View Full Version : What do you all do and other questions.
Obviously there is a broad range of characters this forum and I thought it would interesting to find out what everyone does for a living but also what you have done in the past, if you have any career regrets or things you wish you'd done. Also what would you like to be doing in the future?
Me? For my sins I'm now an information security management consultant which tbh is pretty dull. I've been in this field for about 5/6 years and prior to that I was a corporate fraud investigator. I was also head of security for Burberry for a while and before that a self employed security consultant doing close protection, surveillance/counter surveillance, threat assessments etc. This was mostly abroad and was good fun if a little hairy at times. ;) I've also run a couple of comedy clubs in my time and in a past life did fourteen years in the Met Police.
Regrets? I really do wish I'd joined the army for a while but at 46 I'm probably a bit too old now! As to where I'd like to be, in the past year I've really grown to love my photography but I doubt it will ever be a full time occupation.
So come on, 'fess up and let's hear all about your sordid lives. :D
mullrallyesport
04-06-2007, 16:02
I am currently just finishing my HNC Computing course and hopefully going onto do my last year at college on the HND Technical Support. I did an intermediate 2 IT & Computing course last year as i needed to do a access course before i could get onto the HNC course.
I use to work in the local bakers in Tobermory at weekends and after school as a baker, then i left there to work in the Co-op in Tobermory before moving away from the isle of mull to study at college.
My aim is to have my own business one day hopefully back home on the isle of mull but i also would love to work for M-Sport or Prodrive as rallying is my biggest passion in life.
I like to marshal at rallies and when i can take pictures at rallies.
Pest control contracts manager Also run my own wildlife management consultancy in "parallel"
Did a degree in animal behaviour years ago and never knew "what to do with it" until about 12 years ago :lol:
I got made redundant several years ago and did my class 1 trucking licence drove a fuel tanker around for a few years, that got "intereting" at times wth the other ***** on the road not really knowing how much of a bang 38,000L of 4* would make. :bang:
It still make my toes curl when I see people using mobiles in garages not realising that they are NOT intrinsically "safe" and how volatile fuel vapour is.
fuddled about with a few other things as well in the past, but mostly quite boring :rules:
Oh and did a couple of years as a house husband, work done by lunch time, strap the kids to my back with one of those papoose thingies and off for a round of golf with the lads, don't know why women make all this fuss! :D
Regrets : had a chance to emigrate to Canada years ago and never went, what a ****!
busterboy
04-06-2007, 16:10
I'm telling you nothing matey..:suspect:
I'm now an information security management consultant
I was a corporate fraud investigator
I was also head of security for Burberry
a self employed security consultant doing close protection, surveillance/counter surveillance
did fourteen years in the Met Police
:nono: :nono: :nono: :nono: :nono: :nono:
Seriously Colin from leaving school I worked on pipelines operating large 360 excavators up and down the country living in a suitcase until I was 21 then I passed my HGV Class 1 License and have driven lorries ever since..:(
Only regret I have is I should have started up on my own as an owner driver instead of grinding away for a company that just takes you for granted..:thumbsdown:
Good thread BTW..:thumbs:
Chuckurbarla
04-06-2007, 16:19
I've also run a couple of comedy clubs in my time
You could run this place fairly well then :lol: :lol: :lol:
I started off as a design engineer then 23 years in RAF. Left in 1991 and became a clockmaker/antique clock restorer.
Also had a few other jobs in between so to speak. Motor cycle courier, steeplejack, insurance salesman :razz:, lorry driver, mobile phone shop manager.
After a bit of personal trauma I ran away to Turkey. Now here in my house on the hill with my two dogs, two cats, no mortgage, very little stress and a fridge full of beer. She who must be obeyed is here with me.
There's more than that to the story but that's as much as I'll admit to at present.
Now retired, and I'm only 28 :lol:
markgray
04-06-2007, 16:34
Left school and went straight into the printing trade. Did a 4 year apprenticeship in Reprographics and covered everything from Artwork Photography, Drum Scanning, Conventional Planning and eventually DTP on the Macs.
Did that for 16 years till i decided enough was enough and quit.
Now setting up my own company doing photography prints onto Canvas, Gloss, Matte, Mugs, T-shirts, Caps etc
General Manager at a company that manufactures optical flters.:thumbs: (lucky for me):clap: Before that studied at The London College of Printing. (like one of my hero's Bob Carlos Clarke). Other than that, not alot.
Dean:)
Dark Star
04-06-2007, 16:34
Left school in Brixton in '75 with a couple of A levels.
Worked in labs for 5 years as a lab technician before I got into IT!
Joined the Met Police IT division in 1980 - Colin if you were in the Job between 1980 and 1985 I was working on the payroll IT suites in those days based out of Tintagel House and Jubilee House
Married in '81 and joined M&S in '85 - there for 12 years in their IT dept before joining LogicaCMG in '98 (more IT btw!), 5 years there, took redundancy, and rejoined in 2004
Regrets? I've had a few, but then again too few to mention!
Seriously I wonder how my life would have been had I gone to Uni...!
Biggest achievement (apart from wife and kids) was becoming British Frisbee Champion (Freestyle) in 1979! :D
Chuckurbarla
04-06-2007, 16:39
Why is it that other people's achievements seem so much better than your own.
British Frisbee Champion!:notworthy: How can anyone compete with that. :)
surrealillusions
04-06-2007, 16:42
hmm...interesting thread.
Well..had a relatively short life so far compared to some of the old people here (anyone over 30 is old to me ;) )
Left school after doing A-levels..did a year at a music college which was way too expensive, didn't really learn alot.
Then went to work at a kart track (which i still work at) and also a track day company. Take photos in my spare time (and at the track days), do a bit of web design on the side.
Regrets...hmm..maybe the music college is my biggest regret so far, as it wasted alot of money.
And where i like to go - an island somewhere warm and sunny with lots of beautiful women, endless stream of money and generally having a good time. Realistically though...none of that, except the endless of stream of money which is going out of my bank instead of in. But would like to do alot of things..such as run my own motorsport team, own a motorsport related business, own a race circuit, own a photography company, be the top web developer in the world..own some website business..or something like that ;)
:)
Dark Star
04-06-2007, 16:42
British Frisbee Champion!:notworthy: How can anyone compete with that. :)
Trust me it's an announcement thats normally treated with derision!:D
And if you saw the cup....:shake: Not sure that they make eggs that small!:lol:
photo-request
04-06-2007, 16:46
did a degree in environmental management and conservation biology, worked as a quality controller and a reserve warden for the wildlife and wetland trust. Just about to start a new job looking after hazadous waste. The joy lol
minimeeze
04-06-2007, 16:48
Good thread :thumbs:
I left school and worked as a pharmacy assistant for a year, then went to Manchester Uni for 3 years to become a midwife. Have worked as a midwife for the last 11 years (almost) so it's really all I've known.
Biggest regret: being stuck in the crumbling NHS
Looking forward to: Emigrating to Canada and working as a midwife really should :)
Joined the Army in '71 and travelled to distant shores such as Catterick, Aldershot, Hounslow and Bicester :lol: Yeah, Yeah, I am female. Trained as a specialist teleprinter op with Royal Signals, also trained with the RAF as an Air Traffic Controller specialising in flight planning.
Lived in Germany for 5 years.
umm.... Oh, yes Teacher training (Cert Ed)
Rang my own business making machine knitted garments - so 1980,s and Director of a business that produced open learning modules for businesses to train people on the job.
