What do you do for work?

[iceman]

We've had threads like this from time to time, but we haven't had one in about 18 months so I reckon it's time to refresh and renew :)

Tell us what you do as a day job!

We can learn a bit more about each other and maybe find others in the same profession, or people who you want to buy products or exchanges services from :)

If you're retired, tell us what you used to do for work.

If you're in school, tell us what you're studying or what you want to do for work!

Who's gonna kick it off?

[Clarry]

Well I've been working in kitchens since I was 13. That's 35 years of cooking now. Did my apprenticeship 1976 to 1979, worked with several noted Sydney chefs like Peter Doyle from est and Mark Armstrong from Pegrums. Along with my wife & business partners I've had the catering contract at The Kareela Golf Club for 16 years. Still got 10 fingers so my knife skills aren't lacking.

[DJDD]

Since no one knows me...

- What pays for my hobbies: IT Manager
and
- Studying for a Grad. Dip. in Japanese at Monash Uni (for fun) :)

[matt]

Hi Mike.

Radio newsreader and editor/journalist with the Fairfax radio network.

Have worked in radio at various stations since 1996. Prior to this, newspapers and magazine editing.

Education-wise...graduated the University of Western Sydney back in the late 80s with a Bachelor of Arts (Applied Communication) and later studied full-time at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School at Ryde in Sydney.

Have also dabbled in a little TV (ABC)...

Now...tell us a little about yourself:lol:

[gbeal]

Taxi driver, yellow and black taxis, LOL.
Gary

[JohnG]

Ummm, retired......

Before that, Royal Australian Navy on A Class patrol boats then trained as a helicopter door gunner to go to Vietnam (just missed out). NSW cops for 30 years, 28 of them in Police Rescue and the Air Wing, was also a senior Weapons Instructor and was in District SWOS teams.

Retired as a Senior Sergeant.

Cheers

John G

[jjjnettie]

Were you there at the same time as my cousin Tony Parker?

There's nothing glamorous about my job.
I'm a front end supervisor at our local Supa IGA. (checkout chick)
It does have it's perks though, while chatting to customers, I've gotten to meet quite a few locals who own scopes, 4 of whom I'd call serious amateurs and another 3 who are very keen beginners.
We get transient astronomers dropping in from Brisbane on their way to the monthly star party held at Hazeldean , just outside of town.
And once a year we have Astronomers from all over the country coming in, stocking up with supplies for Qld Astrofest.
So yeh, I like my job.

[andrewk_82]

Here's a boring one.

I'm an Accountant at a not-for-profit residential aged care facility. I've been here for a bit over 3 years.
Before that I spent 4 1/2 years working in a public practice firm as a tax accountant.
Before that I was at school.

It pays for astronomical equipment so it can't be all bad :).

Cheers

[jungle11]

Currently I am a Centrelink Funding/Spending Specialist:rolleyes:

Before this 'golen age of guilt' I was a Laboratory Technition. Sounds brighter than it is - we test construction materials, concrete, quarry materials - roadbases ect.

Will be back on the horse early next year, and am hoping to study Astronomy in the hope of one day doing something that i actually enjoy.

cheers

[erick]

Have a management job in a Melbourne University. Facilitate the establishment of contracts and agreements for research work, from small to multi-million $s. About 400 a year.

No, not a lawyer, just a worn out research chemist who diverted into management some 15 years ago. Done my time in Industry and Universities. Long Service leave and retirement beckon when the super is fat enough!

[Octane]

After attaining a science (computing) degree from university, I did the usual technical support work for a number of ISPs, then did some pre-sales engineering (IT), and then a lecturer of computing at a private college in Sydney. I was then offered a graduate/rotation position at where I am now.

I now have the job of my dreams.

I'm a UNIX (Solaris) systems administrator working for IP Australia (http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au), a federal government department, here in Canberra. I've been here for just under 3 years.

We used to be called the Patent Office, but, in fairness to all the other forms of intellectual property (patents, trademarks, designs and plant breeder's rights) the name was changed to IP Australia.

I'm currently studying for my Sun Certified Systems Administrator for the Solaris 10 Operating System. After this qualification, I hope to gain the network and security qualifications, too.

As well as loving what I do, I have the very good fortune of working with some very, very bright and clever people.

As an aside, I'm in the throes of beginning a photography business.

Regards,
Humayun

[Terry B]

I'm a country GP. Deliver babies and perform anaesthetics plus my rooms. Long hours but very enjoyable work.

[Benny L]

I'm a Photographer (since I was 16), a Water Well Driller (Since I was 14) and now my Dad and I are starting to get into market gardening..

So I have a few strings in my bow lol

[GeoffW1]

Hi,

Retired now, before that (going backwards)

- Educational admin in TAFE NSW
- TAFE head teacher and teacher for 20 years
- Manufacturing engineer

I guess I think of myself as an engineer at heart.

Cheers

[astronut]

If I told you I would have to kill you!!!:scared:

[Lismore Bloke]

Part owner of Lismore City Printery (with my brother). The firm was started off by by father and uncle after WW2. The early days were fairly primitive compared to the technology-driven industry it is now. Steep learning curve when home computers were developed and implemented. The technology and PDF workflows we use now enables us to compete with big city firms on quality and price (in our market niche).

[Bobj]

An awful lot of not very much...Been retired for 10 years. Prior to that main roads, WA and NSW. A very interesting job with the Main Roads in WA, looking for gravel and water in the back blocks of The Kimberlies prior to putting down the blacktop from Broome to the WA/NT border.
Yep! blame me for the blow outs.;)

[multiweb]

Moved to Australia in 95, now self employed in IT.

[mozzie]

finished scool in 84 went to tafe i'm know an artist in burn't clay:rofl::whistle:
(bricklayer) very enjoyable job work for myself

if the rain keeps up no laying bricks and no observing :scared:

[Outbackmanyep]

Auto electrician.....

[TrevorW]

If I told you I'd have to shoot you

[wavelandscott]

Currently MD at Sumitomo Chemical Australia...

In January, I will become a VP in Sumitomo Chemcial America in New York City.

So in summary as person who is purely "management overhead", I don't do actual "work" anymore I simply make it more difficult for others to do their work. I've also described my position as a "Seagull Mgr"...fly in to an office, squawk and flap around a bit, leave a "mess" on the desk and fly away...;)

[Rick Petrie]

Hi
Retired Designer in Civil Engineering and Surveying.
Worked for Local Govt. for most of that time and also a stint in private enterprise for about 8 years.
Picked a bad time to retire as the current economic disaster is sucking up a lot of hard earned super. I'll just have to spend more time looking up, both in observing:)and the stock market.:( New astro gear is out for awhile.

[Clarry]

The name doesn't ring a bell. I worked with Peter at Reflections restaurant in Palm Beach from 1982 to about 1985.

[Ric]

Food Services Administration & Project Manager at the Canberra Hospital

It's really a front for a top secret organisation protecting the world from alien invasion;)

[iceman]

I'm a Tech Team Lead at realestate.com.au, leading a team of developers on making web-based products for real estate agents.

Been here for about 10.5 months, and was at Ericsson and Hutchison before that.

[Lee]

I'm a GP. Not too much delivering babies here though (we hope!).... I was a doctor in the Air Force until a few months ago. Before this I was a laboratory scientist, so I have spent almost my whole life to now training (or so it seems).

