What do you do for work?

[ead79]

I'm a marketing assistant for a scientific company. I do enjoy my job, though my particular office has a lot of political situations that I don't enjoy. The variety of work that I get to do really helps keep the job interesting. I write press releases, coordinate marketing campaigns, coordinate all our trade shows, etc. Since I work for a smallish company, I have been fortunate in getting lots of responsibility even though I've only been out of school for a year and a half (and with my current company for 1 year).

I have a BBA degree in Marketing from my state university, and a degree would be a requirement for a marketing job (at least in the Atlanta area it is). Hope this helps!

 

[mrsdon]

I work FT at a fast food place. The pay is extremley good for what I do. I work from 6am-2pm M-F.
My boss is a great guy. The place is a Christian based business so we have a great time. THere is no swearing and I love that. i also am a PT CM at TDS. Ive been working both jobs for about 4 years now and feel really blessed to have 2 such great companies to work for,

 

[DisneyCP2002]

Well my job isn't exactly what you would call dream but it's a job I love. I work 10 hrs a week with children at my church. I keep them during the services and I also keep them on parent's night out. I wouldn't trade it for the world. My other job is a full time student. Working on a degree in Elementrary Education

 

[gshoemate]

Currently I am a stay at home mom who works part time at home for a software firm. They write software for Law Firms (DH is the programmer) and I write reports for clients that request them. Some days it is hard to get motivated but I wouldn't change a thing. In a past life I have been many things, worked at Wal-mart in the Accounting office and Personnel, worked at the former First of America bank (Midwest area) in Research, then Mortgage to End Users. But being a mommy is my favorite job of all.

 

[dturner]

I'm a full time (40 hours a week Monday - Friday - no overtime) Legal Assistant to two Intellectual Property Lawyers. I basically run the office, there are only three of us, two attorneys and me. I like the work, it's pretty interesting to read all the patent applications that come across my desk. Make good money + bonuses, 10 paid days vacation a year along with the usual holidays and 8 sick days per year, health insurance, etc.

Been doing this the last 10 years before that I worked in the mortgage industry. No actual degree but lots of college hours (110+), started in this profession by working for Manpower, Inc. as a temp at Texas Instruments in the legal department (TI trained me), then became permanent and the rest is history.

 

[Otto's Doll]

I am a secretary at our church. I work 9-12 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. My friend works on Wednesday for me, as I am at our DD & DS's school volunteering. Our job sharing has worked out very well for me, and I love working in a Christian environment. Our office follows the kids school calendar, so I don't have to worry about weather delays or closures, or school holidays. I am also paid very well. Having my friend able to work when I can't leaves a lot of flexiblity for sick days, sick kids and vacations. I am truly blessed.

I have a AAS in Computer Programmng, and have also worked at various retail jobs.

 

[JetMom]

I am the director of a nursery school. It is the greatest job in the world. I love going to work every day aand I actually laugh when I get my pay check -- I can't believe that I get paid for doing something that I love so much.

Unfortunately, even after being in the field for 15 years and having risen to the level of director, I do not make the $30,000/yr. that you are looking for.

 

[DocRafiki]

Originally posted by DMickey28
Dawnct... what training do you have to be an occupational nurse?

How about Veterinary technologist or something to that effect?

Can you tell I am all over the place?

Ha! You would be lucky in some areas to make $30,000 as a veterinarian. You'd never make that as a tech. And if you don't like people in crisis situations, you really need to cross that off of your list. Most vet techs are college-aged kids, because after a year or so people realize it's not worth it and move on.

I'm finding this thread really interesting because I, too, am in desperate need of a new career. Someone told me that there are psychologists who specialize in career counseling. Has anyone ever heard of that?

 

[Margie J]

I would imagine a Psychologist could make a good Career Counselor. You must understand people, their motivations, do testing and offer support and suggestions regarding career choices.

Speaking of Career Counseling - DMickey28, have you thought about going to one? Your University should have those services available to Alumni. Call the University and find out.

I happened to go to one a few years ago when I was going through a "what do I do now" phase. I had several careers in mind and couldn't settle on one choice.

Here are some things the Counselor suggested:
- Personality test to determine my strengths and weaknesses. Some personalities are better suited to certain careers and this test helps to narrow down good possible choices.
- Write about the careers you are considering. In my case I was considering Law, Medicine, Physicians Assistant, Vet Medicine, Biotech or stay put. These are very different paths and some would need further education. I was instructed to write down my thoughts and feelings about each one. It was a very enlightening exercise.
- Find a person(s) in the careers I was considering and talk to them, even "shadow" them if possible. This way you find out first hand what is involved, the pros and cons.
- Find out what re-education might be necessary and the costs involved.
- Work a volunteer or part time job in the field you are considering. In the case of Medicine, I did take a volunteer job in a Clinical setting. It could be stressful, emotional, fast paced and gross but I loved it.

 

[jiminy579]

I am first and foremost a mom and wife! Second I am a Creative Memories Consultant. I love it because I make TONS of albums, and was spending a fortune every month. I started to get product at cost, and now get my product for FREE, plus have extra money in the bank from my business! Plus, I work if and whenever I choose to! The cons are........hmmmm, there aren't any cons!!!

