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General => Open Discussion => Topic started by: das234 on June 16, 2013, 11:04:59 PM

Title: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: das234 on June 16, 2013, 11:04:59 PM
With all the different levels of knowledge and expertise on here, I was just curious; what do Madbean forum members do for a living to support their pedal habits?   
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: alanp on June 16, 2013, 11:11:44 PM
Freezing worker; I work in smallgoods, with livers, hearts, kidney, sweetbreads etc.

I work on the main scales and strapper, my job is probably safe since no one else wants it (very busy, ten different things to keep track of) and I tend to be the most professional while doing it.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Stomptown on June 16, 2013, 11:54:17 PM
I install and maintain remote weather stations in the mountains throughout Oregon, Washington and Northern California. We collect data on snowpack, overall precipitation, temperature, soil moisture, etc. It's definitely the best job I've ever had, but theres is a lot of risk involved so I'm not certain how much longer I will do it. I love riding ATV's, snowmobiles, and flying in helicopters, but being a father has changed my perspective a bit. Gotta pay them bills though and hopefully it will lead to a safer position in the future...
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: irmcdermott on June 16, 2013, 11:59:12 PM
I'm a Project Manager for an audiovisual company. Our focus is on corporate events. Keeps me busy on the road. I'm away from my family anywhere from 8 to 14 days a month, which is down from 10 to 20, having our son really has been a reason to cut down. But I consider myself blessed because it provides for my family and I enjoy what I do. Currently sitting in Monterey working, while I'd rather be with my family on Father's Day, this isn't a bad place to be either :)

Ian
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: neve1272 on June 17, 2013, 12:02:18 AM
i am a concrete finisher in the union and have a small project studio
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: midwayfair on June 17, 2013, 12:26:37 AM
I'm a paralegal/legal assistant (really it depends on which boss is giving me work ...). I used to be an editor for PNAS, which was a lot more exciting. I used to learn really fascinating stuff on the job.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: wolfingsworth on June 17, 2013, 12:30:24 AM
I am a union commercial plumber/pipe fitter. I find myself using lots of work skills when pedal building (using tools, understanding how solder works, routing point a to b, etc...). Although someday when I'm older hopefully I can do something that won't leave my hands chunks of leather by the time I retire so I will be able to play guitar :-\
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Stomptown on June 17, 2013, 12:34:46 AM
Quote from: irmcdermott on June 16, 2013, 11:59:12 PM
I'm a Project Manager for an audiovisual company. Our focus is on corporate events. Keeps me busy on the road. I'm away from my family anywhere from 8 to 14 days a month, which is down from 10 to 20, having our son really has been a reason to cut down. But I consider myself blessed because it provides for my family and I enjoy what I do. Currently sitting in Monterey working, while I'd rather be with my family on Father's Day, this isn't a bad place to be either :)

Ian

Travel is rough with a family. I'm on the road 5 days a week for 5 months out of the year so I can relate!
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: pickdropper on June 17, 2013, 12:57:22 AM
I work as an R&D Engineer/Project Manager.  I generally work in the consumer products section of the company on designing earphones, headsets and things like that.

Recently, I've been helping out in other sections of the company that have a lot on their plate.  That can be fun as it allows me to do some PCB layouts, which I don't get to do as much in the course of my normal gig. 
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: pedalman on June 17, 2013, 12:57:40 AM
im a all around goof-ball and bbq weirdo, also manage the plumbing department for a home improvement company
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: GermanCdn on June 17, 2013, 01:02:32 AM
Mechanical engineer by trade, i work for a company that builds large mining equipment (some of the biggest machines in the world).  Currently work as a project manager for our domestic jobs, which is a little less exciting than when i was doing jobs in Africa and China, but the upside is we're not bouncing around all the time and i have a supplier in Jacob's part of the world so we get to hang out once and a while.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: artstomp on June 17, 2013, 01:13:56 AM
..I used to work as a visualizer/graphic artist in a design studio 15 years ago...decided to start  a small business...wedding photography/videography...and while doing photo or video editing i can't help but take a peak on the mb forum every once in awhile....
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: jimilee on June 17, 2013, 01:30:03 AM
I work customer service for tmobile at a call center here in Chattanooga
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: jprizz on June 17, 2013, 02:00:28 AM
Jack of all trades, master of none. I am a former grounds  keeper (baseball), motorcycle mechanic, highschool football coach, stage hand, church youth pastor... I am a mechanical engineer for a glass container company now.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: angrykoko on June 17, 2013, 02:16:07 AM
System Architect (fancy way of saying I'm a programmer).
Been doing the computer stuff for... 17 years now I think.
High volume, high availability applications with lots of data and processing.  I'm not a typical Architect, I'm very hands which I think is important.  Been having fun with web UI work lately.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: pietro_moog on June 17, 2013, 02:17:45 AM
i am working on a economics phd. it's almost a year i'm in, and i hate it. so much already.
i wish the job market was better, but unfortunately it's bad. so i'm here, but i'm definitely not happy.
it could become a good job one day, i don't know.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: hoodoo on June 17, 2013, 02:18:00 AM
Firefighter
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: murdog47 on June 17, 2013, 02:46:11 AM
Cop  :)
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: billstein on June 17, 2013, 02:57:58 AM
Pastor
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: lincolnic on June 17, 2013, 03:01:49 AM
I'm a recording engineer, and it's awesome.