[rogerg]

Software developer, more so project leading and analysis these days than coding. Work primarily with Java & DB2. Been with the one IT company for 8 years since leaving uni. I do have an ABN to my name for the purpose of photography, but these days it doesn't do much other than cost me money and give me the excuse to see my photo's printed, as it's not my focus. :)

[Ian Robinson]

"Retired" pyromet process engineer , parttime postgrad engineering management student, would rather be working (not interested in FIFO , not interested in contract jobs as they are REALLY not worth the bother).

The rumour of a shortage of engineers in Australia is imaginary - If there really was a shortage I would have been snapped up ages ago (and would probably be living in WA, NT, Qld or SA now). Opportunitywize for engineers - NSW is a hole, and Newcastle is stuffed and has been since Pasminco closed the smelter and OneSteel closed the steelworks.

Seems to me most companies want experience and credentials but are not prepared to pay guys like me who have these what we are worth , so they pay peanuts to imports and get monkeys instead .

So what do I do now ? - I do my own thing (got enough money and income to live comfortably (owning one's home , having a good reliable car , and being debt free is a big help)) and I keep on applying for jobs (more out of habit , as I don't have to - not that I ever expect to land one , I'm over-qualified, I'm too experienced, I'm too fat, I'm too expensive, I'm too old (I'm wrong side of 45 , and of 50) and HR in most companies is full of kids in their 20s who know SBA and discriminate against guys like me in favour of young "beautiful" and trim know all sod all types).

I am bitter and twisted.
I refuse to deal with the Job Network which in my view is a total waste of time.

OK ... now that's off the chest .... good to have rant every so often.

[Mombat]

Currently studying. Doing a bachelor of science, majoring in physics and pure maths at Melbourne uni. Starting a job at the casino next week which should be interesting and i have my scope to drain off any extra earnings i may have.

[GrahamL]

Farmer for the last 20 odd years ,,how time flys by..sometimes on my own mostly employed by others currently here
http://www.hwns.com.au/
I fill a small supervisery role and work with 15 or so great people
with various intellectual dissabilities/mental illness etc .

I really enjoy working with people who despite there circumstances
are very genuine and can always find a little hummor and laughter
in every day .

[koputai]

Full time job is Broadcast Engineer, in television and film production equipment.
My own business (part time) is designing and manufacturing electronic systems for rebreathers (mixed gas diving equipment).

Cheers,
Jason.

[AdrianF]

I am currently an Engineering Teacher (Metal fabrication) at TAFE I almost got my AD Electrical Engineering and worked as an electronics technician for CQU for awhile and then a technician looking after photocopiers for 6 1/2 years.

Adrian

[Jen]

:screwy: now where do i start.........

A housewife, a mum of 2 children, story teller, a toy repairer, a cleaner, chef, gardner, dishwasher, laundrette assistant :lol::lol: oh wait i forgot to mention my daytime job :doh::rofl:
Im a revenue assistant for our local water authority and i also sit along side our engineer boss and draw up all his mud maps of sewer and house plans on to the computer using auto-cad (i love it) been there for neally 5 years and before that i was studying IT and waitressing
:thumbsup:
there is some interesting jobs in here :thumbsup:

[Barrykgerdes]

I have never had to work. I heard somewhere when I was quite young. "Find out what you like to do for enjoyment then find someone to pay you to do it".

I played with radios and crystal sets as a kid and gradually improved my expertise, got a ham licence, Used to help out in a disposals shop (While I should have been in school) made all the disposal radios and radars work just to see if I could.

When it came to earning a living I was offered a job with the navy dockyard radio centre. I never classed this as work because I did it for fun. I progressed quite quickly through the organization to be a communications systems expert and travelled all round Australia in ship building and repair. Built a couple of submarines in Scotland, What a great holiday! Then built patrol boats in Cairns. They even gave me holidays which I accumulated because who wants a holiday when you get an all expenses paid jaunt to a holiday resort for three weeks three times a year.

I retired at 55 on a nice CSS indexed pension and want for nothing.

Eat your hearts out suckers!

Barry

[wysiwyg]

Optimisation Manager for a gas utility company, specialising in system architecture and change management.

Basically, I come up with a good idea and get someone to build it.

[acropolite]

I'm a Telephone PABX installer, we supply and install phone systems ranging from a couple of handsets to hundreds, VOIP is a fact of life nowdays so I've had to develop some IT skills to go with the job.

We're a dying breed as a lot of telephony is disappearing in to the IT area but at 55 I'm really not that fussed.

[h0ughy]

Well lets see,

I started life working for Bob Hawke for a while, then Mr Keating (dole) then worked in a service station doing dog watch for a few years supporting my wave ski surfing habits (which I paid for dearly with skin cancers now) all the while nursing my first refractor (90mm tasco), then progressed onto the RTA designing roads and traffic signals, then on to a private survey firm as their IT man /CAD design, then on to my current employer where I do infrastructure planning and design. Actually I surf the net far too much but that’s is not a real job is it ;) .

Other part time jobs were driving a truck and bar tending, driving a friend around for singing telegrams (cleaned up for forum) and of course IT work building and working on PC’s - all to support a addiction – Astronomy LOL

[Bassnut]

This thread is fascinating, such a wide range of occupations.

I was a tech for NZ television, an R and D contract design engineer in London for large format studio audio mixers (Rank Arena), my own business in Industrial Automation electronics and now the Australian service center for an electric wheelchair controller manufacturer (Dynamics).

[RobF]

+1 here for the lab life. Senior biochemist for a private path firm. I see caffeine has an important status in your life Lee....! :lol:

[Lee]

Nice spotting..... :)

[BerrieK]

What an interesting bunch of people we all are!

You guys dont really know me but I, like Jen, have unpaid work as a mum, wife, cook, cleaner upper of all, fixer of stuff , and add to this domestic plumbing fixer (oh, thats another story), lawn mower, carer of pets (we have 18 at current count), and driver of children to weekend and after school activities.

My paid job... I am a radiographer at our local hospital, running the CT scan department. I have just finished Masters in Applied Science (Medical Radiation Science) (YAY I've finished!!) and am meant to graduate on Friday but cannot get the time off work (growl :mad2: I'm no bitter oh no not me).

Kerrie

[Ian Robinson]

BTW .
Been an analytical chemist (BHP Steel) for several years, then when retrenched returned to studies to retrain as a chemical engineer and worked as laboratory manager and then as plant supervisor, then as coal washery engineering assistant, then back to BHP Steel when I completed the BE , which became Onesteel , worked for them for 10 years as a pyrometallurgical process engineer, then rug pullout from under me AGAIN !! , spent some time in Port Hedland working as a development engineer for BHPIO at the now defunct HBI plant. Been Mr.Mum and a uni student since.

Have never stopped learning - chemistry and then chemical engineering, computer engineering and physics, and now engineering management as a post grad. Gone last trimester with no study - got bored and noticed how much crud there is on TV ...!!!

More experience and credentials than you can shake a stick at ....

Chocaholic, coke (acola) - caffine / sugar junky from way back, fishaholic, BaT.

[gman]

Some impressive jobs held by folks here at IIS

I work in the Transport Industry.
Have worked my way through the ranks from a storeperson and was until recently a National Credit Manager with a top 10 Transport Co-.

