Dragons & Jetpacks discussion

Kat wrote: "Zele wrote: " I'm starting my own business! Hooray!"

Oooooooh, that is such an exciting thing to do! Congratulations and I wish you all the best and good luck!

I opened my own side-business a few..."

Thank you Kat!

Congratulations to you as well! What is your side business?

Milou wrote: "Zele wrote: "Milou wrote: "You all have such interesting jobs!!!

I am a biology student. Tomorrow I have my last exam (is it obvious I don't feel like studying??) and monday I start my own researc..."

Thank you Milou!

Your research theory sounds pretty solid to me, but then, I'm not the Biologist, you are. Hahaha! I hope your research yields exciting and positive results!

For some reason, your food and beverage job at the zoo makes me think of the high-tech park in Jurassic World, haha! I don't know why, but I can't help but picture you serving pizza to a family from Florida and the theme music from the movie starts playing as a hologram of a Brontosaurus dips its head down and pretends to eat their slices; and they're all beside themselves with joy and you're just playing along, having a great time. Haha!

I think it would be neat to get paid to do what you love! I love to read! I am a stay at home Mimi raising three grandsons. I used to drive a semi with my husband and best friend. I was a waitress for 14 years and worked as an Admissions clerk up to Supervisor. I worked there 12 years. in Nov 2013 my sweetheart had his second stroke the hit his right side of the brain. the first was in 2005 and it hit the left side. He made a great recovery but the second one was worse and he is now in a nh but he is only about 5 blocks from home and our three grandsons we are raising love to ride their bikes to see Papaw. like Erma Bombeck said..."When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. "

Zele wrote: "Niles wrote: "Zele, by the way I live in Sumter. I went to the CofC and my son is attending TTC right now. Funny how this group can be so global and yet you still can find someone from your own bac..."

My son is going for hiss Associate in Science degree at TTC, although I frankly don't know why since he knows everything already :-D Just kidding, he's pretty good as far as children go. He wants to transfer to a four year college and study engineering, prob U of South Carolina, but is taking the first 2 years at TTC because it's a little more than half the cost of a 4 year school. Gotta love a kid who wants to save his old man money! He got a scholarship too so that helps.
I have loved books for as long as I can remember and probably got that from my father. He loved mystery and detective stories, but would read other genres occasionally. I don't remember seeing him read any sci-fi or fantasy though, but I bet he would have loved them too. I joined goodreads because other than my youngest son, I have no one to discuss books with. I have failed miserably with the older kids as they hardly read at all, although in my defense (he says weakly) I was gone a lot in my job in order to pay the bills. Alas, sadly nothing can make up for lost time - unless I could build a time machine. But I digress. Sometimes, especially when I read a really good book, I want to talk about it. And who better to discuss it with than others who have read it? I can't remember how I stumbled across GR but I'm glad I did. There are a lot of insightful, intelligent people in this group and I have learned a lot just by reading the comments. I don't always agree with them, but they do present a different point of view. :-D

Zele wrote: "Congratulations to you as well! What is your side business?"

I registered a business license as a small press publisher, in order to get ISBN's at a discounted price. They cost an arm and a leg if you're "merely" and indie author, and by law I need one for each version of ebook in Germany. So, one for epub, one for mobi, one for pdf, and so on. As a publisher, I get the numbers for 1/100th of the "author" price. Crazy!

So many jobs but I haven't seen anything like mine yet. My company, or at least my portion of it, operates as a marketing agency for public and private universities' online degree programs. My company picks up the cost of the marketing dollars in exchange for a tuition split. Which only really matters because it means my company actually cares about our students staying in school, and finishing their degree. My portion of it is to manage online marketing campaigns for paid search and display marketing. As well as buy leads from pay per lead sites like Education Connection and send out emails to relevant lists. Basically, if you see an ad from a school saying "get an online degree" it's either my company or our direct competitor.

I also moonlight managing other paid search (google adwords) campaigns for other agency friends. I just can't do anything in education or it would be a conflict.