I also have a gig mixing broadcast stuff for a tiny TV station (all interviews), and it's significantly less awesome. I don't expect to still be there by the end of the year.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: dodgechargerfan on June 17, 2013, 03:07:22 AM
I'm a network architect.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: jubal81 on June 17, 2013, 03:11:41 AM
Quote from: pietro_moog on June 17, 2013, 02:17:45 AM
i am working on a economics phd. it's almost a year i'm in, and i hate it. so much already.
i wish the job market was better, but unfortunately it's bad. so i'm here, but i'm definitely not happy.
it could become a good job one day, i don't know.


My best friend is in the same boat. He's been working on his dissertation for Economics for 2 years and sending out hundreds of resumes without a bite.

Me? I'm a newspaper editor. Edit stories, write headlines, manage the website and do a lot of design work. Going back to school, too. Calculus exam in the morning.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Mike B. on June 17, 2013, 03:47:40 AM
Network Engineer/Architect
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Matt on June 17, 2013, 04:18:59 AM
Watchmaker
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: slacker775 on June 17, 2013, 04:19:46 AM
Computer security consulting.  Mainly network architecture/engineering type stuff.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Guitarmageddon on June 17, 2013, 04:25:02 AM
Quote from: hoodoo on June 17, 2013, 02:18:00 AM
Firefighter
Me too, though it's more often rescue and HAZMAT work.
I'm a musician first, of course, as well as CEO of codtone. ;D
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: das234 on June 17, 2013, 04:29:05 AM
Quote from: irmcdermott on June 16, 2013, 11:59:12 PM
I'm a Project Manager for an audiovisual company. Our focus is on corporate events. Keeps me busy on the road. I'm away from my family anywhere from 8 to 14 days a month, which is down from 10 to 20, having our son really has been a reason to cut down. But I consider myself blessed because it provides for my family and I enjoy what I do. Currently sitting in Monterey working, while I'd rather be with my family on Father's Day, this isn't a bad place to be either :)

Ian
I can relate to those whose jobs are dangerous or take them away from family.  I work as a fire lieutenant and teach fire science at the technical college.  I spend 24 hours away from my family at a time, including weekends and holidays sometimes (like father's day).  Oh, and the only music job I have is an occasional gig playing the bagpipes.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: derevaun on June 17, 2013, 04:51:15 AM
I'm a part time, adjunct college instructor (music, media, & art) at the college where my wife is fulltime & tenured. It's steady evening work, in an inverted Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf sort of way. I don't see hardcore academia as a career anymore, but I love the challenge of teaching people my age.

Mostly, though, I parent. My youngest just turned five; I've spent the last ten years, day in day out, in the world of a toddler  :)
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: RobA on June 17, 2013, 06:18:40 AM
Programmer. I've worked on bunches of different types of systems in lots of different settings, but the last ten years or so have mainly been science and audio related.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Stig on June 17, 2013, 06:32:20 AM
At the moment im a phoner/designer/communication consultant in a small company.
I am a multimedia designer and have a bachelors degree in concept development.
It's just so hard to find a job within my education atm. In time I will find a more interesting job that fits my education more.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: alanp on June 17, 2013, 06:56:00 AM
Some say he works telecom for a small company in Jamaica. Others say that he's the PR consultant for Putin.

All we know is... ;) :)
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: GrindCustoms on June 17, 2013, 06:56:29 AM
At the moment i'm a trucker 4 days a week and i'm a sound/light tech in a nice theater.

Title: Re: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: stevie1556 on June 17, 2013, 08:26:44 AM
My job sounds crap to some of yours! But I'm cabin crew for an airline. Fell into the job by mistake, but it's short haul so I come home every night. For the amount of work I do (I try and spend most of my day sitting down with a paper and coffee), plus the amount of time I get off (I work 6 days, including home stand bys which generally means a day off, and then 3 days off), I do get paid really well. Also, with my company doing really well financially and being on one of the older contracts, my job is pretty safe at the moment. Just hate getting up at 4am for the earlies and getting home at midnight from the lates, but the views are amazing, especially from the flight deck!

Sent from my thumbs using Tapatalk!
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: alanp on June 17, 2013, 08:42:00 AM
No job is crap!

If the cleaners stop cleaning, what happens? The managers and workers drown in their own rubbish!

If the waste treatment stop working, we drown in our own excrement.

Sounds to me like you're a high flyer  ;)
Title: Re: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: stevie1556 on June 17, 2013, 09:08:02 AM
I'm not saying it's crap, just not as good as some of the others posted on here. Its not a bad job, bit not one I can see myself doing for the rest of my life?

High flyer without the high flyer pay packet! And great pun by the way, probably the only one I've never heard! :)

Sent from my thumbs using Tapatalk!
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Tremster on June 17, 2013, 09:58:33 AM
Archivist / IT / Do-it-all in administration for Public Radio here in Germany.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: LaceSensor on June 17, 2013, 09:58:39 AM
Field Applications Specialist for a US biotech
but I live in the UK (company is worldwide, pretty much) and work from home when not travelling.