As is the way of the world, situations became untenable and now I am back in the cut and thrust of Interstate Operations with another top 10 Co-

[meliux]

I'm a "senior technical consultant" for one of au/nz's larger ISPs ;)

[bkm2304]

Hello fellow jobbers. I run a charity for people living with an intellectual disability. It's called "LeapFrog ability". We also have a donor - driven program called "Fair Go For Kids" where we pay sometimes ludicrously small amounts of money to get children off waiting lists for surgery or assessment or equipment. For any child in a wealthy nation like Australia to have to wait up to 2 years for treatment for their disability is a disgrace that has no excuses. Our governments find tens of millions for football stadiums but cry poormouth when it comes to health. Training - registered psychologist and a PhD in immunology.

Richard

[leon]

Although officially retired from the horticulture and nursery work in the cut flower business, I have had many jobs of different nature from grounds person of a large resort, to building service officer, to yardman at a timer outlet, to service station attendant, and so on it goes.

Now I do some part time in the Ballarat Fire Protection services, which entails servicing all kinds of fire extingusiers, it keeps me out of trouble and helps with the Astronomy bills. :lol: :lol:

Leon :thumbsup:

[coldspace]

I started out as a refrigeration tech. with Coca-cola 20 years ago, then 7 years ago after moving through the ranks with their equipment service department got bored so started up an Air-conditioning company. We now are a small operation with 5 employees. Best move I did as it gives me flexibility to do other things. The name of our company is Coldspace Air, so I thought it would suit my on-line name here as it is Cold out in space :cold:.

Regards Matt

[cristian abarca]

I work in the building industry as a painter and decorator and have been running my own business for about 16 years. I have finished a builders registration course and hope to sit for my builders licence exam sometime in the new year. Here's hoping.

Cristian

[ausastronomer]

I worked on a fishing trawler on the mid north coast for a few months after I left school. Mum said, "I didn't spend all that money on your education so you could go fishing all day, every day :)"

I listened to Mum and came back to Sydney and started working for a Chartered Accountant. Did a Commerce/Law Degree part time. Spent almost 10 years with that firm specialising in business reconstruction in the hospitality industry. Left there and spent 8 years as the Finance Manager for the Sydney Turf Club, which controls Rosehill and Canterbury Racecourses. Spent 12 years at Gordon Rugby Club as Finance Manager and CEO. Now CEO of a medium sized Club right near home on the Central Coast. I have about 40 staff and 6000 members, which is a lot less than I had at Gordon, but I like the idea of a 3 minute drive to work and home every day.

Cheers,
John B

[Dog Star]

Currently I'm the Yardie/storeman for a local engineering firm which largely involves lots of fork lift driving, truck driving and arguments with the sales staff at Onesteel. (Hope there's none of you here.):D
Previously I've worked in the printing, plastics, horticultural and transport industries.
Oddly enough, the best job I ever had was cleaning rest areas in Central Australia from the SA/NT border up to Tennant Creek and out west to the Rock and Hermansberg, a weekly run of about 2500 k's. Camping out in the swag 4 nights a week under the darkest skies imaginable and meeting and talking to tourists from all over the world. Loved it! I'd still be doing it if the boss hadn't been a total anus!:mad2:

[Kal]

I work in IT integrating servers & storage. Some rackmounted stuff, but mostly just blade stuff now, which while easier than building racks is also alot more dull. Been doing this job for almost 10 years now. Before that I was with the same company on the phones to customers diagnosing their problems, which was work I really didn't like, so I changed (lucky - they outsourced to India soon after!) and before that I worked in a flour mill for 3 years as a miller/supervisor.

[dugnsuz]

Cytotechnologist.

I screen PAP smears for pre-cancerous changes and also examine body fluids and fine needle aspiration specimens microscopically for malignancies.

Doug

[Ian Robinson]

Do your mates call you Squinty ?

[dugnsuz]

No...and neither can you!!!:P

[Zuts]

Hi,

Left school

(1) Uni for 3 months, deferred
(2) 5 years picking fruit, apples, grapes, carrots, asparagus, peaches, pears all around Oz.
(3) A few years on the railways welding the line in outback SA. In the mines around Agnew in WA building the town.
(4) Factories for a few years, canneries, plastic factories. Made Ford trucks in NZ.
(5) Back to Uni. While at uni worked in more factories, cleaning, shop assistant, research assistant. Got a computing/maths degree at Monash. Started a Masters but had had enough.
(6) Off to Darwin, worked for N.T Health, IT
(7) Off to Indonesia, worked on road engineering projects, IT
(8) Off to Eungella in QLD, IT contracting based in a small farm there
(9) Down to Sydney, IT contracting
(10) Currently work for Westpac as a Technical Lead on internet banking projects.


Heaps of stuff I have probably forgotten, not least is that I am a single dad and these days spend my time outside of work looking after my two daughters, so cooking, cleaning and not much else.

Cheers
Paul

[kinetic]

You crack me up Houghy! :D

First became an Electrical Fitter on the Broken Hill mines, then moved
to Adelaide.
Worked for a mob here in Adelaide for 18 years as a Sparkie/ Comms Tech
(did another trade), got my diploma in Electronics.
Moved into Fibre optic installation, terminating, testing/commissioning to carrier level specs.
Do I.T. installs from the ground up.
Great job, some places I have been sent to do Electrical/Comms/Electronic/Fibre work are places like Nurrungar tracking station, Woomera, FIFO mine sites....love my job, I'm in a minority.

Steve

[Tandum]

Started work with Valve Radio gear in the early 70's.
Moved to Offshore Oil Survey Navigation in the late 70's.
Onto Mobile Phone Towers in the late 80's.
Programming computers in the 90's.
Self employed IT today.
Still have a $15K HECS debt :doh:

[KenGee]

Worked in a steel Rolling Mill for a while, then a Lab tech, IT. I now Manage a Application support team for a Multinational IT outsourcer.

[Craig.a.c]

Finished school in 2000 (HSC)
Joined up with Green Corps to learn about the bush, got paid for it and even got a few certificates when I finished.
Was a doing paving for about 18 months with a guitarist that I was in a band with. Loved that job, outdoors all day, great exercise and the money wasn't to bad. He moved to WA and I had to find another job.
Then I went out and got my security licence :screwy::screwy: about 4 years ago and have been a "rent-a-cop" ever since. I hate security work and wish I never got my licence.
Now I am applying for as many apprenticeships as I can, not having much luck though.:sadeyes:
I almost forgot, I'm a musician also. Play bass in a local band, when we aren't fighting and breaking up all the time.:shrug:

[troypiggo]

I'm a structural consulting engineer. Boring, I know. Only job I have ever had since 1992 graduation, happy in it, part owner of the company now, and will be here til I retire :)

[Mark]

My official title is 'Field Solutions Engineer'

I install & service medical imaging equipment, including MRI, CT, Xray and Nuclear medicine. Been doing that for 12 years.

Prior to that I did some other stuff, including 13 years in the electricity supply industry, where I did my electrical apprenticeship, got my certificate in electronics and worked in high voltage substations as a protection fitter.

Mark

[I.C.D]

Ask to leave school Christmas 1966 first job was with the Army as a causal civilian (roustabout )in 1967 got full time employment in May 1968 as a trainee overhead linesman with the then Hunter Valley County Council left the county in late 1980 and when into the mines as a CHPP (Washery operator) while their leant to drive the big rear dumpers and loaders ,did all the shift doggy day afternoon and weekends (don’t miss night shift and weekends )at the present time I am on long serves leave have 36 weeks to go then retiring .I am driving school bus at the present time for somethig to do I will do that till I am 60 .And in between all that I was a Nasho never got the chance to go to Vietnam

Ian C :thumbsup:

[OneOfOne]

Worked for 25 years at the Telstra Research Labs beginning in electronic design, moving on to software development, optic fibre and finally got out in 2000. Did some really interesting work (the 1000W laser was fun) and some boring work.

