A very nosey question indeed. ;D
I was just wondering what work everyone did. I've been on a forum before where knowing what other members did as a job benefitted other members greatly with advice, and even getting work!
Now, this isn't a chance to be snobby if you've got a really good job, and there is no shame in a low paid job. We all have reasons why we're in these jobs.
I'll start..... Currently I am a Caretaker for one of the largest secondary schools in the South East. I hadn't realised until recently that we do far more than most caretakers at other schools, as we've built some parts of the school ourselves (three of us!), dug trenches for fitting new electrical cables, laid floors, new ceilings, welding..... more like builders really!
In the past I worked nights for Morrisons, which was more of a time filler until I found something more exciting. Working nights for 5 years was a killer. Before that I was a Floor Layer and worked in a few famous people's houses sanding and polishing oak floors, as well as many other types of flooring. I've also done work as a web designer and CCTV installer.
Anyway, enough about me. Everyone that's read this, get involved, or stop being nosey! ;D :thumbsup:
Flight Simulator Engineer - and no, you can't have a shot ;D
Company Director
Apprenticeship in horology specialising in antique/repair/restoration (7+ years).>>>>>>>
Then in into parents general retail jewellers and leaned a fair amount about the gem trade and repairs leading into partnership with them (15+ years).>>>>>
Into reproduction clock manufacture/ design and tooling as employee (3+ years)>>>>>>>>>>>>
Into insurance salesman :thumbsdown: (3weeks)>>>>>>
Hinge fitter to double glazed replacement windows (4 years)>>>>>>>>
Self employed clock repair business from own workshop at home>>>>>>>>>>>>up to retirement in 2005
Present time...........beaten up old crock way past my 'best by' and 'sell by' dates :'(
I work for the United Nations in Liberia, West Africa has head of the Mission Analysis team. I have been here for around 18 months. Liberia was completely destroyed after 14 years of civil war and we help provide the peaceful umbrella to permit rebuilding of a shattered country by the government, agencies and international partners.
Bob
Senior Project Engineer - Oil and Gas Flow Metering Systems.
Been in this business since 1984 and seen the insides of many hotels and planes over the world.
Best place I've been to see trains - Sudan!!!!
I used to work for a Bank which was a great secure job when I started in 1975, but was offered early retirement at the age of 50 and took it because by then I absolutely hated it!
I now run my own catalogue distribution business which means I'm my own boss, work when I want, take time off when I want, work on my layout whenever I want! Absolutely love it! (I'll be very cheeky here, if anyone would like details about how you could do this PM me :thumbsup:)
Well Tank, you are determined to know everything about us aren't you? A refreshing change from some forums where you get your wrists firmly slapped if anything is even slightly off topic!
I work from home as a part-time translator from French and Italian into English. Before that (up to 2006) I worked for Nestle (previously Rowntree Mackintosh) here in York for 28 years as a computer programmer/trainer/IT consultant type. I loved it (mostly). Before that I worked for a solicitor, following a law degree, and hated it.
None of the work I've done has had anything remotely to do with trains. In fact, till I started railway modelling in 2000 (new century, new hobby...) I knew nothing about trains at all and the only dead frog I came across was in a pond.
Rod
I currently work in IT as a System Administrator. Also work part time as a university tutor in e-business.
Just about to change jobs to work for another government department as a Information Manager (mostly project management work)
Interested to see how many other modellers work in IT.
Measured building surveyor for 12 years now. Before that did CAN work on temp contacts. Left school and YTS trained as a butcher. Then went to uni and then the CAN and survey work. Also now run my own business, details below.
Quote from: Rod on June 28, 2011, 01:01:46 PM
Well Tank, you are determined to know everything about us aren't you? A refreshing change from some forums where you get your wrists firmly slapped if anything is even slightly off topic!
;D ;D ;D In my eyes, these kid of forums are about a hobby firstly, and also about getting to know one another. On a forum I used to use a lot, I was helping people lay their floors in their house, and the next week I'd have the favour repaid by them doing something for me. I'm not saying anyone has to do that of course, but that's how friendly it can get on the internet. :thumbsup:
Carpenter and joiner since i left school.
Stuart
Well
For the next two days I'm an academic chair at a community college here in nova scotia, I gave my notice ready for the move to the uk at the end of July. It's been a great job for the last 9 years, had a great team of 20 odd faculty. Prior to that was production manager for a documentary, IT operations manager for 3years, taught electronic games design for three years, and was a university lecturer.
Now without work, looking in the UK and fancy something different. My wife and I have our own animation company, and I do the sound design and set fabrication for our stop motion films, no money in this at the moment however so it's job searching time. Might go back to college and take a trade, it might be time to work with my hands....
I've spent the last 12 years repairing broken PCs and laptops and recovering data from deceased storage devices.
Had many jobs - from office Junior upto Manager in large multinational then redundancy. Went back to college to train as amenity horticulturist - had my own firm for many years, then got calling into education did'nt really like it, then many jobs as site foreman/horticulturist. Then into van sales last 12 years best jobs ever had, no real deadlines, only real pressure creating own earnings, currently selling breakfast products.
Regards
Paul
Hi,
Joined the Black Watch not long after leaving school. Since then I've worked on building sites, built garden sheds and garages. For the past ten years I've been a service Tech/engineer debugging and repairing set top boxes, printers (dot matrix/inkjet/laserjet), laptops, lcd tv's, ATM equipment, Postal franking machines and photocopiers.
Trying to start up my own business operating laser tag equipment and mini tanks.
Alex
Im an optician, i poke people in the eyes with contact lenses, fit glasses and also am the assistant manager and have been for just over 10 years..
I left school not knowing what to do and was lucky enough to fall into optics.
Its a great job i love to help people from all walks of life to see :thumbsup:
8) 8) 8)
Ive only ever had this one job since i left school in 1994.
Im a HGV master tecnician for Scania.
Did a 5yr appreniceship and made my way up the ladder to stand in workshop supervisor over the years.
And now run my own workshop looking after an fleet of scania trucks and trailers for ASDA
I work on the Linux kernel as a job for Intel mostly getting stuff working on little laptop devices and the like and bits of weekends and some evening chunks doing Ultima/Etched Pixels stuff.
Thankfully I work from home so I don't lose three hours a day to travel which gives me time to do Ultima instead.
I build and wire electrical control panels for the heating and ventilating industry, never two panels the same and we normally build for schools, hospitals, health centre's, work has really slowed down since the banks screwed the country up, I just hope we can get really busy again in the next couple of years.
I'm a driving instructor.
hi all
i work in an aquatics shop selling tropical,marine and coldwater fish
only part time at the moment but heres hopeing
Joined the British Army after I left college at 18. Joined the Royal Engineers and got traded as an Electrician down at the Royal School of Military Engineering (RSME) in Chatham (Brompton Bks) Kent. Joined the field army after Combat Engineer and Electrician trade training with 33 Engr Regt E.O.D (Explosive Ordnance Disposal-or Bomb Disposal) where I spent several years touring the world supporting both British and NATO missions conducting E.O.D operations.
I left the Army and became an Electrician with a big multinational firm (I work on many of their fixed sites across the UK)
I only wanted to be a TRAIN DRIVER when I LEFT SCHOOL!
I've worked in the oil industry for the last 32 years:-
Geologist/Drilling Engineer overseas from 1979 to 1988. 8)
Various Aberdeen based management :computersmile: positions since 1988, but still plenty of overseas travel (although I am cutting down on this, as my arse is too big for the size of airline seat my employer is prepared to pay for :-[).
Well at the moment I'm one of the great army of the unemployed! >:(
When I left school I worked for BRITISH RAIL :D
As it was on the YTS (Young Tory Slaves :evil: sorry, Youth Training Scheme :angel:), I had the experience of working in different departments/places.
I worked at various locations on platforms, in ticket office, parcels office, signal box at Cuxton on the Medway Valley line with the signalman pulling levers and opening/closing crossing gates - great fun when frosty, and on the station cleaning gang where you went around cleaning stations of graffiti and car parks/lineside of old sofas, motorbikes, dead cats and the like... :o
Then worked in a shop (mini-market) on a council estate full of alcoholics and ladies selling more than lipstick...
...well, it beat the dole queue!
Went back to college to do computer studies.
Left that and did some temping before I landed a job as a Traffic clerk at a Warehousing, Distribution and Stevedoring company.
Then moved from Kent to Tyneside where I worked as a traffic clerk for a haulage firm then as a customer service advisor for a fairtrade company.
Moved to the north west where I am now and just had a little temping work.
(I happened to move just as the banks screwed the economy up! Great timing eh? :thumbsup: :smiley-laughing:)
So, as I said at the beginning, I'm now one of the great army of the unemployed!
Retired now, But worked all my life painting and repairing cars. 1st 25 years in crash repairs
and the last 25 as self employed painter and paint shop manager of classic and vintage car restoration firm.
Spent 34 years in various departments in flexible packaging companies, ending up as Sales rep to customers like Cadbury, Nestle and Mars. Got made redundant and moved from the Midlands to the North West. Got a job waxing cheese :D in a dairy then finally found another Sales job for an automotive company in Chorley, so now I sell rubber goods and lubricants! No - my top customer is not Ann Summers ;D I sell to the likes of Quinton Hazell and Unipart. I've just been out on business for 2 days and have masses of catching up to do on the forum :computersmile:
Quote from: moogle on June 29, 2011, 03:44:28 PM
As it was on the YTS (Young Tory Slaves :evil: sorry, Youth Training Scheme :angel:),
Glad Im not the only one to do the great YTS scheme.......
Although we use to call it Young Thick and Stupid :smiley-laughing:
Hi,
I used to be on the Youth Oppertunity Programme (Yopper).
Alex
I spent 25 years as a Wedding Photographer but these days the only cash I have coming in other than the pension is what I make as a guitar player vocalist in a country band.
Quote from: mjkerr on June 28, 2011, 11:04:59 AM
Company Director
Are we allowed to know the name of the company, or the line of business, even?
Steve
I wrestle computers with my bare hands.
Steve
Quote from: klaatu on June 30, 2011, 08:39:06 AM
I wrestle computers with my bare hands.