I travel about 50% and my job involves teaching, training, techsupport and sales support for genetics / healthcare type research and diagnostic products. The kinda stuff that gets used by hospitals, universities and drug companies to cure diseases and advance human understanding.

Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: mjcyates on June 17, 2013, 10:43:57 AM
Lead Business Analyst for United Parcel Service. Not nearly as fun as building pedals!
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: DutchMF on June 17, 2013, 10:50:54 AM
I work as an engineer for a company that does large scale HVAC projects. One of the coolest we've done (and of most interest to you guys  :D) is the Ziggo Dome, a 17000-seat music venue that was opened in Amsterdam last year. Right now I'm working on a 50 MW bio-energy plant, not nearly as cool, and no free concert tickets......  :(

Paul
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: haveyouseenhim on June 17, 2013, 12:26:00 PM
Professional loser here. Never had a real job. I do amp/guitar/electronics repair and mods for two local music shops.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: culturejam on June 17, 2013, 12:38:47 PM
Quote from: Dc10 on June 17, 2013, 04:18:59 AM
Watchmaker

No shit?! That's the coolest job so far.  :)

I got the watch bug last year. Picked up a range of relatively cheap automatics (and one really nice TAG that I got as a "gift" for winning a company award).

I also picked up some cheap watch tools for minor adjustments. I also got ballsy and got a hand press and puller, but I've not yet fully manned up and pulled apart a working watch.  ;D
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: culturejam on June 17, 2013, 12:44:54 PM
As for my gig, I'm a "proposal manager" for an energy-from-waste company. In a nutshell, we take trash (the exact stuff you pull to the curb for pickup) and combust it to generate steam which then makes electricity which is then sold to the local grid. And pre- and post-combustion, we recover metals and send them out for recycling. My job is to make sure the subject matter experts and the VPs of sales get their crap together and meet all the requirements for RFPs to secure contracts with towns/counties.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: jighead81 on June 17, 2013, 12:46:19 PM
Electrical Equipment Repairer for the Dept of Defense.  I pretty much build and solder weapon systems for the Air Force as a civilian. It's pretty boring most of the time, but I get to see some badass aircraft come through
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: pryde on June 17, 2013, 12:51:11 PM
Occupational Therapist. Work in multiple settings but really focus on rehabilitation of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke at the neurological unit in a local hospital.

I also am owner/operator of JPGuitarworks doing instrument repair, building, amp service, and of course effects pedals  :). This doesn't pay all the bills but its my baby and a nice contrast to the often emotionally stressful job of an OT.





Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: rullywowr on June 17, 2013, 03:16:20 PM
Radio Frequency (RF) Field Support Engineer - I work for a microphone company and travel around helping venues, churches, bands, events set up and maintain their wireless microphones.  I do a lot of frequency coordination, troubleshooting, spectrum sweep analysis, and system design.  It could be anywhere from the Grammy Awards to a small church out in Missouri.  When I am not on the road I conduct training on microphones and audio applications.
Title: Re:
Post by: ch1naski on June 17, 2013, 03:22:38 PM
So many interesting occupations, it really opens my eyes to the wide range of people that this "hobby" draws in.

I was a foreman for a refinery maintenance company, and also did electronic security (electric fences, thermal cameras)  for a small company at Exxon Mobil. Not the most interesting job, or the cleanest. I sometimes couldn't get "product" off my hands for weeks.

Now, I'm pondering what new direction to take with my life. Bad time, economically, for such decisions.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: drezdn on June 17, 2013, 03:49:41 PM
I'm a stay at home dad.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: pk1802 on June 17, 2013, 04:16:01 PM
I went to school to become an Electrical Engineer, but dropped out to go to school to become a Minister. Currently, I'm a Youth Pastor.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: nieradka on June 17, 2013, 04:26:28 PM
Staff/Studio manager in the art department at a small university. Mostly I fix things and maintain the equipment, and provide technical support to the students.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Guitafuzz on June 17, 2013, 04:31:57 PM
  
hi i am chemical engineer and I work as a piping design engineer for a company that manufactures drilling pipes, sometimes it's fun design in autocad but sitting all day at the computer I have become a sedentary person. And on the weekends I am part of the worship team at my church as music director.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: G.G. on June 17, 2013, 04:33:25 PM
I work for Nintendo as a 3D character artist. My department makes characters for the games, sort of like making sculpture on the computer.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: selfdestroyer on June 17, 2013, 04:48:38 PM
Network administrator and project manager for a retirement community. Been the best 7 years of my working career so far. Very rewarding.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Vallhagen on June 17, 2013, 05:16:24 PM
Nice thread. Getting a little closer to you all:)

I'm an EMC test engineer on aircraft. Just recently got back to the engineering field after a ten year "break" which i spent as school teacher in math, music and physics.

Cheers
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: das234 on June 17, 2013, 05:27:21 PM
Quote from: alanp on June 17, 2013, 08:42:00 AM
No job is crap!

If the cleaners stop cleaning, what happens? The managers and workers drown in their own rubbish!

If the waste treatment stop working, we drown in our own excrement.