 

[KimRaye]

I work P/T for a lawyer in the real estate field. We handle the transaction from contract through closing and, sometimes, beyond.

I just went back about 6 weeks ago after being a SAHM for almost 6 years and, not much has changed except the much higher sales prices!

For me the P/T hours are wonderful! I have a total school schedule, I start when I get there (9am) after dropping the kids off and, I leave at 2:15 to go pick them up. I was off today, school holiday and, my DD has already been sick and, I missed 1-1/2 days for that. My boss is great and, very understanding. So far, it's working for us both!

 

[off2disney]

In the past, I have been a secretary for an ice company (icing produce in railroad cars), typed transcripts for case histories at a family court, been a hostess at a casino restaurant, worked for a state agency studying building codes following Hurricane Camille, and, bartended.

I have managed a small yacht club on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the past 4-1/2 years. I've been in food & beverage and club management for the past 31 years (at 2 clubs) and love it. The pluses are I have a great staff of 10-12 people, we have some wonderful members, I have a great chef that cooks for us, and a panaramic view of the water on the Bay of St. Louis. The down side is I have a new boss every year (and this year's boss is a total jerk)...well, that's about the only down side. I feel fortunate that I make plus $30K a year since I don't have any college, just on-the-job training and experience.

 

[dmslush]

I work in a domestic violence/sexual assault prevention program as a victim's advocate. I do all sorts of neat things, I help victim's get orders of protection against their abusers. I help them re-establish themselves in the community with new housing and jobs. I escort them to court and stand by their side while they are having to get the order of protection.

It's a great job, and I love it. The best part is seeing someone that you have worked so hard for getting out there and succeeding on her own after her spouse told her that she was too 'dumb, lazy, stupid...' to make it alone.

The worst part is that it is emotionally exhausting at times.

 

[house_of_princesses]

Before I was married, I worked as a commercial real estate appraiser. We estimate the value of commercial property. Some of my more interesting reports were on Sea World in CA, TX & OH, a multi-million $$ office building in Seattle and a string of Pizza Huts on the East Coast. Commercail appraising is difficult to get into (or at least it used to be) but residential should be easier to break into.

I enjoyed the job because I travelled (remember, this was commercial), met new people all the time, I did different things day to day. One job was of a manufacturing plant. The original building was built around 100 years ago, and a number of additions had been added. Well, each section of the building had to be appraised separately, yet it was sitting on the same dirt. An interesting job.

I've enjoyed this thread. It looks like I may have to go to work now. Not something I had planned on doing. But I won't have to decide where to work...I've got the family business to keep going. (Chemical sales and distribution and pre-weighing of chemicals. My late DH's passion.)

 

[Feralpeg]

I am currently a manager of programmers for a company that develops software. After 11/26/03, I will be retired from the company where I worked 30 years.

Have you thought about training in website development? Doing business via the web is the way most companies are going. Small businesses don't have the expertise to develop and maintain their own websites. They pay others to do this. You could potentially do this from home. You would need to be trained (it's not that difficult). Many colleges have the courses you would need available. You would also need to advertise.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

 

[Tuffcookie]

dmslush, Bless you for the work you do! I am a secretary for a local police dept. detective bureau and I know about the work you do from watching our own victim's assistance advocate. As part of my job, I notarize the applications for the protection orders.

TC

 

[cheshirekitty]

I'm a loan officer & a realtor

I also dance for an entertainment company on weekends at Bar Mitzvahs.

 

[Snowysmom]

I am currently a part time library technician in the Technical Services Dept. I love libraries and books so I am in the right place. Previously, I worked in accounting as I have an Associate Degree in Accounting. If I went back to accounting full time, I could make close to $30,000 but I like my current job and like being home for my younger DS. Once he goes to college like big brother, I will probably have to work fulltime. I know in Massachusetts the community colleges have career counseling departments and they do testing to see what area may be good for you. Plus, they have certificate and associate degree programs. If I ever win the lottery, I plan to get my 4 year degree and then on to an MLS. It is not in the budget right now with older DS in college. Maybe once they are out of college.......Good luck with your decision.

 

[KarenB]

I went back to school at the age 38, graduated this past May at age 43, and got my first teaching job in mid-August. I am now almost through the first marking period with my fourth grade class. Whew!!!

Before that, I worked as a waitress on weekends and stayed home with my children during the week.

I believe I am very fortunate and have had the best of both worlds!

Karen

 

[DocRafiki]

Originally posted by Margie J

I happened to go to one a few years ago when I was going through a "what do I do now" phase. I had several careers in mind and couldn't settle on one choice.

Margie J -- You're in research now? What did you do before? What degrees did you have then and now? I was talking to someone today about how I would be better suited for lab work, but with my degree the highest-paying jobs would be in animal research, and I definitely don't want to do that. I'd be afraid of getting stuck in yet another depressing job. And where did you find your career counselor?