GTKY-What do you do for a living?

mtmama2 · August 2016

I am a medical coder for a small ASC! Basically I translate the surgeon's operative reports into numbers that we bill to the patient's health insurance! I also work our patient accounts but that is a lot less fun than the coding

kiyamurph · August 2016

vino831 said:

kiyamurph said:

Perfusionist. We operate the heart-lung machine during open heart surgeries.

Whoa that seems very unique and specific! How did you get to that job?

You have to attend a perfusion school, which I think there are about 25 programs in the US. I went to the one at the Cleveland Clinic.

Sazzical · August 2016

Accountant in the exciting field of high-end appliances!

vino831 · August 2016

kiyamurph said:

vino831 said:

kiyamurph said:

Perfusionist. We operate the heart-lung machine during open heart surgeries.

Whoa that seems very unique and specific! How did you get to that job?

You have to attend a perfusion school, which I think there are about 25 programs in the US. I went to the one at the Cleveland Clinic.

I'm sorry I meant what made you decide to do such a unique job?

kiyamurph · August 2016

vino831 said:

kiyamurph said:

vino831 said:

kiyamurph said:

Perfusionist. We operate the heart-lung machine during open heart surgeries.

Whoa that seems very unique and specific! How did you get to that job?

You have to attend a perfusion school, which I think there are about 25 programs in the US. I went to the one at the Cleveland Clinic.

I'm sorry I meant what made you decide to do such a unique job?

Doh! Sorry! One of my professors told me about it back in 2007. I had no idea what I was going to do in the medical field and he threw out some ideas. When he mentioned perfusion, I had to look into it since I wasn't sure what it was and what it entailed. After looking into it, I decided that it sounded pretty cool and went for it. I liked that it was a year and a half post grad program and I didn't need to spend the rest of my life in school. I like that it's unique and not everyone can do what I do.

Gobruins0430 · August 2016

weareturtles said:

Veterinarian at a very large animal shelter - mostly dogs and cats, but we take in everything. I'm having a very hard time trying to figure out how I am going to do my job and be pregnant with twins, especially considering how much of my job entails performing surgery. Then there's all squatting down to examine animals, etc. My head is spinning just thinking about the next 6 months or so...

@CoconutKisses21 - Thank goodness you're on here too! It's so hard for me to find support in the vet community!

I am a veterinarian also! How crazy that there's 3 of us on here?!

kap1988 · August 2016

@EnglishTeacherMama I joke about it being useless, but the ability to read and write is not as common as some people think. My boss will only hire English majors.

vino831 · August 2016

kiyamurph said:

vino831 said:

kiyamurph said:

vino831 said:

kiyamurph said:

Perfusionist. We operate the heart-lung machine during open heart surgeries.

Whoa that seems very unique and specific! How did you get to that job?

You have to attend a perfusion school, which I think there are about 25 programs in the US. I went to the one at the Cleveland Clinic.

I'm sorry I meant what made you decide to do such a unique job?

Doh! Sorry! One of my professors told me about it back in 2007. I had no idea what I was going to do in the medical field and he threw out some ideas. When he mentioned perfusion, I had to look into it since I wasn't sure what it was and what it entailed. After looking into it, I decided that it sounded pretty cool and went for it. I liked that it was a year and a half post grad program and I didn't need to spend the rest of my life in school. I like that it's unique and not everyone can do what I do.

Absolutely very neat! Going from hs to the military I'm always curious how people get into unique professions. I just fell into what I do. I just told my hubs about what you did. He has an uncle he's close to that had an open heart surgery years ago.

irishrose54 · August 2016

@dubcompanion I used to teach middle school special ed. as well. I give you lots and lots of credit. I taught for 5 years total, and three of those were in special ed. and I got totally burned out. I LOVED the kids but the way the system was set up, the support needed was not there and I just couldn't hack it anymore. I feel bad even admitting I left but I was a wreck for those three years.

This year has been a total transition for me , out of public ed. and into business. I have been helping DH with his business! It's been interesting. He needed help, I was planning on leaving my job so here we are a year later!! It's a far departure from teaching. I think I will go back into teaching eventually but maybe as a reading specialist. I would have to go back for another degree there though. Things to think about, I suppose.

afbaby0715 · August 2016

I'm a project manager at an electrical engineering firm.

SparklingJules23 · August 2016

@DaniBanani16 I know what it is! I'm finishing up my Master's in Higher Ed and Student Affairs!!

what area do you work in?!

dubcompanion · August 2016

@irishrose54 Teachers burn out quickly these days, sadly, and SPED teachers burn out even faster for the reasons you listed. I feel very fortunate working where I am - it's a small, rural community, and I've had administrative support since day 1. My cohort who started at the same time I did and worked with the same level and grades of students did not have such a solid footing and has just left. I certainly have my moments of stress and can feel overwhelmed at times, but I do honestly feel I've found my niche!