Sounds to me like you're a high flyer  ;)

+1 to that! 
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: das234 on June 17, 2013, 05:31:36 PM
Quote from: culturejam on June 17, 2013, 12:38:47 PM
Quote from: Dc10 on June 17, 2013, 04:18:59 AM
Watchmaker

No shit?! That's the coolest job so far.  :)

I got the watch bug last year. Picked up a range of relatively cheap automatics (and one really nice TAG that I got as a "gift" for winning a company award).

I also picked up some cheap watch tools for minor adjustments. I also got ballsy and got a hand press and puller, but I've not yet fully manned up and pulled apart a working watch.  ;D

That one struck me too.  just "watchmaker".  I wasn't sure there still were professional watchmakers in the world.  My Timex was probably made on a Tuesday by some asian kid who sews beanie babies on Mondays and unmolds plastic frisbees on Wednesday.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: das234 on June 17, 2013, 05:32:58 PM
Quote from: jighead81 on June 17, 2013, 12:46:19 PM
Electrical Equipment Repairer for the Dept of Defense.  I pretty much build and solder weapon systems for the Air Force as a civilian. It's pretty boring most of the time, but I get to see some badass aircraft come through
and you're probably a really good solderer!
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: das234 on June 17, 2013, 05:36:48 PM
Quote from: G.G. on June 17, 2013, 04:33:25 PM
I work for Nintendo as a 3D character artist. My department makes characters for the games, sort of like making sculpture on the computer.

Aw, come on!  That's awesome.  Did you make my Mii?
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: G.G. on June 17, 2013, 05:50:41 PM
Quote from: das234 on June 17, 2013, 05:36:48 PM
Quote from: G.G. on June 17, 2013, 04:33:25 PM
I work for Nintendo as a 3D character artist. My department makes characters for the games, sort of like making sculpture on the computer.

Aw, come on!  That's awesome.  Did you make my Mii?


Haha! No, you made your Mii! ;-)  Actually I'm working on the new Donkey Kong game that's coming out.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: RobA on June 17, 2013, 06:08:43 PM
Quote from: G.G. on June 17, 2013, 05:50:41 PM
...
Haha! No, you made your Mii! ;-)  Actually I'm working on the new Donkey Kong game that's coming out.

My son's going to love this one when I tell him. He wants to grow up to be a game designer.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: juansolo on June 17, 2013, 06:19:13 PM
I've spent the last year chilling out building pedals. I'd have liked to have also done a lot more track driving but a broken car as put that back somewhat. Indeed I've just got back from a semi-successful test day with it and I realised just how much I enjoy driving quickly is circles in cars that are really a little too small for me...

I will have to work again, certainly. But I won't be going back to IT.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: calciferspit on June 17, 2013, 06:21:22 PM
I'm an Eye Banker. I cut eyes out of the recently deceased and preserve, prepare, and match them up with recipients for human eye tissue transplants.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: aballen on June 17, 2013, 07:32:12 PM
I'm an "Architect", basically a software/systems designer for cloud services.. Started out a a software engineer and now I'm designing systems with over 50 million active users... kind of crazy when I think about it.

In addition to that I'm a full time #1 Dad, got a card to prove it yesterday ;)
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: alanp on June 17, 2013, 08:08:28 PM
There's a definite trend towards skilled manual workers (ie, workshops, not ditches and factory lines) and technology workers here. I'm one of the trendbreaking outliers!

Quote from: rullywowr on June 17, 2013, 03:16:20 PM
Radio Frequency (RF) Field Support Engineer - I work for a microphone company and travel around helping venues, churches, bands, events set up and maintain their wireless microphones.  I do a lot of frequency coordination, troubleshooting, spectrum sweep analysis, and system design.

That's cool. I really don't know the details, but some law changed here a while ago, and now our church isn't allowed to use our old wireless microphones, apparently it's not legal to use the frequencies they're on anymore or something.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: lincolnic on June 17, 2013, 08:13:56 PM
Quote from: G.G. on June 17, 2013, 04:33:25 PM
I work for Nintendo as a 3D character artist. My department makes characters for the games, sort of like making sculpture on the computer.

Eight-year-old me is so jealous of you. Present-day-me is a little jealous too!
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: jubal81 on June 17, 2013, 08:52:27 PM
Quote from: calciferspit on June 17, 2013, 06:21:22 PM
I'm an Eye Banker. I cut eyes out of the recently deceased and preserve, prepare, and match them up with recipients for human eye tissue transplants.

No one is topping this one. calciferspit wins the thread.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: GhostofJohnToad on June 17, 2013, 09:14:13 PM
Quote from: calciferspit on June 17, 2013, 06:21:22 PM
I'm an Eye Banker. I cut eyes out of the recently deceased and preserve, prepare, and match them up with recipients for human eye tissue transplants.

Reminds me of the line from that Pixies song, "slicing up eyeballs, ha, ha ho!"

Pretty interesting stuff.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Stomptown on June 17, 2013, 09:53:53 PM
Quote from: GhostofJohnToad on June 17, 2013, 09:14:13 PM
Quote from: calciferspit on June 17, 2013, 06:21:22 PM
I'm an Eye Banker. I cut eyes out of the recently deceased and preserve, prepare, and match them up with recipients for human eye tissue transplants.