I'm an embedded software engineer - it's a good fit for me I think; it keeps my brain fully engaged, figuring stuff out. And I wouldn't say there's an art to it, but there is a craft.

I used to teach English as a second language to adult immigrants in the school district at night as well (as a side job), but it got to be too big a time commitment; so I had to give it up. I miss the students though from all over the world, from Mexico to Nepal. It was a lot of fun.

Rinn wrote: "I was wondering this last night. We have so many members from so many different backgrounds, and I want to know: what do you do for a living? Or if you're studying, what do you study and why?

Curr..."

Wow that sounds sooo interesting!

Yes, as my novels are not best sellers (yet) I had to find another route to supporting my life. I dropped out of college twice due to my novels and publishing contracts etc... so by the time I realized I wanted to go back, it was sort of too late. It became extremely important for me to get out of our no-longer-family home, so after two weeks in Hawaii with family, I came home to the Northwest and started job hunting.

I got hired at one of Oregon's oldest jewelry stores within a week of returning home. The job was a blessing because I really learned a lot about gemstones and diamonds and I could also finally move out! Now, two years later, I am enrolled through GIA (Gem Institute of America) and am on my way to becoming a gemologist :) Pretty interesting stuff, if I do say so myself :P

S.B. wrote: " I got hired at one of Oregon's oldest jewelry stores within a week of returning home. The job was a blessing because I really learned a lot about gemstones and diamonds and I could also finally move out! Now, two years later, I am enrolled through GIA (Gem Institute of America) and am on my way to becoming a gemologist :)."

Interesting S. B.! So what does that involve, cutting and appraising?

I am a divorce and bankruptcy lawyer.

I'm a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) working in the schools. My dream was to become a Marine Biologist but my life didn't end up that way. I do love what I do it's just that my heart has always tugged me in a different direction and it isn't easy to achieve without making huge life changes. For now, I love working in the schools. I would love to go for my PhD in SLP however there are no programs near me.

Ashley wrote: "I'm a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) working in the schools. "

I saw speech therapists in school for 6 years of my life. I can't say I actively accomplished much in terms of "curing" my completely unnoticeable lisp, but I did get particularly aware of the way my mouth makes sounds which is a useful skill in and of itself. Incredibly useful for foreign languages and accents. Plus singing.

Sarah wrote: "Ashley wrote: "I'm a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) working in the schools. "

I saw speech therapists in school for 6 years of my life. I can't say I actively accomplished much in terms of "cur..."

I completely agree that it's so important to be aware of how your lips and tongue work together for singing and languages! I had voice class in college but unfortunately can't carry a tune *sad face* I work with adolescents (6th through 12th grade) at my current job so my caseload is primarily language therapy and social communication therapy. I became interested in this career because I also had speech therapy from kindergarten through 8th grade to work on my Rs.

I also had speech therapy from kindergarten through 8th grade to work on my Rs. "

I always got put in groups with the R kids. The "aw" versus "arrrr".

Mwwwwhahhahahahahaaaaa I DO get paid for reading!!!! I'm a reference/adult services librarian at a public library in a ritzy old money tourist town. Okay technically these days you don't even have to like to read to get into this field but I like to think it helps.

Paul wrote: "My official title is Senior GIS (Geographical Information Science) Analyst and I work as part of a Sustainable Solutions Environmental and Socio team for a big international engineering company.I h..."
Wow, it all looks kind of fun. You seem to be the kind of guy good for fact checking for writers. ;)
As for me, finished high school, doing MCAT and dreaming of becoming a neurosurgeon. But the dilemma is, how will I conduct an operation after a book hangover. I get really nasty one of those. Can't get my mind off some books for days. :(

Raven Rebecca wrote: "Everyone sounds so important, and has quite interesting work!

My specialty is household management and finances. I quite like it.

My secondary duties include nagging my husband (or as I prefer "c..."

LOL Raven :)

Raven Rebecca wrote: "Everyone sounds so important, and has quite interesting work!

