The Eldritch Mr. Shiny |
For those of you who don't already know, I am:
Between September 1 and July 1 - production assistant at a public access TV station.
In previous years, between July 1 and August 14 - camp counselor at a Boy Scout camp
In previous years, between August 14 and September 1; now, between July 1 and September 1 - assistant librarian at a public library
Jagyr Ebonwood |
In a word, Retail. However, I'm currently the only employee at our store (besides the manager, who is also the owner), which means my job entails everything that goes on in a retail setting, from ordering to stock to sales. And since we sell kitchen tables and islands and have an online shop, my job also includes Amateur Carpentry and Shipping.
Darrin Drader Contributor |
Jason Beardsley |
I'm noticing a lot of very impressive positions in this thread. It makes me ashamed to admit that I have one of the lowliest positions, Clerk. I sell beer, cigarettes, chips, candy, and I fry food for the bar that's upstairs from us. That's it. I've tried my hand at college a couple times, both of which i was forced to leave due to financial difficulties. Both of which i was within 1/2 of a year of graduating. So, now, i'm stuck at this dead-end job making barely enough to support anything i do.
[/vent]
I must give props to those who achieved their dream, or achieved the positions they've worked hard for.
houstonderek |
I manage a gelato shop. It's not a bad job, i like people, and i make enough to be fairly comfortable, but i live an austere lifestyle these days, so it doesn't take much to be comfortable...
It's funny, though, i have five and a half years experience with SAP (MM, PP, and WM modules) and am well versed in ISO:9000 quality standards and project implementation, but my smuggling conviction makes it hard to get a second interview...
Sayler Van Merlin |
I'm noticing a lot of very impressive positions in this thread. It makes me ashamed to admit that I have one of the lowliest positions, Clerk. I sell beer, cigarettes, chips, candy, and I fry food for the bar that's upstairs from us. That's it. I've tried my hand at college a couple times, both of which i was forced to leave due to financial difficulties. Both of which i was within 1/2 of a year of graduating. So, now, i'm stuck at this dead-end job making barely enough to support anything i do.
[/vent]I must give props to those who achieved their dream, or achieved the positions they've worked hard for.
I don't mean to pry;I only have to say: just keep dreaming!
I don't know what college interests you or what major but don't let your current poverty stop you. For example: in California, we have a thing called EOPS which is a department at most colleges that specializes in helping anyone whose parents never went to college or who didn't do well in high school. They bend over backwards to help!
Even if you don't know what you want to study, they will help you figure it out-even if it takes a year or 2.(that's just one example from my own life-there are opportunities hiding everywhere-often in plain sight!)
Also, don't worry if you have no 'ambition' now-I am in my late 30's and just beginning college. Just live your life to the fullest-explore whatever seems interesting even if it's "forbidden". I had to do that to get where I am now and I regret not a single day!!!
Many, many of the high achievers who become successful in their '20's have a 'mid-life' crisis in their '40's when they realize they never got to know themselves spiritually. It's ok to do it backwards!(like I did)
Ultimately, college may not be necessary for you to excel in your chosen career depending on what and how you do it(if you are a people person for example-sales is the highest paid profession of all)
Finally, the biggest obstacle to not getting what you want is not knowing what you want, so get out there and explore!
p.s. I had to drop out of college due to poverty once because it takes a whole semester sometimes to get any financial aid-you might consider filling out your FAFSA anyway and just taking less credits the first semester so you can still work
Sayler Van Merlin |
I manage a gelato shop. It's not a bad job, i like people, and i make enough to be fairly comfortable, but i live an austere lifestyle these days, so it doesn't take much to be comfortable...
It's funny, though, i have five and a half years experience with SAP (MM, PP, and WM modules) and am well versed in ISO:9000 quality standards and project implementation, but my smuggling conviction makes it hard to get a second interview...
pirate can be a lucrative job...LOL
(sorry)
houstonderek |
houstonderek wrote:I manage a gelato shop. It's not a bad job, i like people, and i make enough to be fairly comfortable, but i live an austere lifestyle these days, so it doesn't take much to be comfortable...
