OK, OK. The guys in brown force me to represent. I've worked for the Postal Service since 1974. It's been a great career. I'm San Diego district's ( 4 So. Cal. counties) public affairs manager responsible for internal, external communications and media. Believe me, work sometimes gets in the way of my N scaling (especially when rates change!!). Oh yeah, we bring you trains too...and lots of eBay things. Mike Cannone San Diego Where it is cold and cloudy today.
I am an inventory control manager in a 650,000 sq ft distribution center that holds up to 74,000 pallets of product. Since almost all the product we handle is candy, it's a sweet job. Before that I was a tv news camera man. That was an interesting and sometimes fun job but not one I miss.
Since everyone else is stepping up to the plate... I have spent the last 24 years repairing semicondustor manifacturing equipment. I mainly work in the photolithography department on a big camera called a "Stepper" I also maintain SEM's, Coat/Develop Tracks, and Metrology Equipment. Sounds fun huh? Well, all the jobs are moving to China so I have to find a new career this summer because the factory I work is closing down, and I am tired of relocating every 2 or 3 years. Maybe I'll try Information Technology for a change
"What do you modelers do for a living?" Well, if I shall describe it with a short story it will be "I worked almost 48 years in same bussines". That is very unusual these days in Sweden. If someone might be interested in more details I can describe it this way: My first job at Kockums Shipyard in Malmoe was to make technical drawings during the time I been educated in an evening school to be a machinery engineer at the end. That happened 1960. Total school time 13 years. Then I worked as engineer at the Machinery Installation Dept. at Kockums until the civilian production went down in 1986. I then moved to the former Kockum´s data dept., later a separate company called Kockums Computer Systems. Until March 31, 2000 I worked with programming, investigations, and customer support a very satisfying job. Today the company has changed the name to Tribon Solution, and for those interested I can recommend to visit the URL Tribon Solution for more info about "what I have been doing for living" and some history of the company. At the age of 61 (I´m now 63) I got what we call it in Sweden an agreement retirement from the company, which give me more time to spend on model railroading, other hobbies, and my family. Not necessarily in that order ----------- Helge SR&WF NARA member #5
When I dropped out of college, because I didn't have a clue as to what I wanted to do when I grew up, I got a job in an auto parts house as a counterman and also did some local deliveries. Then I spent 18 years on Long Island in the construction materials inspection field with Suffolk County on Long Island. At 40 I got married and moved to Atlanta. I thought that it would be straighforward to get a similar job in Georgia. Craig, no such luck. For three years, every place where I had an interview said something to the order of "Great experience, too bad you don't have a degree." Finally, I asked: "In what?" Answer: "Doesn't matter." So I went back to my old college and got a degree in Economics. I got the next job that I interviewed for, so now nine years later, I've worked my way up to (sanitary) Civil Engineer I with Fulton County. (It may be sh-- to you, but it's my bread and butter.) Craig, get that education. You might find that it's a whole different kind of miserable world out there without it. Paul PRR in Atlanta
17 years so far in the US Air Force, first as a meteorologist and now as a civil (environmental) engineer. Heading off to an ROTC job pretty soon. I hope to retire at 20 years and see what's in store after completing seminary. "Look Ahead, Look South" Southern Railway
Heres my two cents worth. Served as an airborne radio/radar operator in the SAAF (South African Air Force) then immigrated to Canada and served as a pilot in the RCAF. I left the forces for a number of reasons and got into the world of retail. I retired when I was 56 and since then do volunteer stuff in our community like delivering meals on wheels and meals on ice. I also do what's called friendly visiting. I do the every Monday afternnon. My current friend is 83 and no longer drives so we chat or go shopping or what ever else he wants to do. Now I have time to spend on my model railroad and scratcbuild structures. At times I feel short of money but find some here and there and have just entered the world of DCC. My PC is really dated but it still works and hasn't given me any difficulty in 5 years. I use it for graphics mostly and am really trying to get a handle on 3D graphics. Now I am rapidly approaching 65 when I start getting some Old Age pension and all those discounts seniors can get.
