OT: What is the background or current careers you hold at the present moment?

ormandh · May 9, 2009 11:55AM

Okay, I find it fascinating the backgrounds we all come from. The question I pose is what is it that you do as a career? I myself am doing anything and everything. I am a contractor, dealing with remodels and painting first, but I also take photos, am a landlord, sell coins secondary, and whatever else will produce income. I am trying to stay away from being employed by an employer for as long as I can. I have worked about every job imaginable and have loved every minute of it. I basically had to start over, so to speak, when I relocated to New Jersey for personal reasons in 2006.

What is it that you do? Thanks for the input in advance! -Dan

zeebob · May 9, 2009 12:06PM

Have been Electrical Engineer, Software Engineer, Author. Am now the Director of Engineering at a very cool company.

Bailathacl · May 9, 2009 12:09PM

I was a practicing lawyer for 15 years. That was more than enough. I've been an administrator for a social services agency for the last 2 years and find it to my liking. (I've been known to moonlight driving a taxi when the coin budget gets low.)

1960NYGiants · May 9, 2009 12:13PM

I've spent my entire career (30 years) in Quality Control in various positions from inspector to manager. My current position is Quality Engineer for a plastics machining firm supplying the medical device market.

Iosephus · May 9, 2009 12:20PM

Graduate student in computer science focusing on computer graphics and visualization for medical imaging applications. Avoiding the "real world" as long as possible.

JCMhouston · May 9, 2009 12:20PM

Navy for 6 years (FCG 2), then a high energy delivery platform specialist (cruise missiles) at McDonnell Douglas, then into the oil and gas industry in 1991. I've run manufacturing for two companies, managed big projects for one, now running a small offshore engineering company with offices in Shanghai and Houston. My degrees are in Electrical Engineering and Management. I used to teach part time at UH in international management for a hobby but my schedule really doesn't allow for that now.

spoon · May 9, 2009 12:25PM

Defense contractor.

But I've done a little bit of everything and seen the world already - and I'm only 27

Heading to a slightly more civilized area now in hopes of finally completing the degree that I dropped every time a new and exciting job came along.

'course if anyone is hiring I'll post a resume

cacheman · May 9, 2009 12:39PM

Archaeologist
Regional Cultural Data Manager

IloiloKano · May 9, 2009 12:59PM

My first real job was as a Marine in 1978. After four years service, I went back to school, because I didn't want to work that hard all my life.

But I still love the military.

Since 1985 I have been a Computer Engineer, first working on the Airborne Self Protection Jammer (ASPJ) on various military aircraft, then coding software to run the Combined Function FLIR and Multi-Function Radar System, both of which were to go on the Advanced Tactical Fighter, but in early 1991 the Prime Contractors (MacDonnell-Douglas and General Dynamics) lost the contract, so as sub-contractor to them, we lost our contract as well.

So for 2 months my company tried to get me to take the worst jobs they had.

The first offer was to install the Caribbean Basin Radar System, and when I said that sounded cool, they enthusiastically elaborated that I would be given weapons training in the weapon of my choice. WEAPONS TRAINING??? What on Earth for??? Well it seems there was this little problem with Communist Guerillas in the mountains of Honduras. Or was it Nicaragua? Whatever. I said no thanks.

The second offer was to install the Peace Shield radar system in Saudi Arabia... and live and work entirely within the bounds of the American Compound... I don't think so.

The third job they offered was in the US at least, but it involved flying to a city on Thursday, setting up a Postal Bar Code Scanning System on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, training Postal Employees in the operation on Monday, taking Tuesday and Wednesday off, then flying into a another city on Thursday and repeat. Since I wanted a life, I said no.

When they offered me the fourth job, I was starting to worry that they might just say, "See ya. Good luck in your job with your new company", so I was motivated to say okay. Fortunately it was in the States, but it was all the way across country in the Land of Fruits and Nuts! Oh, how I hate this state! But there are some good people in it, and the weather can't be beat, but Oh, how I hate this state. It seems that as a result of an interview that I had years earlier for a highly classified job, that I was put in and approved for a high clearance, (so they could tell me what the job was, then so I could decide if I wanted to take it). I didn't take that job, but the clearance was good for 5 years, and they are very hard to get, and this new job they were offering required that clearance level. So I took the job, and it was off to swimming pools, movie stars! Actually, it was off to Oxnard, CA. (Oxnard - Doesn't that sound like something you step in while walking through a cow pasture?)

So from 1991 on, I have been doing entirely different and very cool stuff as part of a support contract with the Naval Research Laboratory.

Then in 1997, I had a mild heart attack.