It's funny, though, i have five and a half years experience with SAP (MM, PP, and WM modules) and am well versed in ISO:9000 quality standards and project implementation, but my smuggling conviction makes it hard to get a second interview...
pirate can be a lucrative job...LOL
(sorry)
oh, it was lucrative, don't get me wrong, but the retirement home (club fed) leaves a lot to be desired :)
(oh, and never worry about joking with me - or even at me, for that matter - i look back and laugh at a lot of goofy and retarded stuff i've done ;) )
The Jade |
oh, it was lucrative, don't get me wrong, but the retirement home (club fed) leaves a lot to be desired :)(oh, and never worry about joking with me - or even at me, for that matter - i look back and laugh at a lot of goofy and retarded stuff i've done ;) )
What's the rule? Pain + Time = Funny?
Good thing too, because my own life history tells a lot of jokes.
houstonderek |
houstonderek wrote:
oh, it was lucrative, don't get me wrong, but the retirement home (club fed) leaves a lot to be desired :)(oh, and never worry about joking with me - or even at me, for that matter - i look back and laugh at a lot of goofy and retarded stuff i've done ;) )
What's the rule? Pain + Time = Funny?
Good thing too, because my own life history tells a lot of jokes.
[(Pain + Time)/Ego]x Perspective = Hilarity ;)
yeah, i have trouble taking anything about my past too seriously, well, except the lessons i've learned. those are invaluable :)
Jason Beardsley |
a lot
Well, I live in Ohio. As far as i know, we don't have a program like that. Fafsa, as far as i know, is no longer an option. Unless i change my degree, then technically i think i can get it back. Unless i can find someone to get a loan through, but i doubt that will happen. I was going for Internet Programming at a Community College.. but i started that program during the last year it was one program. They've since split it into 2 different programs. Now i'm just paying off what i owe the place i went to before that. I'm nearly finished with that, but once that is finished, i get to start paying of the CC. Making barely above minimum wage just doesn't work. And trying very hard to find something more just doesn't work either.
Xaaon of Xen'Drik |
Architectural Intern
took a while to get on track after my Avionics Tech job of 6 years in the Navy...
My friends that I played with in High School...
One is a Robotics Engineer
Another is a Construction Manager
Yet another does movie composing up in Hollywood
One is a Manager at a gas station...he was totally decimated when his brother committed suicide.
Those I play with today...
Teaching student
Lab Tech 1st class USN
Electrician Journeyman (not bad for a 20 year old)
Retired Chief - USN
Sayler Van Merlin |
Sayler Van Merlin wrote:a lotWell, I live in Ohio. As far as i know, we don't have a program like that. Fafsa, as far as i know, is no longer an option. Unless i change my degree, then technically i think i can get it back. Unless i can find someone to get a loan through, but i doubt that will happen. I was going for Internet Programming at a Community College.. but i started that program during the last year it was one program. They've since split it into 2 different programs. Now i'm just paying off what i owe the place i went to before that. I'm nearly finished with that, but once that is finished, i get to start paying of the CC. Making barely above minimum wage just doesn't work. And trying very hard to find something more just doesn't work either.
Sounds pretty sucky...
hang in there, it can only get better!
Jason Beardsley |
Jason Beardsley wrote:Sayler Van Merlin wrote:a lotWell, I live in Ohio. As far as i know, we don't have a program like that. Fafsa, as far as i know, is no longer an option. Unless i change my degree, then technically i think i can get it back. Unless i can find someone to get a loan through, but i doubt that will happen. I was going for Internet Programming at a Community College.. but i started that program during the last year it was one program. They've since split it into 2 different programs. Now i'm just paying off what i owe the place i went to before that. I'm nearly finished with that, but once that is finished, i get to start paying of the CC. Making barely above minimum wage just doesn't work. And trying very hard to find something more just doesn't work either.Sounds pretty sucky...
hang in there, it can only get better!
Well.. at least one of us is optimistic about it.. lol..
GM VICTORY |
Emergency Services Dispatcher (Answering 911 calls and dispatching fire and ambulance units)
First Responder (a step below EMT)
And somewhat ironic. 20 years ago I was a combat radio/wireman in the Army (that's the guy that gets shot first in the movies). Deploying to sites to assemble and operate tactical radio/telephone communications systems.
Currently, I am a member of the Tactical Communication Team whose job is to deploy to sites to assemble and operate tactical radio/telephone communications systems at major incidents.