Steve
Hi Steve, Who usually wins? I have tried wrestling with mine at work and it always ends up with me submitting/pole-axed :smiley-laughing:
Quote from: newportnobby on June 30, 2011, 08:54:15 AM
Hi Steve, Who usually wins? I have tried wrestling with mine at work and it always ends up with me submitting/pole-axed :smiley-laughing:
The computer. Always.
Steve
I'm a civil servant in a Government department in central London (and not on strike today).
Alan
45 years as a flooring contactor, I may even have met Tank on my travels !!
Vicar....in the RAF
I am semi retired now, but left university with a degree in chemical engineering, but always wanted to fly, so joined the RAF on a short service commision and flew fast jets. After which worked contracts in the Middle and Far East and Africa flying corporate jets and crop spraying. At the moment I work part time for the local Chamber of Commerce's training company doing database administration.
Irish Padre - where are you currently based? I've a few RAF friends around Lincoln.
Vicar - a village parish on the east end of Long Island, New York. Been here ten years, having retired as a Royal Navy chaplain in 2001. (Also, for those Anglicans on the forum - I am the Rural Dean of my area. ;))
Quote from: Irish Padre on June 30, 2011, 05:32:52 PM
Vicar....in the RAF
We've exchanged a couple of PMs on our common MOD background. I bet we have friends in common. Also Pongos - sorry, Army Chaplains. :angel:
Bet we do know a few of the same characters! I've met a few US ones in Afghanistan who were great fun!
Quote from: Rector on June 30, 2011, 11:45:09 PM
Quote from: Irish Padre on June 30, 2011, 05:32:52 PM
Vicar....in the RAF
We've exchanged a couple of PMs on our common MOD background. I bet we have friends in common. Also Pongos - sorry, Army Chaplains. :angel:
There are some ex pongos here Matelot, so be careful what you say! :smiley-laughing: :wave:
This hobby does seem to attract gentlemen of the cloth.
Anyone else remember the late great Rev. Teddy Boston from Cadeby in Leicestershire?
He had a wonderful GWR 00 layout based on five lines radiating from a junction at Olton Priors (Newton Abbot, get it?). This filled a large shed behind the church which I'm sure was meant for some holier function, and took five people to run with working signalbox bells and track status indicators. He also gave rides on a short railway (3' gauge?) round the vicarage's back garden.
If his services were half as much fun as his railway operating sessions, he will have had a full church every Sunday.
Not to mention ex / current servicemen and women, I did 15 years in the RAF as an Engineering Technician Aircraft Electrical aka Eng Tech AE aka Oi lecky!
Lesmond - that's bomber command country, unfortunately the MOD seem to be determined to hold on to all the useless little units around there to the detriment of the rest of the UK, probably because so many so many ex Air Vice Marshalls who currently languish in the MOD have houses around there!
Tadpole - do you have any involvement in ROV work (think that's what it's called - subsea remote operated vehicles) always fancied a go at that ::)
Quote from: tadpole on July 01, 2011, 08:11:57 AM
This hobby does seem to attract gentlemen of the cloth.
Anyone else remember the late great Rev. Teddy Boston from Cadeby in Leicestershire?
He had a wonderful GWR 00 layout based on five lines radiating from a junction at Olton Priors (Newton Abbot, get it?). This filled a large shed behind the church which I'm sure was meant for some holier function, and took five people to run with working signalbox bells and track status indicators. He also gave rides on a short railway (3' gauge?) round the vicarage's back garden.
If his services were half as much fun as his railway operating sessions, he will have had a full church every Sunday.
Talking of seminal layouts, signal box bells and Men of the Cloth, we cannot neglect Peter Denny and Buckingham. I was lucky enough to see it 'in the flesh' at his vicarage near Newquay (the sounds stick in my mind more than the sights)...the Denny's ran a B&B at the vicarage; perhaps the best B&B in the world?
For my work, I work as a Business Analyst (whatever that is?) for an Insurance Company...
I have been a heating engineer, an industrial sales engineer, computer programmer, analyst programmer, business analyst (mainly insurance) and now I sit at a till and sell petrol in a BP garage...........................
Quote from: m1racleman on June 30, 2011, 11:58:11 AM
45 years as a flooring contactor, I may even have met Tank on my travels !!
You never know! :thumbsup:
Quote from: Lawrence on July 01, 2011, 12:15:33 PM
Tadpole - do you have any involvement in ROV work (think that's what it's called - subsea remote operated vehicles) always fancied a go at that ::)
No direct professional involvement in with ROVs, although I have witnessed their activities as an interested bystander, and occasionally I have to arrange ROV subcontractors to support some of our offshore contracts.
security officer, working nights, 4 on 4 off 12 hour shifts. basically patrols, monitoring alarms, cctv, control of entry etc.
previously been RAF Police QPD, HGV driver, bus driver, AA patrol - just couldn't face working in an office !
Quote from: class37025 on July 06, 2011, 08:58:48 AM
security officer, working nights, 4 on 4 off 12 hour shifts. basically patrols, monitoring alarms, cctv, control of entry etc.
previously been RAF Police QPD, HGV driver, bus driver, AA patrol - just couldn't face working in an office !
:o :o Tank, can we just ban 37025 now please ;)
Honestly, you spend 15 years of your life trying to avoid 'em then they turn up here
:smiley-laughing:
Why do snowdrops walk round in pairs ?
one can read, one can write
What about the dog handlers ?
the dogs do both !
Quote from: class37025 on July 06, 2011, 09:47:08 AM
Why do snowdrops walk round in pairs ?
one can read, one can write
What about the dog handlers ?
the dogs do both !
Ah yes, the good old brain on a chain :smiley-laughing:
I started off in engineering in a small company in Fife and ended up working in R&D for most of my adult life. After being made redundant I requalified as a teacher in IT, after a few years of that had to give up working due to my health, I now pass my time on my many hobbies.
Started work in 1985 as an apprentice plumber at the local authority housing department until 1989,left after my apprenticeship ended and worked on new builds and various other projects for various other companies until the recession bit.
Then trained as a bus driver and worked at that until 2005 when I left to set up my own plumbing and heating firm.I had to close down in 2010 due to the banking crisis and crash in the building trade crippled business.So now I'm back driving buses for the same firm I left in 2005,but,I'm still doing plumbing and heating in my spare time which finances my hobby.
I may go back to plumbing and heating on a full time basis at some point,although at the moment there are too many 6 or 12 month supposedly trained plumbers chasing the same bits of work,so competition is fierce and people really do put pound notes before safety and quality installations.
I hate this aspect of the business but its never been more prevalent than it is now.
Pete
Started my working life in July 1967 as a BRS mechanic having maintained and raced several vintage 'bikes (Vincent, Norton and Matchless) but a depot closure led to me taking starting a PO Telephones apprenticeship. I couldn't at that stage join the RAF but that chance came in August '68 and I went in as a 'cadet entrant'. The life consisted of being trained to do a particular job, radio changes, fuel control module testing and installation etc and then being flown with the team to an active base to deal with all their aircraft. I was still racing 'bikes as and when and that led to my short (9 months) service time when a sidecar wheel formed a splinter spares group. Went back the Post Office after 9 months repair and re-arming (not literally!) and completed my apprenticeship then my family and I moved to St.Albans due to my father's work and I went to work for STC on exchange testing in and around London. Marriage and a move to Gloucestershire saw me working for PYE Telephones in Malmesbury. Redundancies, not mine but within the group, led me to take a job as test engineer in the leisure industry. Over the years 5 redundancies have led to me working as a safety officer and special faults investigator and in various parts of the electronics industry on everything from video games machines, vehicle electronic modules, video discs, medical radiography, cable TV and military electronic defence systems. This last one is where I am currently, working in Sussex, heading for my retirement. Some extra jobs, taken to keep a roof above our heads and the kids fed and clothed (electronic testing ain't the highest paid work!) have included bingo calling, present wrapping and petrol sales.
Full time carer for severely disabled wife (Thanks NHS!!). Prior to that military electronic component Sales Manager and then owner of 3 companies.....Electronic component distribution, building company and decorating company. Spent last 16 years looking after 'er indoors, modelling N gauge and being taxi driver to grandkids!!!
Quote from: N Gauge Bob on July 15, 2011, 07:18:10 AM
Full time carer for severely disabled wife (Thanks NHS!!). Prior to that military electronic component Sales Manager and then owner of 3 companies.....Electronic component distribution, building company and decorating company. Spent last 16 years looking after 'er indoors, modelling N gauge and being taxi driver to grandkids!!!
Just wanted to say all the best to you and your wife Bob. Kindest Regards OwL :thumbsup:
Since I did my PhD in Biochemistry I have spent 22 years in the pharmaceutical industry developing manufacturing processes for biopharmaceuticals - drugs like vaccines and antibodies.
Wasn't for Abbott Laboratories was it? I did 20 years with them. :thumbsdown: Even murderers don't get that long a sentance. :'(
Been working in IT for the past 30+ years. :sleep:
Steve
Quote from: owl729 on July 15, 2011, 11:23:04 PM
Quote from: N Gauge Bob on July 15, 2011, 07:18:10 AM
Full time carer for severely disabled wife (Thanks NHS!!). Prior to that military electronic component Sales Manager and then owner of 3 companies.....Electronic component distribution, building company and decorating company. Spent last 16 years looking after 'er indoors, modelling N gauge and being taxi driver to grandkids!!!
Just wanted to say all the best to you and your wife Bob. Kindest Regards OwL :thumbsup:
Thanks Owl. It was a moderately simple op and they said one in a million chance of problems.
Hey..she's one in a million :)
Cheers
Bob
I'm a doorman when im not a full time dad to my dissabled son,,,
Quote from: poliss on July 16, 2011, 01:46:33 AM
Wasn't for Abbott Laboratories was it? I did 20 years with them. :thumbsdown: Even murderers don't get that long a sentance. :'(
Never worked for Abbott (yet anyway). Worked for UCB-Celltech when I was in the UK working on a drug for arthritis and Crohn's. Currently working for a contract company. Recently have had no time to be on the forum working long days manufacturing a drug for trials in multiple sclerosis. Even when the job is tough it keeps me going knowing we're making something that might help people. My trains are my escape though - keeps me sane... as sane as I can be anyhow.
