What Is Your Career?

[brady01]

Well being that I graduate high school next friday night, i guess its time for me to start thinking about what i want to do with my life. I currently work at a Midas here in my hometown where i change oil, do tires, brakes all that and i thought that is what i wanted to do for the rest of my life but after doing it for three years i have already decided it is NOT what i want to do. 

 

What are some of your careers, and do you enjoy them?

[flyfisher]

I am a process engineer and it is alright but your normal corporate America problems and perks. I enjoy analyzing data and solving problems so it fits the bill.

My advice is don't worry about money as much but find something you enjoy and figure out how to make a career. For me while I am not 100% happy it pays the bills, gives me good vacation time and I can support my family and hobbies so I can deal with the negative side of the equation.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Electrician and an Ironworker. I've had a change in heart and do not enjoy industrial electrical anymore. Its boring to me now. I'm currently working in heavy commercial. Its a faster pace than industrial and doesn't involve all the tiny wires. Cleaner too. Now welding and structural work is something I was trying to get back in to. On advice of my Electrical Mentor I'm sticking with electrical until I get my master licence this year. Then I very well may jump trade for a bit.

My advice do what you like doing. If you like working with cars then become an automotive tech. If you like working with your hands then look into the trades. I never could see myself being happy behind a desk. The trades were a god send for me. Don't let anyone tell you that tradesmen can't/don't make good money. If you work your tail off you can make a ton of cash. Diversify your trades, get more than one. When the carpet walkers are replaced by computers the tradesmen will still be around. You can't out source what we do. Electrical pays well. The work is not as tough as it could be. Welding and iron working pay better. The work is a hell of a lot tougher than electrical. It takes more brain power to do electric work. That's why iron workers and welders are called knuckle draggers. It takes more strength and toughness to do ironwork.

[preach4bass]

I'm a preacher.  I can't imagine doing anything else, and the retirement benefits are out of this world!

[Bluebasser86]

I'm a behavior modification specialist. 

[fadetoblack21]

I've worked in healthcare for the last 10 years as a nurse aid and recently enrolled in nursing school. So I don't actually have a career right now, but hopefully I will have a career as a registered nurse in a few short years. I love working with people, and this is a great field for me. I'm good at my job too. 

 

You've just gotta find something that interests you, and that can be hard sometimes. All through high school I had ambitions of becoming an engineer, taking many calculus and physics courses to gear up for college. Through sheer luck I landed in the healthcare profession after high school and have loved my work ever sense. 

 

It may take time, but you will find your true calling in life. Just don't make a hasty decision and land in a profession that you hate, making you miserable. . . 

[flippin and pitchin]

Cop.  Not any more.

[Tuckahoe Joe]

I wouldn't call it a career but I'm a delivery driver for Domino's.  It's hell on my car and I have good days and bad days as far as tips go but I can honestly say its the only job I've ever had that I actually enjoy.  Plus I work all night shifts so I'm able to stay up for a couple hours after I get off, fish in the morning, then come home and catch a couple hours of sleep before going into work again.

[BrianinMD]

Cyber security, and I do love it. I am analytical so this type of work is good.

[clayton86]

Right now I'm an apprentice I'm a commercial roofing union but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna find some thing else probably fall back on what I actually went to college for and go back to turning wrenches.

[Nitrofreak]

Well being that I graduate high school next friday night, i guess its time for me to start thinking about what i want to do with my life. I currently work at a Midas here in my hometown where i change oil, do tires, brakes all that and i thought that is what i wanted to do for the rest of my life but after doing it for three years i have already decided it is NOT what i want to do. 

 

What are some of your careers, and do you enjoy them?

 

Like you I started in 1972, sweeping floors, performing full service work at a local gas station, then it was on to changing oil, and building from there, today I still work on cars for a Chevrolet dealership, I am a shop forman and have been for the past 15 years, during that time I have also been in the marine industry as well, both vehicles and vessels have come a long way since then, but if you are still thinking about a career in the industry, get away from places like that and find a better place to hone your skills, it may be a great place to work and maybe a lot of fun, but I can say that I still love what I do, there is not much in the way of mechanical issues that happen as they did way back when,  but more along the lines of software and electrical issues, with the introduction of hybrid vehicles, there are always new challanges, Diesels and electric vehicles are where you should focus if you choose to follow this career.

 

Computers are ever evolving so I would think a field such as that one may be of interest, but whatever you choose I wish you the best of luck !!!