Keep up peeps :popcorn:
Last 17 years I have been working for a Development Agency (now merged with the Welsh Assembly Gov't) encouraging businesses to locate in Mid Wales. :cuckoo:
.....and finally, photography. I have always loved taking pictures and it has grown from there. I have done a few weddings, portraits, events and aerial photography - can be a bit hairy when the pilot gaffa tapes you into the harness before removing the door. I realised why when he banked for the first time and shouted "if I hadn't done that and you accidentally touched the centre button it would have been bye bye Gilly. :eek:
Why is it that other people's achievements seem so much better than your own.
British Frisbee Champion!:notworthy: How can anyone compete with that. :)
My claim to fame was that I was the youngest and smallest (4'11") female to freefall parachute as a sport for the British Army (1973) - I think I was about 6' before a few heavy landings - hehehe, :D
Married (more than once) have 2 beautiful Daughters (one is my Avatar) and 3 grandchildren. Happily married and living in Mid Wales. :thumbs:
For the past almost 11 years I've been in the Army and have served in Germany, Bosnia, Kosovo, NI, Cyprus and now on my third tour in the UK. Currently doing imagery analysis but most of my time has been in Protective Security and Counter Intelligence work.
Prior to the army I very nearly became a golf pro, but had a series of unfortunate long term injuries which resulted in my missing my opportunity and ended up working in the club house. THe next thing I knew I was managing my own place and thought, why am I doing this, I wanted to be a golfer or a photographer? So I joined the Army. No, doesn't make sense to me either.
I'm approaching my last year now so I'll probably end up working as a Security consultant in Civ div. Other hobbies is cycling and I compete at National level in cycling time trials and it's got nothing to do with lycra fetish or secretly enjoying shaving my legs... Next time you see a time trial out on your local roads with people wearing pointy helmets and disc wheels, etc, it could be me!!
Well, at school I did my highers and was accepted for Uni for medicine, all I had ever wanted to be was a doctor.
Couple of months before I went in I saw a job advert with the leccy company for commercial trainees, hadn't a clue what it meant, applied for it and got the job without really knowing what it was. :thinking: Only thing I knew was in my ignorance I asked the guy how much someone like him could make and when he said £30k plus I accepted it, this was 25 years ago remember :lol:
They put me through an electrical/electronic engineering HND and a BUsiness studies HND, worked there about 18 years doing various things including heading up the wholesale division, managing a pile of big industrial customers but when they asked me to relocate to England I left and started on my own with one of my mates there.
Now we do energy and telecomms procurement for businesses, energy efficiency surveys, energy management stuff and we're now starting to get more involved in renewable stuff, nothing exciting but we just had our best ever year and this one's started off pretty well too.
Never did get to become a doctor though :(
An amazing number of long-serving ex-Army and ex-RAF types here.
Not me. Oh, all right then. 23 years in the Army during which I served about half that time either in RAF units or in RAF administered units.
Please excuse me if I now cut 'n' paste a section from my Ecademy profile. I'm not sure if non-members can view it.
I live near Cheltenham with Yvonne and our five cats. I think there are one or more children around here somewhere - treating parents as personal taxi firms and friendly ATMs.
In a previous life I carried out a vast range of IT roles. Everything from cleaning the computer room to Project Manager with all the usual jobs in between such as system programmer, application programmer, systems analyst and system manager. And, as this was whilst I was in the Army, would you believe all these roles were performed at the same time, in the same place and on the same system. I still have nightmares about SSADMv3. This was back in the days when men were men and computers were Minis.
Having put in more work than was good for the average man during that time I now think myself very fortunate to be part of a business that can be operated part-time or full-time - or when-I-want time. And it's great fun too.
As an Authorised Distributor for The Utility Warehouse Discount Club I spend my time either -
• Helping people and businesses save money or
• Helping people make money
Saving Money
The Utility Warehouse Discount Club offers savings on a wide range of utility services for both residential customers as well as SOHO and SMEs. The services provided include Land Line Rental, calls, call packages, mobiles, Broadband, Electricity, Gas and NGNs.
The UWDC are so confident in the savings offered that there is no minimum contract on most of the services, so customers can try a service and cancel at any time - should they wish to pay more (!??!)
Please have a look at my website for more details on just how much you could save.
Making Money
Anyone can do what I do. The requirements are that you should be over 18 years, have a pulse and know a few people.
This is the part of the business that I really enjoy. Not only do I introduce people to the business opportunity but I work with them to help them get the most from it. This is an ideal bolt-on business to another business. Not only do business people better understand the power of residual income but also the benefits of having multiple income streams.
There are many ways of marketing the services provided by the UWDC, with new ones being invented almost daily, but the most effective method will always remain working with and talking to people you know - both business people and acquaintances. Do you have a contact list of people and/or businesses who trust and respect you? Would they appreciate your help in bringing their overheads under control? Then you already have a list of potential clients.
Life has never been better :woot: We've just returned from a free 6* cruise. I'm shortly picking up a free BMW Mini. And missus is looking to retire early during 2008.
Left school at 16 with several O levels and numerous CSE's, dad was an engineer so ended up doing an apprenticeship in toolmaking. After that was finished, did certifications in CNC (Computer controlled machine tools) and spent 12 years doing that job. Mainly doing things for defence, aviation, formula 1/Indy car, if any of you army types were out in Iraq first time round and had anything to do with MLRS, i made the new stainless steel doors to protect the crew :) instead of the aluminium ones that melted when they fired em ;)
After 12 years decided i had had enough of smelling of cutting oil every time i went home, and as most of my work involved computers to some degree thought what the hell ill get a job in computers, immediately earned twice the money :) now earning considerably more as a senior systems engineer dealing with virtualisation technologies :)
Got my pilots licence Helicopters in 1989 with ratings on Robinson R22 and Bell Jetranger but couldnt afford to keep it up, did get well over 100 hours in my logbook though, but desperately want to get back into it, tried really hard to get a job with sponsorship for commercial pilots licence but was too old :(
Have always taken pictures, badly ;)
Now feel like another major career change as im beginning to hate computers with a passion ;)
No claims to fame, still waiting for my 15 minutes ! lol
does that free mini have utility warehouse plastered all over the side of it? We had one outside the office for around 5 hours one day when the boss invited the local chapter in to quote for us at work
im 34(soon 35) a qualified chef (make gordon ramsey look like a lightweight on the swearing and making people feel 2" tall front)but didnt like being like that, so decided to go and work for daddy in the family business, manufacturing acoustic panels for recording studios, home cinema, pro audio etc.
Bah.. you never said you worked for daddy! :)
I'm a Product marketing manager working for a DIY company.
Enjoyable job, some overseas travel which is a nice refreshing break.. but hard work! :)
Leaving little time for piccies... :(
HIMUPNORTH
04-06-2007, 17:57
Oh dear!
I knew Colin was a copper so not surprised there but security a Burberry!? **** me that would have been a busy job. How many checked caps did you retrieve? :lol:
Like others here I trained in the RAF. I joined as an electronics engineer but bought myself out as I could not stand the oppressive nature of the forces. Joined my brother in our father's fruit and vegetable business and am now MD with a sizeable (and friggin great!) workforce which sells foodstuffs to hotels, restaurants, convenience stores and institutional caterers throughout the highlands.
