for doing it, adrenaline RUSH when sh!t hits the fan, cool benefits (monetary and fringe), girls like a man in uniform. When I get a break...I'm at the BEACH!

5. What are the low points?

Both-long hours, chance you might get killed doing it, people abusing the 911 system/not listening to you when their life is in danger (why can't I swim in the rip current?), nepotism, treatment when you're a "boot" or a "rookie", working holidays, missing major life events of friends and loved ones thanks to work, working in inclement weather. You get the picture.

Kind of lame since you've worked in Public Safety, but both careers are very rewarding. I'd still be doing it, but som many of my friends have been permanently injured, I decided I needed a career where that won't happen; so I'm getting my B.S. and gonna be applying to Physician's Assistant School. Good luck!