[clayton86]

Like you I started in 1972, sweeping floors, performing full service work at a local gas station, then it was on to changing oil, and building from there, today I still work on cars for a Chevrolet dealership, I am a shop forman and have been for the past 15 years, during that time I have also been in the marine industry as well, both vehicles and vessels have come a long way since then, but if you are still thinking about a career in the industry, get away from places like that and find a better place to hone your skills, it may be a great place to work and maybe a lot of fun, but I can say that I still love what I do, there is not much in the way of mechanical issues that happen as they did way back when, but more along the lines of software and electrical issues, with the introduction of hybrid vehicles, there are always new challanges, Diesels and electric vehicles are where you should focus if you choose to follow this career.

Computers are ever evolving so I would think a field such as that one may be of interest, but whatever you choose I wish you the best of luck !!!

Very good advice!!!

I went to school at Baran institute of technology which has since been bought out by Lincoln Tech. It's the same as UTI, Wyotech and UNOH. I stuck with it for about 8 years I turned wrenches for Nissan then a local shop that actually makes most dealerships look small he has such a large customer base and I worked on everything there gas, diesel, electric, heavy equipment you name it.

I'm with nitro freak if you decide to stay in the field get away from Midas go to school I'd suggest UNOH iv been to all of them when I was teaching in a diesel class for the past 4 years and UNOH is best hands down in my opinion. Once you go to school keep up your grades and attendance attendance is VERY VERY VERY important and try and get picked up by one of te specialty schools like VW or BMW ect. From there get into their diesel programs.

I was offered BMW, Volvo, VW when I was in school I turned em all down and a kid I graduated HS with took the Volvo offer he since has been working for Volvo since then and I think about 3 years ago they sent him to Germany to learn some Porsche systems the kid is 26 and works on Porsches every day. Yeah I kick my self in the ass everyday for not sticking with it and specializing like he did.

[MCS]

I am a process engineer and it is alright but your normal corporate America problems and perks. I enjoy analyzing data and solving problems so it fits the bill.

My advice is don't worry about money as much but find something you enjoy and figure out how to make a career. For me while I am not 100% happy it pays the bills, gives me good vacation time and I can support my family and hobbies so I can deal with the negative side of the equation.

 

Reeeaally, how interesting...what kind? Packaging? Materials handling?

 

 

I am a Civil Designer. I make sure rain water doesn't flood the roads or building and **** flows down hill with a nifty 3D computer program, along with a few other things.

[derekxec]

java programmer...pay is nice and i can work from home or where ever im at mostly its not hard so mostly im fishing or spending time with my fiancee lol

[Nitrofreak]

Very good advice!!!

I went to school at Baran institute of technology which has since been bought out by Lincoln Tech. It's the same as UTI, Wyotech and UNOH. I stuck with it for about 8 years I turned wrenches for Nissan then a local shop that actually makes most dealerships look small he has such a large customer base and I worked on everything there gas, diesel, electric, heavy equipment you name it.

I'm with nitro freak if you decide to stay in the field get away from Midas go to school I'd suggest UNOH iv been to all of them when I was teaching in a diesel class for the past 4 years and UNOH is best hands down in my opinion. Once you go to school keep up your grades and attendance attendance is VERY VERY VERY important and try and get picked up by one of te specialty schools like VW or BMW ect. From there get into their diesel programs.

I was offered BMW, Volvo, VW when I was in school I turned em all down and a kid I graduated HS with took the Volvo offer he since has been working for Volvo since then and I think about 3 years ago they sent him to Germany to learn some Porsche systems the kid is 26 and works on Porsches every day. Yeah I kick my self in the ass everyday for not sticking with it and specializing like he did.

 

Good advise here as well, but I will offer a different side to this also, I have heard horror stories coming from places like these, UTI, NASCAR, etc... you and your parents spend a butt load of cash for these schools and come away with no more than what you can get at your local community collage for a whole lot less money, it sounds like clayton did his homework and found a good school, most of the young fellows that come through here from one of those training programs can not even tell me how to read a fluke meter in an interview, so whatever career path you choose, do your homework and find a good school.

 

By the way Congrats on graduation !!!!!

[clayton86]

Good advise here as well, but I will offer a different side to this also, I have heard horror stories coming from places like these, UTI, NASCAR, etc... you and your parents spend a butt load of cash for these schools and come away with no more than what you can get at your local community collage for a whole lot less money, it sounds like clayton did his homework and found a good school, most of the young fellows that come through here from one of those training programs can not even tell me how to read a fluke meter in an interview, so whatever career path you choose, do your homework and find a good school.