A few months later got my current job as a software developer (Delphi). The company I work for makes electronic price labels. Each label has a 4 bit micro and LCD price display on the front. When we get a price change file overnight we send the new prices to the labels by modulating the lights in the building with the data. When they come in the next morning the prices changes are done. Very challenging (aka complex) stuff with a code base of 280,000 lines of code.

[drsimmo]

I work at the Anglo-Australian Observatory :)

[AdrianF]

:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P:P

Adrian

[White Rabbit]

I qualified as an audio engineer only to find out that there was no need to be qualified :mad2: and that I could have saved that 20k I paid for my diploma.

I now run the audio visual departments for the Novotel and Pullman Hotels in Homebush. If you ever attend a conference at those hotels or the Swiss Grand (I left the Swiss a little over a year ago) in Bondi, it was probably me that organised it.

[StephenM]

Hi all,

I'm a molecular biologist at the University of Queensland, currently working on a project where we are trying to increase sugar yields and produce high value sugars in sugarcane (as a feedstock for biofuel production).

Cheers,
Stephen

[§AB]

Big W nightfill. Casual position so i can work/not work when I want to and wages are better than full/part time ;)

[dannat]

third year science teacher

before that about 7 years in pathology as lab scientist

TerryB - i worked for 3.5 yrs for Oxley (now)

Doug - how long in Cyto? people tend not to last too long as the ones i knew get burned out - how's your eyes?

[mrsnipey]

Code monkey (programmer). Give me a spec and I'll code it.
I love the dark and drink far too much coffee.
Goes hand in hand with Astronomy.

[NickontheCoast]

Journalist/IT ... Almost all the time since leaving school spent on the NSW north coast, cupla stints in the metros, but the country always beckons. Recently moved to the dark side (long story) and now working in IT, though more the management and infrastructure thing and support (have you turned the PC off and on again?) for the company-wide publishing system. Plus a bit of TAFE teaching.

[Max Vondel]

I worked in the Hospitality industry, waiter, barman, roomservice (Hilton Hotels) while a student, studied chem eng, elect eng and then Bible College. Finally finished Nuclear Medicine Technology. Now I run (GM) 3 businesses - Labsupply Australia- A laboratory and scientific supply company specialising in interchangeable glassware (we manufacture our own equipment)- Fantasy Glass - glass adult toys (glass dildo's!!!) and Sydney Glassblowing College (teaching basic recreational glass blowing techniques).
Besides, I have lots of other other interesting business idea's - some of them astronomical!!!
:screwy:

[shredder]

After school, I went and did an Engineering Degree at UNSW.

And was so thoroughly brain dead at the end of it I just had to go and see if UTS was any better, where I ended up doing a 2nd Engineering Degree.

Now I have two degrees, that I can barely remember the names of...

I work in the IT industry, and have probably worked for over 35 companies to date (a lot of consulting work), anything from Submarines, to Banking and Finance, to Telecommunication, and Steel Production / Process systems.

These days I am a ... what does the business card say... "Enterprise Architect".... hang on the other one is different "Chief Technical Architect"... yeah that sounds better (we print them ourselves)... all of which means I get to sit at a desk, staring aimlessly out the window, while trying to remember what the heck it is I am here for again... all while giving the obligatory "ohh that sounds complex, better let me think about it, and get back to you" kind of answers whenever I get asked a deep n meaningful question...

You just got to love those bull#$#& IT job titles...

[styleman333]

I own my own Pest Control / Termite Inspection Buisness in Wollongong , i also do a lot of work for Flick.
Can be a bit messy and a bit frightening ( climbing under house in snake or wombat infested areas ) but touch wood i havent been bit yet.
I love my job , working outdoors , meeting ppl , sure beats working in a office ....

[dugnsuz]

17 years, eyes fine, the rest are the burned out bits!!

[andrewk_82]

[quote=styleman333;384489]I own my own Pest Control / Termite Inspection Buisness in Wollongong , i also do a lot of work for Flick.
Can be a bit messy and a bit frightening ( climbing under house in snake or wombat infested areas ) but touch wood i havent been bit yet.quote]

I'll have to give you a call next time I have a wombat infestation ;).

[Kal]

No no no! Enterprise Architect sounds better - theres the space shuttle enterprise, along with the starship enterprise :thumbsup::D

[AstralTraveller]

I'm enjoying this thread; it's a bit like 'Why I Live Where I Live' on Australian All Over, and that is a topic we might visit in the future.

After I left school I went to uni, because that's what bright kids do, but without any clear view as to what i wanted to do. The memories of exactly what I did are a bit hazy but, anyway I failed. So I joined the public service and wound up in DSS dispensing the dole. After a few years it became apparent that if I stayed I would get an ulcer and/or become an alcoholic. My wife's job was likewise at a dead end, so we bought a 4WD and set off to travel and work around Oz. That was great but eventually it had to end. We returned to Wollongong and both went to uni.

I had seen plenty of pollution and land degradation so I majored in physical geography and chemistry with the idea of fighting the good environmental fight. In second year I did a subject called 'Environmental Prehistory of Australia' and it changed my life. The third year geomorphology subjects all bought home how much we explain the present and predict the future by understanding the past.

I ended up starting a PhD in geochemistry, specifically using stable-isotope ratios in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. This may sound an obscure field, and in a way it is, but it the one of the few techniques that provides quantitative information about past environments - the temperature record for the past several million years was obtained from stable isotope ratios in of marine micro-organisms extracted from deep-sea cores. (BTW isotope techniques have a great variety of other uses, from plant breeding to detecting drugs in sport.)

Unfortunately I had a major nervous breakdown while doing the PhD and it is now gone. About 8 months later,as I was picking myself up, the technician in the lab I worked in quit to move to WA and I wound up getting the job.

That was in 2002 and at that stage we had one stable-isotope mass spectrometer (IRMS). My workaholic, high-flying boss now has two IRMS, doing different types of work, an ICP-MS, a HPLC, one of the few GC-GC-PFC in the world, a new prep lab and next year a state-of-the-art 'clumped-isotope' mass spec, but still only me. The place could easily justify 3-4 tech staff. And that brings me to the only real gripe I have with the job; I could work 24/7 and still not do all that needs to be done. So I (basically) draw the line at 7/5, with only a few unpaid weekends. However, it makes me feel bad when perfectly good students can't get there thesis completed on time because I can't do something they need done. The situation isn't my fault but it's my door they knock on.

On the up side I get to participate in really interesting (to me anyway) research, meet lots of interesting people and keep up with recent developments. I knew about the Hobbit of Flores a year before the paper was published, but we were sworn to secrecy (I don't have any scoops at the moment but Mike is in Indonesia now digging for the next discovery.) I am, or have, analysed samples as part research that has looked at the past climate of Flores during the time the Hobbit lived, the environment of northern Oz over 12,000 years, the sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific and Indian oceans over the past 5-6000 years, the movement of organic matter from land to sea and what caused the mass extinction at the Permian-Triassic boundary etc etc.

It is also a pleasant place to work. Even though people work really hard the place maintains a pleasant ambiance. No one clock-watches me, I organize my time to achieve the tasks I am set and I get respected for my abilities and knowledge. Although our undergrads are almost all Australians the postgrads, which is who I deal with, come from every continent. It would be nothing to be talking to a Brazillian, Chinese and Iranian at the same time. And I really enjoy meeting all these people.