My specialty is household management and finances. I quite like it.

My secondary duties include nagging my husband (or as I prefer "c..."

Me too! I'm also a taxi and diplomatic negotiator and first aid responder. Sometimes I hide in the closet so I can eat chocolate.

Raven Rebecca wrote: "ice cream container in a flavour that nobody really likes and the ice creamy contents within of which are definitely not the indicated flavour.

..."

Sneaky, I love it!

Raven Rebecca wrote: "I gave up taxi driving, but I do own the rental company :P

I cannot confirm nor deny the existence of any closets which may or may not contain chocolate.

Or a crockpot full of Starburst candy.
..."

That is so awesome; love it.

I'm in school.... Pharmacy school And part time work as an intern. I have done some research with addiction and mental health which is pretty cool.
I guess I make no real money, but I wish I could through reading books. Wouldn't that be lovely.
I also have a hobby of writing, mostly YA stuff.

Yelena wrote: "I'm in school.... Pharmacy school And part time work as an intern. I have done some research with addiction and mental health which is pretty cool.
I guess I make no real money, but I wish I could ..."
I try to at least pretend one too. I mostly write high fantasies, but nothing decent enough to consider publishing. :(
I would love to, but who knows.

Ok let me break it down....

Started working at vet hospitals in my teens and early 20's. Went to college for a criminal justice degree which I don't use as the particular field I wanted to go into became 5x harder after the market and job crash. Spent the next 8-9 years working the restaurant industry. And now in my early 30's I have reset my life financially and career wise and gotten BACK into the vet field lol.

So currently I am a vet tech (unlicensed). been back doing this for almost 4 years now.

Full time I work in retail planning (I got into corporate retail when I got out of the army). Recently I got in writing to, but that isn't paying the bills. I really like both jobs though, so that is a good thing.

Oh yeah, I am also a full time reader. :-)

I am of the firmest opinion that it is never to late to reset your life. Why stay at something if you don't like it or are unhappy? I turn 29 on Saturday and I am currently half done my education degree. I'm married and have two daughters and am not only doing it for me but to give them a better life. a few years ago I finally listened to everyone that had told me for years that I was was squandering my ambition (I pretty much destroyed most aspects of my life from 20-24 years old or so, rather self inflicted). So yea, never to late to start over.

sir Lancer wrote: "I am of the firmest opinion that it is never to late to reset your life. Why stay at something if you don't like it or are unhappy? I turn 29 on Saturday and I am currently half done my education d..."

For sure Lancer, and good for you to have the courage and drive to do it! Best of luck with your education career - it sounds cheesy to say this, but it really is one of those fields where a person who cares can make a tremendous difference!

I work as a software programmer, but I got a degree in teaching English as a second language as well. I used to teach adults (mostly immigrants) in night school in the school district, and it was so rewarding & also fun. The students were crazy-dedicated - most of them had multiple jobs in addition to night school ... and they came from all over the world, everywhere from Latin America & the former Soviet Republics to Nepal.

Raven Rebecca wrote: "I managed to send myself back to school in my early 30's, got a lovely hybrid degree in business, political science and community development, got a fantastic job.and then blam-o! I get super sick and can't work. Now I enjoy the household mgmt. I'm waiting for the circle to come round again :)..."

That must've been incredibly frustrating/upsetting Raven, but I love your attitude! Hope things do come round for you, and you're so right .. life can be really weird, in both wonderful ways and crap ways. Most people eventually end up with a bit of both.

Well, I am an aspiring author currently a student. Maybe all this reading do start to pay my bills in some point in the future. :D

It's wonderful to see so many positive people, and to hear reassurances that you can always try again.

I'm just starting at university - I'm only 18, and recently decided to change from a science pathway to arts. I felt science, while interesting, just wasn't for me, and I've now realised that next year I want to study a major in English and a minor in Ancient Civilisations.

