What do you do?

[ukcatfan]

My career is just way too exciting to put into words. I am a Sr. Financial Analyst at an electric utility. It is not exactly action packed work, but I am good at it, so that is why I do it. I do not think I would like being a professional photographer b/c I would not necessarily be interested in the subject matter I would be shooting.

 

[photobob]

sorry let me try again

www.bobcrispphotography.com

 

[Jeanne B]

I'm the Controller of a steel fabrication company where I started 13 years ago as a part-time bookkeeper (is that less exciting than ukcatfan?). I have days where I really wish I could do something different but for now I have great benefits, a great boss, I can work at home when necessary, my job is challenging and we're fortunate to be thriving in this very difficult economy. But I dream of doing something different one of these days, I have no idea what but preferably not another desk job...yes, I'm willing to throw my accounting degree out the window!!

For me, photography is just a hobby.

 

[brack]

My degree is in Electronic Engineering and after college (a long time ago) I worked in the "new" field of satellite TV (when the dish was 10 feet in diameter not 10 inches like todays)

I picked up photography from a friend in our church who was a professional photographer. He would take me on jobs, let me use his studio for practice and helped me buy my first camera. While in college I worked for a professional photo lab printing the work of several area professional photograhers. This helped me develop my "eye" for the shot greatly. I'm still working on that part of my photography today.

About 27 years ago my DW and I entered the seminary for our church (The Salvation Army) and we are both ordained ministers. Currently I am the Chief Financial Officer for The Salvation Army of Maryland & West Virginia. It's a lot of paper work and I miss the close ministry side but someone has to do it.

I have kept up with photography as a hobby trying to improve my skills. I rarely do weddings (hate it) but when I do it is for free. I mainly like to do outdoor shots; especially flowers and water. My number one venue is WDW and my number one subject is my DW of 36 years now. A dream of mine would be to spend several weeks traveling and photographing in the west. (Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, etc)

Thanks for the opportunity to tell my story and read yours also. This is a good thread.

 

[handicap18]

I'm in chips... potato chips that is. I've been with Frito Lay for 10 years now. I'm a Route Sales Rep (RSR). My current route consists of drug stores, convenience stores and a deli. (for those in the immediate Boston area, I'm in Quincy and also around the South Shore Plaza) The biggest part of my job is inventory management. You'd be surprised how much more there is to it than just putting chips on a shelf.

Prior to that I worked in travel for 7 years in a reservation center as one of the sales reps and also in customer service. Got to travel a lot, but the pay wasn't very good at all. But I did that in my early/mid 20's when traveling on a whim was an easy thing to do.

I took 3 years of photography in high school and after starting out in computer courses in college I switched to audio/video production. But after school I never anything to keep that knowledge going. So since then its been a hobby. Digital has helped me relearn all the stuff I forgot. I don't have any aspirations to do photography as anything but a hobby. I've done a few things on a volunteer basis (team photographer, family/friends wedding, some portrait stuff) but thats about it. I like having it as a hobby and wouldn't want to ruin it by making it part of my income.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

DH owns a small law firm dealing with child protection files. Definitely gets stressful at times. My background is in HR however decided to go work for DH a couple years ago as his Office Manager which allows us more flexibility to travel and visit Orlando several times a year.

We both love taking pictures, and recently my DH acquired his own DSLR (YAY no more fighting over mine) so we'll have lots of pictures from our upcoming trip to share.

 

[pixie dust 112]

I am an attorney. I have my own law firm. So as far as photography is concerned ....well I own a camera and I take pictures! My favorite job ever though was when I was in college and spent summers as a lifeguard and swimteam coach!

 

[annnewjerz]

I'm a legal secretary/paralegal for the Aviation department of one of the largest law firms in the world. It's unfortunate, really. I sit in an office all day looking at pictures of plane crashes, hearing the sob stories of people who have lost their families in accidents and I don't even have a window to look out of. I'm extra paranoid when I fly, which means that I am more and more hesitant to go on vacation anywhere we can't drive to within a reasonable amount of time (don't worry, it hasn't stopped me yet!!!!)

I have to say that if I had the skills or the opportunity to be a professional photographer, I might jump on it. It would give me the chance to meet new people, travel to places I may not otherwise and make some money doing something I really enjoy.

For now though, legal secretary is where I am and I'm learning to live with that each day...especially since it pays the bills and gives me money left over to have some fun with

 

[ukcatfan]

I'm in chips... potato chips that is. I've been with Frito Lay for 10 years now.

I have to ask a question of you. What happened to the old Flavor Rush chips? I loved those things! It is probably good that they were discontinued b/c I would probably weigh about 20lbs more if they were still around.

 

[Master Mason]

I am currently retired, I don't want to be, but haven't found a job since I got laid off

I spent the last 7 years selling education and training services in the high tech arena. Prior to that I spent 18 months at Nabisco doing what Handicap does only with cookies and crackers. Prior to that I spent 15 years managing retail grocery stores.

