GTKY: Jobs

glitzandglitter

What was your first job?

What do you for a living now?

Is it your forever job?

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what?

Name one thing you love about your job. 

Name one thing you hate about your job.

glitzandglitter

What was your first job?  I worked in a men's clothing store

What do you for a living now? I'm a kindergarten teacher

Is it your forever job? Most likely. Possibly move to admin one day

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what?  I would love to be a stay at home mom but that doesn't work for us so teaching is the next best thing. 

Name one thing you love about your job. I love that I have time off to spend with my own children and it's amazing to see how much my students learn in the year and how they feel so proud when they learn something new. 

Name one thing you hate about your job. That there are politicians who nothing about education passing policies on education. 

mrsbacz

What was your first job? I worked at Dunkin Donuts at age 14 with my now husband, it's where we met!

What do you for a living now? I'm a nurse manager on a post-acute care unit.

Is it your forever job? I work for a very corporate enterprise, they've already offered me assistant director of nursing but I turned it down at this time. I'll definitely stay with the company for a while but move up eventually, after I'm done growing babies haha.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I would love to be a school nurse or a stay at home, but neither are very practical for my family.

Name one thing you love about your job. I love being off weekends & holidays and working normal day hours, which I've never had as a nurse before. I love that there's a lot of opportunities for growth. 

Name one thing you hate about your job. We cater to the more fortunate and my goodness they have the most ridiculous demands! I literally had a patient snap his fingers at me to get my attention. It's unbelievable sometimes.

sandbar517

What was your first job?  My first unofficial job was cleaning my dad's dental office once a week.  Dusting, vacuuming, that kind of thing.  He paid us, but it only took about two hours, so it came out to about $20 a week.  My first official job was working as a phlebotomist at the University of Iowa Hospital.  

What do you for a living now?  Research coordinator for clinical drug trials in Medical Genetics

Is it your forever job?  I hope so.  I work for Pitt, so if I can make it another 15+ years, my kids will get free tuition.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what?  My dream job would be to work for some kind of Travel Channel where I get to travel around the world, eat food and tell people about it on tv.  Realistically, no, nothing else I'd like to do.  

Name one thing you love about your job. So many things.  Flexibility, for one.  My boss is amazing and really doesn't care when you come in, as long as you get your hours for the week and get your work done.  Autonomy, for another.  Everyone is in charge of their own studies, so if someone else calls in sick or isn't getting their stuff done, it has no impact on me whatsoever.  

Name one thing you hate about your job  It's much more formal than working in the ER.  The sense of humor, the camaraderie, the close friendships don't really happen as much here.  It's a lot more professional, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I just really miss the "feeling" of working in the ER.  

yesthisiskim0401

What was your first job? Unofficially, babysitting. Officially, as in, filled out an application, had an interview, gave them my SSN, was Ritz Camera.

What do you for a living now? Mommin.

Is it your forever job? Yas.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I wanna know how one becomes a nail polish color namer. I'd be perfect for that. 

Name one thing you love about your job. My bosses are cute AF.

Name one thing you hate about your job. Wiping butts and no sick days.  

duck_duck_goose

What was your first job?

My first job was working for Jostens. I would go to the schools and sell graduation stuff. It was surprisingly fun. 

What do you for a living now?

I'm a vet tech at a local clinic.

Is it your forever job?

If I knew by body wouldn't break down by like 45 than it probably would be, but it's very rough, physical work. I wouldn't mind moving up to administrative positions. We will see! 

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what?

I have always wanted to be a teacher. I was seriously considering going back to school and possibly doing that but I decided to wait until we we're done baby makin'

Name one thing you love about your job. 

The fast pace and cases. I work for a large 6 doctor practice and we are constantly on the go. We do anything from ortho surgeries to spays and neuters. We also see more than our fair share of c-sections because we work closely with a lot of our local breeders. Also, I have some kock ass co-workers.

Name one thing you hate about your job.

Compassion fatigue. It's really easy to get and really hard to get rid of. Also, the people aren't my favorite. Between catering to some doctors' egos and taking the force of an angry or grieving client can be tough to handle sometimes. 

rachelg777

Love reading about everyone!

@glitzandglitter SAHM would be nice but I'm glad you have the next best thing.

@mrsbacz love that you met your husband at your 14yo job! Also, go team nurse!

@sandbar517 I think your job sounds super interesting. What did you do in the ER?

What was your first job? I detassled corn during the summers, any other midwesterners do this?

What do you for a living now? We just moved and I haven't starting working yet but I'll just talk about my last job. I was an RN in a Trauma ICU in DC area.