Reminds me of the line from that Pixies song, "slicing up eyeballs, ha, ha ho!"

Pretty interesting stuff.

He's a Debaser!  ;D
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: PhiloB on June 17, 2013, 09:58:35 PM
Acute Mental Health hospital.  Certified Music Therapist.  Work mainly with adults and addiction.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: pryde on June 17, 2013, 10:40:53 PM
Quote from: PhiloB on June 17, 2013, 09:58:35 PM
Acute Mental Health hospital.  Certified Music Therapist.  Work mainly with adults and addiction.

Awesome. I did a clinical rotation as an OT student in acute mental health. I really enjoyed it. Did not do much with addiction but worked on life/coping skills for folks with schizophrenia, bipolar, various personality disorders, etc.

Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Matt on June 17, 2013, 10:53:53 PM
Quote from: culturejam on June 17, 2013, 12:38:47 PM
Quote from: Dc10 on June 17, 2013, 04:18:59 AM
Watchmaker

No shit?! That's the coolest job so far.  :)

I got the watch bug last year. Picked up a range of relatively cheap automatics (and one really nice TAG that I got as a "gift" for winning a company award).

I also picked up some cheap watch tools for minor adjustments. I also got ballsy and got a hand press and puller, but I've not yet fully manned up and pulled apart a working watch.  ;D

I never thought I'd be a watchmaker.  I fell into the job really.  I was 20 years old and still living at home.  My brother knew the owner and asked him if he had a job for me.  I started out cleaning watch cases.  15 years later I'm working on everything from vintage straight winds to modern chronographs.  Life's funny that way.

Tag makes a great watch I'd like to get one some day.  I've wanted an Aquaracer for years.

What automatics do you have?

If its something you really want to get into I think school takes 2 years or you could just go to an NAWCC meeting.  They meet all over the country for swap meets ( a good way to find tools) and offer classes.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: PhiloB on June 17, 2013, 11:09:26 PM
It's interesting work Pryde.  One of my favorite units is mainly schizophrenia and bipolar population.  Only get over there for 3-4 groups a week. Rewarding and challenging.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: junkemail86 on June 17, 2013, 11:39:11 PM
Quote from: calciferspit on June 17, 2013, 06:21:22 PM
I'm an Eye Banker. I cut eyes out of the recently deceased and preserve, prepare, and match them up with recipients for human eye tissue transplants.

Nice.  I'm an ophthalmology resident (a.k.a. in training to be an eye surgeon)
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: pietro_moog on June 17, 2013, 11:45:03 PM
am i the only economics/finance guy in the forum?
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: ChrisM on June 18, 2013, 12:01:53 AM
Electrical Engineering student, done my under graduate in about 10 months.

The last 1.5 years I've been on a work term working for the major power transmission/distribution company in this province. Fun stuff but got to go back to school in September and finish my degree.

Also work part time for a local amp company in the city building amps and doing the odd repair work/service calls.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: atreidesheir on June 18, 2013, 12:06:50 AM
Algebra/History teacher for special needs children.
far more interesting than it sounds.  All of your jobs sound fairly fun (except eye banker).  Mine is sometimes.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: fendman on June 18, 2013, 12:12:03 AM
Didn't realise all you guys had such really interesting jobs, I am an ex TV/Video engineer, I know I am classed as a dinosaur. Technology moving so quickly more or less saw me off...as did the Myochardial Infarction a couple of years ago. But, hey I am still here and getting stronger everyday :) I always say to myself there are so many people out there a lot worse of than you.

I have a lot of admiration for the guys who work in all the various hospital departments, they  do a great job  8)
I see a few of the guys here work in that field..Well done.

So building pedals and playing the guitars most days is a great satisfaction, its something I really cherish and hope I can keep doing for some time to come. And nearly forgot...laughing with Jimilee :)

Enjoy
Mike
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: das234 on June 18, 2013, 12:58:23 AM
Quote from: pietro_moog on June 17, 2013, 11:45:03 PM
am i the only economics/finance guy in the forum?


Doesn't eye banking count as finance??
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: snz728 on June 18, 2013, 01:13:31 AM
I work at a culinary school and they have me teach economics among other things if that counts.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: gordo on June 18, 2013, 01:43:48 AM
Quote from: das234 on June 17, 2013, 04:29:05 AM

 Oh, and the only music job I have is an occasional gig playing the bagpipes.

I would kill to play the pipes.  The original rock and roll sound to me.  Sabbath was the first thing I heard as a kid that was any heavier.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: gordo on June 18, 2013, 01:50:24 AM
Quote from: haveyouseenhim on June 17, 2013, 12:26:00 PM
Professional loser here. Never had a real job. I do amp/guitar/electronics repair and mods for two local music shops.

Dude, if you can make a living doing this you're a superstar.  I do it as more of a masochistic hobby but I've layed awake many a night knowing that I know the fix but can't quite get it.  It takes up more of my brain power than my "real" job.  I take repairs FAR too personally.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: gordo on June 18, 2013, 01:51:25 AM
Quote from: culturejam on June 17, 2013, 12:38:47 PM

No shit?! That's the coolest job so far.  :)


Right? Making pedals has to be mundane compared to fixing a watch!
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: culturejam on June 18, 2013, 02:02:47 AM
Quote from: Dc10 on June 17, 2013, 10:53:53 PM
[Tag makes a great watch I'd like to get one some day.  I've wanted an Aquaracer for years.