I work at ASDA full time aswell as running a business with my brother full time. Thats probably why I have no time for trains.... :thumbsdown:
I work for UPS as a Driver Trainer (HGV) been there for the last 17 years and at the moment concentrating on the Driver CPC qualifications.
Quote from: steamerdave on July 16, 2011, 08:48:34 PM
I work for UPS as a Driver Trainer (HGV) been there for the last 17 years and at the moment concentrating on the Driver CPC qualifications.
My dad was doing that last year for the co-op (now norbert dressingtable)
i'm just a singer in a rock and roll band ;), sadly was never on telly :( cheers john
Quote from: Fratton on July 16, 2011, 08:59:47 PM
Quote from: steamerdave on July 16, 2011, 08:48:34 PM
I work for UPS as a Driver Trainer (HGV) been there for the last 17 years and at the moment concentrating on the Driver CPC qualifications.
My dad was doing that last year for the co-op (now norbert dressingtable)
Love it :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
I work at the London Film School in the Cinematography department, looking after the lights and stages etc as well as teaching students how to use them safely, which can sometimes be tricky ;D
It's quite interesting as well as being convenient for me for where I live, and the long holidays certainly come in handy :thumbsup:
R E Faust
:Class37: :Carriage:
i work for london underground have been employed there for 4half years absoloutly love it love working ith trains
Secondary School teacher teaching A Level Ancient History and O Level History and English in the middle of Queensland for another 16 weeks before, having finished 4 years, transfering back to Burpengary, north of Brisbane and teaching similar subjects down there. Not sure of the school or the timetable yet - find out in September.
Other than that, Dad of 4 girls and Husband of another!
I spent 25 years in the Royal Air Force, then 17 years in Customs and Excise. Now retired from the hurley burley fo some 11 years, I wonder however I fitted work into my schedule?
Quote from: Sithlord75 on August 12, 2011, 11:56:56 AM
Secondary School teacher teaching A Level Ancient History and O Level History and English in the middle of Queensland for another 16 weeks before, having finished 4 years, transfering back to Burpengary, north of Brisbane and teaching similar subjects down there. Not sure of the school or the timetable yet - find out in September.
I was about to ask if I am the only teacher on here? Obviously not.
Kirky
am i the only railway worker ?????? surley not
Used to be a university lecturer in the UK, fled to Hong Kong in 1984 as an economic refugee from Mrs Thatcher, then managed to negotiate early retirement from there in 1997 and came to live in New Zealand for the trout fishing, oh and the railway modelling of course. Brian
Im a Quantity Surveyor for a multi-national construction firm, currently working on a Leisure Centre project.
40 years with the same independent garage starting with "petrol pump attendant" (kerbside fuel pumps, we pumped, no canopy - got "really wet" when it rained - can you check my oil and water please - gee, thanks) and onward through tyre fitter, parts department advisor, mechanic, forecourt manager, MOT tester and MOT Quality Controller, to Service Manager and Aftersales Manager with Accounts Control chucked in. Acquired Vauxhall, Renault, Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge and Proton franchises along the way. Throw in the IT control - Network Management, Hardware Management, Web-Site Management, Email Management and Advertising Artwork Design and I had covered every aspect of the company's Aftersales operation (couldn't manage Sales, couldn't lie convincingly!)
A bout of pneumonia earlier this year made me realise I was killing myself for the company's benefit. Still struggling with health and so took early retirement and a move to peaceful Mid-Wales where I've sent the (much younger) wife out to work as head of music at the local High School.
Should have done it years ago. Now got a dedicated layout room - once I've redecorated to everyones satisfaction!
To paraphrase Derek Trotter - A year from now I'll be like a pig in s*^t!
A true Welsh Gentleman :thumbsup:, and an asset to the forum. I just wish that some of the youths in the UK would take after your excellent work ethic.
Im sorry to hear about your pneumonia episode, and I wish you a speedy recovery.(modelling N' Gauge does help)
Please keep us posted on your new layout room, and if ever you need a stranger to talk to please PM me, (im not a doctor, but sometimes a strangers words can make the day all the better :thumbsup:)
All the best
OwL :thumbsup:
Well I started out as an apprentice sparky. got made redundant self employed consultancy until I got a job as a Train Guard-conductor grade. Moved up to Train Manager then down to non commercial Guard all through choice. and now? TRAIN DRIVER :thumbsup: 8) ;D :wave: :smiley-laughing:
Quote from: driverg on August 27, 2011, 08:47:38 PM
Well I started out as an apprentice sparky. got made redundant self employed consultancy until I got a job as a Train Guard-conductor grade. Moved up to Train Manager then down to non commercial Guard all through choice. and now? TRAIN DRIVER :thumbsup: 8) ;D :wave: :smiley-laughing:
Hmmm - there seems to be a sort of commonality here -electrickery and trains. What line do you pilot on?
L&SWR ;)
If you'd asked me this six months ago I'd have said "Assistant Management Accountant".
However, since then the dirty scumbag place I worked for decided to make all four assistant accountants redundant then make them re-apply for their OWN JOBS !! So I told them where to stick their job, took redundancy and can currently be found driving one of these:-
(http://premium1.uploadit.org/Sprintex//Tesco-truck.jpg)
8)
Paul
Very nice Sprintex! Sorry to hear about the accountancy job. Is that not illegal to do that? ???
Quote from: Tank on August 29, 2011, 09:50:20 AM
Very nice Sprintex! Sorry to hear about the accountancy job. Is that not illegal to do that? ???
That is most people's perception but so many companies are doing it now. The worst case I had first hand experience of was a MIdlands hospital doing just that to 100's of staff (which included my wife of the time). Those who failed to apply for their own job were put into a 'pool' and made to do anything the hospital wanted or to get out.
Quote from: Tank on August 29, 2011, 09:50:20 AM
Very nice Sprintex! Sorry to hear about the accountancy job. Is that not illegal to do that? ???
What does illegal have to do with it, the question a lot of these big companies ask is "Will I get caught, is it cheaper to take the risk anyway ?", and non-union generally means "disposable"
Very true! They employ their own lawyers who know the rules better than the judges. :-\
Quote from: EtchedPixels on August 29, 2011, 11:29:20 AM
Quote from: Tank on August 29, 2011, 09:50:20 AM
Very nice Sprintex! Sorry to hear about the accountancy job. Is that not illegal to do that? ???
What does illegal have to do with it, the question a lot of these big companies ask is "Will I get caught, is it cheaper to take the risk anyway ?", and non-union generally means "disposable"
Sadly that seems to be the way of it these days with an big-ish organisation. If you play by the rules it seems you're in the minority :thumbsdown:
It's not illegal if they can prove that your job description has changed 'appreciably' from the one you had when you started. Of course 'appreciably' is not quantifiable so would be very hard to disprove in a tribunal - this is what the employers play on :thumbsdown:
In my case yes they had changed the job description by adding two extra tasks/duties - hardly a major change but enough for me to tell them to stuff it where the sun don't shine!! :smiley-laughing:
Paul
I'm currently security manager and head doorman at a caravan site in bognor that caters for alot of londoners and a few "as you likies" I used to be Involved in large scale event security managing a hundred or so bods in muddy fields all round the country, the change to a 5 man team has taken some getting used to,
when i left school all i wanted to do was join the fleet air arm (royal navy) like my dad, but living in damp Married quaters all my life meant my childhood was nothing but asthma and chest infections,,,,,,,, dream ruined,,,,,, :(
Until the end of June I was a Management Accountant. But at that point I jumped ship. A voluntary severance package was available. I took the hint and applied. The application was accepted. Not sure that gentleman of liesure applies. Others will form their view on gentleman. As for leisure, with 3 grandchildren to date, all under 4 years.............. The 2 boys (nearly 4 yrs, and 18 months) are certainly keen on trains at present, so I am doing something right.
I drive this...... (yes, thats me driving ;D)
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee442/djmikeymike2011/373a.jpg)
And sometimes i drive this.....
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee442/djmikeymike2011/RML2665.jpg)
Hard work, but good fun !
Quote from: 4x2ybecauseican on August 30, 2011, 11:39:34 PM
And sometimes i drive this.....
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee442/djmikeymike2011/RML2665.jpg)
I love that bus - is it a 1968 AEC Routemaster. ??? If I can't own a Western, one of those would be fantastic. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Mustermark on August 31, 2011, 12:37:07 AM
Quote from: 4x2ybecauseican on August 30, 2011, 11:39:34 PM
And sometimes i drive this.....
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee442/djmikeymike2011/RML2665.jpg)
I love that bus - is it a 1968 AEC Routemaster. ??? If I can't own a Western, one of those would be fantastic. :thumbsup:
Yep, spot on ! It's an RML (Route master long) and this one has history... It was in the film 'Notting Hill' ! ;D
Very cool. 8)
p.s. You are up late!
Quote from: Mustermark on August 31, 2011, 01:39:42 AM
Very cool. 8)
p.s. You are up late!
I had late starts all week, so I can get away with a few late ones. ;D
I'm retired! Officially.
Unofficially in the last ten years, apart from all the heavy work of foundations, concreting and the roof, we have built our own home here in Varna. Did all the plumbing and electrical work, tiling, some plastering, painting, and wooden block floors, built all the wardrobes and the kitchen units and just about everything else needed to put a home together. Having sacked a multitude of 'master craftsmen' we decided we could do a better job, even if it was to take a bit longer.
Vania now concentrates on the garden, and I concentrate on not doing much, age has its benefits.
Previously 23 years in the Royal Air Force, then supervisor in a security company, packed frozen turkeys in between jobs, taxi driver, IT network administrator, Lotus Notes developer.