Is it your forever job? RN yes, Trauma and ICU probably not.  The burnout is real.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? Ummmm that's what I'm trying to figure out now. Haven't gotten there yet.

Name one thing you love about your job. Sometimes humans are truly amazing and you really get to experience the most important things in life. Helping a family say goodbye to their loved one, or even better, being able to save them. The ICU is a scary place and most people have never had a loved one their before, they look to you for comfort and guidance. 

Name one thing you hate about your job. When circumstances or things are out of your hands but the nurse gets the brunt of all the anger.

ivyvines6

What was your first job?

I was a student demonstrator for the dance studio I trained at (14.) I didn't make actual money, but it covered my tuition. My first cash paying job was Panera.

What do you for a living now?

Dance instructor. Mostly identify as a sahm though.

Is it your forever job?

For sure. I love it.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what?

Food critic. Hands down.

Name one thing you love about your job. 

I love giving kids knowledge about the arts. My classes focus very heavily on French vocabulary, and history of dance. The best feeling in the world is when a student who's been struggling with something for months FINALLY gets it. They're so proud of themselves, and I beam.

Name one thing you hate about your job.

The parents. Just because you took dance for a few years, does not mean you know what I do about your child's abilities and skill level. Also, we are a technique based studio, and we adhere to a strict curriculum. Your eight year old is not going en pointe. Period. Your six year old is not expected to have flat splits, or do triple pirouettes. We spend so much time (over a year of training) focusing on how to tendu, how to plié, how to relevé, for a reason. (Hint: It's not because we're arbitrarily holding your kid back)

ladystinson

What was your first job? I was a zoo keeper and educator at the same zoo

What do you for a living now? I'm in accounts payable.... 

Is it your forever job? I hope not lol if it paid better it could be

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I would love to get back into zoo keeper/naturalist type work, or something crafty/event planning. I've worked a lot of crazy jobs and have very varied experience

Name one thing you love about your job. I met my husband through it and we work in the same office

Name one thing you hate about your job. my boss....

sandbar517

@rachelg777 I'm a nurse.  I worked in an ER for two years as I finished up nursing school, then for another 9 as a nurse.  I loved it, but like you said, the burnout (and compassion fatigue @duck_duck_goose) are totally real, and I needed something different.  I never in a million years thought I would enjoy a M-F, 8-5, in-a-cubicle job, but I love it.  It's very interesting and I'm learning so much about rare genetic diseases and the treatments we're studying.  
@glitzandglitter I totally feel you on the higher-ups passing legislation they know nothing about.  It's totally the same in medicine and can be much more dangerous!  
@mrsbacz I agree, how cute that you met YH so young!  Adorable!
@yesthisiskim0401 you make me laugh!
@ivyvines6 How frustrating dealing with parents.  I definitely wished most days that we had a "no visitor" policy in the ER.  I know it's totally unrealistic, but some people's families are the worst!

mileswithmyles

What was your first job? A lifeguard at a water park

What do you for a living now? Teacher on Special assignment 

Is it your forever job? No  my contract is up at the end of next school year and I'll go back to the classroom  

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I don't think so.  I think I'll be in education for the long haul.  Maybe if I could somehow make a living as a professional gift wrapper!

Name one thing you love about your job. It is never boring and it pushes me to try new things.

Name one thing you hate about your job. That people who create educational policy don't actually have a background in education.

Kaysquared2

What was your first job? my first job was a janitor for my dads financial planning firm at 12.  Basic cleaning like vacuuming, bathrooms etc.  

What do you for a living now? I am a pediatric physical therapist assistant about 12-15 hrs a week and a SAHM the rest the time.  

Is it your forever job? yes!  I love my job but would consider going full SAHM.  

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I may go full time SAHM in the future.   

Name one thing you love about your job. I love all my kids at work.  I get to know them pretty well and figure out their likes as well as help them get stronger.  

Name one thing you hate about your job.. Paperwork and scheduling.  Our documentation and scheduling program is terrible and takes forever so it can get super frustrating.  

sandbar517

@rachelg777 I also have to add that I laughed at your detasseling comment.  My sisters and I always wanted to do it and my dad said no.  He knew how miserable it was, so looking back, I'm glad he didn't let us!

Poppy0419

What was your first job?

I worked as a cashier at the local hardware store.

What do you for a living now?

I'm a SAHM but I do LuLaRoe for extra money.

Is it your forever job?

I won't say no because that's not something I know  I'd love to have my own store boutique one day but for now I'm loving this  

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what?

