Getting to know You - Jobs

jennOK

We have lots of new people on the board. I thought it might be nice to play a little getting to know you like I've seen other boards do.

1. Screen name or First name and where you are from.

2. Tell us what you do and how long you 'be been doing it. Is it your dream job, or does it just pay the bills? If not your dream job, are you looking to switch jobs, and if so, what would you like to do?

agriffin92013

Amanda from South Carolina
I am an office manager for a small business. I've been there 15 years. It has its good days and bad but overall I couldn't ask to work for a better person. He's been very understanding during this whole ttc process

redheadbride15

redhead from Massachusetts

I'm a medical researcher who studies human genetics and birth defects. In other words I know a bit too much, which feeds my anxiety while TTC. I love my job though.

kellymarie8408

Kelly from San Diego

I'm a cardiovascular technologist. I work in the cardiac cath lab and work on hearts when people are having a heart attack... and do other diagnostic and scheduled procedures. I learned my trade while I was serving in the Navy... I'm exposed to radiation on a daily basis. My husband works in Nuclear Medicine.  We are both exposed to radiation on a daily basis and I'm constantly worried that our exposure is why we can't conceive 

carrieandr

Carrie from Florida

I've been a self-employed graphic designer for 10 years, and worked for design firms for several years before that.  It's a dream job in that I work from home, but my real dream is fine art.  I really hope to try making a living from that someday, but for now I'm doing the responsible thing.

@redheadbride15 -- that's really interesting.  I got a zoology degree before my design degree, and I loved my genetics class.  My sister is a doctor and I think if I had gone down that road, I would have enjoyed something involving either genetics or neurology.

jilligan14

Jill from NC.

I'm a dance teacher and work at a local studio. I used to run my own dance studio and really want to get my own space again. I specialize in aerial dance (fabrics, trapeze, etc.) and perform from time to time. This is one of my dream jobs and although I don't make a ton of money, it helps keep me fit, active, and I work with a lot of children (which I love). My other dream job is being a writer. I have a few novels in various stages of completion but have yet to get one published.

redheadbride15

@kelly8408 Generally the level of radiation exposure in a medical radiology job is well within the safe range if you're using all the standard precautions (shields, stepping back from machines unless you're actively using them, using radiation monitors, etc). But if you haven't already done so then you should talk to your occupational health department about your concerns and any steps you can take to further minimize exposure. I'm sure you've been thinking about what to do in the case of pregnancy as well. I understand a bit about this too, as I've also had quite a bit of occupational radiation exposure (though not much in my current position).

@CarrieandRoy I've always been fascinated by the brain as well, and I'm a wannabe artist (I love visiting galleries and museums, and I dabble in some drawing, crafting, and amateur photography, but I don't have much creative talent at the end of the day. I wish I did!!)

I like this thread. You ladies are so cool! I think the over-35 crowd has such interesting life and/or career stories to tell. I try not to be judgmental, but I'll be honest and say there are times when I just can't deal with the whining of 22 year-olds.

Teenie16

Christina in Los Angeles

I work in Costumes for Film and TV. I have been in it for 15 years, and in theater for several years before that. I have spent most of my career being on set with the actors making sure they wear the correct clothes at the correct time in the correct way. Since most shows are not shot in order we have to make sure they look the way they are supposed to. This past year I moved into a supervisor position, which I actually do enjoy. When I first got into this I swore I never wanted a desk job... and now here I am not wanting to go back to standing for 16 hrs/day. It's been great while TTC, I am able to get away for dr appointments. 

As I have gotten older I've been rethinking what I "want" to do and I would love to open my own bakery. I love baking and have been selling baked goods for the past few years... mostly to friends for parties, & mostly word of mouth. 

But with TTC and possibly having to go to IVF as our next step that is put on the back burner due to finances.