My end goal is to become a fiction editor. I feel like that would be a perfect job for me, but I've heard some negativity about the path to it and finding work that's made me a bit nervous. However, I'll stick with it, because I can't imagine myself doing anything else, and it's what I'm interested in. I'm really hoping that, if it doesn't work out, I'll be able to find something else I enjoy, as you all say.

Laura Ingalls Wilder didn't start writing until she was in her 60s. I just started learning the violin in my middle age. So I don't think it's ever too late. Unless you're dead, I guess.

Audrey wrote: "Laura Ingalls Wilder didn't start writing until she was in her 60s. I just started learning the violin in my middle age. So I don't think it's ever too late."

So true Audrey!

Sean wrote: "Ok let me break it down....

Started working at vet hospitals in my teens and early 20's. Went to college for a criminal justice degree which I don't use as the particular field I wanted to go into..."

We have quite the group at the "not working in the field my degree is in" table here.

Its definitely never too late, either for your education, your career or your life in general. The university I got my bachelor's degree from was about half "non traditional" students. Several people I routinely had classes were at the mid-life stage and were starting again for one reason or another. A couple ladies had been stay at home moms who were now finishing their own educations, one man had been in the army for a long time and wanted to become a teacher now, another man had just gotten fed up with a dead end office job, one lady was getting a degree to try to make it easier for her to find a job whenever her husband (don't remember what military branch he was in) was transferred to a new base.

I am an Insurance Agent and Business Manager at a family owned company. It is a position where I continue to learn new things everyday. I feel as if I have become a jack of all trades sort! It is very neat to learn the careers of everyone in this group who live around the world! I hope everyone keeps following their dreams :)

At the moment I'm finishing my masters degree Policy, Communication & Organisation. Or more commonly Organisation Sciences at VU Amsterdam. After finishing this I'm not sure what to do next, but we shall see when the moment comes.

Alright so here's my silly story...

I started out as a vet tech in high school and early college amongst other PT jobs. Went to college and for some stupid reason switched my major from biology to criminal justice. Was going to work in the intelligence field. Then the job market blew up and those plans went the way of the dodo. Then I spent the next 8-9 years in the restaurant industry. Ranging from bartender, to waiter, and also chef. The owner of a small mom and pop place I was working at was going to open up a French Bistro. He had been training me to be his sous chef. Was going to work with him and he figured he'd retire in 10 years and sell me his share. Then his cancer came back and worse than before and those plans went up in smoke.

Now I am back working as a vet tech for the last 3 1/2 years. I feel like this is a giant cosmic joke. If I had stayed in this field I'd be a licensed tech by now and making a lot more. Life can be a real bitch sometimes. Oh well. I love working with animals once again so even if I'm making a good 40-50% less at least I'm happy. Mostly.

I work as a financial analyst for a large corporation. So picture the movie "Office Space" but not nearly as funny. However, in many ways that movie is spot on.

I started in this company as a clerk 18 years ago, I was in college at the time, got married, then pregnant then quit mid junior year. So i thought it best to stick with this corporation because we needed the benefits. Turned out it was a great decision, I'm now the lead business analyst and turning down management jobs. I love what I do, and hope to do this until I retire.

I'm now considered an "expert", lol, I find that hilarious but I guess if you do something long enough you eventually look around and discover that those around you are all new and looking to you for answers. Who Knew?! Making the best of the situation in front of me turn out to be the best thing I ever did. :-)

Sean wrote: "Alright so here's my silly story...

I started out as a vet tech in high school and early college amongst other PT jobs. Went to college and for some stupid reason switched my major from biology to..."

That does sound like some crappy luck Sean! - hope things go well with getting licensed so you can get back to where you would've been.

Hindsight is 20/20 though. I had a friend who was trying to get me to quit and join a startup twenty years ago. I decided on the safer route. He became a millionaire. Me, not so much. Still slogging away for a good but not stellar wage and still renting since I can't afford a house in California. But I try not to think about it. I'm happy & content.