What automatics do you have?

I actually have an Aquaracer chronograph. No kidding, it weighs 7 ounces (200g). It's a beast of a watch!

Other autos: I have a couple Seiko 5 Sports, a mid-grade Bulova, a cheapie Relic, and a surprisingly nice Chinese brand called Parnis that has a power reserve indicator and a retrograde date display.

Other watchs: Luminox (forget which model exactly), Seiko Solar chronograph, cheapie Relic quartz chronograph, and a nice but cheap Casio Tough Solar analog/digital. I also have a couple that I broke that are now in pieces.  :D

You ever do any custom builds? I might be interested in something like that.  ;)

I want a *real* tourbillon movement, even though it's highly impractical and outrageously expensive. The cheapest one I've seen is a Chinese "cheap" model for $600.   :-\
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: mjcyates on June 18, 2013, 02:23:05 AM
Quoteam i the only economics/finance guy in the forum?

My undergrad degree is in Accounting. I worked for 9 1/2 years in the UPS Airline F&A function. Got tired of counting beans.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: insomniac2295 on June 18, 2013, 02:27:58 AM
Quote from: mjcyates on June 18, 2013, 02:23:05 AM
Quoteam i the only economics/finance guy in the forum?

My undergrad degree is in Accounting. I worked for 9 1/2 years in the UPS Airline F&A function. Got tired of counting beans.

Well look at that- I'm working on my undergrad in accounting! Right now, I'm a merchandiser for Nabisco.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: midwayfair on June 18, 2013, 02:52:44 AM
Quote from: mjcyates on June 18, 2013, 02:23:05 AM
Quoteam i the only economics/finance guy in the forum?

My undergrad degree is in Accounting. I worked for 9 1/2 years in the UPS Airline F&A function. Got tired of counting beans.
. Now you build beans!
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: mjcyates on June 18, 2013, 02:56:02 AM
QuoteNow you build beans!

Much more enjoyable I must say!
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: wgc on June 18, 2013, 02:57:27 AM
I'm a professional role model for dudes in beer and deodorant/body wash commercials.

The dos Equis guy? Yeah, he doesnt use it all the time, but when he does, he got that from me.




Just kidding.  :P

I'm a product designer.  But I do like a cold beer.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: pickdropper on June 18, 2013, 03:05:19 AM
Quote from: calciferspit on June 17, 2013, 06:21:22 PM
I'm an Eye Banker. I cut eyes out of the recently deceased and preserve, prepare, and match them up with recipients for human eye tissue transplants.

"I don't know such stuff. I just do eyes, ju-, ju-, just eyes..."

(http://www.instructables.com/files/deriv/FZY/ON1A/GLQCL93Z/FZYON1AGLQCL93Z.LARGE.jpg)
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: haveyouseenhim on June 18, 2013, 03:17:20 AM
Quote from: calciferspit on June 17, 2013, 06:21:22 PM
I'm an Eye Banker. I cut eyes out of the recently deceased and preserve, prepare, and match them up with recipients for human eye tissue transplants.

I bet you were super psyched to see this ;D :D

http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=9589.msg88322#msg88322



Quote from: gordo on June 18, 2013, 01:50:24 AM
Quote from: haveyouseenhim on June 17, 2013, 12:26:00 PM
Professional loser here. Never had a real job. I do amp/guitar/electronics repair and mods for two local music shops.

Dude, if you can make a living doing this you're a superstar.  I do it as more of a masochistic hobby but I've layed awake many a night knowing that I know the fix but can't quite get it.  It takes up more of my brain power than my "real" job.  I take repairs FAR too personally.

I wish I made a living with this.  Doesn't even come close. Hopefully I can get a REAL repair gig in Boston so I can stay there.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: lincolnic on June 18, 2013, 03:30:16 AM
Quote from: calciferspit on June 17, 2013, 06:21:22 PM
I'm an Eye Banker. I cut eyes out of the recently deceased and preserve, prepare, and match them up with recipients for human eye tissue transplants.

That's the most metal thing I've ever heard.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: jimilee on June 18, 2013, 03:40:58 AM
Quote from: fendman on June 18, 2013, 12:12:03 AM
Didn't realise all you guys had such really interesting jobs, I am an ex TV/Video engineer, I know I am classed as a dinosaur. Technology moving so quickly more or less saw me off...as did the Myochardial Infarction a couple of years ago. But, hey I am still here and getting stronger everyday :) I always say to myself there are so many people out there a lot worse of than you.

I have a lot of admiration for the guys who work in all the various hospital departments, they  do a great job  8)
I see a few of the guys here work in that field..Well done.

So building pedals and playing the guitars most days is a great satisfaction, its something I really cherish and hope I can keep doing for some time to come. And nearly forgot...laughing with Jimilee :)

Enjoy
Mike
I'm glad someone else besides myself enjoys my randomness!
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: micromegas on June 18, 2013, 11:31:12 AM
Quote from: ChrisM on June 18, 2013, 12:01:53 AM
Electrical Engineering student, done my under graduate in about 10 months.