23 years in Railway Signals doing maintenance, fault finding, and testing here in Sydney. It's been a fun job with more ups than downs and gave me an opportunity to work O/S in Hong Kong for 10 months. I resigned today to take up a position in the UK. Craig, if they require you to have a degree before starting on the RR, then get one in an area you are interested in. If the RR job doesn't appear as you expected, then you will have a good fallback. Gary.
Hey Mike, I think that I've even bought some items from you on eBay! I also sell items on eBay and I usually ship them via the USPS since I've heard that the Post Office loses money on every priority parcel that they ship. Yes, my work also interfers with my modeling. In fact, it is probably pretty safe to say that work interfers with almost everyone's N-scaling in one way or another. On the other hand, there wouldn't be much money for the hobby if it were not for the job. We just have to do what we must!
I think this is a great topic! I have been an archaeologist for 20 years, nothing as glamorous as Indiana Jones, but pretty close. Most of my work has been in the Southwestern United States. Last year I finally decided to go back and get my Ph.D. which I am heavily involved in at the moment. Glad to hear you are pulling A's, keep up the good work. I strongly suggest going on to college, getting at least a Bachelor's degree because it prepares you well for the future (not to mention the college hotties out there!!!). Good luck with whatever you do and always remember to have time for trains John
Rett, you're right - I did sell some of my N scale stuff on eBay. The USPS makes money on Priority Mail but not on parcel post. I purchased a lot of stuff anticipating using it but you know how it goes, concepts change! Hey, checked out your web site and I wondered how did you create/draw the track plan? Nice job. I think I'll post a new topic and ask that question. Nice meeting you again, Mike
At age 18, fresh outta high school, I joined a team of mainenance guys doing groundskeeping for a large commerce park in Lordstown, OH. I ran a Stihl brushcutter *a professional-size weedeater* for 40 hrs a week. That was a summer job. Then it was across the raod after that summer was over, to a shop that makes custom, ornate doors, like with leaded glass, and fine wood moldings. I worked there till shortly before they went belly-up, 16 mos. After a short term of unemployment, I started at a bagel bakerk, Kravitz Bagels. I started on the packing line, then graduated to the mix crew, and finaly as a mixer. I stayed there till about 17 mos. It was from there I made a career choice. I joined the USAF, and have been in since 1999. I plan do re-enlist when the time comes, and work in munitions. The ones that make a BIG bang. I work with neat stuff, and if I told you any more, I'd have to kill you... I live in the Big Sky State, I have a wife, son, and 2 cats to keep me and my Tunnel Motors company. There is a layout started in the basement, awaiting time for more electrical work to commence.
22 years(full time) from Drafter to Sr Design Drafter/Manager (var firms) last 7 years(full time) IT profesional for Boeing and home base business (part time) as a Design Drafter.
HR manager for almost 15 yrs now. Lots of names and faces I have forgotten with the hiring and firing that comes with the turf! Before that USAF, and before that I worked at FW Woolworths in their Pet Department (loved that job at $2.10hr!)
In my last post, I forgot to mention that I got a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, and another in Medical Technology (that was after a year in a med tech school). I didn't say this to brag, just that to get what I wanted took time. And the same will go for you in whatever field you decide to get into. Anyway, Craig, whatever you decide to do, remember that knowledge is power. College isn't always the answer, but it will get you in position for a better career.
worked for 15years as an inventory conrol clerk then manager for a large soft drink mfg , and for the last 5 years i work for a largfe insurance company as an auto damage adjuster , works out great , company car , field assignments near well known hobby stores ! always find time to stop in !! good luck !!!