Opened a deli about three years ago and getting more specialised in food and drink products as a result. Opened a second coffee shop this year and looking for more local sites to expand into (next to Starbucks preferably!:D)
Married to a beautiful Black Isle girl called Jacqui and have three wonderful children who keep me grounded and broke:shrug: :D
So happy to live in the Highlands but am fancying a bit of adventure travel once the kids get up a bit. Want to fly my paramotor over tundra, deserts, mountains, cities (don't tell the bobbies!) and anything else remotely photographic.
Still p*****g myself laughing at John being frisbee champion. What an ice-breaker! :lol:
Bah.. you never said you worked for daddy! :)
I'm a Product marketing manager working for a DIY company.
Enjoyable job, some overseas travel which is a nice refreshing break.. but hard work! :)
Leaving little time for piccies... :(
you never asked!!:D
busterboy
04-06-2007, 18:10
Still p*****g myself laughing at John being frisbee champion.
Same here.. Sorry John..:lol:
---------------------------------------------------------
Sorry, Forgot my claim to fame (if you can call it that) but held no future.:(
I represented my country (England) for three years at Clay Pigeon Shooting back in the 80s and was area Champion for several years in different disciplines too..:geek:
h.r.ford
04-06-2007, 18:14
Well I'm pretty young (I'll be 30 this year) but I've lead a pretty varied life.
Professional Horse Trainer/Breeder 2 years straight out of highschool (no health insurance and brutal on your back but God I love this job/life and wish I'd never left!)
3 years at uni then dad died so had to drop out
Ended up being assistant manager of 33k sq ft pet store in Syracuse managed to get myself fired (first and only time) started that part time during uni and did a little over a year as a manager.
Didn't know what to do wanted to go back to uni but couldn't afford (remember I'm in America at this point) so joined the Army as you get free uni classes while you are active duty and scholorship help once you are out.
Went to school in the army to do Satellite Communications very interesting loved it but couldn't get a clearance because of bad debt.... then I became JAG, para legal. LOVED that but when my son was 6 weeks old I was off to Iraq and well I just didn't want someone else raising my son so I took an honorable discharge at 3 years and left.
Spent 1 year raising my son then moved to England where we are now stationed.
I started here as a paralegal/legal secretary but quickly moved in to Company Secretarial work and that is now where I sit. My formal title is Senior Company Secretarial Assistant, and while I enjoy my job I'm happy to be moving back to the States where I will be opening up an in home daycare so I can actually see my son grow up!
Short version then. Born and bred in Hednesford, Staffordshire, left school at 15 despite being quite bright, not that it made much difference back then, the whole area was dependent on coal mining and that's pretty well all the employment which was available in the area. Not surprisingly I went down 't pit, did my coal face training at 18 years old, and worked on the face till I was 22. Towards the end I had a couple of very near misses including getting buried and being very lucky to be dug out still breathing. Around the same time one of the guys I worked with was killed in a coal face accident and I decided someone was trying to tell me something ...and got out.
Joined the police service in 1966 and did the 30 years I contracted for - 10 years in uniform and 20 in CID. Had a few other near misses but of a very different nature, and retired in 1996.
I'd long promised myself I'd never work for anyone else again, so it was a logical step for me to go full time with the wedding photography which I'd done on a regular basis anyway since my teens, and with the photo restoration which I'd also done for the trade for some years. After seven years of that I really couldn't face one more wedding and packed it in.
So there you go -for the last 4 years I'm totally unemployed apart from very occasional photo jobs - I turn most of them down, and the odd few restoration jobs.
I've come to the conclusion I was born to be retired and I'm loving every minute of it. ;)
busterboy
04-06-2007, 18:38
Not surprisingly I went down 't pit, did my coal face training at 18 years old, and worked on the face till I was 22. Towards the end I had a couple of very near misses including getting buried and being very lucky to be dug out still breathing. Around the same time one of the guys I worked with was killed in a coal face accident and I decided someone was trying to tell me something ...and got out.
If I may add going down the pit had to be the worlds worst job IMO.
Miners deserved every penny they got, Most of those ex miners now have got breathing problems or a bad back of some description..:(
I've got some very fond memories of some of the guys I worked with then Tim, but it was a different world back then anyway. :shrug: I've no regrets, all our experiences are what make us what we are. :)
Tis true about respiratory problems though - I'm glad I got out early.
busterboy
04-06-2007, 18:51
I've no regrets, all our experiences are what make us what we are. :)
Very true mate..:thumbs:
Dark Star
04-06-2007, 18:57
Still p*****g myself laughing at John being frisbee champion. What an ice-breaker! :lol:
Oi! :razz: Mind you I've come to expect it! :D Have you never noticed my sig!!! ;)
whiteflyer
04-06-2007, 19:03
Left school with a few GCSEs and an O level, tried to join the police as a Cadet at Hutton Preston ,did not get in so got myself an apprenticeship as a centre lathe turner. Move to a couple of other company's learning CNC setting and programming on the way.
Made redundant and was offered my present job for a major laundry loading the vehicle's for delivery :( :( (crap job, but nice hours for me)
Load of regrets, why did I not go back and join the police at 18 for one.
Achievements:
Ranked No. 3 in Britain in the sport of Downriver Racing
British team champions (3 man team event )
Welsh Open Champion
British Team Member
Winning Lofer International Down River Race (Austria )
All way back in the late 70's early 80's
Oh dear!
but security a Burberry!? **** me that would have been a busy job.
The best bit about that job was London Fashion Week where I was in charge of the security for the Burberry show. All I had to do was make sure my guys were doing their job properly and oversee the backstage area - which just happened to be where all the models got changed. Some of these arty-farty designer types might be used to being surrounded by beautiful, nekkid women but it wasn't something I got tired of. :love:
It's tough at the top - but there's a lot more room.
I have never been anywhere near the military and am not into motorsports (well, with the sole exception of watching the Speedway on TV).
You know, I think I am not on the wrong site.
So, anyway, what is this thing photography you all keep talking about?
Michael.
The edited Highlights....Born and lived in Stockport just south of Manchester, left school at 18 after A-Levels, and got a job as trainer garden centre manager - for which, read, general dogs body and do it all, from running shop, joining landscape team and doing the garden design drawings in winter when shop was quiet - got bored after a year and left. Got a job a month or so later as a trainee manager in tyre & exhaust fitters, with a retail shop. Was there for 3 years and got to assistant manager before leaving to get married,have children, that kind of stuff. Spent 8 years married and running his mobile vehicle security business. For many reasons, we got divorced, but the main one being the empty vodka bottles I would find hidden in the rabbit hutch.
So, got out of motor trade, vowing never to return, a few years working from home, data inputting whilst the kids were young, then in 2003, joined a college course doing level 2 computer technician course, stayed on for level 3, finally passing both, as well as A+ cert and a C&G in adult training. Even did some teaching, for the same college but at the local probation office...me and 10 ex-cons... and they were great, considering.
Whilst all this was happening, I was getting quite close to a new fella...except he was 200 flamin miles away in london ... so no prizes for guessing what happened next.
So, one upheaval later and I and my girls are in the great Metrolop.... helping him run his.....wait for it....
Small Renault dealership! :bonk:
So 3 years later, 38 years old, I am a junior partner, bullied By renault and moaned at by staff [who are fab!] and generally whinged at by customers [99% of which are also fab, mainly] and sneaking off as often as possible to enjoy a hobby I took up as a kid, my photography, as well as motor racing events etc.
Thats it, not too exciting, but its a life ;)
Well, I did my GCSEs and A-level, then went to the University of Exeter and got a BA Hons in Business and Accounting. I went to work for a small firm of chartered accountants (after doing work experience there before my last year at Exeter). I did a three year training contract and became ACA qualified. We specialised in the audit of charities.