I can also walk to work. The campus is known as one of the most beautiful in the country and is pleasant to walk around, especially when the students aren't about. Of course when they are around there is another type of beauty an old man can apprecialte :whistle:.

One skill I have not mastered is brevity. Good night.

[Jen]

:thumbsup: nice work Astral thanks for sharing ;)

[Barrykgerdes]

I have already had my say earlier but I would like to add something for all those workers with multiple qualifications, letters and degrees.

The only qualifications I ever obtained officially were the E & C and I only did this because I was paid to do it and some compulsory courses to work on military cryptographic equipment. I had the opportunity to be sent to the uni full time on full pay but opted for an overseas posting instead.

However when the useless systems of needing written qualifications of ability to work on certain equipment started to be introduced in the 1980's a schedule was drawn up in the weapons/electronics/communications dept with the names of all the staff and the list of equipments they were proficient in.

I eventually became custodian of this schedule and when I read through it my name was there, not qualified for anything. But all the technicians who were qualified quoted me as being their instructor on 90% of the equipments.

Naturally as I was the custodian of the schedule I very quickly became experienced in every equipment.;);)

Barry

[LeoLion]

Retired for ca 4 years now from a full working life ( with just two employers ) as an analytical chemist . Chemistry of food , drugs , water & effluent for legal compliance . A little microbiology & microscopy thrown in too . Some glassworking skill with a blowtorch (as well as a little telescope mirror making but not for work ) . Originally a farmers son.

[Paramount]

Hi All
I work as a deputy ward manager in an adult psychiatric unit in Hereford UK, I have been working in this job for the past 29 years ever since I left college. As part of my job I also lecture on mental health law and I also run courses on managing violence and aggression and personal safety. I work permanent nights which means I get 3 nights off one week and then 4 the next so I try and make the most of these nights for imaging.
Best wishes
Gordon

[lacad01]

Gday all, after school got my trade qual. as an electrician. Got into IT (mainframe computer ops) and evolved up the infrastructure food chain to where I am now as a network engineer working primarily with global data/voice communications, LAN, Optical comm's, data security, etc. Apart from my trade qual and a Graduate Cert from UNSW (MBT), I've graduated from the school of life :-)
Cheers!

[ingrast]

Electrical Engineer, URUGUAY (same nice southern skies!!).

Currently developing GPS based solutions for taxicabs and general transportation.
Have done lots of different software - hardware projects mostly in telecommunications.
Taught electronics at the University for a while.
Audio nut also, have designed and built my own audio gear for almost 40 years starting with vacuum tubes.
Armchair astronomer until my son brought me a 5" newtonian which I quickly put completely apart and improved :screwy:(still working on it).
Science buff, I love to discuss biology with my elder daughter, IT whith my son, Civil Engineering with my younger daughter, unfortunately no one to discuss Astronomy :(.

At 57, plan to keep working at least 10 more years, perhaps more, it's fun after all.

Rodolfo

[Benno85]

Hello Everyone,

Being the somewhat young one that I am (hint to my birthyear in my screen name), the majority of my working life has been spent in the printing and paper industries (mainly medium and large run sheetfed offset). After a redundancy earlier this year, I have since entered the world of modular carpet in a customer service role in Picton NSW, and what a lifestyle change! Being over an hour south of Sydney, it's definitley got great dark sky potential, so much so that my family and I have moved 10mins away in Wilton....

...Itching for this cloud to break up though!!!!!!

[MrB]

After a long stint of odd-jobs, unemployment and self-employment, I now work full-time at Jaycar Electronics, Rockingham WA :D

[aura]

I am a desk-a-holic full-time student IT girl - favorite type: website design and photoshop. Can we get anymore of those yearbook/calender offers? I had to wait until student payday and then they were gone. aa

[iceman]

Hi Annette, unfortunately I don't have any more in stock but you can pick them up from other astro shops like Bintel or York Optical.

[mdgodf]

Unpaid work: garden maintenance, house painter, instruction book interpreter (when no one else in the house could be bothered to read the instructions to work the latest electronic/household/phone/computer type gadget and get it to work), household fixer of all things, most of the cooking, driver, second in charge of cleaning, ironing and pet care.

Paid work: Did Economics at Uni 30 years ago; I can only just recall what demand and supply are! A bank offered me a job straight out of uni without needing to do the normal job interview BS so I took it. Worked in a number of Australian and Foreign Banks and Finance companies until I thought it might be fun to supervise what they do and worked for the government regulator of banks for a while and then moved to another government agency concerned with anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing. Not at the pointy end with the cops et al but more with those that are supposed to report transactions to us. (You know; when banks have to report transactions of $10,000 in cash or more, 100 point ID check for opening accounts etc. – it’s all in a process of change at the moment as new legislation has been introduced so Australia complies with global standards and other countries won’t apply economic sanctions against us for not complying)

Fun and unpaid work: Travel photography; see a few trips here:
Africa: http://www.markandkay.smugmug.com/gallery/6162125_hsa7c
Antarctica:http://markandkay.smugmug.com/Prior%20Year's%20Photos/269525
Europe:http://markandkay.smugmug.com/Prior%20Year's%20Photos/269530
The main web site: http://markandkay.smugmug.com/

Now wondering how much longer I will have to work to make up for the 50% reduction in retirement savings….does anyone remember 1987?

[smersh]

Currently - Self employed trading system developer and trader.

Previously (spanning 20 years):
IT manager of a private hedge fund.
Trading software developer (Merrill Lynch and Dow Jones Markets).
Electrical engineer (RAN).

[Quack24]

graduated from high school 4 weeks ago through work experience i gained a job at the local computer store as a computer technician.
I also work at Supa IGA as checkout manager on Saturday nights

[Ian Robinson]

Forgot to add , I am a graduate from the school of hard knocks. I've had more my fair share of hard knocks.

[okiscopey]

Retired now, but previously a scientific/technical/medical photographer for 40 years, generally in universities and hospitals in London and Sydney. My maths was never good enough for a science (or astronomy!) career but the 'S&T' photography qualification allowed me to at least work in the scientific and medical teaching/research environment.

Haven't attended the 'school of hard knocks', but did quite a bit of 'temp' work years ago in factories, offices and building sites, which gave me some appreciation for how tough, boring and unappreciated some jobs can be.

Retirement is wonderful, I highly recommend it! The only trouble is ... there just ain't enough hours in the day.

[GeoffW1]

Hi Barry,

I can't resist pointing something out here. All the people you refer to above will have worked very hard without exception, and are quite rightly proud of their achievements. The system is far from useless.

Now if you found an alternative path then bloody good on you, I say go for it :thumbsup:

However let's not be putting each other down here, please.

Cheers

[Kevnool]

I,m a site supervisor building and maintaining roads for the rta in the far west of NSW.
All week i,m away from home camped with 8 other workers in caravans , but i,m home on fridays and get go out again on monday mornings.
Not much life at home on the weekends but i love the skies at night out there....cheers Kev.

[Rattler]

Well, Bachelor Commerce but majored in Marketing so the dullness of the degree did not rub off totally...though some might think otherwise. Ran Prime and Super-prime regional shopping centres (was serious fun until Pyramid Building Society fell over), worked in medical industry, then strategic planning, trucking, back to a medical startup firm, then another born of R&D outcomes at the UNSW and now I mentor CEOs of startup firms ranging from microtransactions in the market, VoIP based contact centres to developing an improvised explosive device detection system for use in urban battlefields and anti-terrorist deployments.