Blimey, Trevor. A definitive Jack of all Trades :thumbsup:
Quote from: 4x2ybecauseican on August 30, 2011, 11:39:34 PM
I drive this...... (yes, thats me driving ;D)
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee442/djmikeymike2011/373a.jpg)
You've probably cut me up in that thing when I've been taking my missus to work at RUH ;) ;) ;)
As for me I spent 12 years in RAF after I left school, started as an LMechTC ended up as an LTechTC, and thanks to the Berlin wall coming down couldn't get signed on past 12 years :thumbsdown:
Then worked for a company called Mason Communications in Manchester as a Survey Officer, doing site surveys for Cellnet (as it was then). Left after a year to get into the IT Industry in the M4 Corridor (What a mistake that was!!!!!) ended up working for 3 major players without moving desk over the next 10 years, Digital Equipment, Compaq and HP. After the HP ahem!! 'Merger' decided to take the money and run when it was offered.
Decided I wanted to be a lorry driver, to destress. So took my Class 2 and spent the next 15 months driving trucks, absolutely loved it, brilliant job. Then the missus said "redundancy moneys all gone!!!". So am now a Field Service Engineer, looking after Emergency Service Radios (Tetra) and Command & Control Systems (ICCS), which combines everything I've done over the last 25 years since I left school.
Regards
Neal.
Quote from: Calnefoxile on September 06, 2011, 11:43:23 AM
Quote from: 4x2ybecauseican on August 30, 2011, 11:39:34 PM
I drive this...... (yes, thats me driving ;D)
(http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee442/djmikeymike2011/373a.jpg)
You've probably cut me up in that thing when I've been taking my missus to work at RUH ;) ;) ;)
As for me I spent 12 years in RAF after I left school, started as an LMechTC ended up as an LTechTC, and thanks to the Berlin wall coming down couldn't get signed on past 12 years :thumbsdown:
Then worked for a company called Mason Communications in Manchester as a Survey Officer, doing site surveys for Cellnet (as it was then). Left after a year to get into the IT Industry in the M4 Corridor (What a mistake that was!!!!!) ended up working for 3 major players without moving desk over the next 10 years, Digital Equipment, Compaq and HP. After the HP ahem!! 'Merger' decided to take the money and run when it was offered.
Decided I wanted to be a lorry driver, to destress. So took my Class 2 and spent the next 15 months driving trucks, absolutely loved it, brilliant job. Then the missus said "redundancy moneys all gone!!!". So am now a Field Service Engineer, looking after Emergency Service Radios (Tetra) and Command & Control Systems (ICCS), which combines everything I've done over the last 25 years since I left school.
Regards
Neal.
Cut you up ? Nah, the risk of mountains of paper work is too high ! :smiley-laughing: We like to save such risky moves for the taxi's.... :evil:
in 2013 i hope to join network rail as an apprentice
I'm about to change my job...handed my resignation in yesterday, and due to move during the middle of October. This time I will be a proper commuter - my new company is an insurance company in the City of London, so it's the half-seven train from my local station to London Bridge and then join the throng of commuters crossing the bridge into the City.
Exciting times... A new challenge (I am joining the Global Operations team) as well as a promotion and pay rise! ;D
Quote from: Claude Dreyfus on September 14, 2011, 08:21:52 PM
Exciting times... A new challenge (I am joining the Global Operations team) as well as a promotion and pay rise! ;D
Well done, Claude. Congratulations and all best wishes in your new job :beers: :thumbsup:
Why can't I upload my track plan, the notes on photos seem to have gone?
Quote from: MinZaPint on September 14, 2011, 08:55:04 PM
Why can't I upload my track plan, the notes on photos seem to have gone?
There is one picture in your layout thread at http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=1958.msg20572#msg20572, are you trying to upload more to that thread? just wondered as this is the "What job do you do " thread.
Information on uploading photos can be found at http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=424.0
Quote from: newportnobby on September 14, 2011, 08:29:47 PM
Quote from: Claude Dreyfus on September 14, 2011, 08:21:52 PM
Exciting times... A new challenge (I am joining the Global Operations team) as well as a promotion and pay rise! ;D
Well done, Claude. Congratulations and all best wishes in your new job :beers: :thumbsup:
Thanks :thumbsup:
Technically i'm a student (yes you can all hate me). Part time wise i worked in Shrewsbury Model Centre but i have just got myself a part time job in Rails Of Sheffield :D
Ollie
When do you start?I'm going to take a ride to Rail's this week sometime.
Need some more SEEP point motors and see if they have anything new.
Not 'till next week, thursday and saturday to be precise
Ollie
My official tittle is customer liason officer ............... cashier :thumbsup:
Quote from: Ollie3440 on September 26, 2011, 05:04:23 PM
Technically i'm a student (yes you can all hate me). Part time wise i worked in Shrewsbury Model Centre but i have just got myself a part time job in Rails Of Sheffield :D
Ollie
Do you get discount? ;) ;)
No comment ;)
Ollie
Hi,
I am a retired Trading Standards Officer, having worked from 1966 in London and surrounding counties, them moved to the East Midlands in 1999 and retired in 2010. Specialised in consumer product safety (pulling teddy bears apart and trying to electrocute myself), then moved on to food safety and animal health and welfare. As a retirement treat for myself, I decided to take up modelling an n-gauge layout, which has got as far as baseboard and track (can't rush these things), but my only loco has had to go for repair as has jammed connecting rods (SR Merchant Navy). Buy everything from toy fairs as it is a cheap way to buy stuff - provided they work!
Kipper.
Welcome to the forum kipper :thumbsup:
Regards
Paul
Well my job is driving one of these,kiwi rail DXC class loco just one of the class of locos we use in our area.
(http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4178/kiwirail.jpg)
I have been with the railways in New Zealand since i was 18yr's old and now have 30yrs service.I started as a locomotive Assistant or fireman,i got my 2nd grade drivers ticket at 23yr's old that allowed me to drive Freight trains and at that time speed was only 55km/h due to restricted speed of our 4 wheeled wagons at that time.I passed my 1st Grade ticket when i was 24yr's old that allowed me to drive express Freight (80Km/h) and Passenger Trains (90km/h).In 1995 i obtained my Remote Control ticket that allowed me to drive Shunt loco's in remote control i did that for 11yrs and still obtaining my drivers ticket.I have been back on Mainline duties since 2006.There is just the driver on our trains so One Man operation (that came in to affect in 1991)with a TEM on rear of our trains (Tail End Monitors) or in usa they call them FRED.We run under CTC & Track warrant systems in our area.
Quote from: Kipper on September 27, 2011, 03:45:50 PM
(pulling teddy bears apart and trying to electrocute myself), then moved on to food safety and animal health and welfare.
Kipper.
Dismembering teddy bears then moving into animal health and welfare. Were you arrested by the Teddy Police? ;D
If I can find them, I will upload some photos of me doing VERY unorthodox things to a teddy and a fluffy bunny. Perfectly innocent testing methods, which look well dodgy in the photos!
Quote from: PhilW on September 30, 2011, 12:38:29 AM
Well my job is driving one of these,kiwi rail DXC class loco just one of the class of locos we use in our area.
(http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4178/kiwirail.jpg)
I have been with the railways in New Zealand since i was 18yr's old and now have 30yrs service.I started as a locomotive Assistant or fireman,i got my 2nd grade drivers ticket at 23yr's old that allowed me to drive Freight trains and at that time speed was only 55km/h due to restricted speed of our 4 wheeled wagons at that time.I passed my 1st Grade ticket when i was 24yr's old that allowed me to drive express Freight (80Km/h) and Passenger Trains (90km/h).In 1995 i obtained my Remote Control ticket that allowed me to drive Shunt loco's in remote control i did that for 11yrs and still obtaining my drivers ticket.I have been back on Mainline duties since 2006.There is just the driver on our trains so One Man operation (that came in to affect in 1991)with a TEM on rear of our trains (Tail End Monitors) or in usa they call them FRED.We run under CTC & Track warrant systems in our area.
How lucky can you get - playing with trains all day, then going home and playing with trains again! Have you got room in your cab for a small layout, so you can have a play during rest breaks?
Quote from: Kipper on September 30, 2011, 07:36:10 PM
Quote from: PhilW on September 30, 2011, 12:38:29 AM
Well my job is driving one of these,kiwi rail DXC class loco just one of the class of locos we use in our area.
(http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4178/kiwirail.jpg)
I have been with the railways in New Zealand since i was 18yr's old and now have 30yrs service.I started as a locomotive Assistant or fireman,i got my 2nd grade drivers ticket at 23yr's old that allowed me to drive Freight trains and at that time speed was only 55km/h due to restricted speed of our 4 wheeled wagons at that time.I passed my 1st Grade ticket when i was 24yr's old that allowed me to drive express Freight (80Km/h) and Passenger Trains (90km/h).In 1995 i obtained my Remote Control ticket that allowed me to drive Shunt loco's in remote control i did that for 11yrs and still obtaining my drivers ticket.I have been back on Mainline duties since 2006.There is just the driver on our trains so One Man operation (that came in to affect in 1991)with a TEM on rear of our trains (Tail End Monitors) or in usa they call them FRED.We run under CTC & Track warrant systems in our area.
How lucky can you get - playing with trains all day, then going home and playing with trains again! Have you got room in your cab for a small layout, so you can have a play during rest breaks?
Hi Kipper,usually during breaks its put the feet up and close the eyes lol if we're lucky.
I'm a final year vet student, hence the lack of time I'm able to play trains and model :'(
I'm a social care nurse (official title) or care worker as its more commonly known. I assist adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. I've been doing it for fourteen years now and wouldn't give it up for anything. I have a HND and Degree in theatre studies but I get more out of what I do now even though the pay is only just above minimum wage.
Mick
Quote from: Mick A on September 30, 2011, 10:53:50 PM
I'm a social care nurse (official title) or care worker as its more commonly known. I assist adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. I've been doing it for fourteen years now and wouldn't give it up for anything. I have a HND and Degree in theatre studies but I get more out of what I do now even though the pay is only just above minimum wage.
Mick
Top man :thumbsup:
Sound engineer and designer for 10 years, full time job in the theater, running shows every night! :music:. Specialised for theatrical sound effects. Occasionally doing light design for amateur theatre (being sparky for 4 years before sound job).
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b323/73134/yn07ooa.jpg)
I drive this......
I work in a builder's merchant.
Train Driver/Instructor/Assessor with Northernrail, prior to that I worked for 18 years at the Leeds branch of BEATTIES model shop.