In September last year I qualified and switched firms at the same time. I now work for one of the Big Four as an auditor. Not many charities here, but some nice variety of work, and a lot more pay ;)
:)
I now work for one of the Big Four as an auditor.
I've heard it said that auditing is for those who find accountancy too exciting, any truth in that?
:razz: :lol:
Nope thats being an actuary! :p
staffitaxi
04-06-2007, 19:30
Left school at 16 and went to work at Jumpers Head Office for 5 1/2 years.
Left there and went to work in Admin at Lancaster Uni, its now 10 years later and I'm still there.
In my spare time I do lots of work for Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue, update their website, put together their newsletter, homecheck, re-homes etc.
My time is sadly lacking for most of the time.
Andrea
cjnicolai
04-06-2007, 19:37
Full-time professional photographer. I'm also a singer in my band Reckless Red (myspace.com/recklessredband) and I sing solo a few times a month as well.
I occasionally do some writing related to photography and am just finishing up the workshops I've been teaching for the past three years.
- CJ
Right here goes
1. Left school
2. did apprentiship as an Electrician.
3. Working as an electrician in the paper industry (manufacturing) while studying at UNI for Electronics systems control engineering degree, progressed into the development department for company i worked for (there 15 years).
4. Left to work for myself in London for 5 years - made my fortune - single again.
5. Worked for the military in Falkland Islands & on Ascension Island.
6. Back to College doing a 2 year Photography course, while working for my self supplying Digital Workflow solutions and services for photography clients.
I can here you all saying "Bloody student" I agree.:lol:
digitalfailure
04-06-2007, 20:06
Born sometime in 72, left school a few years later, slacked my way through a couple of decades to present.
Nothing glamorous, one of lifes blink and you'll miss em.
Waterworx
04-06-2007, 20:06
Well, I left at 16 with fantastic GCSE grades- NOT! So I went back for 6 months to better myself- Ha. Then worked at the local pub as an apprentice chef, worked with a complete 'A' hole and decided I didn't want to turn out like that so quit.
Spent a year working part time for a landscape gardener and a plumber. Then spent 4.5 years in college training to become a qualified plumbing & heating guy, passed with flying colours :woot:
Worked for a few firms until I realised all bosses rip the employees off, charge the client the earth for them and pay peanuts. I wasn't a happy bunny then.
I then spent a couple of years working in a residential home for adults with learning disabilities, amazing job, just pays peanuts again.
I had to leave there to pay the bills and the only thing to do was start my own busines, still going now 4 years later :woot: more luck than judgement, me thinks :lol:
And here I am now, supposed to be doing invoices and quotes, I was always easily distracted :lol:
P.S Good thread, always wondered what we all do, be good to meet you guys one day :D
Oh yeah, done the marraige thing, didn't work out, ho hum :bat: But got this amazing little dude called Elliott. Now live with a fantastic girl, and as you all know we're moving soon. Hopefully for elliott to move in too :D
antonroland
04-06-2007, 20:06
Started with cop training straight after school as the air farce was downsizing and my (much older) brother was also there...:shrug:
Did the uniform thing for a year or two and then went on to specialize as a finger print analyst and crime scene photog.
Left cops after 6 yrs and wandered the private sector in supermarketing and insurance...yes:razz:
Was asked to join again and that was seven years back...:eek:
No more crime scene stuff anymore but investigating civil claims against SAPS.
Gives me time to finish my law degree and work on my real future:
Self-employed and financially secure in GNLD!!
:D
:eek: :eek: Right, I am going to regret saying this [NO, never regret what you do, only what you don't do, my lifes philosophy] - but reading this thread in detail, I am amazed how many people are much older than I had assumed.....I wont mention any names, to protect the innocent, but I do wonder, does photography keep us young? :D Please tell me it does!!! :naughty:
Oh, I should have added my claim to fame so you can ALL do this >> :lol: :lol:
As a 12yr old I was on Cheggars Plays Pop....TWICE!! :gag: My school won their heat, with second highest points of series so we went to final, and drew, had to share the trophy with the other school! :crowded:
Forbiddenbiker
04-06-2007, 20:18
Born sometime in 72, left school a few years later, slacked my way through a couple of decades to present.
Nothing glamorous, one of lifes blink and you'll miss em.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :thumbs:
----
Great thread guys.
School, 6th form, Uni for Software Engineering. Graduated with a 2.1 (Hons) and moved into web design eventually. It was tricky at first because it was just after the .com crash and there wasn't a huge amount of jobs. By the time I was on the career ladder I was bored of it and swapped to do photography. Its been 2 years since then. Still finding business hard, cos its not something I've ever done. Had more fun in the past 2 years with photography than the 4 years before that with web design.
antonroland
04-06-2007, 20:29
just after the .com crash and
:thinking: :shrug: :help:
i left school with bit and bobs, several GCSE's :( (something i do regret)
Had several manual labour jobs (nowt worth mentioning) and @ early 20-ish decided to try Sales.
Been there since. Several Window/Conservatory and Gas/electric companies later i now work for B&Q selling Kitchens and Bathrooms etc. Not looking for a career there but enjoying it for the moment. Just love the challenge and the meeting people.
Left school with a handful of GCSEs, straight into an Aerospace Engineering Apprenticeship. 4 years later I was a skilled Engineer making parts for both civil and military aircraft engines and airframe components. Trained at CNC programming, got tired of smelling of coolant and moved into Inspection, manual first off and small batch work, trained at CMM (coordinate measurement machine) programming for 3 differant controller languages and enjoyed programming in an office environment for a few years. Realised at 26 that I was getting a poor wage for the work expected of me and made a stand, which resulted in me leaving the company and moving on to Rolls Royce as a ¨Contracted In¨ cmm operator/inspector... best move ive ever made, much more cash, much easier work and much more flexible working atmosphere.
Stuck on the contract for 18months before finally being made permanent and im now progressing nicely, with potential of soon being able to put some of my previous CMM programming knowledge into use.
Regrets, ive got a few....
Not getting out of the deadend job I was in sooner.
Not learning to drive sooner.
Not having the courage to meet new folk.
Never achieveing anything of importance.
Achievements.
Never being out of work. (im proud of that, in my area its very uncommon)
Its true you rarely regret something you do... always things you dont do... :thumbsdown:
busterboy
04-06-2007, 21:03
Achievements.
Never being out of work. (im proud of that, in my area its very uncommon)
Really nice to hear that Dreeder, Too many saps in this country that won't and never will work because they don't want to..:thumbsdown:
got tired of smelling of coolant
Yeah not pleasant that one, one of the reasons i got out of engineering :) I could use CMM stuff too, but only a DEA thingymabob, not touched anything engineering for about 11 years now :)
lloyd1450
04-06-2007, 21:08
o my, not one i can really say much about. As i'm still at school. But here are my current career choices - Naval Architect - Got 3 weeks work experience for Sealine in Kidderminster. In the design section :P should be very fun indeed and i should learn tonnes.
Atm i am sorta trying to set up my own web hosting company and i should be up and running by the end of the month. So all you people with web sites i might be able to host them cheaper for you :D
digitalfailure
04-06-2007, 21:12
If any one is in a position of responsibility and can offer a career, please say so.
My terms are easy .......