[astro_south]

Great thread - great to see the variety, and indicative of amateur astronomy and its many facets as a hobby.

To add to the variety, I am a groundwater hydrologist - specialising in numerical groundwater modelling. I used to work for the State government, but a few years ago I jumped ship to the private sector where I now work for a small groundwater consulting firm. The move was the best thing I could have done - gone from water resource planning activities to much more interesting and challenging problems - usually involving mines. The job really suits my INTP personality type, and although stressful, I can't see myself doing anything else.

My undergrad was in Environmental Engineering and my postgrad was a Masters in computational mathematics. Just before leaving the government I also did a Dip of Business (they paid ;) )

[Gazgaz]

Now Dermatologist Sunshine Coast QLD

Started catching chickens at night to get away from life situation
then "bloody qualifications and letters"
Army electronics tech - remember trying to repair 10 layer circuit boards inside what was laughingly called a computer in the Leopard tanks
B elec engineering
B applied science clinical lab tech
medical degree - Newcastle
Dermatology

Have a great life and job and family

Worked Africa, England, Scotland

Wouldn't live anywhere but here (for now)

skin you find it everywhere and everyone wants to talk about it

[rodroger]

Hi,
Well my professional standing has been a "Dye Technician & Colourist" for over 20 years. But as the industry has moved off shore I am currently working for ALS Laboratory Group as a Laboratory Technician (level 3), Prepping samples for the Enviromental Laboratory in Brisbane in the HRMS Lab - testing for Dioxins & PCBs. Very interesting and rewarding work, and working with some very nice and friendly people, I plan to retire in this position if all goes well :). By the way we nick named our Heigh Resolution Mass Spectrometer - "Homer":P as sometimes he acts like one.:doh:

[Rastis]

Fitter at Downer EDI Rail Maryborough. I mainly do Maintenance on Loco and Tilt Train Wheel sets.

[dalemadison]

Secondary School teacher for the last six years. Before that was in the US Air Force involved in satellite tracking, satellite control, missile launching and did four years at Cape Canaveral in the early 80s launching the shuttle.

[Davros]

Spent 6 years at UNE collecting bits of paper. Came out with a duel major Bachelor Degree with Honours in Archaeology and Palaeoanthropolgy. From this i get paid (sometimes) to make something special out of ancient trash :P Currently trying to sort out a Masters in forensic science.

[rastis95]

Hi all,
Studied at uq for 4 years as an agronomist, some how ended up in southern nsw working in the timber industry for 9 years (don't ask :D) now trying my hand at running a 7 day a week food business. Life is never boring
Cheers
Scott:D

[jjjnettie]

Fantastic thread!
Some of my other jobs have been:
Machinist- making jump suits for parachutists at Ramblers drop zone.
Dairy hand- milking cows etc (don't ask about the etc)
I managed an Arab Horse Stud for a couple of years at Vinegar Hill, west of Sydney.
ARES- Not just a weekend warrior. I was in Supply and we worked, weighing up and sending off the weekly rations to Units all over Queensland.
Making concrete pavers.
Taking tourists on trail rides up at Cape Tribulation.

[PeterM]

I spent my early working years (1976-1983) as a warranty clerk / stock control manager (BMW & Datsuns) at Capital Motors in Auburn NSW. Was the lead guitarist in a Sydney pub / punk band in the late 70s early 80's -even had the Divinyls as our support band on one occasion - hows that I reckon I saw Chrissy Amphlett in suspenders before most did, Blacktown RSL, Dee Why Hotel, War and Peace, Penrith Leagues, Sutherland Hotel etc , Midnight Oil and us at Castle Hill RSL ahh memories, met everyone who was anyone. Moved to Gold Coast in 1983 and managed highrise apartments with my wifes family then worked as a Manager for a number of finance companies and building societies in Qld for about 20 years. Gave up work and swapped roles with my wife several years ago and became Mr mum becoming primary carer for my severley disabled (cerebal palsy etc, etc, etc) 20 year old son, I do everything from wipe his nose to well you know, I love him and the role dearly, he is my inspiration in my driving absolute passion for supernova hunting. Almost forgot I work at Sirius Optics Saturday's. Other than that I have only posted a few times on IIS in the last few years but that maybe about to change and maybe I have something to offer, unless the weather changes.
PeterM

[coldspace]

Peter,
I think you will be able to provide endless things to offer everyone here, your knowledge in Astronomy is second to none.
I will catch up with you before end of year for a beer.
Bloody weather up here at the moment.

Matt.

[PeterM]

Your $50 is in the mail, oh, did I also mention I am a confidence trickster?
PeterM

[matt]

Which band?

[PeterM]

oh oh, I thought this might happen. The band was called Peculiarclerk (a punky pun on Petula Clarke suggested by a manager of a very, very well known Sydney band at the time - seems there is some stuff on you tube) - as it turned out we were one of Doug Mulray's 5 favourite band names (and i have the clipping to prove it) . We played some 500 gigs in sydney between 1980 & 1982 and that's about it. If I owe anyone a refund on their admission price please contact my solictors on............
PeterM

[Blue Skies]

Having just read through everyones replies it seems we're a pretty mixed bunch. I've noticed that with astronomy, it doesn't attract just one type of person, but appeals to a wide band.

My work - well, lets concentrate on the now, lets not dwell on the murky past....(although some here might know what I attempted).

Currently I am doing two main jobs, one as a casual presenter at Horizon the Planetarium here at Scitech in Perth (1 to 2 days a week, that's all I can handle and stay sane! And keep my voice!) and the other is as Environmental Scientist-come-botanist for a small private company. The botany was mainly a hobby but with the mining boom there's been a pretty severe shortage of them around town of late and anyone with a modicum of botanical knowledge has been pressed into service. And I'm going to tutor for summer uni course on first-year level astronomy again for a few weeks.

[Glenhuon]

Retired a couple of years ago. Started off as a Coal miner and then apprentice fitter with the then National Coal Board in Scotland. Worked for a while as a jobbing fitter with a welding company, 10 years as a travelling mechanic with the Northern Lighthouse board. Moved to Aus, had a few short stints with factory maintenance. Last 24 years with the WA Water supply as Diesel/Chlorination/Pump fitter in the Midwest and finished up as Mech Supervisor Waste Water Treatment for the SW Region of WA before pulling the pin. Enjoyed them all, was more like fun than work most of the time. :)

Bill

[bert]

Hi guys,

We do have some interesting people on this forum. I started out in a family business manufacturing shed and garage kits and and buiding the finished product, a 1 stop shop.

After a few years I did the sydney thing (its a country thing) running a crew of guys fitting out Hi- Rise apartment buildings fitting out carparks for one of Sydneys (australia maybe?) biggest apartment builders.

Then back to the country where I work at a garage door business as head installer/nerd. As well as your run off the mill residential work we do a lot of commercial and industrial door solutions, including being called out to an observatory to automate a roll off obs which started an obsession....:help:

I have automated a few observatories now (roll off and dome) and have built a roll off setup, which I had a blast doing for 1 of the members of this forum.

The future:

I am looking at a sideline business making complete roll off automated observatory kits at a realistic price, I have a few designs on the drawing board at the moment. Should be fun!

Brett :)

[FarmerBen]

Hi All, I'm a bit of a lurker on this site but, reading the responses from everyone, I thought I'd pitch in.