A time machine sure would be awesome though - so many decisions I would fix, and that one was the least of them. :)

Happy and content wins over money any day....well, almost any day!
We are about to start renting again, as we are moving to the city for a temporary amount of time.
Being a homeowner definitely has its drawbacks...we were 1 week away from our buyers closing on our house and they backed out. Ugh. So, our house is back on the market.

I am back in school, pursuing a Natural Resources and Writing degree and hope to be a science writer. I have a degree in History, so naturally I worked as a dog trainer for a spell! I also happen to have the most ill-behaved dogs in the history of dogdom.

Jessica wrote: "Happy and content wins over money any day....well, almost any day!
We are about to start renting again, as we are moving to the city for a temporary amount of time.
Being a homeowner definitely ha..."

What type of dogs do you have that are so ill-behaved?!

they're both Vizslas, aka Hungarian pointers. In their defense, they are horribly spoiled, so I definitely take most of the blame ;o)

Jessica wrote: "Happy and content wins over money any day....well, almost any day!
We are about to start renting again, as we are moving to the city for a temporary amount of time.
Being a homeowner definitely ha..."

My brother's first summer home from college, he worked for a repo or debt collection business for about $13/hour. He didn't like it, though. The next summer he worked at Radio Shack for $5/hour. My dad told him, part joking, "Hey, you'd make a lot more at that first place." My brother said, "No, I wouldn't, because I'd have killed myself first."

My daughter is about to start high school and really wants to be a vet or something similar.

At one time I had a great job with IBM, I still call it the best job o ever had and it paid well. Unfortunately our entire department was outsourced to India and about 40 of us were left jobless.

by the way Audrey, i think it is SO cool that you are learning the violin now! I took piano as a kid and pitched a fit when my parents would make me practice. I would love to take lessons again....one of these days. Of course, our current house (that we are selling) would have been the perfect piano house with its hardwood floors.....sigh.

sir Lancer wrote: "At one time I had a great job with IBM, I still call it the best job o ever had and it paid well. Unfortunately our entire department was outsourced to India and about 40 of us were left jobless."

That is so frustrating Lancer!

My daughter just began violin lessons two months ago and lives it. She is picking It up faster than I ever thought she would. Very proud dad lol.

sir Lancer wrote: "At one time I had a great job with IBM, I still call it the best job o ever had and it paid well. Unfortunately our entire department was outsourced to India and about 40 of us were left jobless."

That stinks Lancer!

Jessica wrote: "they're both Vizslas, aka Hungarian pointers. In their defense, they are horribly spoiled, so I definitely take most of the blame ;o)"

They are a very nice looking breed! I have not seen them before. I have a young black labrador retriever. He can be a bit of a handful at times, but I agree with the spoiling! It is hard not to love them too much :)

Audrey, you definitely fill me with confidence about learning the violin!

I did speech and drama for a few years while I was at school, and went from Grade 1 to Bronze Medal... I decided not to persue Silver or Gold because the requirements ramped up and I am not fantastic at remembering scripts, but wanted another extra-curricular activity to take its place. So aged 16 I took up the violin until I finished school and unofficially got to a Grade 2-3 level (as I was taking AS and A Levels I didn't want the added pressure of music exams).

I haven't played in about 6 years now, but plan to take it up again when I have the disposable cash to put down on lessons AND when I am not living somewhere with paper thin walls separating me from my neighbours... a practising violin is often not a great sound!

Jessica wrote: "by the way Audrey, i think it is SO cool that you are learning the violin now! I took piano as a kid and pitched a fit when my parents would make me practice. I would love to take lessons again......."

I feel I should be better at it by now than I am. But I'm trying to learn clarinet at the same time while still maintaining my flute and piano abilities. I might just have to focus on one instrument at a time for a while.

I have to practice when my husband's at work when possible because he likes to walk in and say, "All right! I'll give you the launch codes!" Such a comedian. Piccolo and violin do really torture listeners.

Hahaha Audrey! That is so funny! Your husband sounds pretty similar to mine.
I am impressed that you play all of those instruments.