No way  I love getting to watch my DD grow up and when someone tells me they feel amazing in an outfit that I styled it's amazing. Maybe I'm not saving the world but giving women confidence is AWESOME  

Name one thing you love about your job. 

the confidence part. Not having to worry about calling in sick with a sick kid. Playing in clothes keeps me from buying everything. 

Name one thing you hate about your job.

the accounting and books part. I have a bachelors in accounting and so I do all my own. I HATE it. Also my boss screams at me on the reg if I don't give her the right cup. 

rachelg777

@sandbar517 gotcha! That makes more sense now. That's my internal debate now, not sure how I could switch back to an 8-5 but then again maybe I wouldn't mind. lol yes detasseling was pretty miserable. I would totally make my kids do it though if I was still out there. 

sandbar517

@rachelg777 I'm surprised by how much the switch to 5 days a week didn't bother me.  I think the payoff of having every evening, weekend and holiday off has totally made it worth it.  Especially after having kids, I was sick of having to fight everyone else to get Halloween, Christmas or Thanksgiving off.  I don't have to miss weddings or showers, birthday parties, festivals/fairs, etc. anymore.  

kpc914

What was your first job? Working at my aunt and uncles eyeglass repair shop.

What do you for a living now? I'm a tax accountant (work at a big public accounting firm)

Is it your forever job? Probably, i have options to work 4 months a year and make a years worth of salary. So will probably make the switch to the seasonal work once baby comes.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? Id like to be a nurse if i wasnt an accountant

Name one thing you love about your job. The people.

Name one thing you hate about your job. The people hahah jk. Routinely working 60-80 hour weeks wothout overtime pay. 

rachelg777

@sandbar517 yes that's a huge draw. and no more nights would be awesome...

sparkymcgeee

What was your first job? I worked in a kennel. In 1997 6.50 was a lot of money. 

What do you for a living now? I work in sales. Our company does credit card processing. I set up businesses for that. 

Is it your forever job? No. I like the industry but this position is not what I want forever. 

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I worked 10 years in finance in financial advisors offices and the back end in licensing. I think I would rather go back to doing that.  

Name one thing you love about your job.  I'm really good at my job. I'm good with details and good with people so it's nice to be good at what you do. 

Name one thing you hate about your job. It can be pretty toxic. I'm hoping to just see the good and not let the bad get to me right now. 

okaykoala

What was your first job? My first job was as a camp counselor at a summer camp for economically disadvantaged kids.   

What do you for a living now? I'm a communications manager at a global health nonprofit. 

Is it your forever job? Probably not. I really enjoy it, but I'd love to be closer to my family.   

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I'd really like to keep doing the same type of work but for a sustainable agriculture nonprofit.    

Name one thing you love about your job. I love my coworkers and I love that it's mission-oriented. I once worked at a for-profit magazine, and it had its fun moments, but this is much more rewarding. 

Name one thing you hate about your job. The location, I think. My office is in a really wealthy part of the country, and it can burn you out after a while--especially if you're not making that kind of salary!

Pearlvirus

What was your first job?  Burger King, lol

What do you for a living now? SAHM

Is it your forever job? No, I'm in the minority here, but I miss working. I mean, I could go back to work now but I won't while they're small. Esp now that we are going to number 3, I'm not cut out for pumping and breastfeeding is important to me.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I plan to find a job at an environmental non-profit when all the kids go to school. Or perhaps a phd first. I have a masters already.

Name one thing you love about your job. I get to spend a lot of time outside and (sometimes) have more flexibility for what I do.

Name one thing you hate about your job. I miss talking to adults and thinking about big picture things. I'm so tired of the endless circle of chores that takes up most of your time with small children.

ChasingTheDog

What was your first job? Sonic! Carhop. I loved it- perfect high school job 

What do you for a living now? I work at an animal shelter. I'm the lead in the cat and rabbit department. Cat lady for LYFE! (Literally. I've dedicated an entire career to cat advocacy and care lol)

Is it your forever job? I'm not real sure. I recently went back to school and got a second undergrad degree to get into a masters program to switch careers but baby has slowed things down. Plus I don't think I can work FT and do grad school so... lots to think about. 

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? Well, my second degree is in communicative disorders to be a (hopefully) a speech language pathologist. But if I could i could get hired into a national organization I would consider staying in animal welfare. 

Name one thing you love about your job. The animals, obvs. But also the people. I get to help a lot of people out. 