Out of school I had no real idea what I wanted to do, so without direction I studied business management. I had been tinkering around with computers for a few years prior to this so it was the computing element that most interested me. I ended up teaching computing subjects at the local TAFEs, along with business communication and maths.
I was also a martial arts instructor for about 10 years and ran my own computer networking business.
I went back to school and got an Associate Diploma in IT and later completed 12 months of a Computer Science degree, but I gave that away due to lack of interest.
I've been working in IT for about 17 years doing all manner of things,and currently occupy my time as part of Infrastructure Services for a University. I think I have one more IT job left in me before I call it quits.

On the side I'm a farmer - beef cattle, and photographer. I'm trying to turn my photographic skills to astro-photography but ... this bl**dy weather!

[Jen]

:clap::clap::clap: very interesting read between all of us we could take over NASA right :lol::lol:
:whistle::whistle:

[AstralTraveller]

I'm starting to notice some interesting interconnections and shared experiences. Has anyone else noticed this sort of thing?

I've done a similar job to Dog Star, selling steel in Pt Headland. I was supposed to be a storeman/driver but as there were only 2 of us I had to be able to do everything in the office as well, and mostly did - the boss was happy to 'delegate'. I really enjoyed it. I spent far less time than Zuts as part of the itinerant farm workforce, in Kununurra. The work was OK but the pay was pathetic.

At work I have bought supplies from the company run by Max Vondel (or I think I have - I certainly know the cattle-dog). Rodroger and I both work on mass specs. They're different breeds but we could still probably bore the rest of you to death talking shop. From his time at UNE Davros would certainly know an academic who is now at Wollongong. I spoke briefly to Mike yesterday but didn't ask him how the last dig went.

Finally, I've realized there are a few people on the forum who live quite close to me who I don't know.

[Davros]

Is that Mike Morwood of Flores fame. I had a choice for my dissertation between spending time assisting at Flores or going my own way. I went my own way with Taphonomic effects on fish bone and now i am kicking myself...................HARD :sadeyes:

[AstralTraveller]

Ouch ... give it a kick for me! :P Yep, it's Mike. He's now stopped exploring Flores and is looking for the next big discovery on Sulawesi.

[Davros]

Thanks for the update its good to know he's still on the hunt. Mike is an absolute gentleman and it was my pleasure to have him show me his love of rock art. UNE has changed a bit since i was there (2002).

[BLiTZWiNG]

I'm a Software Engineer at BIAMP Systems Australia. We make audio hardware and paging systems here (both hardware and software). My previous work was a bit different and can be viewed at www.apcmag.com.au (yes the website itself, not something on it!).

Prior to being a professional (ha!) software developer I was a TAFE & VET in schools trainer in VIC.

And prior to that I was an Architectural Draftsman were I drew pretty pictures of many houses and bits of the odd notable building such as Federation Square (Melbourne).

I've always been interested in computers and astronomy, though I never got far with the latter. I got many many many good views of Halleys Comet in 85, and even though they had a telescope set up at my school, I don't think the guy knew how to use it, because I got a better view through my binoculars! I took some photos of McNaught with just a camera, they weren't as good as ones I saw on here, but hey, it felt great to have the opportunity to take them myself.

I used to look at the stars a lot night and wished I had a telescope. About 4 years ago I finally bought one, then I moved to QLD, now its sitting in the shed packed, waiting for my new house to be built. Soon. Real soon now! No longer shall I have to freeze outdoors at night!

[xelasnave]

I can offer only one valid answer to the question first asked....

AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE:P!

Law in private practice:), then employed in the Commonwealth Attorney Generals:) (Family Law no big deal) and opperated my own Real Estate Office:) and retired just before fifty:):D to go bush and work on the gravity problem;):lol::lol::lol::whistle:.

alex:):):)

[JimmyH155]

Absolutely amazing range of jobs you all do. I am a mechanical Engineer by profession, and like Ian Robinson am fed up with it. Mainly mining projects which all go belly up. Last staff job I had with GRD Minproc started off in September and lasted till 2 weeks ago. Oh well I have been unemployed many Christmasses. OUCH:sadeyes:
One job that none of you lot have mentioned is on one of my unemployment sessions, I worked for an undertaker as Morgue attendant Grade 2. I can tell you some horror stories you bet. There are three main types of "deceased" persons that are a bit of a worry to work on - namely leakers, bloaters and stinkers, and I can tell you a thing or two what amazing things can be done with a tube of superglue:lol:
other jobs over the years include croupier (lasted 1 hour)
Naval Officer (RN)
Waiter in New York
Chauffeur for British Consul General
Forestry Commission worker
Encyclopaedia salesman
Real Estate consultant
Factory worker making broom handles
Farmer trying to live off proceeds of 30 cattle (That was however the best year we ever spent) near Gympie
I am currently writing a book on my adventures - look out soon folks and if I become a best seller, will be giving away several Obsessions:D:D:D

[AstralTraveller]

Deceased? I've managed all three while still alive. :P Jim!! Put that superglue down this instant!:eyepop:

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol:

[garyp]

I'm currently working on a cropping farm growing mainly onions potatoes wheat and carrots. 900ha all up.

My main work is driving the different machines. Trucks at harvest. tractors at planting time. At other times it's spreading fertilizer with a multidrive and operating the ditchdigger. In winter we graze dairy cows.

Gary:)

[meliux]

well, since my little post (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=384278&postcount=45) here the other week, I've already had a change in roles... I'm with the same company, but now they're simply calling me a "technical consultant"... far from being a demotion, it is in fact a pay rise and a shift from internal consumer ISP support to a role where I'm to develop value-added network-based software and solutions for business/premium customers (and decide what to do with some internal software and servers in use by the consumer teams which I still have to maintain/administer).
Instead of working in a call centre following a rotating roster where I currently start at any time between 7am and 3pm 7 days a week, now I'll be going to a cushy 9-5 M-F role. The only down side is that it is in Brissy; not sure how the commute from the GC to Bris will go :rolleyes:

oh and as for qualifications... an incomplete Advanced Degree in Computer Systems Engineering from SBIT, and a lapsed CCNP. All I can say is that I'm very thankful for managers still being around who recognise experience as being just as good as qualification.

Before all this, back in 2000-2003 I was an administrative assistant at a medium sized financial/accounting firm in Brisbane where my task was to scan hundreds of thousands of paper documents through a sheet feeder into a computer database. After a few months I managed to switch roles to become their PFY (http://pfy.urbanup.com/2242251), before I got sniped by a dodgy contractual agreement... learnt a lot from that whole experience.
Between then and my current employer, I did a little contract work, and even pumped petrol/stocked shelves for Shell and Coles for a couple of months.

[toc]

Currently I work at RMIT (ITS), as a perl/Java programmer. My mine job is a system called 'WebLearn'. It's a web based testing/quizzing tool.

[mcross]

Primary School Teacher by trade. Have taught for 22 years, some up in far north Queensland but have been back on the Coast for quite a few years now. Have also had a long interest in health & wellbeing, so have begun to study Acupuncture part time this year, which has been very interesting but has taken up some of my stargazing time!!!

Mark :)

[Glenhuon]

Stick with it mate, Primary School teachers have more influence on their pupils than they realise :)
Still in touch with my teacher after 50 years, she gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities that I never would have got from my family (Mum excepted).

Bill

[Scoper]

I work in Mental Health as part of an outreach rehab team in the Central West NSW, i have done this for four years and enjoy the work, i find it very rewarding. Before this I worked in disability support----and before that-----Jack of all trades, tried my hand at many things, drifting in and out of jobs since I left school (in 1969:whistle:).

