What's your job?

Reef UP · Nov 29, 2011

Birdee said:
I'm 38 and was medically retired from the USAF in 1998 after a single term... took me a few years to get my disability issues patched up, but I was managing to turn my lemons into lemonade by using my VA benefits to go back to college seeking a dual degree in English Lit. and Language Arts Education (high school English teacher, LOL). However in August I had a neurological episode that has left me with speech and mobility impairment (and I can't drive). I have managed to take online classes to stay in school for the fall semester, but for spring all the necessary classes are face to face only. Not sure how much longer the VA will be willing to give my recovery, and there is a good chance I'll be dropped with less than a year left to complete my degrees.

Husband is law enforcement and essentially I don't HAVE to work, but I'd really like to.
I have an appointment at the Mayo clinic soon... if they can't fix me up I'll probably have to change majors, but I will get a degree (probably just in Lit, and maybe creative writing) one way or another.
I do believe that determination and a love of what you are doing plays an important role in success. But, the only sure thing is that nothing is for sure. LOL :neutral:

One week left of homework/finals... and I sit next to my reef and enjoy it.

Now that is inspiration thanks for sharing!!

jordan3548 · Nov 29, 2011

As weird and odd as this may sound my wife got promoted at her company which forced me to quit working due to our children who are all in school they are 3,4 and 5 I love the time with my kids but I do get bored and yes I do the cooking and cleaning it feels weird but hey gotta do what I gotta do.

GR808 · Nov 30, 2011

Birdee said:
I'm 38 and was medically retired from the USAF in 1998 after a single term... took me a few years to get my disability issues patched up, but I was managing to turn my lemons into lemonade by using my VA benefits to go back to college seeking a dual degree in English Lit. and Language Arts Education (high school English teacher, LOL). However in August I had a neurological episode that has left me with speech and mobility impairment (and I can't drive). I have managed to take online classes to stay in school for the fall semester, but for spring all the necessary classes are face to face only. Not sure how much longer the VA will be willing to give my recovery, and there is a good chance I'll be dropped with less than a year left to complete my degrees.

Husband is law enforcement and essentially I don't HAVE to work, but I'd really like to.
I have an appointment at the Mayo clinic soon... if they can't fix me up I'll probably have to change majors, but I will get a degree (probably just in Lit, and maybe creative writing) one way or another.

I do believe that determination and a love of what you are doing plays an important role in success. But, the only sure thing is that nothing is for sure. LOL :neutral:

One week left of homework/finals... and I sit next to my reef and enjoy it.

thank you for your service and you are truly an inspiration. best of luck to you in all you do..

Reef UP · Nov 30, 2011

Its so great to see the diversity amongst our community here

Devonjevon · Nov 30, 2011

I am 35 year old. Went to the Auburn University and recieved a BA in Radiological Technology and a minor in Chemical engineering. After school in 2000 I decided to join the army to pay off my school loans. After all who is gonna attack America? I was in iraq so fast it made my head spin. I didn't use my degree in the Army , I flew helicopters. After 6 years of flying I returned to Tennessee. I am now a supervisor at a local hospital. Both feet on the ground.

LittleDabOSalt · Dec 2, 2011

Wow didn't expect to see so many LEOs involved in reefing. LOL :) Retired city LEO here after 20+ yrs and now the director of a 911 center serving a smaller community of just over 17,000. Every day is busy and every day a challenge but I usually enjoy it. The hubby, who is also on here from time to time is an automotive painter for a large dealership combined with an automotive restoration shop specializing in classic / vintage vehicle restoration.

bluebastion · Dec 2, 2011

I have probably left the weirdest career path behind:

Went to a Bible College with the intent of going into full time ministry as a Youth Pastor or worker....
While in college joined the Air (Force) National Guard (May 2001... a few months before 9/11)
Graduated college 2004 wanting to become a youth worker overseas in the mission field
First job was at my Air National Guard base as a full time firefighter (that was also my military job/training)
Got married and decided 24 on 24 off shift work was not healthy for a marriage...so... found another job
Started working at Enterprise Rent A Car... fast forward 6 years later and now I'm working in the Vehicle Repair Dept. with a very awesome position!

God is good.

creefer · Dec 2, 2011

Originally Posted by GAtroutbum

Been in construction pretty much all my life; father was a contractor so I was working for him on the weekends, summers, etc when I was in school. Got my civil engineering degree from GA Tech in '93. Didn't like working in the office as a design engineer so I jumped back to the construction side shortly after I graduated. I've been building water / waste water plants in the SE ever since. I'm a senior project manager currently wrapping up a $30m WWTP project in Dothan, AL. Its looking like I'm either starting a $35m project in Baton Rouge, LA in January or heading back to the main office in Atlanta to play estimator for awhile.

Nice to know I'm not alone!

I too am in the construction industry. I've been in the business nearly all my life as well. Currently working as a Senior Estimator for a small ($250M/Yr) self performing GC doing mostly automotive, manufacturing, and R & D type of facilities around the country. As you mention, travel is not as cool as one would think, particularly when you're babysitting, but being locked in the main HQ is not all that great sometimes either. I actually enjoy when I get to play PM for my main clients sometimes. It's nice to be removed from office politics! I must say however my career path was not anywhere near as logical as yours.....I was a Jazz Studies major in college and have studied music all my life.