I fit curtains and blinds
joiner since leaving school currently self employed :thumbsup:
Have been running my own driving school for past 14 years.
I'm supposed to be retired but having a kn*****ed pension pot have been lucky enough to get a part time job (36 days a year) as a number cruncher which just about keeps my head above water and pays for the occaisional indulgence in :NGAUGE:
Quote from: Kesdrive on January 14, 2012, 07:05:13 PM
Have been running my own driving school for past 14 years.
There's a coincidence, i'm a driving instructor too, being doing it for just over 4 years.
About 50% of the housework and 30% of the gardening and 80% of the cooking cuz I am retired.
Quote from: oldrailbug on January 14, 2012, 08:17:19 PM
About 50% of the housework and 30% of the gardening and 80% of the cooking cuz I am retired.
Like minded soul except I try to do 0% Gardening get hooked into the housework but with the 90% of the cooking I manage to do 100% of the railway modelling.
I was employed by the wonderful British rail prior to getting sold into serfdom to various companies BRBS Sema Atos. Luckily my 33 years has given me the opportunity to take early retirement in the Tuscan Hills.
RAF (airfield radar, comms and navaids technician) for 15 years, now a radio engineer for the last 17 years.
Mark
Quote from: gwrwill on January 14, 2012, 06:20:25 PM
joiner since leaving school currently self employed :thumbsup:
How's your base board work? and are you cheap :smiley-laughing: Nothing like a friendly local tradesman ;)
Quote from: markie on January 14, 2012, 08:26:55 PM
RAF (airfield radar, comms and navaids technician) for 15 years, now a radio engineer for the last 17 years.
Mark
I'm ex aircraft leckie - been in simulation for the last 13 years - demobbed in '94
Currently Engineering Manager, heading up the team that runs our global backbone network, and develops new products / services to sell on top of it. Previously other telecoms and IT related things, including another global engineering role, technical trainer, tech support, sysadmin and software developer.
Worst job prior to all of that was dog-washing in a poodle parlour, which I stuck out for a day and never went back :-X
Having been made redundant at the end of 2006 from Sales, I worked in a pub, then did a 6 month contract as warehouseman/order picker at RAF Stafford (I could tell some stories but I'd have to kill you, or they would kill me :-X) then waxed cheese in a dairy before finding another job in Sales. Now I sell rubber goods and lubricants :o
This seems to be a good a place as any for my first post on the N Gauge Forum-
Having spent time in the Royal Signals including working with EOD units in NI, I've been a HGV driver, I've been involved with middle management in the Care Home industry and now... I'm a self employed window cleaner who can finish work when I like and then forget work until the next day go home and think about trains... live can be good sometimes.
Regards
Jack
:Class37:
Quote from: Jack9465 on January 14, 2012, 09:08:48 PM
This seems to be a good a place as any for my first post on the N Gauge Forum-
Having spent time in the Royal Signals including working with EOD units in NI, I've been a HGV driver, I've been involved with middle management in the Care Home industry and now... I'm a self employed window cleaner who can finish work when I like and then forget work until the next day go home and think about trains... live can be good sometimes.
Regards
Jack
Hello Jack, and welcome to the forum :wave:
Another post in the Introduction section would be great, just to let us know where your interests lie in N gauge :thumbsup:
:Class37:
Quote from: newportnobby on January 14, 2012, 09:01:40 PMNow I sell rubber goods and lubricants :o
:o :o........And i thought it was just women that held Ann Summers parties....... ;D ;)
Trained as a teacher and did that for six years until realising I'd made a BIG mistake. Then went into the Civil Service for 19 years before taking a voluntary severance package in 2005. After two years as a self employed training consultant I went back into the civil service as a training manager and business analyst. Hopefully the next career move is into retirement.
Here's hoping. ;D
Quote from: Lawrence on January 14, 2012, 08:44:10 PM
Quote from: gwrwill on January 14, 2012, 06:20:25 PM
joiner since leaving school currently self employed :thumbsup:
How's your base board work? and are you cheap :smiley-laughing: Nothing like a friendly local tradesman ;)
Quote from: markie on January 14, 2012, 08:26:55 PM
RAF (airfield radar, comms and navaids technician) for 15 years, now a radio engineer for the last 17 years.
Mark
I'm ex aircraft leckie - been in simulation for the last 13 years - demobbed in '94
just keep me going with cups of tea lawrence ;D ;D
left the UK to work on the railway in NEW ZEALAND
Quote from: Hearts1874 on January 15, 2012, 04:30:49 AM
left the UK to work on the railway in NEW ZEALAND
Thats a fair trek back to Gorgie from there :smiley-laughing:
I'm a university lecturer, teaching computer animation and motion capture.
Hi Guys
25+ years at Hinkley Point power station consisting of 4 year craft apprenticeship in control and instrumentation (good solid practical training), 3 years for a HNC in engineering. 4 years maintaining the autocontrol equipment, next 4 years on reactor safety systems, then shift technician for 7 years and now shift operations (fuel route). (No, we dont glow or get cheap/free electric)
Regards
Russ
I've just given up 7 1/2 years working in retail to join South West Trains as a Gateline Assisstant.
My career on the railways starts here :thumbsup:
Started out as a time served electrician, but in the real world the job sucks! Either working on building sites 25 feet up in the air, often before rooves and windows and floorboards were fitted, or moving furniture, lifting carpets and generally pulling peoples homes apart to do re wires. I realised that wiring was less than 20% of the job, the rest was ripping things out and then making good, and I hated plastering! So I decided I'd give bus driving a go for 6 months while I decided what I really wanted to do, but stayed at that for 20 years ??? Then moved from Hastings to Devon about 6 years ago, and started work for a coach company, got a feeling this is what I will stick with, no two days are ever the same, get to see plenty, like working outside, but nice and warm in winter, and air conditioned comfort in the summer ;D, and no bosses breathing down my neck :thumbsup:
I started with the standard Paper round between ages 13-16. From there i have worked as sales staff in two model shops. Shrewsbury Model Centre (up until august last year) and now Rails of Sheffield (October 2011 - Present)
Ollie
Spent almost 20yrs as a truck driver tramping around Europe. Gave up in 2008, got fed up with being away from home for weeks at a time.
Since then I have started my own business window cleaning, using water fed poles and I love it! No early starts, 4-5hr day and I earn a decent living out of it.
I look after the maintenance of around 2500 social housing properties. I'm not allowed to say much more than that.
I work for a multi-national Construction company as a Quantity Surveyor. My current business unit is the Rail Northern Division where we carry out Civil Engineering construction and maintenance on various Rail Structures.
Sometimes means unsocial hours! but at least you get a real good look at the prototype!!!
Just completed 15 years as an insurance broker for a large company that specialises in insuring all manner of commercial things. My particular dept. insures oil & gas rigs, cargo ships and pipelines.
Chartered Accountant. My main interest was Naval, so I've spent most of my career in aviation, moving from military to civil.
I was in the Naval Reserve for eleven years, back in the days when we played sailors and before it got dangerous. The closest I came to action was during the Falklands, but they didn't want us.
Took the chance of redundancy about two years ago but started work as a facilities officer just before Christmas. Part time so extra pennies to play with and time to spend modelling.
So no International Drug Smugglers, Chicken Sexers, Celebrity Impersonators or Assassins, then?
I'm so disappointed!
Quote from: Flakmunky on January 24, 2012, 08:22:36 PM
So no International Drug Smugglers, Chicken Sexers, Celebrity Impersonators or Assassins, then?
I'm so disappointed!
Try the "other hobbies" thread? :smiley-laughing:
Quote from: Mustermark on January 25, 2012, 12:07:42 PM
Quote from: Flakmunky on January 24, 2012, 08:22:36 PM
So no International Drug Smugglers, Chicken Sexers, Celebrity Impersonators or Assassins, then?
I'm so disappointed!
Try the "other hobbies" thread? :smiley-laughing:
Would that be the "OH!" Gauge thread ? :evil:
Musician/Music Teacher here. Main instrument these days is (Orchestral) Percussion, although I also play Piano (often playing rehearsal piano for theatre productions), trombone, trumpet, horn, any other brass really, little bit of clarinet and flute, and I've been known to sing on odd occasions (actually sang the "Brindisi" from "La Traviata" the other day in a student concert at work, singing both the Tenor and Soprano parts (at pitch!). Was ceftainly... interesting!
Bomb Technician - If you see me running try to keep up.....
:Class414:
Not suprisingly that was a joke - IT Programme Manager...
Signalman, started with good old BR Western Region in 1983 on mechanical boxes, moved up to panel box 1n 1987 and saw out the last of the good times when we all worked for the same company and pulled in the same direction with good old Mk 1/11 coaching stock and good mix of first generation of diesels, so on through Railtrack and now Network Rail, my interest go back to 1930's to 1970's, modern railways hold no interest for me mainly due to having to deal with them every day, a most frustrating and at times thankless and depressing pastime for anyone with an interest in railways and the stock and locomotives, to my eyes, I quickly add!, all look the same and just don't do it for me.
Quote from: Flakmunky on January 24, 2012, 08:22:36 PM
So no International Drug Smugglers, Chicken Sexers, Celebrity Impersonators or Assassins, then?
I'm so disappointed!
I could tell you all about my 'other' highly skilled and paid job....
But then i'd have to kill so many fellow modellers, and it may be noticed by the authorities... (http://serve.mysmiley.net/fighting/fighting0021.gif)
:smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
I've spent the last 11 years driving buses around Manchester, spent the last 3 years of that driving the 130 from Manchester to Macclesfield. Not an exciting job but i really enjoy it!!! :thumbsup:
Quote from: bees on January 27, 2012, 12:41:08 AM
I've spent the last 11 years driving buses around Manchester, spent the last 3 years of that driving the 130 from Manchester to Macclesfield. Not an exciting job but i really enjoy it!!! :thumbsup:
There are many fellow bus drivers on this forum, myself included ! :wave:
Is it me, or do buses and trains always end up together (steady - keep it clean :smiley-laughing:).... despite being rivals !
Last occupation was 25 years as a Wedding Photographer, this enabled me to retire from full time work early.