Position must be free of stress
Have lots of tea breaks
Have plenty of time for slacking and magazine reading
then I can get away from my current drudge which consists of pretty much all of the above.
antonroland
04-06-2007, 21:17
If any one is in a position of responsibility and can offer a career, please say so.
My terms are easy .......
Position must be free of stress
Have lots of tea breaks
Have plenty of time for slacking and magazine reading
then I can get away from my current drudge which consists of pretty much all of the above.
PM me!!
If any one is in a position of responsibility and can offer a career, please say so.
My terms are easy .......
Position must be free of stress
Have lots of tea breaks
Have plenty of time for slacking and magazine reading
then I can get away from my current drudge which consists of pretty much all of the above.
Got enough of those working under me, as it is I simply can't can't carry anymore sorry :D
digitalfailure
04-06-2007, 21:49
Got enough of those working under me, as it is I simply can't can't carry anymore sorry :D
I do hope your not calling me an animal or a pest :suspect:
I ban easily :woot::bat::woot:
I do hope your not calling me an animal or a pest :suspect:
I ban easily :woot::bat::woot:
:razz:
Been banned from some pretty high class places in my time. I'll just add this one to me resume' shall I? :D
It's Jus' the frequent tea / mag / fag / *** ever, breaks reminds me so much of half the work force. infact I have reconcidered you'll fit right in, come on down :D
digitalfailure
04-06-2007, 22:03
If I don't take fag breaks....can I have extra mag breaks?
If I don't take fag breaks....can I have extra mag breaks?
:clap:
dougdarter
04-06-2007, 22:29
Another Ex Army type.
Left School with 5 A's, and was accepted for an engineering degree at RMCS Shrivenham, and a commission as Second Leiutenant. Flunked out a year later, and resigned my commission. Re mustered as a corporal in the Army Air Corps, and trained at Army school of aviation at Middle Wallop, as a helicopter pilot. Promoted to Staff Sgt on completion of course, and then to Warrant Officer class II a year later. Served mostly in BAOR, though did 3 tours in Ulster, and a 6 month attachment to Thule, Greenland with the American Air Cavalry, and qualified on the Huey Cobra. I flew the Bell 47G (Sioux), Westland Scout, Westland Gazelle, and De Havilland Beaver (fixed wing). I 'Retired' as Leiutenant, acting Captain.
I did a lot of gliding in Germany, and in 1972, I briefly held the British 'absolute Altitude' record for single seaters. I have also climbed Everest!! .... well most of the way. I was on a joint services team that climbed to 24,000 ft, and removed years of debris and detritus left by the many services expeditions.
Left the Army, and joined the police. Spent 3 years pounding the beat, and then I joined the Scenes of crime department as Sergeant I/C the civilian department. Did a post graduate diploma course in photographic techniques and film processing at Liverpool (Chester college), and joined the SOCO team as Inspector. Retired on an injury pension a few years ago (broken back), and have been a slacker ever since.
I play the melodeon (button accordeon) for beer money with local morris teams, and do the occasional bit of session recoding work for folk bands - have played on two Steeleye Span albums, and done quite a bit of work for Folk England. I have accompanied Kate Rusby :love: , and have had several solo spots at the International Folk Festival at Sidmouth, now sadly defunct.
Left the education machine circa 1972 with a considerable pile of 'certs' only to discover that my talent(s) actually consisted of passing exams. Problem, who pays you to pass exams?? Anyway-up joined the merchant navy and travelled a bit (just to narrow the mind you know), married - disaster - worked as - heating engineer, publican,factory maintenance engineer, LI salesman (yuk). Finally did the right thing and had complete breakdown. After years of no sex but drugs and no 'rock n roll' my then slightly deranged partner (we travel in pairs you know) sent some of my more viewable photographic efforts to a magazine and the daft buggers offered me a job. So a few other partners later, plus another obligatory crack-up I find myself retired, married to a beautiful lady and living a full life on the north coast of Scotland.
Regret not knowing photographers got paid. Not knowing my lady was out there and just waiting. Knowing what I now know is however a great source from which I draw daily to make the very most of my remaining life, I cannot afford to screwup/breakdown or generally blow it again. Life IS GOOD so don't just sit it out ( I tell myself).
My claim to fame is that I came up with the "Out of Focus" name for this forum!
Michael.
Ive just remembered an Achievement... A pretty damn sad one, but I aint got many.
Im currently 819th in the World on Motogp06 Xbox360Live (out of 150297 players) that puts me in the top 0.5%
dougdarter
04-06-2007, 22:49
Ive just remembered an Achievement... A pretty damn sad one, but I aint got many.
Im currently 819th in the World on Motogp06 Xbox360Live (out of 150297 players) that puts me in the top 0.5%
Congratulations, that's brilliant.:clap:
Err.................. what's Motogp06xbox360live.??:thinking:
Left school at 16 and worked in a pro photography lab doing wall-sized enlargements and bleach-etches before the days of inkjet prints for 6 years. Left to go to London College of Printing for 3 years then worked as a Production Manager in a printers for 3 years, then a Print Buyer in a repro company for 2 years now I'm a Production Manager in a design agency for the last 8 years. Time for a change I think!
I know of someone posting in this thread who hasn't been totally honest about his achievements. In a country that tends not to recognise acheivement in the workplace, it's quite something to have been shipped of to foreign parts to be recognised as being in the top 3 or 4 in your profession in Europe in that year. Still, I do have a photo of him looking reet quizical trying to figure out a point-n-shoot camera :lol:
Doug - did you by any chance fly Sioux's in and out of that big patch of tarmac at Ebrington in the early 70's?
I know of someone posting in this thread who hasn't been totally honest about his achievements. In a country that tends not to recognise acheivement in the workplace, it's quite something to have been shipped of to foreign parts to be recognised as being in the top 3 or 4 in your profession in Europe in that year. Still, I do have a photo of him looking reet quizical trying to figure out a point-n-shoot camera :lol:
Doug - did you by any chance fly Sioux's in and out of that big patch of tarmac at Ebrington in the early 70's?
is that the resident slacker?
does that free mini have utility warehouse plastered all over the side of it?that's the one. I'm getting one in the new colours. And a Cooper :) It's due at the end of the month - just when I'm away on hols. Typical!
is that the resident slacker?
hummmm. Depends. I know of more than one slacker around here. But you're probably right ;)
Absolutely boring life I lead but I have a claim to fame to die for...............
I can lick my own elbow :razz:
richmond
05-06-2007, 03:50
My claim to fame is that I came up with the "Out of Focus" name for this forum!
Michael.
:clap: :clap:
Great thread, very diverse and interesting set of chaps and chapeses (sp?) here.
kissfoto
05-06-2007, 04:10
Lots of ex military types on here, we must be a creative bunch.
Trained as a Mental Health Nurse.
Worked in Canada and the US in some major forensic mental health institutions.
7 years in QARANC with the Field Mental Health Team, served in Iraq twice, and other places I don't care to mention,despite my vast age, the latest in 2004.
Currently Officer Commanding Field Mental Health Team (207 Fld Hosp,Manchester) with the TA.
Married twice, 2 kids, 2 step kids, skint. :thumbs:
dougdarter
05-06-2007, 07:00
I know of someone posting in this thread who hasn't been totally honest about his achievements. In a country that tends not to recognise acheivement in the workplace, it's quite something to have been shipped of to foreign parts to be recognised as being in the top 3 or 4 in your profession in Europe in that year. Still, I do have a photo of him looking reet quizical trying to figure out a point-n-shoot camera :lol:
Doug - did you by any chance fly Sioux's in and out of that big patch of tarmac at Ebrington in the early 70's?