The last 1.5 years I've been on a work term working for the major power transmission/distribution company in this province. Fun stuff but got to go back to school in September and finish my degree.

Also work part time for a local amp company in the city building amps and doing the odd repair work/service calls.

Electrical Engineering Student too (in Spain it is called Telecommunication Engineering but is basically the same as EE). I left my  career in music (Classical Guitar) aside to get into EE, but I'll finish next year and maybe I'll have  enough time to return to my guitar studies...

Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: mysticaxe on June 18, 2013, 12:25:45 PM
I make drugs...  No really, I do...  (if you ask my 7 year old, it's medicine)

Manufacturing development for clinical trial materials at a major pharmaceutical company.  Basically, I set up the manufacturing process, watch it performed, and then ship the material off for clinical trials. 
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: spaceboss on June 18, 2013, 06:22:15 PM
Scumbag POS lawyer here.

I do 95 percent Plaintiff's civil rights litigation. It sure hasn't made me rich--and law school sure made me poor.  :'( But I definitely enjoy the work--even though the stress factor can be very unpleasant.

Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: pickdropper on June 18, 2013, 06:56:24 PM
Quote from: spaceboss on June 18, 2013, 06:22:15 PM
Scumbag POS lawyer here.

I do 95 percent Plaintiff's civil rights litigation. It sure hasn't made me rich--and law school sure made me poor.  :'( But I definitely enjoy the work--even though the stress factor can be very unpleasant.

My favorite lawyer quote I heard recently (from a lawyer I hired):

"95% of lawyers give the rest of us a bad name."

It's probably an old joke, but i hadn't heard it before.  It made me chuckle.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: spaceboss on June 18, 2013, 07:20:14 PM
Quote from: pickdropper on June 18, 2013, 06:56:24 PM
Quote from: spaceboss on June 18, 2013, 06:22:15 PM
Scumbag POS lawyer here.

I do 95 percent Plaintiff's civil rights litigation. It sure hasn't made me rich--and law school sure made me poor.  :'( But I definitely enjoy the work--even though the stress factor can be very unpleasant.

My favorite lawyer quote I heard recently (from a lawyer I hired):

"95% of lawyers give the rest of us a bad name."

It's probably an old joke, but i hadn't heard it before.  It made me chuckle.

Actually, beyond being a joke, I would put money on that being an accurate statistic, plus or minus 5 percent.  8)
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Matt on June 19, 2013, 01:13:42 AM
Quote from: gordo on June 18, 2013, 01:51:25 AM
Quote from: culturejam on June 17, 2013, 12:38:47 PM

No shit?! That's the coolest job so far.  :)


Right? Making pedals has to be mundane compared to fixing a watch!

Actually if I could make a living designing and building pedals all day I'd be in heaven!
Quote from: culturejam on June 18, 2013, 02:02:47 AM
Quote from: Dc10 on June 17, 2013, 10:53:53 PM
[Tag makes a great watch I'd like to get one some day.  I've wanted an Aquaracer for years.

What automatics do you have?

I actually have an Aquaracer chronograph. No kidding, it weighs 7 ounces (200g). It's a beast of a watch!

Other autos: I have a couple Seiko 5 Sports, a mid-grade Bulova, a cheapie Relic, and a surprisingly nice Chinese brand called Parnis that has a power reserve indicator and a retrograde date display.

Other watchs: Luminox (forget which model exactly), Seiko Solar chronograph, cheapie Relic quartz chronograph, and a nice but cheap Casio Tough Solar analog/digital. I also have a couple that I broke that are now in pieces.  :D

You ever do any custom builds? I might be interested in something like that.  ;)

I want a *real* tourbillon movement, even though it's highly impractical and outrageously expensive. The cheapest one I've seen is a Chinese "cheap" model for $600.   :-\

I've never heard of a Parnis watch I'll have to check that out.

Seiko, Bulova and luminox are usually well made.  We had someone trade in an Accutron chrono a while back, I almost bought it.  I couldn't believe it had an ETA 7750 in it!  Could have had it for $400. 

The only toubillion I've seen with my own eyes was ( if I remember right) an Alain Silberstein.  I didn't work on it.  It was bad ass! 

I've heard of the Chinese tourbillion for around $600.  That's just crazy.  The Chinese can seemingly make anything.  I saw an IM Breitling for example, I had no idea it was a fake until I opened it and it had a plastic movement ring and a non-descript movement.  I  always feel bad for the people who buy them.  A lot of them have no idea they own a fake. 

Ive broken more warches than i'd care admit myself.  If you ever have trouble finding a part for one of your broken watches, let me know.  I have access to lots of parts through work.
Title: Re:
Post by: ch1naski on June 19, 2013, 02:05:39 AM
This thread is perfect timing for me. I'm desperate to change my career. There is a plethora of jobs I'd never thought of, and a couple that were previously unimaginable.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re:
Post by: das234 on June 19, 2013, 02:51:55 AM
Quote from: ch1naski on June 19, 2013, 02:05:39 AM
This thread is perfect timing for me. I'm desperate to change my career. There is a plethora of jobs I'd never thought of, and a couple that were previously unimaginable.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

So, it's off to eyeball sucking school then?
Title: Re:
Post by: pickdropper on June 19, 2013, 04:39:30 AM
Quote from: das234 on June 19, 2013, 02:51:55 AM
Quote from: ch1naski on June 19, 2013, 02:05:39 AM
This thread is perfect timing for me. I'm desperate to change my career. There is a plethora of jobs I'd never thought of, and a couple that were previously unimaginable.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

So, it's off to eyeball sucking school then?

