A career poll all about you.
 

Since, my job of 6 1/2 years was eliminated a month ago due to outsourcing, I am looking at this as a wonderful opportunity to change my career. I am in the process of self evaluation for my interests and skills, but I also thought I'd try for some outside information.

If you don't mind, I would like for your job title and what it is you like and/or dis-like about your job. The training or education required, or anything else you'd like to share. Please, I value your input. You can post here or send in PM if you prefer.

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

trust me, you don't want my job, it really isn't a career anyway. i just thought I would post and answer your question. :)

I am an Acct Rep for a Health Network of close to 40 physicians and 8 practices. I deal with self pay balances and spend most of my day dealing with people, reviewing accts and trying to collect balances due.

I have the wonderful job of telling people they can not see their doctor until their medical bill is paid and sending them to collections. That makes quite a few people mad at me..have had the police involved twice. Not bad considering I have been doing this six years. I file claims with bankruptcy courts, estate filings and handle our charity program as well.

I was trained and no one thought I could be a collector, I was too quiet... boy, didn't take long for me to get the reputation of being the "tough" one, even though I don't reallly like my job, I'm good at it.

Right at $14 hour, it isn't really enough to support a family, :nah but has good benefits and I get a yearly bonus if I meet certain goals. I met them all this year.

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

IT Director for a private school

I work with computers (duh!). I really do like my job and am one notch below Network Administrator simply because that job was contracted out before I started. I work on PC's (and Mac's) all day and while I may complain, it is always ironic that I will come home and do the same things I complained about at work, for fun.

My degree is in computer programming, networking, and computer security. It is a GREAT job if you actually have an interest in computers and are willing to immerse yourself in them at work and outside work, but horrible if it is just something you think about while on the clock.

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

Interestingly, I have a systems analyst on my list to investigate. I like precision and detail and also problem solving. In the last year, I've installed a new sound board and PC, video projectors and software at my church. I also work the website. We're currently adding a video camera, so I've got to get that going so I can upload videos to the site. So, I guess, I could fit in to the tech field.

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

It's a start! Everything begins with an interest. :)

Right now I am trying to use BGP routing (Border Gateway Protocol) to see how we can use two separate ISP's (Internet Service Providers) to access the web at the same time.
If you choose to go into this field be prepared to be immersed in Cisco routers and routine protocols. :) But it IS fun.

And then there is my FAVORITE area: Security! Once you learn even the basics of encryption you will never be able to watch another episode of NCIS with a straight face (where they McGee and Abby say "This is TOUGH encryption! It will take us at least a DAY or TWO to break it!". The correct response would have been "This is TOUGH encryption! It will take us at least two times the age of the Universe to break!". LOL

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

I just became the new Dread Pirate Roberts. :D

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

But seriously, I am a computer geek. (Programmer.)

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

Surely a much more intimidating name then the "Dread Pirate Timmy".

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

Exactly! :lol

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

supervisor: on the job training and common sense are the true requirements, though most have degrees. Fun when you're hiring and everyone loves their jobs. Bad when others cop attitudes, stop doing their jobs correctly, or stop liking work, or when your boss hands down changes or promotes concepts you don't like, because you have to support his/her decisions while still creatively applying them to your staff. Best to be diplomatic and a good peace-maker.

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

Technical write/illustrator/web master and all round programming and graphics guy.

I like the products my co make because it relates to Motion control and robotics and I enjoy the physics of it.. And I used to like working here when we were American owned. morale was great, bonuses were always pretty huge and it was a happy place. Since we got bought out by a french conglomerate, the only certainty is uncertainty. Moral has left the toilet and now resides in the septic tank and we get doodly squat for raises and bonuses.

I have been asked to put on my creative thinking cap and think up new things to do for the second half of the year because my depts workload will mostly be shifted to europe.

To be honest I could deal with a layoff and some months on the unemployment check train to explore some other things. Because I don't much like working here no mo'.

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

Ahhhh, but now you acquired the skill to open a good bottle of Pesssac-Leognant under virtually any condition!

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

Teacher.

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

Or perhaps even four or five.


I had do google it.... my skills as a connoisseur of fine vintages is a bit unpracticed a my palette is pure philistine...

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

Registered Nurse, 4 year Bachelor's program

I hated working in the hospital. Currently I do private duty nursing. I enjoy it, it's stress free the majority of the time, but can be boring. I'm getting paid a lot to not really do much though, so I can't complain.

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

Financial Administrator and Missions Director

The good news: I get to work whatever hours I want, as long as I get the job done. AND - I love the missions trips!!

The bad news: I am volunteer. LOL

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

I am a Certified Chimney Sweep. I love my job. While the traditional thoughts of chimney sweeps doing something dirty and dangerous for a quick buck still are partially true it's a bit more interesting than the title implies. Especially because I am a business owner.

We sweep chimneys, provide inspection reports for home buyers, insurance agents, and on occasion provide expert testimony on cause and origin related to solid fuel chimneys and structural fires. Most chimney sweeps also, repair and replace systems. We reline chimneys, install new stoves and inserts, and when things are slow tackle a tuck-pointing job or two.

While basic familiarity, knowledge, and certification can be obtained in a few months, an apprenticeship is desirable for comprehensive reports. Certification with the Chimney Saftey Institute require ongoing CEUs. I also have three additional certifications from the National Fireplace Institute.

Positives
Won't be "outsourced"
Allows flexibility in hrs
Decent wages
Interesting - you never know if the next job will be at a ten million $ mansion or a humble apartment.
Variety - from physical labor to sales and technical condition reports

Negatives
EPA is tightening regs
Dirty - not like you think, but one must willing to do whatever it takes...
Seasonal - this used to be a big one - income fluctuates because of the "silly season" Sept. 1st through Jan 1st. I have adapted my budget through the years to make this work. Also, having a rather large client base and offering repeat discounts has helped equalize the calls in spring and Summer.
Litigious - The fact is, chimney fires are a leading cause of structural fires and carbon monoxide poisoning kills people. At fault or not the attorneys tend to look for the last guy who touched the fireplace/chimney.


Go here to check out some interesting tutorials on chimney inspections and sweeping http://www.csia.org/

Re: A career poll all about you.
 

I'm the Security Access Coordinator for a local airport. What I like about it is the focus on security and counter terrorism. What I dislike about it is all the paperwork relating to federal regulations and meeting the deadlines set by the ASP and DHS.