Name one thing you hate about your job. politics. Omg. So much worse than you could ever know.

jessnoel89

What was your first job? officially my first job was a personal assistant/admin for an insurance agent in town when I was 16

What do you for a living now? currently I work from home selling LuLaRoe

Is it your forever job? I doubt it but it could be! I love it but it's hard with one kid so with another on the way it'll be even more of a challenge.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I'd love to start my own business teaching toddler and preschool mommy and me music classes. It is seriously my dream job! 

Name one thing you love about your job. I love that LuLaRoe had allowed me to stay home with my son. My previous job treated me terribly so there was no way I was gonna sign up for that instead of staying home with my boy.

Name one thing you hate about your job. I work all the time. It's a lot of customer demand which is great business wise but it makes it hard to have a personal life. I feel like I'm always moming or working.

holli0801

What was your first job? 

-Hostess with the mostess! At outback steak house... as a vegaterian haha

What do you for a living now? 

-I'm a social worker. My areas of expertise are grief and loss and brain injury... but currently working in a hospital bc the hours work well for my family 

Is it your forever job? 

-Nope. Strongly dislike the corporation I work for..

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? 

-Dream job would be college professor, but getting a PhD is so much time and money... sigh...

Name one thing you love about your job. I 

-am able to work part time and stay home with my 2 yo part time 

Name one thing you hate about your job. 

-Corporate management doesn't give a shit about people.

holli0801

@okaykoala that sounds like a really interesting area!! I miss the non profit world so much... where I used to live we did so much good. But in this state the funding is laughable so I'm a little reluctant to get back in (and there is a huge lack of jobs with a liveable wage) 

@mileswithmyles hi! Good to see you here from TTC. Your job sounds really interesting as well! Part of me is always a little sad I didn't go the education route! 

@glitzandglitter OMG YES about the idiots in political positions to make decisions on areas they know nothing about!!! Education is one (perfect!) example... 

Poppy0419

@jessnoel89 girl SO many parallels. I worked at a toxic job for a while and LLR covers my salary now. Plus it's fun. We can bounce ideas off each other for working with two kids. I'm having to move my LLR back into my garage unless I can convince my husband to buy a bigger house. I'm setting up a full playroom out there for the kids. Which works awesome because a lot of my in home shoppers have kids too. 

tincupchalice

My first job was at Hallmark.

I used to be a music teacher but now I'm a sahm and firearms instructor on the side.  

This is pretty much my forever job, but if I could do anything I think I'd be a park ranger.

I love staying home with my kids, but I hate not having much adult brain space.

firefliesandfjords

@ivyvines6 I completely agree with how wonderful it is to be able to share the arts with children! Seeing their eyes light up when they use their creativity and learn something new gives me so much joy.

What was your first job? I was a dog groomer at a local pet store.

What do you for a living now? I am 1/2 of a singer-songwriter duo with my husband, and an actress at a professional regional theatre company.

Is it your forever job? I hope to sing and act all my life as it's been a part of me for as long as I can remember, but I do hope to go back to school to be a certified nurse midwife or NICU nurse at some point, so my involvement with the arts may decrease a bit.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? Definitely not. Music and theatre give me life. 

Name one thing you love about your job. As a musician, I love when I get the opportunity to write a new original song for someone, especially for weddings. As an actress, I love the people I work with and getting to come together to create something beautiful for our audience.

Name one thing you hate about your job. People think that paying musicians in "exposure" is acceptable. It's not. Exposure doesn't pay the bills. We spend thousands a year on voice lessons, instrument maintenance and repair, and equipment. That's aside from the time we spend in rehearsal, writing, or on the road traveling to gigs. In regards to theatre, I hate waiting for casting decisions after auditions. It's torture.

zizzabell523

What was your first job?  Helped out at a horse trainer's barn

What do you for a living now?  Project Manager Assistant at a General Contractor, part-time dance teacher, and Avon representative

Is it your forever job?  Not sure, probably not

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what?  SAHM and Lularoe consultant

Name one thing you love about your job.   The benefits, my co-workers, and the non-mundane-ness

Name one thing you hate about your job.  One of my project managers is an a**hole and likes to make me feel like I'm 2 inches tall some days. I can't wait to let the cat out of the bag and maybe he'll be nicer to me so I won't get so stressed out I'll go into pre-term labor!

Jlr025

What was your first job? Working at Honey Dew Donuts

What do you for a living now? I'm a Physical Therapist Assistant at a nursing home. I work there per diem now. I also work from home for an EMT training school and help SO run his swimming pool business. 

Is it your forever job? Physical therapy is definitely! I plan on going back full time when the kids are in school. 

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I'd love to be in the home renovation/design business! We are renovating our new home ourselves and I love it! 