KLake42

Kathleen in GA

I'm a lawyer.  I work for a pseudo-government type of office.  I don't really post much about what I do, because it involves very private matters (nothing glamorous like CIA, just regular folks needing privacy), but I do enjoy it.  It's way better than other legal jobs I've had-- I worked as a divorce attorney for a year, and never again.  Never. Again.

carrieandr

Wow @Teenie16 -- have you dressed anyone we would know?

redheadbride15

@KLake42 I should read people's signatures more often. Yours cracks me up! Good luck with your journey. And also, I have two lawyer friends who worked briefly in divorce only to run away screaming. Good call.

rspalding001

Rspalding Santa Cruz CA

I'm an accountant, started out in Tax but now I'm just a staff accountant at a smallish Co that grows strawberries. It's not my dream job but it helps pay the bills. Not sure what I would do if money were not an issue. Ideally I'd like a job I only have to work 16-24 hours a week. Will depend on my husbands next promotion however if that's even possible.

Teenie16

@CarrieandRoy - Yes a few but probably more of the ones that I have to say "they played (that guy) in (that show)." I'd have to say my favorite was Charlize Theron, she is such a wonderful down to earth, and funny, woman. 

To all you ladies in the medical, legal and other fields than mine, I truly admire what you do! In my industry everyone likes to believe/act like we are saving lives and the world will end if we don't get a shot... but what you ladies do really makes a difference in the world. We entertain people while you all make it go round.

Sporty1216

I'm an English professor and love it. It's a really flexible schedule, which has been great for both personal and professional reasons. I also love, love, love working with college students. It's so fun to hear their ideas about things and to get to be part of such a formative time of their lives. It is my dream job--though now, with LO and hoping for another, I wish I could be a SAHM for a while. But it doesn't work that way. The flexibility allows me to be with my kiddo a lot, and I can bring him to work when I absolutely need to, so I'm very grateful for that.

Piperella

I'm Laura from Virginia (I lurk here but am mostly on the infertility board)

I am an instructional designer / elearning developer / training specialist.  My actual title is super long and ridiculous.  I work for a school system where I create online trainings for employees.  The online training are mostly compliance trainings, like sexual harassment policy, acceptable use policy, work with English learners.  I do enjoy doing what I do because I love being creative and figuring out how to make someone not realize they're learning while they are learning.  It sometimes can be hard work, but it's great being able to be creative.  I started out as a special education teacher for 6 years but I just couldn't deal with the paperwork.  I was dealing with pushing paper more often than working with students.  I'd love to be an instructional designer for a bigger company, but I'm assuming that bigger pressures and stress come along with that.

ladeuce13

Great topic!!

I'm Kay, from British Columbia, Canada.

I juggle two careers! By day, I work as an IT Business Analyst at a large tire dealer. I can't fix your computer, but I work with different business areas within the company to figure out their processes and see if we can solve them with technology. I fell into this job years ago, but I love it. I work with great people and for a phenomenal company who are very accommodating of the time I need for my other career ... My true love ... As an orchestral musician. I play with a part-time professional orchestra and play about 40 shows a season. I love it. Sometimes I wish I lived somewhere that I could do it full time, but right now, I'm so happy with where I'm at, professionally, and where I live. I wouldn't change it

Mamafesto

Mamafesto from NE

I'm a legal services lawyer (civil legal services for the poor, elderly and disabled). I mainly focus on foreclosure and debt collection defense and file bankruptcies, although I've also represent tenants in evictions and have provided representation for domestic violence victims in various proceedings. I love my job because I get to advocate for the underdog and feel like I'm always on the side of right and good (I mean even when my clients sucks which is rare, they never suck as much as the guys on the other side, e.g., Bank of America or Wells Fargo). My colleagues are smart, thoughtful people and my work environment is very supportive of families. We're dealing with a bit of budget crisis at the moment that has effected morale, but overall I am extremely lucky to have landed where I am.

My dream job would be working for an independent bookstore (we have the perfect one in my little town, and I could happily spend hours in there), but I'm not independently wealthy and have lots of student loan debt, etc., so I'll stick with the lawyer gig for now.

emsmama15

Heather from MN.  