That said, I can see myself becoming a SPED consultant, speech-language therapist, or a school psychologist one day. I tell people - If I'm still teaching in 20 more years, that's awesome. That means I've wanted to continue doing it. But I also won't be surprised if I'm in a different career either, because I don't ever want to feel like I'm stuck doing something.

I think as long as you enjoy what you are doing and have the confidence to do the job, that's what matters. No one wins when you're burnt out and can't feel like you can give 100%. I applaud you for starting out fresh! If you ever go back to teaching, it'll be because you're ready.

datalover13 · August 2016

@afbaby0715 That's awesome. I majored in chemical engineering and then ran far away. Too much stress for me.

kacw1025 · August 2016

I am a disability specialist for a company which handles leave and disability for several other companies. In other words, when we're all going off work to have our babies, you'll likely be talking to someone like me!

The funny thing is, I can tell you all about the various leaves the client I handle has, but know nothing about my own company specific leaves. But if you need FMLA knowledge, ask me!

afbaby0715 · August 2016

@datalover13 - Definitely high stress!!! Already counting down until maternity leave lol

irishrose54 · August 2016

@dubcompanion it's so great that you have such great support at your district!! If you want to go for ldtc, psychology etc. whatever it is, I'm sure you'll make it happen! It's nice to switch it up sometimes.
I will definitely only go back when/if I feel fully ready. The kids wouldn't get a good teacher out of me otherwise

hope4rads · August 2016

I'm a 1st grade teacher! I love my job. Our school year starts in two days and I can't wait to meet my newest batch of kiddos. :-)

mrsnc · August 2016

I'm a teacher also! Lots of us huh? I've taught preschool special Ed for the past 4 years. SpEd is definitely my calling and I tend to fall for those behavior kiddos. Apparently I'm extremely patient and calm headed in a crisis (even though I don't feel that way) @dubcompanion I'm also super lucky to have a great support system. We just opened a new center last year that has 2 school psychs, 2 social workers, a family coordinator, a sped coordinator, and a principal who are always willing to lend a hand in the classroom or hallways. Not to mention my fav SLP's office is connected to my classroom! I'm so grateful to have gotten this opportunity right out of college. Now I just hope they keep tenure around for 1 more year so I can sneak in there!

Shazzie116 · August 2016

I'm home full time with my daughter, I am a wedding and family life photographer and I write a blog and have an Etsy shop.

kevinsgrl · August 2016

Mostly a SAHM but I also own an Etsy shop selling headbands and bows

bradleerick-2 · August 2016

Everyone here sounds so brilliant and creative! I'm responsible for Logistics (international transportation and domestic supplier compliance) for one of the nation's largest retail pharmacy chains. I'm blessed to have two departments full of highly engaged, enthusiastic, and sharp professionals who make my job way easier than it should be. They make me love my job!

lcarp203 · August 2016

I'm an underwriting manager for a large insurance company. I reside in Az but my territory is CA and Hawaii. I get to travel a lot which is fun.

AprilSB08 · August 2016

I am teacher too! Well kind of - I am a substitute and am starting my credential program in social science in the fall. I have a long term sub job though for the first semester while I am going to school. I am going to be very busy.

MrsBinPA · August 2016

@Finallyhismrs07 & @onefootinthebayou My DH works for a big CRO. I worked there for a year too (in 2014) but came back to a sponsor company. I'm much happier on this side of things. Being on the service side is really hard. Especially if you have a hideous sponsor team like I did when I was there!

JustAnotherUsername16 · August 2016

SparklingJules23 said:

@DaniBanani16 I know what it is! I'm finishing up my Master's in Higher Ed and Student Affairs!! what area do you work in?!

Hey @SparklingJules23, congrats on nearly finishing your Masters! I currently work in student leadership development and student activities. How exciting to have another SAPro in this group!! What functional areas are you looking at?

PattersRN · August 2016

kiyamurph said:

Perfusionist. We operate the heart-lung machine during open heart surgeries.

@kiyamurph that's so neat! When I was in nursing school, I got a chance to sit with a perfusionist during an open heat procedure in my OR rotation. Probably one of the most fascinating things I learned about.

SparklingJules23 · August 2016

DaniBanani16 said:

SparklingJules23 said:

@DaniBanani16 I know what it is! I'm finishing up my Master's in Higher Ed and Student Affairs!! what area do you work in?!

Hey @SparklingJules23, congrats on nearly finishing your Masters! I currently work in student leadership development and student activities. How exciting to have another SAPro in this group!! What functional areas are you looking at?

