What do you do?

Clerk

Active Member
After a 3 year hitch in the Army, I worked as a Telegrapher/clerk/wirechief for the SP. Saw the writing on the wall so trained as TV and Radio repaireman. When modules started taking over the part system in TV's I went to work building camping trailers. The plant closed so went to work for the school district as custodian. My health started down hill so both my wife and I went to school to train as Motel/Hotel management. Worked for 20 years as motel manageres. When my wife was rushed to the hospital code 3 with heart problems we retired from that. My wife got tired of having me in her hair so went to work as greeter at Wal Mart..After having back surgery and a heart attack retired from that. Now we don't seem to have enought time for ourself with all the calls for help from the kids and neighbors.
 

GeorgeHO

Member
I spent three years in the US Army, one in VietNam. I retired from the federal government as a computer specialist, and later worked for a few years as a consultant. I was the caregiver for my 88 year old godfather who recently died from Parkinsons, and took up model railroading again because it was something I could do while staying in the house besides watch television. I was going to buy a race horse ($5,000 down, $1,000 per month while on the track) and have friends (professional trainers) train it for me, but I decided to spend my money on RR instead.
 

RailRon

Active Member
I'm teaching Natural Sciences (mainly Biology, plus some Chemistry and Physics) in a 'Gymnasium'. Confused? :confused: :confused: :confused:

Unlike in Englsih speaking countries, this hasn't anything to do with a sports hall! :D :D :D
In Swiss-German-speaking Switzerland, 'Gymnasium' is the term for a senior high-school, which prepares its students for university education.

So I belong to the most stupid people in the world: After all, only teachers are going to school for their whole lifetime. ;) :rolleyes: :p

Just now I am in my last year in school. I'll retire in July 2006. Then I hope to spend some more time working for my railroad! :thumb:

Ron
 

toolman

New Member
I am a electronic tech, started field service work about 1970, then in 1975 went to work for GE, medical equipment div as a field engineer. I wound up specializing in ultra-sound imaging. 1998 was laid off, was going to turn to the big 50th. I tried to get a job with GE competives, no luck, tried toget other field service jobs, my age a big factor, cut my salary reqirements, no luck. !999 I got a job at my local Home Depot, ran out of unemployment and need the medical benefits. The last for years I have been in Tool Rental as a service tech repairing the rental tools. I like it and very close to my home, not even 10 mins away. At GE spent many hours on the road. I do free lance for an ex GE sales rep who buys and sells used ultrasound systems. I elected not to start my own service co do to the fact the startup cost, the necessary test equipment and liability insurance, and need quite large customer base to make it pay off. Working on my layout helps me to relax and be a little happy. My wife likes the layout also. I make less money, but the stress factor is nominal.
 

theBear

Member
Programmer (and other sundry titles), since 1969.

First for a uni, then gov, then banks (having been on all sides of "mergers" several times), then a credit card company, now websites.

I tell folks I'm semi-retired. I work between 20 and 25 hours a week and the hours I get to choose, no office to have to be at, a nice comfy nappy chair, my entire CD collection, etc.. etc.. I can go out and sit on the back deck on nice days. Such is the life of a semi-retired work at home woodland critter.
 

shaygetz

Active Member
I was thinkin', "Wow, all these cool jobs an' all I do is fix toilets :rolleyes: " Then I remembered that, with a broke down AC on a 95+ degree day, even the President would grovel at my feet when I showed up at his doorstep with a charging manifold and a can of R22 refridgerant :thumb: :p .
 

77railer

Member
I play with kids and trains all day and get paid to do it,lol!!! On the serious side I am an Elementary School Teacher currently teaching 4th grade at a school that loves trains and allows me to setup layouts in several locations. I am also a Music Director for Bethel Baptist Church. Love both of those jobs but would jump at the chance to homeschool our kids. I dont have a home layout at the moment but its in the working.

77Railer
 

capt_turk

Member
Tugboat captain here. Licensed Master, Oceans, Steam and Motor to 3000 gross tons. Been going to sea 38 years. Twenty five of them on tugs.
I work about 30 days at a time, and then spend about 30 days playing with trains. Er.. no wait.. I've got an N scale setup on the the tug. The crew thinks the captain is nuts. They're probably right!
 