Ebrington Barracks, Londonderry??
No, I can't remember having gone there, but I'll dig out my logbook and check. I was based at the Kesh, and most of the flying was taxi work from there to HQNI at Lisburn.
rpstewart
05-06-2007, 09:30
I'm an IT Consultant with one of the world's major IT services companies, currently doing data management & performance work on eCommerce sites for a major high street retailer. Vague I know but that's the nature of the business, suffice to say Kate Moss has been the bane of my life this year ;)
Claim to fame? I have twice almost been run down by Sir Jackie Stewart - I managed to avoid his moped the first time so a year later he decided to try get me again with a Transit van!
HIMUPNORTH
05-06-2007, 09:33
suffice to say Kate Moss has been the bane of my life this year ;)
You too! :eek: What is she like! At least Cameron Diaz takes a telling. :D
Well, I'm sat on my own at work and have a choice of either doing something productive or posting on here - so here I am!
Lived in the South Pacific until I was 10 (a place called Vanuatu, officially the happiest county in the world!), then moved back to Cornwall when my parents divorced. Did pretty well at school and college, then moved to Edinurgh to do a degree in Zoology. Graduated last year with a 1st despite rarely being sober enough to remember anything, moved back in with my mum in Cornwall due to being skint, and have spent the last few months pushing pens for the county council.
Bought a camera a few months ago and am having so much fun I decided to do an MSc in Biological Photography and Imaging, which I start in September in Nottingham. It's going to put me in so much debt I don't think I'll ever be able to get out, but what the hell! After that I'll either try and find a niche in the photography game, or very possibly do a PhD - hopefully one that'll use all those photography skills. In which case I'll be finishing university around about the age of 30 (currently 24)!
Left school after my GCSE's and went straight into the RAF. Still there for a few more months and then I'm coming to give you civvies a hard time. Joined up as an engine man, stripped harriers and rebuilt them for a couple of years, did some more training and went to a squadron which had no aircraft. A year later and 9 months behind schedule Westlands finally delivered the Merlin and I got to see a lot of europe that I never would have seen otherwise. Went to Bosnia, got drunk, came home and moved up north with the then girlfriend to work on Search and Rescue helicopters. Got cross trained to work airframes as well as engines and now Westlands are coming to take over our jobs as all the SAR force engineering goes to civilian contract. Got plenty of notice that it was happening so seemed like the perfect time to get out.
Nervous abouting finding a suitable job for when I leave but so is everyone else that leaves the security of the mob I guess.
You don't fancy working for Westlands then Kev?
I was born an RAF brat and lived all over Europe till I was 11, then moved back to Inverness and have lived here ever since. My lifes ambition was to join the RAF like my dad but a burst eardrum from an infection when I was 3 meant the bast**ds wouldn't have me (talk about a crushing blow!) :( So I spent the first 12 years of my working life in retail, when I couldn't take the lies anymore I went out on my own and spent the next 17 years as a TV aerial/Satellite installer. Two years ago I decided I'd had enough of climbing up on rooftops in winter, closed the business and went to work for someone else. I don't regret the time self employed but now I work part time, have more free time and more money with less hassle than I ever had working for myself. I get to drive all over the highlands at someone elses expense too :) the only negative point is I'm not allowed to take the camera with me :(
I get to drive all over the highlands at someone elses expense too :) the only negative point is I'm not allowed to take the camera with me :(
I'm intrigued, why not?
closed the business and went to work for someone else. I don't regret the time self employed but now I work part time, have more free time and more money with less hassle than I ever had working for myself.
Very rare to read something like that, I generally thought that being you own boss was much more rewarding (financial and otherwise) than working for someone else... and I envy my sister for being in that position, unfortunately its not something id have the courage to try for myself.
You don't fancy working for Westlands then Kev?
The pay isn't good enough mate. Less money, less people on shift to do the same amount of work too.
Ebrington Barracks, Londonderry??
No, I can't remember having gone there, but I'll dig out my logbook and check. I was based at the Kesh, and most of the flying was taxi work from there to HQNI at Lisburn. I thought you may have been the driver on my first and never-to-be-forgotten chopper flight. It was out of Eb in a Sioux. I'll never forget the incoming message crackling over the headset "...approx five zero rounds fired at Hawkeye" :eek:
Colin, I can't tell you ;)
Dreeder being your own boss is great, I wouldn't have missed it but moneywise it was getting harder to make a decent profit. When I started there were 2 others in the same line of business locally and I went as far afield as the west coast of skye or up to wick on jobs. When I decided to quit sky dishes had pretty much negated the need for tv aerials in far flung places so the area covered had shrunk a lot and there were 8-9 others doing the same work. There were other factors as well all adding up to I needed a change of direction.
Kev that's a pretty good reason! I've a friend who came out last year and went to work for the company who were taking over the radar servicing I thought you might be doing the same kind of thing.
Chuckurbarla
05-06-2007, 13:21
Very rare to read something like that, I generally thought that being you own boss was much more rewarding.
Being self employed means you have freedom, freedom to work as many hours as God sends! And usually you have to!
Being self employed means you have freedom, freedom to work as many hours as God sends! And usually you have to!
Agreed. For those times when its sunny and you can just goto the beach and laugh at all the office workers, you're usually up at 3am still working. You're the boss, marketing, accounts, and sometimes a photographer.
Jonnyreb
05-06-2007, 13:28
Hmm - mostly a haze. GCSE's and A levels in Hereford and then a Degree in HR in Southampton before bumming around Holland for a few months then working for the Halifax back in the Uk in Jan 97. Got stuck in the 'reposessions' section working out exactly how much recently homeless people owed us after factoring house clearance, making safe and Estate Agent fees before jacking it in in 98 and taking my first HR job.
I'm 34 now and hoping i'll know what I want to be when i grow up soon :D
Forbiddenbiker
05-06-2007, 14:02
I've done way too many different careers than I should’ve; gone down plenty of roads I shouldn't and still have little idea of what I should.
Today, I run a successful mobile motorcycle workshop business, its web based, a private service and maintains many long term clients bikes. I specialise in diagnostics, assessments, Fuelling problem bikes and long term modification projects. My business is very personal, easy going; I don’t work too hard and get paid well…Just how I designed it to be. :D
I do a little web site building too, mostly motor sport/engineering type clients, self learnt, love graphics, I have a my little corner empire on the net and I think of the www as the new Wild West ...which it is. ;) :nuts:
...all that that arose from several years running a motorcycle shop and workshop, ‘grey’ imports from Japan, bike hire, some engineering and several useless patents and other inventions, I’ve spent a fortune bike racing, had a few near wins lol, crashed lots.….all good fun, But found a business like that overall just very expensive and competitive to run and it only just paid the bills.
Going back in time still....
I’ve travelled the world a bit here and there holidaying, mostly Europe, Eastern Europe and America…I’ve been extremely fit and done a few half marathons, my best sport is cycling. ..although I consider myself in no way a sportsman, as I’m dyspraxic, (sp?) as is my son Danny… so a long way from coordinated.
I ran a market stall for a few years, 'collectables and antiquates', Dell boy would say, but in reality it was mainly odd cup and saucer sets, good Pyrex and suchlike. :lol: I did collect the odd gem though, made some exciting monies on the odd item... no Harrison’s clock, but all in all a very rewarding and a fun business.
