A career poll all about you.

[John Atkinson]

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'.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by John Atkinson

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'.

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

[Jeffrey]

Teacher.

[John Atkinson]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

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

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...

[Pragmatist]

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.

[Sherri]

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

[Hoovie]

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/

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by drummerboy_dave

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.

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.