You can't go to sea if you have ever had a heart attack, but they really really needed me in 1999,

so they issued a waiver

, but that was my last really cool trip.

Since I could no longer participate in the cooler assignments, I switched to coding of specialized software, for which there is no COTS software available, nor is there likely ever to be, though still in support of NRL and still in the Land of Fruits and Nuts. Oh, how I hate this state.

Note: In May of 1999, I married the loveliest and sweetest Filipina in the world, and my last cool trip started in June 1999, (incognito until mid-August), so she flew to South Carolina to stay with my parents while I was gone. Ever since, they have loved her more than their own son! Go figure! It must have something to do with her being the loveliest and sweetest Filipina in the world. That was also when my collecting interests switch to US-Philippines, since we have a "US-Philippines" marriage.

DBSTrader2 · May 9, 2009 1:20PM

Never put my Marketing Management degree to good use. Transitioned to retail management after graduation, and then changed course to computer programming. Just about to celebrate my 20th year at what is now Verizon in the Legacy Billing System's IT Dept, now as a RAD Designer (and jack-of-all-Trades).

- - Dave

farthing · May 9, 2009 1:46PM

Nearly 35 years as a software engineer. Much of the time designing/writing/supporting software for airlines or airports.

I've been lucky enough so far to have never been laid off and to have spent far too much time in airports around the world.

Kurt4 · May 9, 2009 2:10PM

Currently unemployed. I've done a little of everything. Out of college, retail manager. After that, bank manager. That was about 12 years of my life.Worked in a record store, book store, and painted houses for a little bit. Worked at Lucent Technologies for about a year as an installer and loved it. Unfortunately the company started tanking and I got laid off. Then moved to a charity where I refurbished computers to send to needy countries, mainly Ukraine . Project ended and here I am. Now I'm working on some computer certifications and will probably try and get into computer networking and security. I'm 43 and still haven't had what I would call a "career". We'll see where life takes me next.

Sapyx · May 9, 2009 2:12PM

I'm a lab technician in the food and agriculture department at the local university.

tbirde56 · May 9, 2009 2:19PM

I'm just a peon in the process of manufacturing solid propellant for Army, Navy, Air Force ammo, rockets, etc at a large 65+ year old southwestern Virginia Army ammunition plant.
Radford Arsenal
Been there 15+ years. Pays the bills but swing shift sux. Not many other comparable pay jobs available in this area.

(That's me, third from the left near the upper center of the pic)

FilamCoins · May 9, 2009 3:10PM

Was in transportation and logistics for the first 10 years of my career and call center management for the past 6. Have lived and worked in 4 countries and traveled to over 40.

Gazza · May 9, 2009 6:01PM

Left school and went into an engineering apprenticeship where I learnt various engineering things like machine shop work, welding, electrical plant maintenance and the like. During this time I decided that electronics was what I liked. When I finished the apprenticeship I was qualified above any thing the company could offer me so moved into the electronics industry and went to work for Cossor (Raytheon). I actually had two stints with them working on ILS, Tornado radar and some secret sub comms which if I told you about it I'd have to kill you

. For the past 20+ years I have worked in electronics for the TV industry first in production test and laterly in a disign roll. 14 years ago I married my second wife who is also a beautiful filapina which on a yearly basis forces me to leave these rainy shores in the UK and holiday in that tropical paradise of the Philippines.

theboz11 · May 9, 2009 11:34PM

I am a retired USN Submarine Weapons Officer. Owned an Auto restoration shop and toured the Coin show circuit in the US for a few years.

Hussulo · May 10, 2009 12:09AM

I went to College and studied business studies it was a four year course (I stayed for two) had a change of heart and wanted to travel, so I left and joined the Royal Navy and served on board submarines in the weapons engineering department for 5 1/2 years.
I then left the navy to start a family and also started up a handyman business with my best friend. I sold my share to him after a year as I wanted something more steady and I've been working as a support worker alongside adults with learning difficulties for about 3 1/2 years now.

bidask · May 10, 2009 12:18AM

29 years financial services , advisor and money manager at Morgan Stanley .......

harasha · May 10, 2009 1:43AM

After touching teaching and law for brief periods, for the past 26 years I have worked in insurance claims.

MSD61 · May 10, 2009 2:31AM

Career military (Army) then worked for an overseas private security company for a short time (which stunk). Now I am a 3D artist, illustrator, 3D modeler, character designer and animator doing stuff I really like to do for some really cool companies and people!