K.V.Div

Member
ezdays said:
Something just struck me, we have a very diverse group here, some are still in school, some are retired and others are hacking out a living, and probably can't wait to get home to work on their layouts.:D

So... it would be great to hear what each one here does now, and those that are enjoying retirement or time off, what they did do when they worked.


How about you????:wave: :wave:

I spent 3 years in the forest industry, followed by 21 years in the navy as a boatswain, retiring as a result of a major government initiated reduction of the armed forces here in Canada (minimum time in service, resulting in minimum pension)
Upon retirement in 1996, I started working part time at a local model train store (Pacific Scale Rail, Victoria) and eventually moved up to the position of manager.
I bought the business 3 1/2 years ago, renaming the business as Victoria Scale Rail Ltd.
So far we are doing OK, although I sometimes wonder just what possessed me to enter into this venture in the first place :confused: , given the long hours, lack of vacation time, the occasional difficult customers (OK, a few more than just the occasional few), as well as the bills and administration that go with the job :( .
Not much personel time for participation in the hobby though these days, as I have home and family commitments as well.
 

N Gauger

1:20.3 Train Addict
capt_turk said:
Tugboat captain here. Licensed Master, Oceans, Steam and Motor to 3000 gross tons. Been going to sea 38 years. Twenty five of them on tugs.
I work about 30 days at a time, and then spend about 30 days playing with trains. Er.. no wait.. I've got an N scale setup on the the tug. The crew thinks the captain is nuts. They're probably right!
:D :D :D Well, you're all set up for "Take your trains to work day" :) :) :)

That's neat!!! and tell the crew - if the Captain wasn't a "bit" nuts - nothing would ever get done! :D :D :D

~~ May the wind be at your back and your seas be made of glass........
 

Pitchwife

Dreamer
I've been in electronics all my adult life (not going to verify at what age "adult" begins :p ). Started out with car stereos and CB. Since then I've worked on computers (very early types), specialised telephone equipment, and finally TV & VCR repair. Since the industry phased out that section by making it cheaper to buy new than to fix the old :mad: :curse: :mad: I guess I've been retired. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 
name says it..

I actually am an engineer with CSX for 7 yrs. Based out of Pittsburgh, Pa and have been on almost every piece of B&O rail from Cumberland, MD to Cleveland, Toledo, and western Ohio. Love the job, hate the company. I reretired again from Disc Jockeying recently. I DJayed over 500 weddings parties & nightclubs. Music changed for the worst in mid 90's. I have a wonderful wife/best friend, 2 crazy cats, and our first baby due in August. I spend too much time on Ebay, but make some extra $.
 

trainworm

Member
I am an over the road truck driver. we usually run from the southwest to the northeast, then do it all over again. been doing this for 6 years now and i think i might make a living out of it.
 

screen

New Member
Travel-Travel-Travel, That was my life with jobs like Area Mgr. for John Deere, Regional Mgr. for Motorola and Central US Sales Mgr. for Alister Mfg. -

For the past 12 years Linda and I have run our own business called The Monogram Shoppe!
Screenprint, Embroidery and Promotional Products plus retail sportswear - No travel but plenty of hours and we wouldn't give it up! No where near the income but we work together and now I have time for children and grand children! Now I have time to model and fish!
 

grumbeast

Member
What a cool thread! there is an amazing breadth of occupations!

As for me, I'm an Academic Chair (lazyboy according to my faculty.. though I prefer love-seat :) :)
at the Nova Scotia Community College. Prior to that was manager of operational support at a software company, and prior to that, taught Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science at various colleges and universities in the UK and Canada.

this is by far the most fun I've had in a job mind, and its a great place to work! Now all I need is a little N scale layout in my office!

Graham
 

max diyer

New Member
I'm new to the forum, today. 1st post.
wave.gif


I've been driving truck for 36 years. I was a owner-operator for 5 years. The remainder, driving for various companies. I had a car repair side business for 12 years. Currently, I have a side business making wood & metal home decor' furnishings. Most of the net money goes for my MRR addiction!
biggrin.gif
 

ezdays

Out AZ way
Yes Max, welcome to the Gauge.

You have the right mindset, spend all your earnings on your railroad. You could coin a new phrase, "working for your railroad". :D :D :D :D
 
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