20 yrs old, Second year, second semester Sophmore at the University of Arizona. Right now, I am Majoring in Mechanical engineering, but I am still not sure if I want to go with that, Civil engineering, or do another branch of engineering. Who knows...I might join the forces After I graduate...at least then I won't woory too much about employment...although I will probably have to live somewhere besides Arizona, which I would hate to leave...born here, raised here, and if I have my way, I will be put to rest here. It's a dry heat!!! Trust me on this...you are going to want that degree no matter what you do...you may never know when you might need it. And a piece of advice for this here college education...the social aspects of life such a beer and other such "pleasures" of life will still be around long after your college days are over. Because when it is all said and done...well, they aren't handing out degrees in the field of College Party just yet, and it doesn't look like they are going to start handing them out any time soon, so I don't think it is a degree worthy of devoting long study hours to. This last Spring break, I spent the Week IN THE DORM, Studying PHYSICS!!!! Beverage of choice was water, food was scarce, contact was made with the Families (three...Mom, Dad, and Grandparents). The sun was beautiful out, and the campus was a great ghost town...to bad they all had to come back!!! Delay the gratification just a bit longer, until you know you are over the hill a bit, and then let life come together when the work is all said and done. Your children will thank you for this. And if they don't, you will be thankful they don't curse you out every night for being the cause of their teenage financial crisis because you have just enough to pay the bills and drive the same 30 year old car every day. Trust me on this...been there, done that. [ 19 March 2002, 05:01: Message edited by: Benny ]
Excellent advice from Benny for you Craig! You have already demonstrated an aptitude for mechanical "things", and work well with your mind and skilled with your hands. You have a vision of having your own business someday. That is very good and well supported by your ability to retrieve knowledge to maintain a high grade average. It will not always be so. Time will pass and you will get old. All the education you can get, will make your business life that much more successful. Girls will come along naturally, and you can handle life with them too. I married and supported two kids while going to school nights. If you want something bad enough, there is a way! Try to think about haveing a GOAL to aspire to, then try your best to reach it. If you reach it, you must not set back and try to coast along enjoying that position, because that will generate complacency. That could cause you to lose your drive that got you there in the first place. Its not about just making money, it is about being satisfied that you feel you have done well in your efforts, in your own mind! There will be no reason for you to hang your head in failure. I grew up thinking I wanted to someday, "make things", and my father encouraged me to make my own toys. At the time he was a precision machinist. He had gone to Cordell Christian College in Cordell, Oklahoma, so was educated. He started me out by watching, learning the "whys" and "hows", and helping him make a 1/10 scale working scale model of his 9" South Bend Lathe. ( For years it was displayed in the main lobby of the offices of the South Bend Corp.) Then he went to a school given by Coleman Lamp & Stove Company at Wichita, Kansas, and became a Class A Tool & Die maker. I was able to visit the Tool Room often and decided I wanted to be a Tool & Die maker like my Dad. It would take a whole book to explain all the things I learned from him that are not taught in schools or Universities. The main thing I did learn was, to ask questions, experiment, and think it out. His motto was : "There is always a way, and I'll find it!" Through the various schools he attended, he finally became the Chief Engineer of a Company! By then I was in my late teens and firmly felt I wanted to be a Chief Engineer someday, and set out toward that Goal for my life. I have taken every course, training, and schooling I have been able to. I worked a full time design job and went to College at night to get a BSME. YES, it sure did open up the doors, even though by then I was trained in technologies far exceeding what that College had to offer then. I became the Chief Engineer of a Company and enjoyed my success for 13 years. Then one day my Dad and I were talking, and he asked how I liked my position? It was then I realized, I didn't! Truly! Time passed, there were other "Chief" jobs, and I ended up being an Engineering Manager of a Company. Now I had the Chief under me! WOW! WRONG! I wasn't happy! I had kept setting goals until I went beyond what I REALLY was the happiest doing! I had discovered that I could count on a machine to be dependable, (it will "work" or break), you can count on that! But I could not stake my position upon PEOPLE to be dependable! I was no longer "making things", see? My REAL GOAL had been to MAKE THINGS, not to gain some title or position! That is when I became a consultant to the trade, and retired at it, happy as a termite in a lumber yard! You just have to become familiar with your self, and think it out. Then you will gravitate toward becoming what you enjoy in life. If you want to: Make things, prepare for it then set your business up! Run the train, prepare for it, and work to become an engineer! If you want to be rich, run for President, and break your zipper. Or, if you want to be a Life Guard, you can get that job in a Car Wash or Car Pool! That's the plain truth. (Or as a Phd. told me one time: "Me has SPOKE!") If you just rock along, smokin' dope and party harty living out of garbage cans and hooking rides, one of us will throw you off'n the train! some dark night! [ 19 March 2002, 07:26: Message edited by: watash ]