Gave the game away in 2003 when digital became popular :thumbsdown: did a few weddings using digital cameras but the amount of work involved drove me nuts, give me film for wedding photography any day :thumbsup:
Quote from: bees on January 27, 2012, 12:41:08 AM
I've spent the last 11 years driving buses around Manchester, spent the last 3 years of that driving the 130 from Manchester to Macclesfield. Not an exciting job but i really enjoy it!!! :thumbsup:
Three years to get from Manchester to Macclesfield wow ! the traffic must be really bad nowadays. :smiley-laughing: :beers:
Quote from: 4x2 on January 27, 2012, 12:55:16 AM
Is it me, or do buses and trains always end up together (steady - keep it clean :smiley-laughing:).... despite being rivals !
Aye, the Class 142's were the result of a bit of close intimacy following the two of them being left alone one night at Bradford Interchange. :o :o :o
Quote from: point blank on January 27, 2012, 11:38:42 AM
Quote from: 4x2 on January 27, 2012, 12:55:16 AM
Is it me, or do buses and trains always end up together (steady - keep it clean :smiley-laughing:).... despite being rivals !
Aye, the Class 142's were the result of a bit of close intimacy following the two of them being left alone one night at Bradford Interchange. :o :o :o
It's the transport equivalent of the council estate teenager offspring - not planned properly, nobody wants it, but it's our taxes that keep it going :thumbsdown:
Paul
As i posted earlier im a coach driver, but an impending move upto North Yorkshire with my mum, ill hopefully going back to driving the artic lorries, as to quote the venga boys song "i dont want to be a bus driver all my life" lol
Initially I made the decision to avoid this thread completely - thought it was a bit of an intrusion - but curiosity got the better of me.
Wow, what a diverse mixture we have here. Maybe one of the common demominators is that most of the work we do does not involve making anything that uses our creative juices so making our own little universe (that just happens to include trains) is why we are here.
As for me; I've been in quality all my working life. I started before this quality assurance thingy existed but now I own and run a small business doing ISO 9001 certification. (Salesman hat on, we were the first South African, totally independent company that was internationally recognised.) We also do safety and the environment but quality remains my first love.
The only problem with my job is that you end up never being really satisfied. For instance; there's another thread running at the moment about pet names for cars in which I confessed to purchasing a new Honda. When I was selecting a car, rather than seeing a selection of super dooper cars, I saw a row of paint defects ! So it is with my modeling exploits. Most of it's OK but very little is great to my eyes. On the other hand to non-model railway folk, they think it's great; but then very few viewers in South Africa know anything about British Rail particularly summer 1976 !
Anyway - keep on posting, you now have my attention !
BobB
I spent 33 years as a primary school teacher but as the job became unreal and was more about league tables and 'manufacturing' results, I had enough! It was the hours of wasted time in meetings and gathering of reams of pointless paperwork that eventually finished me. I took early retirement, obviously on a reduced pension. Add to that the fact that my pension was actuarily reduced by 25% so I have ended up on not very much. BUT it is worth it. I now teach one day a week.
I can now spend more time on my other 'work' which is running a pop choir in the town where I live. It takes hours of my week and is unpaid but the satisfaction is IMMENSE! We could do with two or three more men. Any volunteers who like to sing songs by ABBA, Beatles, Beachboys, Queen, Take That ...........?
Steve
Sorry Steve I can't hold a note but my dad does sing with these lads http://www.efmvc.org.uk/ (http://www.efmvc.org.uk/)
Quote from: Steve Viney on January 27, 2012, 07:25:56 PM
I spent 33 years as a primary school teacher but as the job became unreal and was more about league tables and 'manufacturing' results, I had enough! It was the hours of wasted time in meetings and gathering of reams of pointless paperwork that eventually finished me. I took early retirement, obviously on a reduced pension. Add to that the fact that my pension was actuarily reduced by 25% so I have ended up on not very much. BUT it is worth it. I now teach one day a week.
I can now spend more time on my other 'work' which is running a pop choir in the town where I live. It takes hours of my week and is unpaid but the satisfaction is IMMENSE! We could do with two or three more men. Any volunteers who like to sing songs by ABBA, Beatles, Beachboys, Queen, Take That ...........?
Steve
Hi Steve and welcome.
I too am a teacher and I think I'm right saying there aren't many of us at all on here, not as many as I thought there might be anyway. Steve, I'm with you all they way in what you say about the job. I am assuming you taught in England or Wales as you don't state your location? I've got 23 years experience behind me and I was planning on entering my final ten years of teaching. As it the Govy have distinctly different ideas. Like you, I will have to leave early because the job is becoming increasingly intolerable and getting worse. Its not the kids, just pointless paper work and stupid league tables, as you say. Teaching has just become a politicians plaything, with endless hoops through which to jump. What was the latest one I heard, ah yes, new Chief Inspector of schools (Ofsted boss) said something like if a Head teacher is causing stress, anxiety and worry in their staff, then they must be doing something right. What kind of attitude is that but one which gives Heads a licence to bully. Digusting.
Rant over.
Kirky
Kirky,
I could go on for hours about our topic on education but......
Ofsted ...... the inspector who fell asleep in my wife's lesson!
Children ..... we can't make all children equal ... some will always be behind bless them, but the government(s) seem to think that we can make them all cleverer!
Anyway, I'm sure you have planning to do!!
Lawrence,
I'm afraid I'm far too far from Fife for your dad! (Try saying that one quickly!)
Steve
Quote from: Steve Viney on January 29, 2012, 06:02:44 PM
Kirky,
I could go on for hours about our topic on education but......
Ofsted ...... the inspector who fell asleep in my wife's lesson!
Children ..... we can't make all children equal ... some will always be behind bless them, but the government(s) seem to think that we can make them all cleverer!
Anyway, I'm sure you have planning to do!!
Steve
Yep, planning to do, but I'll be doing it in the morning. I'm much better at 6.00 am than I am at 6pm, so early mornings for me.
At the moment I'm using will power NOT to open a bottle!!
Cheers
kirky
Quote from: Jerry Howlett on January 27, 2012, 10:53:11 AM
Quote from: bees on January 27, 2012, 12:41:08 AM
I've spent the last 11 years driving buses around Manchester, spent the last 3 years of that driving the 130 from Manchester to Macclesfield. Not an exciting job but i really enjoy it!!! :thumbsup:
Three years to get from Manchester to Macclesfield wow ! the traffic must be really bad nowadays. :smiley-laughing: :beers:
Sometime's it does feel like that, lmfao.
Reckon that bus needs a service :o
:smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
Started life as an apprentice electrician on the railways before being made redundant at end of it due to change in government so joined the fire brigade and have not looked back. That was 20yrs ago Best job ever, my friends joke about me not having a real job saying we just sit around and play billiards and the like.
Quote from: 1936ace on February 01, 2012, 09:30:45 AMnot having a real job saying we just sit around and play billiards and the like.
You mean you don't have a big train setup there and the DCC 'stop' button wired to the call out bell ?
Alan
Hi fellow railway workers :D
started with Avery scale manufactuers as an apprentice duration 5y6months!,2ys
national service,back to avery,married changed job for more money to buy first house.
lived in swansea after 14ys moved to norway,worked in shipyard as mechanic
(was also trained as fitter and turner).installed ships engines for supply boats,
was classed in norway as a "fine mechanic"fine meaning precision,finished my tme in the tool
stores before retiring I,love norway. Good luck to all :D
Don.
Tank, you're so nosey asking what we all do!!
Although it is interesting. Just shows that people from everywhere, who do basically anything, love model railways!
I am currently a science technician at a grammar school in Yorkshire. I set up the physics equipment for GCSE and A level lessons. I do repairs on faulty equipment and make any new equipment that lessons might need.
It's funny that I did a degree in Chemistry and end up with a job doing Physics :smiley-laughing:
Although, I am wanting to progress into nuclear industry... just saying, if there's anyone on the forum can point me in the right direction ;D
I have now left DB Schenker and work for Freightliner Heavy haul.
So we can expect some great photo's to appear on the forum to help members with modelling depots and freight. :P :thumbsup:
Maybe...
Quote from: Elvinley on February 25, 2012, 06:56:33 PM
I have now left DB Schenker and work for Freightliner Heavy haul.
What do you drive? 66's or someother traction (class 70?)
If you can provide some pictures of some depots, that would be great :thumbsup:
:smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :camera:
Don't get in trouble though! :angel:
That's the thing. It is a bit of a touchy area these days.
I drive 66s but will be learning 70s too. Only been with FHH for a week now. Enjoying it very much so far.
Quote from: Elvinley on February 25, 2012, 07:16:47 PM
That's the thing. It is a bit of a touchy area these days.
I drive 66s but will be learning 70s too. Only been with FHH for a week now. Enjoying it very much so far.
Want to wish you good luck and every success in your new job :thumbsup:
Thanks very much!
HI Alan,
Funny you should asked if we have a train set at the station. On another crew there are two modellers but they do NSW HO so it is best we not talk about them - we have a very healthy debate. We have a ex exhibition layout in a L shape about 10 by 6 feet in n gauge.
No need to hit the stop button on the dcc controller just turn the speaker volume down, it's all good!, you can get plenty of running time in then, some of my best "play times" are at work. I usually do all of my decoder set ups on a very large test track oval(thanks to the training room).
It lives in one of the back rooms, but as we have a fire engine that can go on rail tracks maybe we should put it in the back of it then it would be a real railway!
BArt
Hi
I work as an analyst / programmer.
Cheers
Paul
My first job was as an typist in an Estate Agents, then got married had 2 lovely children and had to return to work when they went to school to help pay the bills. Went into an electronics factory assembling and soldering printed circuit boards etc as the money was better than secretarial work, this has proved very usefull later in life.
After the children had grown up and our marriage had ended and I returned to secretarial work as a PA to an MD of a big plastics company. Got fed up with this after about 20 years and then did aromatherapy which was very rewarding, remarried and 14 years ago we moved to Spain where we had a car hire business, regrettably my ex was more interested in girls than the business (you men are so predictable!) and we split up some 3 years ago.