Judging by this thread, there might be a line to get in.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: garfo on June 19, 2013, 11:38:30 AM
I work in a Marina...boat life/music/pedals, can you see the connection!? ;)
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: culturejam on June 19, 2013, 12:56:47 PM
Quote from: Dc10 on June 19, 2013, 01:13:42 AMI've never heard of a Parnis watch I'll have to check that out.

They make near-clones of famous brands/models. They don't copy it exactly, and they use their own name on it (so it's clear it is not a $5k watch), so I don't see anything wrong with it. They actually make a super-nice series of Panerai clones (among others):
http://jacksontse.com/new/product-page.php?product_id=79
(http://jacksontse.com/new/ocontent/filesupload/productpic/resized/productpagebig/mm007photo1.jpg)

The site linked above also sells watch kits with all the parts ready to assemble (movement is already put together, so it's just putting on the dial/hands and then locking it down in a case). I've almost ordered the kit about 10 times. :)

The one I have is a IWC clone:
(http://szafran.civ.pl/watch/IM002027b.jpg)
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Willybomb on June 19, 2013, 02:05:23 PM
TLDR, but I'm a guitar teacher.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: jimilee on June 19, 2013, 02:26:56 PM
I think if I had to make pedals for a living, I'd grow to hate it. Suddenly you're debugging (but hopefully wouldn't have to) out of necessity and the stress factor increases. You see everytime I turned a hobby in to a money maker, it became a job and after a while I didn't want to do it unless I was making money,so fo rme this is ab escape. As fo rmy job, I work customer care at a call center,and found I'm pretty good at it,which is waay ironic, because I'm mean sarcastic and generally I don't care for people. My family is floored.  ;D
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: madbean on June 19, 2013, 03:35:21 PM
When I lived in Austin, I worked at the University in the libraries and then in the mental health svcs dept. I also worked at a bookstore for a few years (Bookpeople: best job I ever had). I did some freelance graphic design for a year or so. When I was in Dallas years before, I did fundraising for LGBT/AIDS-service organizations (actually a really rewarding gig).

If I had to pick something entirely different than what I do now, I'd like to be a general contractor, a social worker or an entrepreneur. For sure, I would never, ever take a regular desk/office/corporate job again. It is too soul sucking.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: eldanko on June 19, 2013, 04:12:06 PM
For the last 4 years, I've been the Director of Student Activities at a small college. I like to describe it as a combination of event planning, teaching, and mental health management  ;D

However, next month I'm dropping everything to move to Nashville to pursue playing guitar full time. It's one of those things that I've never really gotten out of my system and I don't want to regret not trying to make it work.

Some days, I'm completely stoked about it. Other days, I'm terrified.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: jkokura on June 19, 2013, 04:30:11 PM
I'm a Pastor. I work with Students largely, as well as in the Musical end of things. I preach, I teach, and I pray.

Jacob
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: GermanCdn on June 19, 2013, 04:33:13 PM
Quote from: madbean on June 19, 2013, 03:35:21 PM
For sure, I would never, ever take a regular desk/office/corporate job again. It is too soul sucking.

I fill the cavity where my soul used to be with guitars and pedals.  It's kind of like walking around with a transplanted pig's heart, but I get by.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: gtr2 on June 19, 2013, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: eldanko on June 19, 2013, 04:12:06 PM
However, next month I'm dropping everything to move to Nashville to pursue playing guitar full time. It's one of those things that I've never really gotten out of my system and I don't want to regret not trying to make it work.

Some days, I'm completely stoked about it. Other days, I'm terrified.

WOW!  That's awesome!
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: Matt on June 20, 2013, 12:53:19 AM
Quote from: culturejam on June 19, 2013, 12:56:47 PM
Quote from: Dc10 on June 19, 2013, 01:13:42 AMI've never heard of a Parnis watch I'll have to check that out.

They make near-clones of famous brands/models. They don't copy it exactly, and they use their own name on it (so it's clear it is not a $5k watch), so I don't see anything wrong with it. They actually make a super-nice series of Panerai clones (among others):
http://jacksontse.com/new/product-page.php?product_id=79
(http://jacksontse.com/new/ocontent/filesupload/productpic/resized/productpagebig/mm007photo1.jpg)

The site linked above also sells watch kits with all the parts ready to assemble (movement is already put together, so it's just putting on the dial/hands and then locking it down in a case). I've almost ordered the kit about 10 times. :)

The one I have is a IWC clone:
(http://szafran.civ.pl/watch/IM002027b.jpg)


The IWC clone is sweet.  

Go for it!!!!  Get the kit!  Otto Frei I believe has kits as well, in case you need more options.
Title: Re: Curious. What do you do for a living?
Post by: pedalman on June 20, 2013, 05:58:09 PM
put a LED and a 3PDT on that watch with a mini fuzz circuit