By the way Congrats on graduation !!!!!

That's why I like UNOH it's about 10-15 grand cheaper and has more hands on focused training with smaller classes UTI is to big and got to many big company's pushing products and cost a small fortune UTI is upwards of 30-35,000 for the most basic 1 year course. A lot of it is what you put into it it's not like a regular school and your parents aren't there to push you or hold your hand not that they are in a regular college but I think there is more to keep ya in line with your grades like repeating classes and such. I graduated from Baran with a 3.98 GPA and only missed 1 day the whole year because of court and I doubled up I took auto body and auto tech so I learned both sides each a year long but did them at the same time morning classes for auto tech night classes for auto body.

[slonezp]

Commercial refrigeration mechanic/pipefitter.

[Trailer]

F&I (Finance) for a large Buick GMC dealership.

[flyfisher]

Reeeaally, how interesting...what kind? Packaging? Materials handling?

 

 

I am a Civil Designer. I make sure rain water doesn't flood the roads or building and **** flows down hill with a nifty 3D computer program, along with a few other things.

I am not in the manufacturing world which is where the majority of people think when six sigma is brought up.  I actually work for a large bank in digital operations so i get to deal with both IT related processes and contact center stuff.  Keeps my life interesting.

 

I actually started as a phone agent in customer service and worked my way up to where i am now and got a few project and process certifications along the way.

[MCS]

I am not in the manufacturing world which is where the majority of people think when six sigma is brought up.  I actually work for a large bank in digital operations so i get to deal with both IT related processes and contact center stuff.  Keeps my life interesting.

 

I actually started as a phone agent in customer service and worked my way up to where i am now and got a few project and process certifications along the way.

 

Oh ok, gotcha. We work with the manufacturing types everyday for this industrial work.

[Traveler2586]

Electrician and an Ironworker. I've had a change in heart and do not enjoy industrial electrical anymore. Its boring to me now. I'm currently working in heavy commercial. Its a faster pace than industrial and doesn't involve all the tiny wires. Cleaner too. Now welding and structural work is something I was trying to get back in to. On advice of my Electrical Mentor I'm sticking with electrical until I get my master license this year. Then I very well may jump trade for a bit.

My advice do what you like doing. If you like working with cars then become an automotive tech. If you like working with your hands then look into the trades. I never could see myself being happy behind a desk. The trades were a god send for me. Don't let anyone tell you that tradesmen can't/don't make good money. If you work your tail off you can make a ton of cash. Diversify your trades, get more than one. When the carpet walkers are replaced by computers the tradesmen will still be around. You can't out source what we do. Electrical pays well. The work is not as tough as it could be. Welding and iron working pay better. The work is a hell of a lot tougher than electrical. It takes more brain power to do electric work. That's why iron workers and welders are called knuckle draggers. It takes more strength and toughness to do ironwork.

 

X2 on the above,,,

 

But ask yourself "what sparks your interest?"  What is it that makes you set up and pay attention to a subject?  That may give you a clue.  If at all possible, go to college to get the higher education in whatever field attracts you, it will pay for it's self in the long run; never stop working at learning.

 

I was attracted to electronics as a teen by my Dad; I found I was fascinated with pulling a signal out of thin air and how the electronic components worked to make that happen; that started a forty year carrier in communications that took me around the world many times over, retiring as a Communications Field Engineer for the CIA.

 

If you do nothing else, stay in school until you discover where your interests lay.

[derekxec]

you could follow my career path my plan is to become very very rich and retire before 40 then fish bass tournaments all over the US without sponsors and become #1 and be the cockiest and the best top pro that has ever lived

[BrianinMD]

The one big thing to avoid is making the decision based on what money you think you can earn.  I get asked questions sometimes about the cyber security field since it is in demand.  I do not mind answering the questions, but what really bothers me is how many times the first question is how much do I make.  Taking a job based on money will fail, you have to be sure it is something you enjoy doing otherwise you get to a point you hate going to work in the morning.  And that is no way to go thru life.

[MarkH024]

Graphic Designer as well as a managing partner of an apparel and promotional products company.  Been a GD for 9 years straight out of college. My boss is great to me, doesn't track my off time and I never go a week unpaid. Would like to make more money (like everyone) but I got the second business thing going, trying to make both work. I don't know that I'll do this forever though.

[bkohlman]

5th grade teacher,future athletic director.