Now retired, I stayed on here in Spain and a couple of years ago a friend constructed the baseboards for a layout for my grandson. I had a father, 2 brothers and a son who all loved model railways and so grew up doing all the "fiddly bits" for them all and thought I'm sure I could do the whole lot if I really tried. With groups like this and the internet in general I couldn't have done it, the current layout is the result. I had no preconceived ideas, I have perhaps not done everything correctly as you guys do but it all works and sounds great and my grandson loves it.
Thanks guys for letting me invade your territory and allowing me to be a member of a nice friendly group.
Caz
Quote from: whiteswan on March 01, 2012, 01:35:26 PM
(you men are so predictable!)
Oi! don't know what you mean, gorgeous ;) ;)
:smiley-laughing:
Quote from: Lawrence on March 01, 2012, 01:53:14 PM
Quote from: whiteswan on March 01, 2012, 01:35:26 PM
(you men are so predictable!)
Oi! don't know what you mean, gorgeous ;) ;)
:smiley-laughing:
Sounds like we should get some company glasses in this group :smiley-laughing:, perhaps I should post a recent picture and you can then review your comment :angel: :camera: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
Caz
Quote from: Lawrence on March 01, 2012, 01:53:14 PM
Quote from: whiteswan on March 01, 2012, 01:35:26 PM
(you men are so predictable!)
Oi! don't know what you mean, gorgeous ;) ;)
:smiley-laughing:
Two timer >:( :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
There was a rogues gallery somewhere, but some folk are so shy, others however, are not :o :smiley-laughing: :smiley-laughing:
Hi
I started as an apprentice electrician in civil engineering. After that I spent 9years as a domestic appliance engineer, then 10years as machine electrician/chargehand wiring Ultrasonic cleaners. Then 10 years as a maintaince engineer in the food industry, The last 6 years I have been working as an engineer with a facilities management company in Pharmacutical research
hi i am cabinet maker +wood working machinist making fitted bed rooms
Brass teacher for 38 years retiring at end of school year.
I'm a broadcast engineer. I build broadcast facilities, TV studios, control rooms etc. I work all over Europe. At the moment sitting in Oslo. Get home weekends, but building my layout is taking ages as SWMBO likes to see me at some stage over the weekend.
Quote from: barkfast on June 28, 2011, 01:11:47 PM
I currently work in IT as a System Administrator. Also work part time as a university tutor in e-business.
Just about to change jobs to work for another government department as a Information Manager (mostly project management work)
Interested to see how many other modellers work in IT.
(raises hand)Quote from: EtchedPixels on June 28, 2011, 08:42:07 PM
I work on the Linux kernel as a job for Intel mostly getting stuff working on little laptop devices and the like and bits of weekends and some evening chunks doing Ultima/Etched Pixels stuff.
Thankfully I work from home so I don't lose three hours a day to travel which gives me time to do Ultima instead.
Several orders of magnitude beneath Alan's level, but my name does pop up occasionaly in the commit logs of what could be considered the Linux of the database world.
Before that I sold newspapers in Berlin and cleaned toilets in Tokyo. Have lived in the latter (Tokyo, not toilet) for almost 8 years now, apart from a single 10 month period working at a bank I've been lucky enough to avoid the whole peak-time commuting thing which is evidently so popular here, and for the last 18 months have been working from home in my
railway room home office.
Airline Pilot.
I started my working career though as an apprentice technician on British Rail S&T.
Only just come across this Thread, and have just ploughed through all 14 pages of it as I am nosy. Only fair therefore if I relate my own career history.
1961 - Ist job as a Bank Clerk in Chorley, then as a Cashier at a bigger branch in Bolton.
1965 - Left Bank to become trainee Cost Accountant at Manufacturing Firm in Chorley,
then an Analyst/Programmer when they acquired their 1st Mainframe Computer.
1968 - Moved to Fylde Water Board in Blackpool as a Senior Analyst/Programmer, then
when it became part of N.W.W.A. appointed I.T. Financial Systems Manager based
at Great Sankey HQ. near Warrington.
1975 - Left N.W.W.A to take charge of new Computer Installation at Wyre B.C.,
Fleetwood.
1978 - Appointed Computer Manager for Halton B.C. in Widnes.
1985 - Appointed Computer Manager for Aberconwy B.C. in Llandudno.
1994 - With the formation of new Conwy CBC, offered & took early retirement.
1999 - Became a Rural Postman in North Wales based out of Colwyn Bay.
2004 - Emigrated to Tenerife (in my Classic Car) and have never worked again since.
Done an apprenticeship in knitting electric string,moved to on site building maintenance (playing cards and drinking coffee) and hated it,was doing a bit of casual equipment relocation at a local venue so decided to give that a try full time,got offered a 6 week contract in theatre, seven years later got itchy feet and went back on the road ,many years and 100's of gigs later im still doing it along with the occasional air guitar backline work,maker of things louder and occasional bringer of light.
Quote from: Tdm on November 20, 2015, 04:29:37 PMOnly just come across this Thread, and have just ploughed through all 14 pages of it as I am nosy
Well it was started four and a half years ago, I wonder how many members, like me, have had to, or chosen to, change jobs in that period.
I am now working as an Instrumentation Engineer for a company that is involved in sub sea data logging as its core business but we can pretty much design a build a system to measure and log data for any applications
I decided to retire since my last post. Still not doing as much on the layout as I want. Too many days out, too many steam railways to visit.
Travelling backwards through time:
- Public policy and programme evaluator (Lyon, Brussels and Paris)
- University student (London, Nantes and Lyon)
- English language trainer (Lyon)
- Secondman, Relief Driver then Train Driver - Class 08s, 25s, 31s, 37s, 40s, 45s, 46s, 47s and 56s (Good ol' BR - Holbeck, Healey Mills and Manchester Victoria)
- Laboratory assistant (Castleford)
- Paperboy (Pontefract)
I've worked for the same paper manufacturer for the past 30 years.
I'm an export salesman so I travel quite a bit.
Best regards,
Joe
Started on BR as an signal technician S&T. finished as a powergen engineer. 8)
After leaving University as a Chemistry Graduate
Laboratory Manager
R&D Chemist
Head of R&D and Lab Manager in Electroplating industry
Operations Manager for a Computer Company (Complete change of direction)
Operations Manager and then Owner of a Computer Support Company
With a couple of diversions into Software writing and Picture Galleries
Now finally this year I have retired and sold the business, and what was the first thing I did spent 3 weeks in hospital with Gall stones and lots of complications. Just about recovering now though there will be more surgery next year. I was so glad that I had finished work and that was the first time in hospital since I was eight when I swallowed the sixpence out of a Christmas pudding
Iam a correctional officer with the Texas Dept of Criminal Justice. I have just started my 3rd year with them I worked at a different unit and had a 12 hour shift with a 2 hour drive each way 4 on 4 off after 15 months I quit as it was effecting my health. I rehired to a unit closer to my house.
Started as a Trainman 'D' (Guard) in 1991 and then Driver with BR (NSE) and several variously more chaotic set ups since. I currently book on at Bletchley.
Interesting thread
Although I have worked since before I left school, and been to college and stuff, I would still say "railwayman" if any one actually asked "what do you do?" - and that is only half of my working life to date and not for the last 6 years :worried:
I must think I want to return to getting up at 03:30 etc :D
I forgot to say that much of my life has been in construction and landscaping with a touch of property development* ( haha!) thrown in on the side.
Just doing what one has to, but i do miss being part of the Western Region's successors, that special part of the Railway :)
* that term is so "TV Show"
Quote from: 47845 on November 20, 2015, 10:44:33 PM
I couldn't possibly say what I do...
Some of you may know already though, if you know my alias!
You're a Co-Co diesel locomotive?
Fascinating thread - have just come across it.
For the last two years I have done very little beyond collect my pension, fiddle about in my train shed, watch ice hockey on TV, and walk my dogs.
Before then, I worked for Australia's Commonwealth, Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation as a research scientist specialising in the hydrodynamics and thermodynamics of rivers, lakes, and estuaries particularly as these affected water quality and algal blooms etc. Skills required included undertaking field projects, dodging crocodiles, data analysis, computer simulation, and gut feelings.
But, this was my second career choice as I really always wanted to be a train driver.
Webbo
In the mit 90s I di an apprenticeship as a mechanic for industries (drilling, welding, milling, etc). After these I wenn to Scholl again and acquiert a degree. Then I had to join the german army. After these I did an apprenticeship as nurse. And since 2002 I work at a
mental health hospital in northern bavaria
Markus
Thanks for posing the question, but only 'cos you asked...
Currently a Historian, researcher and writer, specialising in the history of gold-mining on New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula, but over time working variously in such fields as military aviation, railways, teaching, engineering, librarianship, dairy processing, as a box wallah and a tyre retreader (to name but a few)...
They have been 'interesting' times.
As I said, only 'cos you asked...
Someone mentioned Yoppies way back. I was a supervisor on a scheme in Bristol, after uni where I qualified as an agricultural scientist. Became a safari truck driver in Africa, where I met my Aussie wife so came to Melbourne to marry her and never went back to UK. Spent most of my life here in international sales and management, moved into export consultancy and now teach a variety of export related subjects at Uni and TAFE.
I'm retired which has to be the best occupation in the world - you get paid for doing nothing. And what's more no deadlines, no pressure, no idiots that you have to be nice to.
I was an IT project manager and now I manage my two N gauge layouts and my (G scale) garden railway. Project management is a good skill for building layouts - working out the tasks to be done, making sure all the tools and materials are ready when required - and overrunning my budget!
Currently work in the booking office dealing with angry passengers and occasionally I get to sell tickets to travel on the train!
Alistair
Research Assistant
Research Fellow
R&D Scientist
Laboratory Manager & R&D Scientist
Retired
- weed killer
- animal feeder
Quote from: newportnobby on January 14, 2012, 09:01:40 PM
Having been made redundant at the end of 2006 from Sales, I worked in a pub, then did a 6 month contract as warehouseman/order picker at RAF Stafford (I could tell some stories but I'd have to kill you, or they would kill me :-X) then waxed cheese in a dairy before finding another job in Sales. Now I sell rubber goods and lubricants :o
Odd, I always imagined you as a man of the cloth.
