Career changes - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tankdriver · #1 12-30-2008, 02:53 PM

Has anyone here changed careers after a while? How did you handle the experience problem?
I've basically fallen into work - I got jobs because I needed them moreso than I wanted to do them. After I got out of college with an art degree, I went to work for a stone carving and granite shop. Then moved to set construction, then another granite shop, then a cabinet shop. And I worked on my art (steel sculptures mostly out of steel) some in there.

I think I've decided what I want to do, but I have no experience doing it. Does anyone have any approaches that worked for them, or any advice? TIA

powerpig · #2 12-30-2008, 03:11 PM

Read all you can about your career choice and then BS your way into a job. Worked for me in Radio and TV for 20 years and the IT business for the past 15.

rocky raccoon · #3 12-30-2008, 03:25 PM

I am an engineer who worked for a number of companies, had my own once and finished career working for Dept. opf the Navy. My specialty was in experimental anti-submarine warfare projects.

Retirement is an opportunity to be a kid again and do something entirely different, maybe something you always wanted to do. In my case, I became a street medic and worked for a few years in Richmond Va, one of the most violent cities in the country. I am still doing it although in a quieter rural environment. Very satisfying.

The key is ... education. Find something you really want to do and go to school. Get a certification (or whatever) and do it right. Bullskitting your way into a job will eventually bite you in the a$$ every time.

The Clk Man · #4 12-30-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocky raccoon

I am an engineer who worked for a number of companies, had my own once and finished career working for Dept. opf the Navy. My specialty was in experimental anti-submarine warfare projects.

Retirement is an opportunity to be a kid again and do something entirely different, maybe something you always wanted to do. In my case, I became a street medic and worked for a few years in Richmond Va, one of the most violent cities in the country. I am still doing it although in a quieter rural environment. Very satisfying.

The key is ... education. Find something you really want to do and go to school. Get a certification (or whatever) and do it right. Bullskitting your way into a job will eventually bite you in the a$$ every time.

Rocky Raccoon checked into his room
Only to find Gideon's bible
Rocky had come equipped with a gun
To shoot off the legs of his rival
His rival it seems had broken his dreams
By stealing the girl of his fancy.
Her name was Magil and she called herself Lil
But everyone knew her as Nancy.
Now she and her man who called himself Dan
Were in the next room at the hoe down
Rocky burst in and grinning a grin
He said Danny boy this is a showdown
But Daniel was hot-he drew first and shot
And Rocky collapsed in the corner.

Now the doctor came in stinking of gin
And proceeded to lie on the table
He said Rocky you met your match
And Rocky said, Doc it's only a scratch
And I'll be better I'll be better doc as soon as I am able.

Now Rocky Raccoon he fell back in his room
Only to find Gideon's bible
A Gideon checked out and he left it no doubt
To help with good Rocky's revival.

aklim · #5 12-30-2008, 03:49 PM

Been there, done that and still doing that. There is no real issue if you put your mind to it and realize why you work. For me, I look at my toys and know that is why I work. I know I am not there to enjoy myself. When I am enjoying myself like with a hooker, I pay her. When she is working, she gets paid. Same thing. You have to realize that you are working because you need to and not that you feel like it. You can feel like making love but you have to work.

rocky raccoon · #6 12-30-2008, 07:28 PM

You Dog! You discovered the basis of my screen name. Now I won't have to post in the "What be your screen name" thread.

Botnst · #7 12-30-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankdriver

Has anyone here changed careers after a while? How did you handle the experience problem?
I've basically fallen into work - I got jobs because I needed them moreso than I wanted to do them. After I got out of college with an art degree, I went to work for a stone carving and granite shop. Then moved to set construction, then another granite shop, then a cabinet shop. And I worked on my art (steel sculptures mostly out of steel) some in there.

I think I've decided what I want to do, but I have no experience doing it. Does anyone have any approaches that worked for them, or any advice? TIA

Carpenter's helper 2 yrs
Boiler technician 4 yrs
Survey helper/surveyor 12 yrs
Botanist 8 years
Biogeographer 12 yrs .... looking at Markov processes to extrapolate future patterns. Perhaps not unlike finding submarines.

Make me an offer.

B

The Clk Man · #8 12-30-2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocky raccoon

You Dog! You discovered the basis of my screen name. Now I won't have to post in the "What be your screen name" thread.

I'm sorry SIR, I understand that you are no longer my friend, so when we meet again I will not show my? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3oa6dWL320

LUVMBDiesels · #9 12-30-2008, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerpig

Read all you can about your career choice and then BS your way into a job. Worked for me in Radio and TV for 20 years and the IT business for the past 15.

Ditto...

Remember GOOGLE.com is your friend. When I am going for a job, I check the requirements do a google search on the ones I don't understand and then create crib sheets for the phone interview. Works like a charm

rocky raccoon · #10 12-30-2008, 09:28 PM

Sorry if I unfriended. Didn't mean to. I have never tried that before; probably because no-one wanted to be my friend. Even my mother always liked my brother better.

The Clk Man · #11 12-30-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocky raccoon

Sorry if I unfriended. Didn't mean to. I have never tried that before; probably because no-one wanted to be my friend. Even my mother always liked my brother better.

I liked my only Brother better too, but he died at the age age of 46 in 2000. ****, those Damned memories.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/images/smilies3/cry3.gif

aklim · #12 12-30-2008, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

I liked my only Brother better too, but he died at the age age of 46 in 2000. ****, those Damned memories.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/images/smilies3/cry3.gif

Take mine then. We get along like oil and water to the point that I wouldn't go hunting with him unless I was the only one with the gun and he is in front of me. Hell, I like you better than I do him.

The Clk Man · #13 12-30-2008, 11:11 PM

I would gladly take your Brother in trade. At least he is alive.

rwthomas1 · #14 12-30-2008, 11:11 PM

You can do anything you want to do if you have the time, talent and energy. If you know nothing about what you want to do next prepare to start at the very bottom and work you a$$ off or go get the education to do what you want and then work your a$$ off. Either way, you'll work your a$$ off, but if you love it that won't matter one bit. Seriously, look at the financial implications and what you are willing to give up to do what you want. Its the deal breaker for most. RT