what do you do for a living?

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I recently graduated college and looking for some ideas on what kind of job to get. So I wanted you guys to post up what you do for a job so I can get some ideas. Thanks!
 
sitting reading BITOG, watching movies, playing games all night. But seriously -IT operations, night shift, monitoring big gaming statewide system, doing maintenance, troubleshooting, "Engineer's hands" (they might be even in different country) in case something happens. Short term goal to move up to Sys/Network Admin in next 2 years when I get next degree or feel that I'm ready.
 
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I am recently retired from Transit. I had a 32 year career that took care of my family (4 kids) with Medical benefits and gave me the ability to have vacation time as well as family; medical, dental and prescription benefits. I had to work Nights, weekends and holidays for the first few years but after I built up seniority, All was well. You are only limited by your ambition and work ethic. I was ostracized by my friends for going Public service until the last 10 years or so. Now they are pretty screwed as they have to work till at least 70 to collect full SS. I am retired at 55. The transportation industry is tough but at least when you get home at night you know you helped a few thousand people get to where they needed to be to help our economy. They never realize that with out you they are screwed, but it is a very satisfying feeling anyway.
 
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Ummmm, what was your degree in? What you studied in school should guide what job you get in the end. Most of the better jobs would require fairly stringent, dedicated training which would make you know where youre going.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Ummmm, what was your degree in? What you studied in school should guide what job you get in the end. Most of the better jobs would require fairly stringent, dedicated training which would make you know where youre going.


It's a 2 year degree from a community college. Associate of Arts degree. Seems like there isn't much I can get with this. Maybe I could work for snap on or something like that. Some kind of manufacturing job. The degree I have is beside the point. The purpose of this post is for me to get some ideas on what field I could apply for a job in.
 
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After 25 years in the automotive business as a mechanic and shop owner the enjoyment for me was gone. I semi retired for 9 years and went back to school part time and worked a variety of temp and part time jobs while I got a teaching credential.

I now teach mechanical systems and nuclear science at a nuclear power plant. It is not a job for everyone but it is one that I love and it pays better than I ever imagined I could make. Don't tell them but I would do the job for half of what it pays just because I enjoy going to work again.

Amos
 
We have an engine rebuilding shop it has always been very busy but unless you own the property and the shop it does not pay that great and if you are the owner and it gets a little slow that is even worse because you still have to pay the employees and all the other bills.. There are also other down sides to this business..
My wife is a Lawyer and thats not what it is cracked up to be either..
Today it's hard here in NJ being a Plumber, Electrician or other tradesmen are pretty good but you have to look for a company that gives you benefits ( i don't have that) In some of the towns around here being a policeman is good you can make in excess of $150,000 plus all benefits and a pension some make more and some towns pay only half that so you have to do your homework..Good luck keep us posted
 
After graduating from GM's ASAP program I went to work for Saturn as a heavy line tech. Realizing I hate dealerships and was very good at what i did I was offered a job at the GM proving grounds in AZ. While working product development I became more interested in diesels and became a GM master Diesel tech. Later I left GM alltogether and started working for AZ largest ford dealer. Became a master tech and Diesel master tech. Back to the same ol dealership garbage so i started my own shop. I now own the busiest light duty diesel shop in AZ and do a high volume of internet sales. Soon I will be in early retirement, but i can honestly say i have been very happy with each path I have taken. If you love what you do it's not like going to work.

Most people today don't use the degrees they have,but still have those loans to pay back. I feel today GOOD trade schools and programs like I used is the gateway to job security. Education is good but I hire people with the same passion I have and honestly hope one day they will venture out on their own. I like to bring techs into a sales enviroment if they desire and show them the business side aswell. I have many friends with degrees in computer sci ECT and they can't find decent paying jobs.
 
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I have a lot of chemical plants/refineries around where I live. Anyone know anything about these? I wouldn't mind working at one of these. What does it take to get into one of these?
 
It hasn't been easy. I have sounded myself with the right people. many days I wanted to close the doors and work for the man the rest of my life. Great family and friends along with a mentor of my own have gotten me to this point.
 
Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
I have a lot of chemical plants/refineries around where I live. Anyone know anything about these? I wouldn't mind working at one of these. What does it take to get into one of these?


You also have a lot of drilling companies around you. If you know anyone in the engineering side MWD or drilling they maybe able to help you. I have a few friends that work for Crescent Directional Drilling in OK City. MWD makes 300.00 per day, lead directional Driller makes 1,000.00 a day. Just get your foot in the door. usually they hire people that another employee knows

I hope whatever you do you go for it full head of steam and are successful
 
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Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
The degree I have is beside the point. The purpose of this post is for me to get some ideas on what field I could apply for a job in.


You seem to misunderstand how it works. The degree you have has everything to do with what field you can apply for a job in.

Many places wont let you in the door without a 4 year degree. Without it, you may not be viewed as much better than a HS graduate.

Most of the highest paying jobs require a four year degree, and the thing is that the better ones require you to be in a track that either requires you to go to grad school or be heavily engaged in the schooling from freshman year - something you cant do being two years in unless you transfer a few credits and do it all over.

If you want to just go be a wage slave somewhere, then I dont see the benefit of even a two year degree.

If youre interested in being entrepreneurial, then it may matter less, but you still need to learn from a mentor somehow or else have high chance of failing the first few times at least.

So it very much does matter.
 
I've found over the years of being employed/unemployed/underemployed is that you need to be open minded. be willing to start out on the bottom and work hard. don't think anyone owes you anything, too many new grads have an inflated sense of entitlement.
I've worked in auto parts, bicycle shops, home depot, an aircraft wheel and brake shop, various electronic manufacturing companies, countertop fabricator, and car salesman.
be willing to work hard and keep your options open, because the days of working for one company cradle to grave are gone.
 
First career a/c mechanic U.S.Navy. Drove a truck for a few years which led to second career as a driving instructor. Thans to incredible government rules and regs I ended up laid off. It's fun trying to get a job at my age, so I'm thinking about going back to school and becoming a Nurse!
 
Originally Posted By: mpvue
be willing to work hard and keep your options open, because the days of working for one company cradle to grave are gone.


How true! I found that out back in the 70's. Back then very few people I knew went to college. There was still the cradle to grave mentality with a company.

To me, it is not what other people do for a living but what you want to do. I work with disabled men. It does not pay well, but I sleep well at night. There are always a lot of openings if you are interested...
 
Originally Posted By: MONKEYMAN
Originally Posted By: mpvue
be willing to work hard and keep your options open, because the days of working for one company cradle to grave are gone.


How true! I found that out back in the 70's. Back then very few people I knew went to college. There was still the cradle to grave mentality with a company.

To me, it is not what other people do for a living but what you want to do. I work with disabled men. It does not pay well, but I sleep well at night. There are always a lot of openings if you are interested...
That's an interesting field. That may be an idea. Something that helps people and makes you feel like you have a purpose.
 
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