My current ambition is to learn how to upload a pic of myself to my profile in Iceinspace:rolleyes:.

Cheers and have an enjoyable christmas

Malcolm

[mcross]

Thanks Bill. Like any job, it has it's ups and downs but, all in all, it has been a rewarding job. While kids certainly can drive you crazy at times, I think that it does keep you young being around them!! It's also great to hear that your teacher was such a positive influence because, in many cases, we don't get to see the kids that we have taught after we pass them on at the end of the year.

Mark

[toryglen-boy]

seems there are people from all walks of life on here, so i thought it would be interesting to see what you people do when your not gazein' upwards (although i know this has probably been done before)

I'm a technical troubleshooter for the largest IT company in the world, and after having worked for them in the USA, and the UK i now find myself here, i deal with hardware, and all manner or software, Citrix, Oracle, SQL, Novell, AD, the list goes on, and on .... and i can write some code to

i notice there are a few IT bods on here.

sorry if this is nosey of me to ask !!

:P

[iceman]

These threads come up every year or so and they're a great insight into each others real lives.

The last one was only a few months ago, here:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=38146

Not sure if enough time has elapsed to have another one yet :)

[toryglen-boy]

thanks for that, can you add my post onto the end of that thread, and close this one?

thanks

:)

[iceman]

Done :)

[Baddad]

Some colourful occupations there. I currently work in a "trade" where I
Watch birds,
chase furry things, rescue damsels in distress,
slay dragons but the impossible takes overnight.

Very little of my work is general pest control. Mostly dealing with the eviction of possums & birds from inside ceiling cavities of private and other premises. Can be interesting at times.

I was a radio and radar repair technician in the Australian Army for 20 years. A military cop, Before my National Service call up I was employed as a storeman clerk at a major biscuit manufacturer.
I also worked as a plumber's labourer,
a carpenter's labourer,
and orchard labourer.

[matt]

Hi Marty...and welcome:hi:

Good to see more Brisbanites here at IIS.

[Jay-qu]

Primarily I am a student, but for work I also tutor younger students and do a little bit of paid research on the side :)

[toetoe]

Support Worker with challenging behaviors in the disability field.

[Baddad]

Thanks for the welcome Matt
I have a new scope and have had no opportunity to use it yet.
Although I'm not knocking the rain but it would be nice to see the clouds part once in a while.

[Barrykgerdes]

Hi

I already had a say on this thread. I don't need to work any more.
The government keeps me in clover with more money than I need so I went out and bought a Meade 16" Lightbridge to take to the SPSP yesterday. That's the fourth scope I have bought in the last 12 months. I just love spending money on my toys!

Barry :thumbsup::thumbsup:;):P

[astronut]

Mi-6;);)

[cookie8]

Medical Sonographer(Ultrasound Technologist)in a teaching public hospital.
Searching for faint tiny fuzzies in the dark. Sounds familiar?:lol:

[wolfthun]

Hi,
Quick summary:
Australian Army (22 years) starting as a Cartographer and ending up in Remote Sensing (Satellite Imagery and Aerial Photography) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Currently in private industry managing GIS and Remote Sensing proejcts.

Cheers

[Kat5e]

I've done a double degree at Swinburne Uni
BSci Photonics/BEng Telecommunications.

Currently I am working as a Network Switching and Design Engineer for Uecomm which is part of the Optus family.

[Jen]

:eyepop::eyepop: oh you lucky bugger :D you can send some toys over this way if you like :lol::lol:

[gel]

i actually work as a dogs body come despatch clerk at a factory which produces : school books,and all types of plastic wallets/bags/some times i just stare at the monitor as its Not online:;:;

[DavidU]

Music industry Engineer and designer. I have 43 registered product designes and world wide patents.
My last name ULBRICK is a world wide trademark.
Plenty of tube valve amps to look at (google) and many Youtube videos.
A lot of fun working with the top musicians over the last 45 years.

[jahnpahwa]

Absolutely unreal :) You're totally revered by metal heads all over the place!
What a massive mark you've made... must feel great :thumbsup::thumbsup:



Much cross over between your work and ATM tinkering?

[DavidU]

Thank you, but it's only mega hard work.
And yes, I have been tinkering with ATM since I ground my own 4" mirror in the early 70's.
I am a hands on type of guy, I also was a pro guitarist for 21 years (google youtube "little red rooster ulbrick", a bit of fun really.

[jahnpahwa]

Total legend

[AdrianF]

Metal fabricator I taught for awhile at TAFE now retired due to health.

Adrian

[erick]

Now retired :thumbsup:

[Sconesbie]

Radio advertising sales rep. North East and East coast Tas.

[Tropo-Bob]

I saw your post on Page 1 when U wished to retire, then skipped to this page and saw that U are now retired. Love it!

Yeah, retirement is great. I have been retired since July 2017. (Its best to retire in the early part of the Financial Year as retiring later is not tax effective.)

My last 12 years were spent in the Finance & Administration of an NGO that helped connect kids with drug, alcohol and other issues back towards mainstream society.

[multiweb]

I can't wait to retire and be a full time astro bum. That's what. :campfire:

[bojan]

Congrats!
I am still working full time (from home)...

Waiting for this calamity to be over so I can move to B'rat for good..

[Rainmaker]

I'm a Planetary Excavation Specialist
.
.
.
.
.
(after retiring 8 years ago I have been digging holes in the garden for plants my wife insists on planting.....:mad2:)

[multiweb]

Happy wife, ...

[jahnpahwa]

I'm a number cruncher, currently economic numbers.

[LewisM]

Australian Customs and Border Patrol GST assessing officer of imports.

Expect writs in the mail with demands to pay GST on low-value imports very soon...I have been watching and taking notes.

[multiweb]

Do you wear a cap like that one? :P

[DarkArts]

Amen, brother. :thumbsup:

[LewisM]

Mais non, comme ca celui-ci...

[multiweb]

:lol::lol::lol:

[Crater101]

I work for a university. Currently sitting marking exams / forum submitted work at home.

[glend]

Nothing, nada, retired from that madness. Plenty of time to sit out in the observatory whenever I fancy, sleep during the day.

[AdrianF]

Am also retired but alas no scope.

[Scorpius51]

Well ... how about that! I retired 4 years ago and ended up with the same specialisation. What’s your favourite shovel? :(

[Pepper]

im currently a telecommunications tech.
considering a move to working on a farm in the not too distant future.

[Dobby10]

Ex panel beater by trade was doing that for just over
15 years.

Now a full time Woolies employee shifting from
Nightfill captain 3 years to a Produce assistant manager 6 years then back to longlife for the past 2 years.

Cheers Tuz

[FlashDrive]

Best Job I EVER had ... along with some good mates ..!!

[croweater]

"Per astra ardua ad" is an apt motto considering your hobby Col. :)
Cheers Richard.

[Peter Ward]

I retired with 20,000 hours as a pilot...but I guess I'm an "honorary" flight engineer....as QF gave me a restricted flight engineer endorsement on the B747.

The proper engineers, to a man, on the B747, always knew where the beer was cold, food was excellent and were accepting of ladies with interesting faces...bless 'em. :thumbsup:

[pgc hunter]

Forklift driver

[PhilTas]

Marine Electronics Technician in Darwin,
mainly working on Australian Border Force patrol boats, and also Navy Armidale Class patrol boats.
Sort of semi-retired trying to work 3 days a week, aiming at fully retiring when my wife stops working in 2-3 years.