If I had it to do over again, I would be an accountant of some sort, I started to go back and do that at one point, but then life got in the way.

2 1/2 years till my youngest is out of HS, and perhaps I'll go do it then.

As for photography, it was a hobby I learned from my dad as a kid, I got out of it after college when the kids were young and I was busy with them, and now that they are almost gone, I started getting some hobbies again to keep me busy when they are gone. I have made a few bucks selling action shots to the baseball kids in town, really only because I can pay for the toys with it and shoot something I enjoy and there is no presure, If I shoot, then they have something to buy, if I don't go out that day, no big deal.

 

[SC Mouse Fan]

I am an assistant controller at a small state college. I have worked there for 23 years starting in AP then payroll and now in my current position. I have enjoyed working in finance and have never wanted to do anything else (lame isn't it). I hope to be able to retire in about 10 years. Then maybe we can travel to cool places so I can take pictures.

I have always enjoyed taking pictures but never had an SLR until about a year ago when I got a Nikon 40D. My husband has had a few SLR's but I was always afraid of them because they had lots of dials and you had to focus yourself. I have learned a lot this year by reading and taking a short course through Continuing Ed where I work. I don't have asperations to become a professional. It would terrify me to be responsible for pictures at someones wedding. I just like to take pictures of family and vacations.

 

[bnorm27]

I am a security director. I work for a client who has 5 sites here in NJ, although 4 of them are real close to each other. I deal mostly in the management of the security guard force, and overseeing the general physical security of my client's locations. I also help draft security policies, and then implement them. I oversee all security purchases (CCTV cameras, digital recorders, card access systems) from the proposal stage to imstallation. My client is a chemical company, so since 9/11, the job has taken on a whole new dimension. We get visited regularly from numerous regulatory agencies (Customs, DEA, ATF and the state DEP). I act as a liason for my client with those agencies on matters of physical security. I get to take pictures of certain incidents (accidents and the like),and, I get to take ID card pictures, so I also use my photography skills.

On the side, I teach a state mandated security officer training class, which provides extra cash for camera gear.

 

[campinggal]

Ahhh...the 'what do I do question'...some days it is more like 'what don't I do'!!

Today...I was a landscaper (mowed our lawn). Yesterday...an educational consultant (accompanied my daugher's class field trip). DIS Board Lurker (not to be confused with stalker...I just don't have enough time to post regularly). In a few hours...chef followed by story teller (aka a Mom). Sunday, a pro bono photographer (daughter's friend's birthday party- the Mom asked me to take pictures). Monday, I'll be a Financial Planner (basically a walking checkbook for our Product Managers) for the Woman's Divisions of an outdoor specialty retailer.

I have a BA in Psychology and in a round about way ended up in specialty retail. As I'm now in my 20th year- I'll have to admit it is a career.

As for photography-started in the 70s with my Dad's Olympus OM1. No formal classes- just enjoyed shooting. After college- I sort of went on a photography hiatus- not really sure why. Probably was on a tight budget. My interest in photography re-imerged as I was finally able to go on vacations again! It has been alive and kicking every since!

I'll keep photography as a hobby rather than look to pursue it as a career. It is a break from the rest of life to be able to see the world through my camera lens. I enjoy cooking too but have no desire to be a chef. Again- it is an escape.

Fun question!

 

[handicap18]

I have to ask a question of you. What happened to the old Flavor Rush chips? I loved those things! It is probably good that they were discontinued b/c I would probably weigh about 20lbs more if they were still around.

Oh wow, thats going back a little. I think its been about 8 years or so since I saw those. Ruffles had a few flavors, BBQ was one. I think there might have also been a Doritos flavor too.

I have no idea why they stop some products. We've had some that sell like crazy around here, but then they decide to discontinue it.

They do bring back some flavors. They recently had the Dill Lays chips and we just got the Taco Doritos and 4 Cheese Doritos. The Taco hasn't been around for close to 10 years, at least around here. Who knows how long they'll last.

 

[Candlepin_Man]

I am currently in school, I'm majoring in history and minoring in secondary education. As for the work I'm currently doing, I'm a night manager for a convenience store, and I also work for a promotional company hired by Comcast to do all of their sponsored events. This basically entails me operating a camera and a green screen program mostly. I do some other things for them as well.

On my spare time, I am an adult adviser for a youth group for young men ages 12-21, and a very amateur photographer I have never taken a photo class and I just got my first digital SLR in December. I'm also interested in starting a local photography club in the greater Boston area Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Hingham, etc. if anyone is interested let me know as of right now I have very little interest from anybody around here.

 

[Merrywheather]

I am an Investigational Drug Pharmacist at a teaching hospital. I prepare & dispense "investigational" drugs for patients in Phase 1, 2, & 3 clinical trials (drugs that are not yet approved by the FDA). I am mainly concentrated in the oncology area. I have done this for 14 years and really enjoy it. Over the years it has been rewarding to see so many new drugs become FDA-approved and provide more treatment options for patients.