DeepSix · May 10, 2009 3:01AM

Six years in the US Navy (submarine weapons systems (FTG2)). After that I went into the information technology field. I currently lead the information security team for a financial services company.

olmanjon · May 10, 2009 3:40AM

Graduated from highschool-took a three year apprenticeship program in the Ironworkers Union. Worked for 18 years in the union-ran out of work in our area-started my own business remodeling houses-after 10 years got tired of customers-back to the union for 14 years when I was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma-told had 3 years to live so I retired at 59. After chemo went into remission for 24 months-it came back-am going to Strong Hospital on Tuesday to start an experimental drug trial. This Cancer is one that they have not found a cure for yet-I am enjoying life to the fullest however-golf 3 times a week and play cards at least 4 times a week-enjoying my coin hobby immensly and just got back from a nine day trip to New Mexico where I did my other hobby-rock hounding-last daughter just got married and I have 4 grand children-Presently loving life!

DBSTrader2 · May 10, 2009 3:44AM

LOTS of Military-related members so far!! Is that because of the personality type that also results in collecting Darkside coins, or does it possibly have anything to do with their having travelled more world-wide & came to appreciate/collect Darkside coins? Or Neither?

And I wonder if there'd be the same breakdown among Liteside collectors or a different skewing?

- - Dave

cacheman · May 10, 2009 4:36AM

I was in the Navy and it sucked.

bosox · May 10, 2009 5:28AM

Retired from the Coast Guard after twenty years. Trained as a civil engineer. Now work as the director of public works for a city of about 100,000 people.

Daltonista · May 10, 2009 6:55AM

Educational administration, mostly, with some teaching (HS English, grad-school Education courses) at the outset.
University Dean on both coasts for about 15 years, now wrapping up 21 years as a faceless bureaucrat in the NY
State Education Department. (Really...my title is "Bureau Chief.") Consider myself way fortunate for always finding
myself in an employment situation where no two days are alike, but looking forward eagerly to retirement nonetheless.

Darkside collector since 1954.

Best to all, and Happy Mother's Day !!!

Tom

silverpop · May 10, 2009 8:07AM

Let's see

A dishwasher,sacker and a CMA s what i've done in the past

Now i run my own small coin biz

OzzyAndy · May 10, 2009 8:26AM

Science / Maths / Chemistry Teacher. Have also worked as a Financial Planner, Technician at an auto plant, taxi driver (while at uni), porter, waiter, bartender, housekeeper (while travelling Europe). After you've had to clean toilets for a living, any other just doesn't seem as bad.

Andrew

onejinx · May 10, 2009 8:31AM

Currently I am a house painter, painting multi-million dollar houses for the extremely rich.

vanguardsc · May 10, 2009 10:39AM

first time on board. Had a B&M Stamps, Coins, Paper collectables for 22 years. Now a middle school teacher in East Los Angeles. Less hours and more rewarding at times. Steve

IloiloKano · May 10, 2009 10:51AM

FilthyBroke · May 10, 2009 10:58AM

Welcome aboard, vanguardsc.

I guess I'll throw mine out here, too. I've run a landscaping/ grounds maintenance company for 25 years now. Love the outdoors, and wouldn't dream of doing anything else.

OchoReales · May 10, 2009 11:03AM

A preponderance of former military! Thanks to all for serving our country. I have been in the coin biz almost exclusively since 1991.

Gary

ASUtodd · May 10, 2009 11:04AM

Started my career as a uniformed patrol unit at our Police Department. After some hard work made it into the Narcotics Division and eventually helped to start our Gang Unit. I am currently assigned to work Gangs and Violent crimes.

JZrarities · May 10, 2009 12:10PM

Joined the US Air Force in 1983 and I'm still in.

25 of the best years of my life.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

docday2003 · May 10, 2009 1:28PM

I'm a physician, currently working in a psychiatric hospital.

gecko109 · May 10, 2009 1:35PM

10 years as a Chicago firefighter, recently promoted to the rank of Engineer. Now all I do is drive the fire engine to the runs, and operate the pump panel when we get a fire. No more going inside for me.

Doogy · May 10, 2009 1:38PM

US Marine Corps veteran; during my time, I proudly served at the White House and the Presidential Retreat, Camp David. I was the Security Operations Commander and acted primarily as the Marine liasion to the Secret Service, having direct protection of the First Family (Clinton administration). It was a wonderful time, one in which i'll never forget.

Since then, I work for a Fortune 50 company engineering large scale electronic security and building automation platforms. When I'm not doing that, my wife and I spend our time chasing around two daughters, both under the age of four. This summer I'll start my MBA at Boston University, so I may be a little more scarce around here. Between work, classes and my family, coins may have to take a backseat; or at least ride "shotgun" for awhile!