I’ve built many things, from steam engines or hovercrafts, to gardens and bridges.. …building things is what I do best… I plan to sell up soon and build my next home…with wind and solar power built in.
Despatch rider for five winters, extremely profitable business in the late 80’s ...why we dispatch riders are proud of counting the years in winters is obvious, :cuckoo: .. But why we think we can revel grinning about this fact is a question for a physiologist. :p
I earnt more money than I new what do with, I partied a lot and got into trouble a fare bit….not bad man trouble ..Stupid boy trouble.:rules:
I worked and trained with Linn manufacturing for a while ... I have a one off blonde ash plinth, for those that know what a Sondek is. I listen to music, lots of it …I have a music collection to vast for several men.
Before that I was in was in the army, yep another one… I know, even I’m shocked
I trained in horse management and also to be a farrier for two years, that failed because it became obvious that am too lanky and my back wouldn’t take it …So they sent me to train wild Irish hunters on Salisbury plains instead, which was fab… I also trained an army race horse, who came to win three years in row. It wasn’t my training though ..He was a nutcase, could never stand still, but so sweet nonetheless, he just had a problem coming second….he couldn’t stand it.
I still adore horses and plan to replace the bike with one day…in my dreams anyway. :lol:
I grew up in the country in Leicestershire. I have no qualifications. And apart from six years in the army and two years at Linn, and a year in military prison. ;) I have been self employed all my life. I’m now 43.
My biggest asset. …Hmmmm
My biggest downfall. … Thinking I’m an island.
Regrets; I don’t feel like I have any, I could think of some if pressed, but overall I find its missing the point. :)
Mostly a haze here too (I blame the copious quantities of cannabis I consumed at the time lol)
Went to grammar school, unfortunately my mother lost her battle with cancer as I was sitting my GCSE's so although I passed them all and went on to study A levels I lost all interest in my schoolwork and my A level results weren't brilliant. Certainly not good enough to get me into uni and at that point I didn't actually care.
Left in '93. Took a part time summer job in a local Texaco where I ended up for 4 years, eventually becoming assistant manager before meeting SWMBO who helped me get a job in IT as she worked for ICL in Sidcup. Did a month of technical training and then started working for Demon Internet on the helldesk. Changed jobs a few times there working for different support contracts - Barclays (bank) desktop support and also LineOne ISP when they started.
Left there to go and work for a small software company as their sole IT support type person where I learnt an absolute sh!tload from my technical director (I am eternally grateful to him as well). Stayed there for around 3 years before leaving to go and work for another small (but slightly larger) software company where I was a sysadmin. Stayed there for 18 months before deciding to go contracting, which I did for around 5 years - working for a myriad of local government clients doing WAN/LAN stuff.
Currently working as a consultant for a small IT solutions provider, mostly doing AD architecture design and domain migrations, Citrix, Cisco, Exchange 2007 migrations, VMWare ESX server consolidation projects blah blah etc etc
Lots of claims to fame, might divulge some later when I have a bit more time - but for now I'll just say that Dinsdale Landen was my cousin (twice removed) and he was best known for his role as Colonel Masters in Digby, the Worlds Biggest Dog
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0484553/
:thumbs:
I was born in Jersey in the Channel Islands and went to a God-awful all boys private school which I hated. Moved to Camberley in Surrey when I was 14. I always remember the date because it was the day Charles and Diana got married – 29th July 1981! I went to France Hill Comprehensive School and for the first time actually enjoyed my education. Whilst there I had an after school and weekend job working as a general dogs body at Prontaprint in Camberley High Street. It was from there that the rest of my future would be mapped out…….
I absolutely loved everything about being involved in printing and pretty soon decided that it was where my future career was going to be. I left school at 16 and got a job as an apprentice printer. That led to a job as a real printer. From there I became skilled in pretty much every area of the industry from graphic design, reprographics, printing, running a great variety of presses and through the multitudes of print finishing processes. Eventually I decided to come off the shop floor and moved into management. I became a Production Manager for a printing company in Ascot. I then moved to bigger and bigger companies essentially doing the same Production Management role, until 6 years ago when I found myself not enjoying my job anymore. I think I had just stagnated in a role. Mind you, working for a total a***hole for 5 years didn’t help :thinking:
Big decision time….a colleague and I decided one day that it was time to get out of the rut and start our own business. We teamed up with another guy who had sales expertise and started out own digital printing business. That was 5 years ago and, I have to say, the best (and scariest) decision I ever made. The first year or so was tough, really tough. So many out goings and so little money coming in. But now we’ve built the business to a level where it’s making a sensible profit and we’re continuing to grow.
I married in 1994, have two wonderful children aged 12 and 9. Divorced 2 years ago and now with Beverley (Bubbs on the forum) who makes me happier that I ever knew I could be.
My biggest regret – not speaking to my father for 10 years. When we finally stopped be stubborn fools and made up we got on like best friends. Then the silly sod went and died 6 months later :'( .
I’ve had an interest in photography for as long as I can remember and have owned many styles of cameras over the years. It’s only in the last year or so that I decided to really dedicate my spare time to my hobby. I have to say I love every minute of it. I get a real buzz when ever I’m holding a camera. I’ve never wanted to do it professionally though.
EDIT: Blimey, that was only going to be a quick summary and turned into an essay :lol:
FranchiseJuan
05-06-2007, 14:47
WOW. there are so many ex cops and army people here, no wonder you are all so well behaved!!!
As for me I graduated university with a bacholors of Business Systems (computing and comerse) and a minor in Philosophy. I also worked at the student newspaper while at uni (incuding some time as a sub editor).
I subsequently spent some time without work, as I graduated right after the .com crash :'( . To make it worse I tore my ACL (in my left Knee) about this time and spent a year in rehab after reconstruction.
For the past few years I have been working in CAD programing and testing (with Microstation). I have also worked part time as a Photographer, doing alot of sports and performance stuff for the last two years in Melbourne (Australia) before moving to London.
I came here to be a full time photographer/journalist, but currently still work part time in IT.
Regrets:
- Not trying harder after rehab. I had more then one coach tell me I could have been a pro Basketball Player over the years
- Not trying harder to be a sprinter (I would retinely go faster then all the guys in school who were training everyday in the 100m and 200m without much training or warmup).
- Never going to either the 2000 Sydney Olympics or the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth games.
Achivements:
- Moving to London on my own terms and with my own money.
- Featuring at two venues for the Melbourne Poetry festival 2004.
I have my own photography business.
www.karen-addison.com
VMWare ESX server consolidation projects blah blah etc etc
Heheheh thats what i do too :) although things may be changing for me in the next few weeks ;)
dougdarter
05-06-2007, 15:22
I thought you may have been the driver on my first and never-to-be-forgotten chopper flight. It was out of Eb in a Sioux. I'll never forget the incoming message crackling over the headset "...approx five zero rounds fired at Hawkeye" :eek:
That would have been scary!!:eek: :eek:
I've never been shot at in the air, but I caught a bit of shrapnel in my right thumb, when a round fired at a landrover I was travelling took a hit on the Trellis armour on the windscreen.
It has never ceased to amaze me that the Sioux was used in combat (though I have to admit wit great effect, especially in Vietnam).
It offers absolutely no protection to pilot and passenger... a tubular alloy open boom, large perspex bubble, and to top it all off, 88 gallons of high octane Avgas in two thin fibreglass tanks over the heads of the crew!
Frankly, the Scout and Gazelle were no better protected, but at least the covered airframe gave an illusion of safety.