I'm a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.  I work in the NICU and I mostly love it.  It's almost always my dream job, but on the really bad days, I think I'd like a much slower pace, lower stress job.  I probably wouldn't know what to do with myself though!!

jennOK

Wow. I agree we are one interesting group of ladies. Can you imagine what this thread would have sounded like in our early 20s? We are in the prime of our lives.

I am on my second career. I spent almost a decade working in the news world. I was a writer for a couple of different newspapers. I learned so much, but it didn't have family-friendly hours. I knew I wanted to start a family one day.

So, for my second career, I became an elementary school teacher. My schedule is perfect for a family, and I love what I do. I really think my first career was just a waiting period until I realized what I was meant to do, teach.

kellymarie8408

Ladies, with the mix of careers we have, we can solve any problem!!!

redheadbride15

emsmama15 said:

Heather from MN.  

I'm a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.  I work in the NICU and I mostly love it.  It's almost always my dream job, but on the really bad days, I think I'd like a much slower pace, lower stress job.  I probably wouldn't know what to do with myself though!!

Ahhh, you're probably like me and also know too much for your own good! I frequent the NICU as well. Thanks for everything you do - that's a hard job, but an amazing one.

emsmama15

@redheadbride15 - definitely!  I was pretty much a nervous wreck during my first pregnancy.  Thankfully I have a very kind and patient OB and endocrinologist who got me through my pregnancy and gestational diabetes!  (I was convinced - among other neuroses - that GD meant I'd have a 10+ pound baby who would end up in the NICU with an assortment of problems - because we see all the out of control diabetics!!).  

dolphin012

dolphin012 from CA

I am a scientist (biogeochemistry/watershed science). I study water resources primarily in mountain ecosystems. It is my dream job. I am very passionate about protecting air and water resources and wilderness ecosystems. Plus, I get to hike, backpack, and boat, in addition to geeky data and statistics stuff for my job. Love, love, love it!

An awesome and inspiring group of women here!!!

dolphin012

@kaydeeaye - what instrument do you play?

redheadbride15

dolphin012 said:

dolphin012 from CA

I am a scientist (biogeochemistry/watershed science). I study water resources primarily in mountain ecosystems. It is my dream job. I am very passionate about protecting air and water resources and wilderness ecosystems. Plus, I get to hike, backpack, and boat, in addition to geeky data and statistics stuff for my job. Love, love, love it!

An awesome and inspiring group of women here!!!

Wow... THIS is what I'd do if I changed careers My father is an environmental scientist. When I was a kid he used to take me with him into the field to collect samples. I'm sure that's where my love of the outdoors started.

ladeuce13

dolphin012 said:

@kaydeeaye - what instrument do you play?

I play the bassoon

redheadbride15

@Kaydeeaye You're my hero! I have an obsession with the bassoon! When I was younger I always really wanted to play the bassoon but everyone told me I couldn't because it was too big and I could either play the clarinet or the oboe instead. So, I played the clarinet for years (gave it up in college though, a decision I still regret). My cousin's daughter is ~12 and she's taken up the bassoon and she ROCKS that thing. I'm so proud of her!

BulgariHeart

I'm from Europe but have been living in the US for many years. I work on stage and I'll leave it at that so I don't give too much identifying information

ladeuce13

redheadbride15 said:

@Kaydeeaye You're my hero! I have an obsession with the bassoon! When I was younger I always really wanted to play the bassoon but everyone told me I couldn't because it was too big and I could either play the clarinet or the oboe instead. So, I played the clarinet for years (gave it up in college though, a decision I still regret). My cousin's daughter is ~12 and she's taken up the bassoon and she ROCKS that thing. I'm so proud of her!

That's awesome!!

carrieandr

@BulgariHeart, I'm assuming you're from Bulgaria, so for a minute I thought it would be cool if you were Nina Dobrev (yeah...I'm 37 and I like the Vampire Diaries...guilty pleasure) but then I realized she wouldn't be on an over 35 board.  Plus, I don't think people refer to tv as "on stage."  Perhaps ballet or Broadway...