Doug

JimK · May 10, 2009 2:16PM

Let's see: Military- US Navy Seabees- 1st Class CE, Civil Service- Flight Line Electrician on C-5's, went back to School now I am a contractor working for the DOD on Computers. I love doing a lot of other things in my private life in including: Archaeology, Geneaology, Numismatics, Hiking, Snorkeling, Reading, Road Cycling, Military History, I collect German Beer Steins as well, I have 3 dogs, plus I work out at the gym 3 times a week... whew!
Jim

ajaan · May 11, 2009 4:10AM

After B.A. degree:

Worked in the office of my late uncle's small machine shop while my aunt was selling the place.

After M.A. degree

Taught EFL for 5 years in Thailand (1984-1989)
Came back to US:
-- taught part time at Erie Community College and painted apartments part time.
-- worked as a trainer/service tech for a gasoline company which owned 72 gas stations. Just the gas part that was located in front of "C" stores and supermarkets in small towns from Padan, WV to Rouses Point, NY. A lot of time on the road.
-- Math teacher at a local Private Catholic School, grades 7 and 8
-- Substitute teacher at Amherst Middle School

Silvereagle82 · May 11, 2009 5:08AM

I work at a large construction company in the US Gulf Coast. My division focuses on the industrial market (refinery,petrochemical,pulp/paper,power)

garsmith · May 11, 2009 12:41PM

Senior Project Designer for a Archtectural and Interior Design company specialazing in Hotel and Casino design

Hoping for more international projects, and would kill for a few projects in the Philippines! Going back to Macau for a while would be ok too!

NJMark1 · May 12, 2009 4:38AM

Retired waste water treatment plant operator. 36 years 7 months. Hit 55 and bailed and loving it

tonyhar · May 12, 2009 4:46AM

School teacher for nearly 40 years!
Teaching 11 - 18 year olds takes its toll, Coin and Banknote dealer from this coming September!

DCH · May 12, 2009 5:06AM

Business analyst for the last 5 years. Wasted 16 years in retail before that.

gummibear · May 12, 2009 8:26AM

Went to school for architecture. Been doing structural engineering for 20 years. Thought I would do a few years of engineering so I wouldn't waste clients money by doing things where I didn't know what it would cost. It is amazing to me how many architects do not understand what things cost to do. I am doing a house/compound right now that will be over $100 million by the time we are done. Has under ground basketball court bowling alley and more under a 2 story building. it will take 3000 truckloads just to remove the dirt to make the basement. Crazy but fun to work on. Thank god for a client like that right now.
Also working on my side line career as an automotive artist. I have had a few shows at museums around the country. That has been really fun.
Richard

Stork · May 12, 2009 11:32AM

Joined the military for an education, and here I am a few days off from going over 17 years in the US Navy...

I was stationed in Japan when I seriously (well as serious as I am) got interested in coins, and my Japanese type set is the half of the center of my 'real' collection--the mommy/baby medals being the other half.

It's funny, I'm heading back to Japan this summer for another tour there...full circle...my join-up date on the forums was from the last tour.

Cathy

worldcoinguy · May 12, 2009 11:48AM

I am one of the few still hanging in there at an architecture firm in the midwest (US). I work in a division of the firm specializing in facility management software. We are slightly less exposed to the economic tsunami right now, but at times I worry that we are simply the band fiddling away on the deck of the Titanic in its last hours.

mnemtsas2 · May 12, 2009 11:52AM

Engineering (mechanical) degree, worked in defence and industrial contracting for 10 years. Then moved to the State government for 5 years helping startups with the product development process. Moved on to work in a little manufacturing company for another few years, while I was doing this I taught myself some computer programming and developed three different applications that I now sell on-line. I quit full time work 2 years ago and now am fully self employed, I still work a day a week at a recruitment company to get some face to face contact with real people.

wybrit · May 12, 2009 12:13PM

Have worked as both an electrical engineer and a chemical engineer in the electronics industry (advanced degrees in both fields). I then managed various teams of engineers. A few years ago I abandoned the management gig and jumped to more of a consulting role with more hands-on. I also taught a processing course related to the electronics industry for a few years - the only regret I had in leaving MN was having to quit that part-time second job. I hope to do something like that again here in CO in the near future. I also write visual basic routines for heavy-duty numerical methods that are run in Excel. I'm currently cramming in my spare time for my PE (Professional Engineer) exam in October. I've got to recall my training in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, kinetics, unit operations and all that fun kind of stuff.

OT: What is the background or current careers you hold at the present moment?

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