My turn.
Born and bread in W.Yorkshire. Call a spade a shovel and speak as I see fit, but I guess you knew that.
Failed one O-Level "French", passed the rest. My English teacher was astonished.
Did A-Levels, almost bombed Physics, as did most of the class - blame it on chaning teachers half way through to a numpty who knew less than us. Saving grace was A-Level General studies which I got a "B" in... yeh!
Went to Hull Uni to do Electronics. Drank lots of beer. Got my BEng. Came out right in the middle of a huge depression. Actually had a job to go to, but turned it down to do a PhD.
Spent the next 3 years proving "A-B=0" (developing hierarchical mixed signal integrated test circuitry) and drinking more beer. Met the future missus who was over from Germany to do an MSC.
She decided to stay and got a job in London. So I got one close, Plymouth. :doh:
Started off doing EDA work for GEC Plessey for 2 years.
Moved to Bristol, as did the missus, got married. Started working for ST Microelectronics.
(been there 12 years now)
Changed jobs several times always doing a combination of IC design and EDA. Avoided being made redundant a few times (and made a profit from it), thus far.
Somwhere along the lines 2 kids turned up :baby:
Now manager of the EDA group in an up and comming IC company in Cirencester.
Meaning I get to decide what toys we get, how we use them, but usually get to go home on time :)
My biggest success: my kids.
My greatest regret: not looking after my body when I was a kid... it creaks a bit now.
-------------------
Great thread :thumbs:
Left school and went straight into the printing trade. Did a 4 year apprenticeship in Reprographics and covered everything from Artwork Photography, Drum Scanning, Conventional Planning and eventually DTP on the Macs.
Did that for 16 years till i decided enough was enough and quit.
As above, but now a supervisor too, I'm 10 years at my present company, before that I was a graphic designer for 2 years, previous to that 2 companies over 3 years learning repro/DTP.
minky_monkey
05-06-2007, 16:34
Born in Chessington Surrey,
Did the skool bit. Really, really regret not paying more attention. I could`ve got a lot better results, but only did what I had to to get by.
Finished with 6 GCSE`s, and then had to retake my maths one in sixth form.
Walked straight out of that, and into my fathers car recovery company. That was 14 years ago. We`re still here, even with me at the healm!
I managed to get the company ISO9001 certified, with to be honest, nearly certified me! Next step is my C class licence, and expand the capacity of the firm.
Wish I had more time for me......
busterboy
05-06-2007, 17:15
What a great thread.:)
Thanks again to Colin for starting this one.:clap:
Reading this makes me think I have wasted my days looking at the success of some of you..:(
Forbiddenbiker
05-06-2007, 17:25
WOW. there are so many ex cops and army people here, no wonder you are all so well behaved!!!
.
I think you may be on to something there ... :lol:
Thanks BB, I just thought it would make an interesting thread but I didn't realise it would be this popular.
I'm very surprised at the amount of ex-military people on here, they seem to make up a disproportionately large section of the community. Janice must be getting hot and bothered at the thought of all the uniforms. :lol:
Forbiddenbiker
05-06-2007, 18:56
:lol:
… or a disproportionately large section of this thread ;)
It’s a herding response I think, causes the forces to huddle together for safety …probably In a nice star shape.
And yes, thanks for the thread Colin, great to get to know some of the people behind the Characters.
great to get to know some of the people behind the Characters.
:agree:
it really adds to the community feeling of this place imo ;)
Great thread Colin :clap:
Forbiddenbiker
05-06-2007, 19:15
it really adds to the community feeling of this place imo ;)
A bit in your post made me ring my mum :) :thumbs:
im a nurse, originally worked in retail management, left to join the ambulance service but things made me change my mind, n now im nearly qualified as a staff nurse. want top specialise in cancer nursing, photography is just a sideline and i wish i could take my cam into the hospital.....
A bit in your post made me ring my mum :) :thumbs:
That's really nice Adam :) :)
steveinspain
05-06-2007, 20:33
Well, to buck the military trend, here is my story...
Born in London, moved to a village near Oxford when 7.
Saved (from the age of 4) and bought my first motorbike when 8. Rode into a wall the first time I rode it.
Left school and home aged 15, got a job washing up, and within 3 months was head chef in a fancy burger place in Oxford - I was also heavily into drugs, and ended up dealing (to friends, so nothing too sinister..) and by the age of 17 had enought cash in my pocket at any time to buy a few houses. Lost the plot, ended up weighing 6 stone (I am 6 ft tall and fairly well built - ie 46" chest, strong builder-type build) and with hair to my waist - my avatar will give some idea of how low I got..
Then bought a small truck, and drove, doing furniture deliveries etc for some time, then moved to Spain, where I was paid to take pictures of a new property developement that failed to take off, but met an 'older woman' (she was twice my age, her son was my age - husband, a safe breaker, was in prison..) and lived with her for a few years. Then back to London, and soon after set up doing small building works. Had 6 guys working for me at one stage, but ended up having a (motor)bike accident, and spent the next 2 years wondering if I would need more than one finger to count the number of legs I would have.. Met Kate, a young nurse (you know the story - young nurse meets handsome patient and falls in love with him..) and once walking again, we spent a year going 'round the world'. Returned to go to work for a charity, and a 6 week contract lasted 2 years, and then spent the next few years living in Walthamstow, East London, and working in Victoria, Central London doing repairs and keeping the offices going. Then worked in South Kensington, brown-nosing the rich tenants and doing silly repairs and keeping then happy, while my wife and daughter moved out to Spain (I went out every other weekend) Now in Spain most of the time, 2 daughters, ****ed off with business and how important money can be to some, earning so little we can hardly survive, but my quality of life is so bloody good (I am now charging 12 euros an hour on a good job - my tools and consumables cost me roughly 3 per hour..) So, no money, no prospects, a lovely house, lovely family, lovely wife, and some real friends - not many, but all I need. Just re-started taking pictures, so a huge learning curve ahead, but aside from various health issues, I am as happy as I have ever been.
Regrets - not having my kids till so late - they are 3 and 8, I am 49. Not having the guts to follow my interests when younger, and not being more of a husband and father (they say I am the best, but what do they know..?)
mr Ed - my wife is a paediatric nurse at Gt Ormond Street, (when she works) and works with kids that don't often leave - I can feel that you have your heart in what you do - a Big UP to you.
I still have a bike, have arthritis and pain. I also have so many laughter lines, that if it all ended tomorrow, I would feel it was brilliant.
Life throws so much at us, and so much can be turned around into a positive.
Enjoy each day, do what you want, and stuff the money/career side - who knows what might happen tomorrow...
Time to shut up, me thinks....
Cheers
Steve
Not much to my life so far..
Am still at university with one more year to go.
Not sure what I want to do afterwards though... Either a Ph.D or try and get into something engineering related... Not sure as yet though, need to give it some thought.
As for regrets, I'm not sure that really applies to me, as I havn't really done enough in my life yet...
Fantastic thread though! Some very interesting reading to be had :)
digitalfailure
06-06-2007, 19:28
I know of someone posting in this thread who hasn't been totally honest about his achievements. In a country that tends not to recognise acheivement in the workplace, it's quite something to have been shipped of to foreign parts to be recognised as being in the top 3 or 4 in your profession in Europe in that year. Still, I do have a photo of him looking reet quizical trying to figure out a point-n-shoot camera :lol:
Marcel looking quizical..........I can't believe that :lol:
;)
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