Sugo · Dec 2, 2011

Material analyst and procurement for an LED company that replaces commercial lighting with LEDs.

AZDesertRat · Dec 2, 2011

I have been in the water/wastewater industry for 37 years, starting out as a well drillers helper on my mothers drilling rig, moving on to a pump company where I assembled, installed and maintained well and booster pumps then to an investor owned water utility serving about 15,000 meters all over Arizona. From there I Supervised 2 different Municipal water utilities for the next 20 years then worked for one of the top 10 water/wastewater/environmental engineering firms in the USA in a Senior position for 6.5 years before the economy bit them. I now work for a major electrical service company serving the water and wastewater industries along with mining, agricultural and any other form of motors, pumps, pumping, treatment and control systems as a senior level account manager.

Water treatment has been my profession fof 37 years. I am trained and certified to operate any type of treatment system there is on the market today. RO and RO/DI are my specialties from 25 GPD home units to as big as 200 MGD.

Aquaph8 · Dec 2, 2011

Iron worker, been building metal buildings for over 12 years now. I dont love it but it treats my family pretty well so thats good enough for me.

snyderusaf · Dec 2, 2011

Active duty Air Force (anaylst) for 5 1/2 years... but getting out in 170 something days and going to UMAINE for Wildlife Ecology and Zoology. Can't wait! Also, going to the National Guard to work on F-16 (Crew Chief)

Troylee · Dec 2, 2011

Birdee said:
I'm 38 and was medically retired from the USAF in 1998 after a single term... took me a few years to get my disability issues patched up, but I was managing to turn my lemons into lemonade by using my VA benefits to go back to college seeking a dual degree in English Lit. and Language Arts Education (high school English teacher, LOL). However in August I had a neurological episode that has left me with speech and mobility impairment (and I can't drive). I have managed to take online classes to stay in school for the fall semester, but for spring all the necessary classes are face to face only. Not sure how much longer the VA will be willing to give my recovery, and there is a good chance I'll be dropped with less than a year left to complete my degrees.

Husband is law enforcement and essentially I don't HAVE to work, but I'd really like to.
I have an appointment at the Mayo clinic soon... if they can't fix me up I'll probably have to change majors, but I will get a degree (probably just in Lit, and maybe creative writing) one way or another.
I do believe that determination and a love of what you are doing plays an important role in success. But, the only sure thing is that nothing is for sure. LOL :neutral:

One week left of homework/finals... and I sit next to my reef and enjoy it.

thank you for your service!!! That's so awesome and such a inspiration... I had the privilege of meeting Dave roever at church on the weekend of ventrans day... What a funny guy and inspiration to all!!!! He is really doing good things for the soldiers returning from war.. Just a down to earth guy with a great story and cause... If you haven't heard of him check out his books or movie scarred.... The both of you are great inspirations... Dave has me in his prayers that I find a job soon.. God bless...1smile1

MAXreefer · Dec 2, 2011

Purser with United Airlines.
Live in Minnesota but work out of Germany.
Commuting for the past 15 years between home and work once a month.
and YES...I still love my job

Dowtish · Dec 2, 2011

Devonjevon said:
I am 35 year old. Went to the Auburn University and recieved a BA in Radiological Technology and a minor in Chemical engineering. After school in 2000 I decided to join the army to pay off my school loans. After all who is gonna attack America? I was in iraq so fast it made my head spin. I didn't use my degree in the Army , I flew helicopters. After 6 years of flying I returned to Tennessee. I am now a supervisor at a local hospital. Both feet on the ground.

War Eagle!

sexycorals · Dec 3, 2011

Own a chain of nail salon in Michigan. And now a professional water changer, coral fragger, and the worlds number one spot feeder. I think..

Troylee · Dec 3, 2011

sexycorals said:
Own a chain of nail salon in Michigan. And now a professional water changer, coral fragger, and the worlds number one spot feeder. I think..

Finally comes out of the closet... Haha

WrasseSandwich · Dec 3, 2011

For the past 2 years I've been an assets protection leader closing out internal & external theft and fraud cases for a retail store, I'm also a full time student at UCF, graduate with my BS in criminal justice in less than 2 weeks!!!

gar732 · Dec 3, 2011

Well the wife calls me a jack of all trades, master of none since I've done a little of everything. I currently pay the bills as an auto body tech. I tried to leave the field a few years ago, I was just tired of it but with the job market the way it is and going from working three jobs to being laid off and having no job at all at one point I decided to go back to it. I'd like to go back to school and make use of my GI bill but I'll have to wait till my kids are a little older.

bige · Dec 3, 2011

Well for the most part I am a stay at home dad. My wife is a hospital executive. My parents retired and sold thier manufacturing company of 50 years to a well known investor. So I work for them. I maintain their farm and crew. I love my crew and job. Kind of hard to live in the shadow of such success but I will be ok.