Yeah, this is super exciting @DaniBanani16!! I love finding people who know what the field is and even more so when they work in it!

I have most of my experience in Academic advising and career services, but when I graduate I'll also be looking at jobs in Institutional Research and Service or Applied learning/leadership.

I'm a little worried about graduating and job hunting with a 2 month old ... I don't have many institutions around me, so if I can't find anything within the hour commute we will have to relocate. But, I guess this is better than starting out in the field and having to take maternity leave soon after! I am just so excited and antsy to get into the field and finally get to do a job I LOVE!

LindseyLooMagoo · August 2016

Operations manager for one of the largest insurance companies in the world. I manage 4 departments in 2 different states (out of state remotely thankfully only travel once or twice a year) for commercial general liability, workers comp and malpractice. Always keeps me busy!!

SSChapman · August 2016

Currently home with my youngest. Graduated in 2013 with my BSN and became a licensed RN but was never able to find a job - couldn't even get an interview. It's hard not to dwell on my dreams slipping away sometimes but I try to stay focused on being able to spend time with my littles!

My mom owns a catering company so I help out there on the weekends when she needs it.

kiyamurph · August 2016

SSChapman said:

Currently home with my youngest. Graduated in 2013 with my BSN and became a licensed RN but was never able to find a job - couldn't even get an interview. It's hard not to dwell on my dreams slipping away sometimes but I try to stay focused on being able to spend time with my littles!

My mom owns a catering company so I help out there on the weekends when she needs it.

Oh girl I so feel your pain. It took me YEARS to get a perfusion job. After graduating from the Cleveland Clinic I didn't think I'd have a problem finding a job since the CC has been number one in heart surgery for years. It's world renowned and I got the best training possible. But finding a job was another story and I almost gave up completely. Took me 5 years. Keep putting yourself out there. You have the training. All you need is a foot in the door.

PattersRN · August 2016

SSChapman said:

Currently home with my youngest. Graduated in 2013 with my BSN and became a licensed RN but was never able to find a job - couldn't even get an interview. It's hard not to dwell on my dreams slipping away sometimes but I try to stay focused on being able to spend time with my littles!

My mom owns a catering company so I help out there on the weekends when she needs it.

I hear ya. I graduated in 2010, took me 6 months just to find a job, and that job was in a nursing home working NOCs. That job was basically 10 months of hell. Finally was able to find my dream job of doing outpatient ortho. Hang in there, it can be done!!

JustAnotherUsername16 · August 2016

@SparklingJules23 I'm not certain how we can connect on a personal level, but if you need any help with the job search, let me know. Best of luck to you! I know this will likely be a very busy academic year for you - especially the Spring!

MrsNap_515 · August 2016

I work in the registrar's office of a very amazing school...lots of celebrity sightings!

MrsNap_515 · August 2016

@kjd291 sounds like an awesome job! any fun past projects??

kjd291 · August 2016

@MrsNap_515 I do stage acting-mostly musicals --I think it's the best thing ever--but doesn't quite put you in the spotlight like film (or pay as much

) Favorite roll would have to be playing Elizabeth Bennet in a show called "Lizzy, Darcy, and Jane" ETA-I should also say a favorite was "Jekyll and Hyde" because that's how I met my DH

gracie4400 · August 2016

I am an HR Manager for a state agency. I'm very lucky in that the agency is very flexible. They will allow me to take up to a year off for maternity!

BelcherEars · August 2016

gracie4400 said:

I am an HR Manager for a state agency. I'm very lucky in that the agency is very flexible. They will allow me to take up to a year off for maternity!

UGH I am very jelly of your agency's maternity leave! My organization had regulations allowing up to 180 calendar days of leave for extended illness/disability. But as of next month, they are doing away with that and leaving it up to a solely case by case basis for ADA and the standard 12 weeks for FMLA. So sad about this because I had my leave saved up! :'(

CanadianintheSouth · August 2016

A bit late to this thread, I have been on vacation all week!

Teach science related night courses at a university, used to teach HS biology as well but left that to stay at home with my daughter.

Also a cheerleading coach, which will start to get difficult further into pregnancy!

msimpy11 · August 2016

I work in HR at the wonderful Booz Allen Hamilton in DC. I studied Art History in school- so I can totally relate to those 'silly degrees' that never get put to use

sgrant432 · August 2016

I'm late to the game, but fascinated by reading about everyone's careers! Lots of healthcare professionals, teachers and lawyers in group.
I am a Sr. Quality Systems Manufacturer for a global food manufacturing company. We are mostly food service with very little retail branded items. I work mostly with regulatory compliance, policy and procedures and food safety compliance.

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