Name one thing you love about your job. My patients and the flexibility. 

Name one thing you hate about your job. The insurance side of it. It's frustrating the way the system works and how you have to fight for what people need. 

mrsmtothek

What was your first job?
Front-end web developer at NIH.

What do you for a living now?
Front-end web developer

Is it your forever job?
I think so, but I can see myself venturing off and trying something else maybe--far distant future though. It's tough to stay on top of things and really hone your skillz when there isn't enough time in the day to begin with. I enjoy my job, but feel like I'm not improving enough on a daily basis to keep it.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what?
Not right now nope!

Name one thing you love about your job. 
I LOVE that I work from home.

Name one thing you hate about your job.
Constantly doubting my self-worth.

jessnoel89

@Poppy0419 yes totally the same! I love the idea of having a playroom/LuLa room all in one! That's brilliant!!!

lifeisnot2fear

What was your first job?
Pharmacy Tech at a mom and pop pharmacy. A 16 year old counting pills is a scary thought to me now. 

What do you for a living now?

Elementary School Counselor

Is it your forever job?

I am not sure. I am passionate about the profession but I am 9 years in and feel a bit burnt already. 

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what?

Maybe a childcare director. I worked in childcare through undergrad and grad and I loved it all but the pay.

Name one thing you love about your job. 

Working with kids and being the person they trust to go to when they need help.

Name one thing you hate about your job.

Too many needs for me to effectively meet due to high counselor to student ratios.

momo214

What was your first job? Restaurant hostess in high school (also only job I got fired from)

What do you for a living now? Probation officer

Is it your forever job? Probably until they kick me out at 57. I'll be eligible to retire at 50 so may go earlier. There's a lot of room for advancement in my career.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I was so jealous of my friends who knew what they wanted to do since they were kids. I still feel like I'm trying to figure out my passion.

Name one thing you love about your job. Justice being served and working to change people's lives.

Name one thing you hate about your job. Government politics and how it can get in the way of us doing our job the best way possible. 

attorneyworkproduct

I'm enjoying reading all your posts! AFM: 

What was your first job? I was a helper at a daycare.

What do you for a living now? I'm an attorney. 

Is it your forever job? I hope to always use my law degree, but some day I will likely shift gears to something with a more flexible schedule. I currently do work comp law and I don't see myself doing this type of law for much longer. 

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? I think I would rather be doing criminal law. 

Name one thing you love about your job. I have a lot of independence to manage my own caseload and I deal with a lot of interesting things. 

Name one thing you hate about your job. I see a lot of people trying to work the system and I have a strict 8-5 schedule. 

yesthisiskim0401

@momo214 I'm 29 and still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. 

Poppy0419

@yesthisiskim0401 is that something we're supposed to have figured out? Asking for a friend. 

CraftyG

It's amazing to see so many in healthcare on here, nurse friends!

What was your first job? Assistant gymnastics coach at like 14 maybe 

What do you for a living now? I'm in my final year of nursing school, hoping to finish up and be qualified before little one comes.

Is it your forever job? I'd love to do it for as long as I can but not sure in which department yet. I've always wanted to work in a hospice.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? Yes something crafty where I can work from home and basically be a SAHM. Dream is to have a successful etsy store and bake cakes while picking up shifts occasionally.

Name one thing you love about your job. Having someone just be so genuinely happy that it's you helping them/ their family members.

Name one thing you hate about your job. At the minute it's the hour commute on public transport while needing to wee constantly, genuinely worried in going to wet myself or throw up like a child at some point.

yesthisiskim0401

Poppy0419 said:

@yesthisiskim0401 is that something we're supposed to have figured out? Asking for a friend. 

I still don't even feel like a grown up. So I'm not adulty enough to answer questions like this.

BakerBird525

What was your first job? Blockbuster when I was a senior in hs...man that makes me feel old!

What do you for a living now? SAHM

Is it your forever job? Probably not. We will wait until we are done having kids and they are all in school full time. Then I may work part time but I'd like to be free enough to volunteer at their schools or for school trips.

Is there a different job you'd rather have? If so, what? Nope, I love being a SAHM.

Name one thing you love about your job. Seeing my toddler do new things everyday.

Name one thing you hate about your job. When my toddler doesn't nap and then I can't get anything done because he can be very possessive, haha.

okaykoala

@hollieileen Your job sounds so interesting too, although I can imagine it'd get tough from time to time. 

Are you still a vegetarian? I am (for all intents and purposes--it's complicated ha), and I feel like that's just adding yet another layer of confusion to this whole pregnancy thing.