I am also participating in a project to develop a major exercise involving multiple public safety and law enforcement agencies to deal with a public health incident. I am a co-GM creating an adventure for the entire county! :)
Sayler Van Merlin |
Sayler Van Merlin wrote:Well.. at least one of us is optimistic about it.. lol..Jason Beardsley wrote:Sayler Van Merlin wrote:a lotWell, I live in Ohio. As far as i know, we don't have a program like that. Fafsa, as far as i know, is no longer an option. Unless i change my degree, then technically i think i can get it back. Unless i can find someone to get a loan through, but i doubt that will happen. I was going for Internet Programming at a Community College.. but i started that program during the last year it was one program. They've since split it into 2 different programs. Now i'm just paying off what i owe the place i went to before that. I'm nearly finished with that, but once that is finished, i get to start paying of the CC. Making barely above minimum wage just doesn't work. And trying very hard to find something more just doesn't work either.Sounds pretty sucky...
hang in there, it can only get better!
Again, not tryin' to be a wise guy, but I reposted something below which you -might-
consider(just a shot in the dark here)
cheers,
s
Taliesin Hoyle (Pathfinder Charter Subscriber, Pathfinder Chronicles Subscriber, Pathfinder Companion Subscriber), Sat, Nov 17, 2007, 05:20 AM REPLY
I posted what I do above. This is for the unemployed or out of luck among you.
Spoiler:
Those of you who are unemployed or otherwise out of luck. I lived hand to mouth in Africa for a long time. I will not bore you with details, but I was poor and working hard for eight years hovering on the breadline.
Asia is the land of milk and honey. Any of the populous and exploding economies here have lots of room for anyone with a degree or who can convincingly fake one. Yes, they are mostly teaching jobs or editing, but the pay is usually very good and you can work up a nest egg of capital until your income from stocks and shares and funds on what you squirrel away can support you.
I love Asia and I love having enough money that I can stop worrying about money and worry about time instead. I work four or five hours a day and make about US$1850 a month. Tax here in Taiwan is 6%. I can save more than 2/3 of my salary a month and invest it.
My mother is a live in caregiver in the UK now. She does not need to worry about rent and makes more than I do, although her hours are erratic and she is on call at all times.
There are always places in a global economy. Even if there are none on your patch of sun on the globe.
jmberaldo RPG Superstar 2009 Top 16 |
Its curious how many military people show up here
Im a game designer/writer. What pays my bills is computer games, but I get some extras out of RPG designing
Im also a professional fiction writer with my second novel about to be published in portuguese-speaking countries
My current players are 3 game designers and a programmer, all from our game company (only one of us already lived in this city before been hired)
The other people who played with me from school days are now... let me see: a doctor, a security software developer, two engineers on a large oil company, another on a large mining company and a lawyer.
Sayler Van Merlin |
Kaliona wrote:I knit...It's a weird job, but I'm desperate for money, and people pay a lot for hand-knitted mittens.How about slippers? I'm all thumbs when it comes to knitting or crocheting.
And for the assembly-line work...I had a job like that. If I didn't have headphones and a radio, I'd have killed somebody.
talk to my girlfriend about any knitting,sewing, or crocheting you need done-she is as obsessed with textile arts as I am with RPGs...
here is her shop LotusMonkey.etsy.com
Sayler Van Merlin |
Just got a new one.
I knit.......................Yes, you read that right....................You can stop laughing now. It's a weird job, but I'm desperate for money, and people pay a lot for hand-knitted mittens.
How can I meet these people?
Seriously,my GF is an AMAZING knitter and also looking to make some more money-are these just local acquaintances of yours or is there a big market out there we don't know about yet?
Jason Beardsley |
more stuff
I appreciate the post. Right now, i'm trying to work on so many things, it seems overwhelming at times. Trying to animate a flash video for an ad of a new rpg a couple of friends are developing (they convinced me to, even though i've not touched Flash in 7+ years, and animate worse than a 4th grader). Trying to paint 3 incomplete Warhammer armies to sell on ebay. Trying to start some kind of publishing venture with the concept of pdf tiles (think dnd tiles, only as pdf's), along with other content. Trying to complete side computer jobs. All for a little extra cash, while working full time as a clerk. I have 'faith' that something good will come out of it all. It's inevitable.