BulgariHeart

Carrie I'm not from Bulgaria. Bulgari refers to the jewelry makers So a little more west of that.

carrieandr

I thought it was the jewelry maker until you mentioned you were from Europe. 

My husband is from Ireland.

SLGILL1978

Slgilliam from KS

I am an executive assistant for one of the superintendents and clerk of the board for the my local school district. I originally started out at an elementary school as a clerk. Just to get out of the house. It was a full time job for about 196 days out of the year. I then moved into the financial secretary position. I was at the elementary school for four years. In January, I transitioned to my present job. I certainly wasn't expecting to get this far. I just wanted to keep myself busy since my husband is often gone with military duties. It's a nice flexible job except I realized this summer, I do miss having them off. 

pekaboosmiles

PekabooSmiles from Indiana

I'm the Creative Art Director for a small marketing firm. I love being a graphic designer  - getting to spend the day being creative is amazing. If the company keeps growing they way my bosses except it to, then I could definitely see it becoming my dream job! I would love the opportunity to work from home though.

thistle8677

I've been avoiding this post because I feel like a giant loser for not having an actual career!
I've been a SAHM (mostly single mother) for 18 years. I have also had various jobs in that time working as a doula, a bank teller, a guitar teacher, and even had my own band in my early 20's. I'm currently still working on a BFA in painting. I did work for a year at a community college in the Women's Resource Center, which was an amazing leadership opportunity. I suppose if I had an official title it would be a mother/artist/student.
(On a side note...I also read tarot cards and am a level II reiki practitioner.)
I don't know if I'll ever have an official career; I'm guessing I'll just kind of float around where the inspiration takes me. ^#(^
#portlandia #whereyoungpeoplegotoretire

redheadbride15

thistle8677 said:

I've been avoiding this post because I feel like a giant loser for not having an actual career! I've been a SAHM (mostly single mother) for 18 years. I have also had various jobs in that time working as a doula, a bank teller, a guitar teacher, and even had my own band in my early 20's. I'm currently still working on a BFA in painting. I did work for a year at a community college in the Women's Resource Center, which was an amazing leadership opportunity. I suppose if I had an official title it would be a mother/artist/student. (On a side note...I also read tarot cards and am a level II reiki practitioner.) I don't know if I'll ever have an official career; I'm guessing I'll just kind of float around where the inspiration takes me. ^#(^ #portlandia #whereyoungpeoplegotoretire

Woah girl, these things all sound bad-ass! You should be proud! I have two graduate degrees but you make me feel super-unaccomplished

Sporty1216

I'm with @redheadbride15 ! I'm glad you didn't avoid the post forever--you've had/have all kinds of amazing jobs! Plus, as my as I love my job, my real dream job is to be a SAHM, so there's that. Way to go passionately after all of your interests!

carrieandr

Yeah, @Sporty1216 -- that's what I told her.  I'd be a SAHM in a heartbeat if I could. 

thistle8677

I adore all of you. Thank you. I think I've always been very ambitious and I've faced some major life events, all of which have shaped my current self. I'm proud to be a SAHM, there is also a part of me that wants to be out in the world making money! The truth is, it will happen someday.
I really appreciate the kind encouragement.
Makes me feel very blessed to know you all. >:D<

Jenniferk08

Jennifer from NY

I've worked at a big hospital in my area foR about 14 years now. I started off just working here to pay the bills but I enjoyed the people. The past 3 years I've been handling high $ claims follow up. Basically I'm the one who yells and screams at the insurance company for not paying the claim on time or correctly. Love my job although wish I made more money.

daisy62103

So fun hearing everyone's jobs! I'm not that interesting!

Sinnet from upstate NY

I'm a stay at home mommy now (since 2007) but prior to that I was an elementary school teaching for 7 years. I absolutely love teaching, and love being home with my kids. I homeschool now and love it.