As for photography...growing up, I always used my dad's SLR, but I never had one of my own until a year ago when I got my DSLR. Photography is definitely a hobby for me, and I would like to keep it that way so it stays fun!

 

[Quicklabs]

I'm an Air Force clinical psychologist at one of our large teaching hospitals. My time is divided between patient care and supervising psychiatry and psychology residents. I was on active duty for 24 years before retiring in 2004. Made the rank of Lt Col. I took two years off to teach piano out of my home. Then, I went back to the Air Force, just moved across the hall from where my old office was. I see a lot of guys (and gals) with PTSD these days, so I have some pretty strong opinions about the war and politics coming from that. Anyway, it's been rewarding and I've always worked with great people. My hubby is also a psychologist, and works in the next hallway down from mine.

Out of college, I was a high school English teacher. I had a double major in college in English and Psych, and the Air Force put me through grad school, my residency and a post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins. It was a nice gig.
You all already know that I'm devoted to the sport of dog agility. My Augusta was nationally ranked a few years ago; Grace and I just have fun and don't worry about championships. It's all about the relationships with my dogs and my friends who run the Dayton, Indianapolis, Cincy, Columbus circuit. Dog people are good people. I used to play a lot of golf, but blew out my back, so there's not much of that anymore.
I took a lot of art and music when I was a kid and through high school, so it was natural to get interested in photography. It's another way for me to stop and smell the roses--can't be in a hurry when I'm taking pictures.

 

[Steve's Girl]

I'm a financial planner. Obviously, the last year, and the last month in particular, have been rather challenging for my industry. But, I still love what I do. I'm self-employed and have an office close to our home. I'm very fortunate in that I've been able to continue my career, but also be with my kids. I can work from home, take the kids to the office with me, take time off to volunteer at their school, etc. The downside - no paid vacation time!

Photography is purely a hobby. I'm way too much of a perfectionist to ever make a living at it. (not to mention that I don't have an artistic bone in my body!) It is a good creative outlet for me. I enjoy doing portrait work for friends and family. But, would never charge anything for it. Once you're paid for doing something, it becomes work. I have enough work already!

 

[figment52]

I do not post around here much, lurk and learn mostly, but I'll join in. I am the CAO for a maunfacturing and engineering firm.

I used to just take random vacation pictures that didn't amount to much. Early associations with photography and cameras was not good- and I'll leave it at that. Then I got a little older and wiser and started to travel to more exiotic places and got more interested in taking pictures to capture the places I was seeing. Once I discovered digital (translate - the camera prices became more reasonable and "delete" became an option before printing rather than after) I started taking more pictues. I started to receive encouragement and in recent years have come to enjoy it more. I need to take a couple classes and gain a bit more undersanding about the basics but for now it is fun.

About a year ago I bought a Canon S5 and I love it.

 

[Groucho]

It looks like IT jobs are the most common, which isn't really all the surprising when talking on an internet forum.

I've done all sorts of jobs, including a variety of auto dealer and parts store minimum-wage jobs starting out, then got a lucky break and did system administration in a large corporate law firm. I was in Assembly night class at the local community college and the network admin was in the class and pretty much brought me on to help them move off diskless 386 workstations onto Windows 95 Pentiums. I guess that dates me a little bit.

He left and his replacement was the one guy in the entire company that I didn't get along well, so I did my two years then moved on to a large international IT outsourcing company and did internal desktop support (and more) for about 8.5 years, and did a ton of "home" support (building PCs, fixing PC/network problems, etc) on the side.

I returned from our 10-day WDW vacation in January 2007, and on my second day back, was told that they were downsizing me. This was rather a shock as I was pretty sure that I had one of the most secure jobs - it was a big shock to the people in the building that I exclusively supported! I was given two weeks to find another job in the company and did but my manager (who had only recently become my manager, and didn't know me from Adam) pretty much blocked me from getting it. He had to let someone go and he didn't want to let any of the people he did know go, so I was pretty much forced out through no fault of my own and despite the best efforts of the people I supported (including some powerful folks), I found myself unemployed.

I considered starting my own company, but with two car payments and a child (and attempts to get one more), I decided that I couldn't take the risk.

The job market is pretty lousy in upstate NY, and it took me almost six months to find another job. As it is with these type of things, I ended up with two offers at once (and another that would be an offer in another week or two.) I ended up moving from a 125,000-employee company to a 5-employee company - how's that for a change? We do IT outsourcing, which includes everything from building servers, managing networks, web hosting, premise wiring, fiber optic pulling and termination, A/V installations... pretty much anything you can think of. I can spend one day troubleshooting Exchange issues and the next pulling cable in the mud at a nuclear power plant. (That's one of our biggest clients, so I have a bunch of nuke training now, too!) I don't really enjoy the cable-pulling too much, but the job pays reasonably well and it's certainly not boring!

I've told the photography history before so I won't go over it all again here (this message is too long already!), suffice to say - bought a K1000 after high school, used it exclusively and happily until buying a digital camera relatively late, had two PnSs and am now on my third DSLR.