Sayler Van Merlin |
Sayler Van Merlin wrote:more stuffI appreciate the post. Right now, i'm trying to work on so many things, it seems overwhelming at times. Trying to animate a flash video for an ad of a new rpg a couple of friends are developing (they convinced me to, even though i've not touched Flash in 7+ years, and animate worse than a 4th grader). Trying to paint 3 incomplete Warhammer armies to sell on ebay. Trying to start some kind of publishing venture with the concept of pdf tiles (think dnd tiles, only as pdf's), along with other content. Trying to complete side computer jobs. All for a little extra cash, while working full time as a clerk. I have 'faith' that something good will come out of it all. It's inevitable.
good luck!
Jason Beardsley |
Jason Beardsley wrote:Same here and I would be VERY interested in buying PDF dungeon tiles.Sayler Van Merlin wrote:good luck!Thanks ;)
I'll be sure to put up a post with a link in the future, when it's finished. Right now, im trying to concentrate on that damnable animation. Purely to finish it, so i dont have to deal with it, which i'm not being paid for anyway...
eric kiser |
Wow, what an awesome thread.
I was an IT Security Design guy for one of the top rail road companies. I worked with firewalls, vpn systems, routers, etc. I really liked my job.
Then my wife asked for a divorce and I kinda came unglued. This wasn't much appreciated by the corporate folks. High profile information security and mental instability does not exactly breed trust in one's decision making ability.
A month after the divorce was final I found myself unable to get back to the office from lunch because the left side of my body started breaking into these painful and debilitating spasms. It was confirmed a month later that I have Multiple Sclerosis.
Three months later I was determined to go back to work. Within a couple of weeks my lower back finally gave out after years of problems. I believe that it was the spasms that finally did it in. After all other options had been exhausted I had surgery to shave down two herniated discs.
I went back to work again for three weeks and had another bought with the MS that left me with some cognitive problems which landed me on long term disability.
So, at 37 I am now divorced, disabled, and living in my ex-wife's unfinished basement so I can be close to my kids.
This might all sound pretty bad but the truth is that I am happier living in this basement and getting to be a full time Dad than I ever was being a full time corporate mook, a part time delusional husband, and part time Dad.
Stebehil |
Update: soon-to-be student to gain a M.A. degree in preservation of historic buildings, offered at our local university of applied sciences. This in addition to my regular job at the communal government, in exactly that line of work.
I guess this will be hell for the next one and a half years, with a lot less leisure time than now...
Stefan
Aarontendo |
I love Asia and I love having enough money that I can stop worrying about money and worry about time instead. I work four or five hours a day and make about US$1850 a month. Tax here in Taiwan is 6%. I can save more than 2/3 of my salary a month and invest it.
Yeah you can do pretty well in East Asia money wise. Tax rate in Korea is about the same as Taiwan, salaries are slightly higher starting. Free rent for most jobs too. Lotta teachers over bank away over half their salary and still manage to live well. If anyone's got an itch to get outta teh country for a year and teach it's not a bad gig. I'll say that going on my third year is making me a bit batty at times though heh.
JoelF847 RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16 |
shamgar |
Until Friday I was the VP Operations for a large service provider for a big box store. Despite growing the business 45%, tripling profits, and increasing customer satisfaction in just one year in a terrible Michigan economy I was unceremoniously let go on Friday. Welcome to the world of family businesses. Family and favorites did me in as did a strong resistance to do anything in a professional manner.
So now I'm very aggressively looking for a job. Since we moved just a couple of months ago we don't have nearly the reserves we normally would so I may be forced to take something I don't want. Oh, they did offer me a position for less than half of what I was making before focused on just sales. I'm hoping to be able to tell them to @#$% themselves in a week when they want their answer.
On another note, I also run a (very) small consulting company. I provide expert management and sales consulting and training of all sorts for small to mid-size companies and phone consulting for several retail councils working with investment analysts. I would love this to grow to support us but that takes a lot of time which I don't have.
Azzy |
Sayler Van Merlin wrote:Yeah you can do pretty well in East Asia money wise. Tax rate in Korea is about the same as Taiwan, salaries are slightly higher starting. Free rent for most jobs too. Lotta teachers over bank away over half their salary and still manage to live well. If anyone's got an itch to get outta teh country for a year and teach it's not a bad gig. I'll say that going on my third year is making me a bit batty at times though heh.
I love Asia and I love having enough money that I can stop worrying about money and worry about time instead. I work four or five hours a day and make about US$1850 a month. Tax here in Taiwan is 6%. I can save more than 2/3 of my salary a month and invest it.
Don't you need to know the language before hand? How do you get started in something like that?