Dishcloth, washing up cloth ........ ;D
Wedding photographer here. I don't know if it's a forever job as it's not an old man's game (unless you've got an assistant to bag carry!) and with the way the retirement age is headed, I'll be working for the next 50 years! I do enjoy it though, sharing some of the happiest days of people's lives :-)
I'm the technical director at a web design and internet marketing company. I did some "almost railway related" work for a nursery called The Railway Nursery. Also did logo design and version 1 of the current website for Wickness Models
I still train fish
Been retired a while now.
This topic sent me off to my archives to find my original apprenticeship agreement (Sept 1963) and came across the pay scale figures per week.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/12/thumb_32153.jpg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=32153)
The company originally manufactured rheostats for trams and trollybuses. DC control at a scale of 1:1!
http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Rheostatic_Co (http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Rheostatic_Co)
Left school 1949, couple of years at a plant nursery then a commercial grower
Joined RAF 1951, airborne Radar, various duties over 23 years, maintenance depots, first line servicing (you bend'em we mend'em), & instructing.
1974 Plessey instructing traffic control systems, redundant 1982, moved to Serco same job as Plessey just a different location for more money!
1990 redundant again worked at various electronic jobs including repairing printers, plotters, monitors etc, also an 18 month contract at Seimens on test/development of communications equipment.
Retired 1999, widower since 2008
Accountant , end of story.
My pal who lives in Kent was a meter reader in London and read
Francis Rossi's meter. showbiz connection.... :D
Quote from: Agrippa on November 21, 2015, 02:39:02 PM
Accountant , end of story.
My pal who lives in Kent was a meter reader in London and read
Francis Rossi's meter. showbiz connection.... :D
Oh wow :claphappy:
And he's a Quo fan, as am I ! :thumbsup:
I'm a train driver for GWR (formerly First Great Western, First Great Western Link & Thames Trains). Started on the railway as a clerical officer in 1991 and worked at the old Reading TMD before transferring to the driving grade in 2002. I wanted to be a train driver when I was at school in the mid 1970s, but for various reasons didn't go onto the railway when I left school in 1979.
Graham
Happily retired :claphappy: after a career in light and heavy construction.
Pre- and during college: - insurance broker filing clerk; drug company customer service rep; project manager's assistant relocating a factory to Andover, Hants.; HVAC factory go-fer and HVAC commissioning assistant in France and Monaco.
College in London (Mech Eng at Imperial)
Project Engineer/Project Manager (UK, France and US) on Upstream Oil & Gas, Petrochem, Refinery, Power, Engineering R&D, Chemical and Pharmaceutical projects; Director Commercial Ops, Project Services, Engineering Ops for engineering contractors and (finally) Director Project Services for a pharmaceutical company...long enough in the last one to qualify for an early retirement :D .
QuoteFrancis Rossi's meter. showbiz connection.... :D
Mates off on tour with em next month :P If its name dropping ya want,2 random piccys from the day job
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v177/themadhippy/dammed.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/themadhippy/media/dammed.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v177/themadhippy/Bzz_zpsf869f619.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/themadhippy/media/Bzz_zpsf869f619.jpg.html)
Bonus points if ya can name the bands
One of the guitarists in the second shot looks like Steve Diggle, so I'll have a shot at The Buzzcocks.
Kevin
And perhaps The Damned?
spot on sir
I am a musician.
A mixture of teaching and gigs.
I am the owner / director of a aviation engineer training business in Australia for the past 17 years. Before that spent 20 years as a helicopter engineer with the Royal Australian Navy.
Regards Ken
Local Government Officer "specialising" in economic development, leisure and maritime issues!
Quote from: themadhippy on November 21, 2015, 08:02:04 PM
spot on sir
For obvious reasons I didn't mention punk rocker amongst my previous jobs. Seen The Stranglers three times this year and will see them again in March in Sheffield.
Kevin
Aircraft pilot: RAF for 20 years, 22 in civil aviation and retired for 13.
It's really interesting to see what people do / did and the great variation of employments people have.
I think my pic says it all really, only issue with my job is that it never gives me enough to do modelling and getting my layout done and running! :worried:
Currently a Train Driver at Keolis Rail Services Virginia taking diesel hauled commuter trains in and out of Washington DC.
Formerly British Railways/EWS 1981 - 2000 Messenger Boy/Secondman/Train Driver
Left the railways in 2000 and emigrated to the United States and became a mechanic for 6 years before deciding to go back to the railways.
Norfolk Southern 2006 - 2009 New Jersey Transit 2009 - 2010 and Keolis 2010 - present time.
Jamie
Interesting tale there Jamie :)
I used to think about / wonder / want to go work on the CSX a few years back but that never happened - my lazy! :)
Quote from: willike1958 on November 21, 2015, 07:47:01 PM
One of the guitarists in the second shot looks like Steve Diggle, so I'll have a shot at The Buzzcocks.
Kevin
Steve Diggle has certainly aged better than Pete Shelley. The Buzzcocks and The Damned, two great bands. Second only to The Clash.
On topic, in my adult life I've variously been, a student, a Young Tory Slave, as mentioned previously in the thread, unemployed (it was the 80s, everyone was on the dole) a postal worker (urgh), a mature student, a web designer and web editor, the latter I sort of do now on my partner's business but I need to do less and less. Otherwise I make art, have my own etching press. I even sell one or two pieces! Most of my life I've been skint, the last few years fairly well off. I sympathise with the current young generation. Entitled my arse!
Hello all,
I've been at the BBC for ten years, currently a general news correspondent. I was crime reporter for four years, though much as I enjoyed it that role disappeared in one of the previous rounds of cuts. Before that I had 11 fantastic years at ITN. The first four years of my broadcasting career were spent in independent local radio. Before that I worked for about three years in a succession of jobs in offices, factories and warehouses.
In my organisation there are at least a couple of cameramen who are into model trains, though not necessarily N.
Interesting how many here are or were involved in piloting or the aerospace industry.
But I'd have expected more vicars.
cheers
Ben A.
Work? :sorrysign:
Is that something people still do? Having taken early retirement over 9 years ago I forget all about how I managed to fit life around going to the same place every day in return for cash.
Great to see what everyone does!
personally I am an Aircraft Engineer (CAT B1.1) for Virgin Atlantic ...
Licensed Aircraft Engineer (Cat B1.3)
Scotty
Assistant burger flipper and occasional salt shaker.
QuoteSecond only to The Clash.
And the occasional clash keyboard player will be in holmfirth next year with his other band ;)
Left school aged 15 in 1961 and was apprenticed in the printing industry. Saw that new technology would threaten jobs in the print so went to college. Then, after a short period at sea, back into the print until 1977. Went to work in a non-teaching role in a south London school and moved from there to a Further Education College. Ended up as joint second in command of a big college in the midlands. Retired at 60 in 2005 but stayed on part-time organising the college's governance until I was 65. Retired again, this time to the south coast, but was offered work in the same role in two colleges here. Finally retired in March this year: that makes 54 years, man and boy, which is enough for anyone. I intend to stay retired now and get on with a bit of modelling!
Roger
Pathology Service Manager - then retired early :)
Had a Maintenance Managers in a Nursing Home job for a few years after I retired as my wife felt I needed to get out more and speak to real people :(
Medical reasons mean I am now a "house person" - loving it :claphappy:
Any Statisticians out there who could perhaps summarise the info provided in some sort of table - ie:- No. members Retired, no. working in :- Manufacturing, Public Service, Transport,
Service Industry etc. etc.
Thirteen years with BR then Railtrack (mostly as a signalman), left in 2001 to learn how to fly. I'm now a pilot flying the Airbus A320 for BA after a seven year stint at British Midland.
Quote from: themadhippy on November 23, 2015, 02:31:49 PM
QuoteSecond only to The Clash.
And the occasional clash keyboard player will be in holmfirth next year with his other band ;)
The Blockheads?
Ben A makes the point that a lot on here work in and around aviation - It seems from my experience that quite a lot of railwaymen* are "into" planes the same way.
Maybe we could organise some sort of Job Swap facility? :D
*not me a been a sexist beast, I've never met a railway woman with the taste for planes, unless they just keep it quiet ;)
I work in aircraft maintenance, freelance.
I got interested in model railways, and by association in real railways, whilst looking for a retirement hobby. All I have to do now is get around to retiring (yes, still looking for the fabled round tuit).
Me? Nothing to do with trains / planes / buses. Not a vicar either!
I'd only say in my job I try to help you out when **** happens, and that thankfully after today's shock news my employer shouldn't be having to make any more cuts for a few years (I'm not a Police Officer... close but no cigar).
I joined Virgin Atlantic Airways as an Apprentice Avionics Engineer in 1994, continued working for them as an Avionics Technician for several years building up experience in my trade, then gained my EASA Part-66 B2 category licence and a promotion to Certifying Engineer. Since then I have added the A, B1.1 and C categories to my licence and hold company approvals on all aircraft types we operate, plus the A320 series from the days of a contract between VS and GB Airways.
Curiously enough, prior to my new job last year as an instrument engineer, I too was and aircraft tech (electrical), RAF 15 years; briefly flirting with the paper industry and as a studio manager I returned to aviation (sort of) as a flight sim engineer, firstly on Tornado F3 then Typhoon until those geniuses at Whitehall shut the base base in Scotland :veryangry:
In my 46 years of grafting I have worked in engineering, pattern making and finally computer aided nut spinning!
More aviation......
Chief Engineer for a Part 145 maintainer and Continuing Airworthiness Manager for the associated CAMO.
www.wlac.co.uk (http://www.wlac.co.uk)
Pete @ EGLM
I have spent my whole career in the pharmaceutical industry, after getting a degree in biochemistry and then a postgrad in marketing. I consider myself very lucky as my jobs have given me the opportunity to travel extensively, culminating in the chance to move to the US in 1995. My roles have been mainly in marketing and business development, I left corporate life and set up my own consulting company earlier this year.
Did Civil Engineering at Imperial College in the 80's and have been in construction ever since. First on site with the old John Laing and for the past 25 years working in design offices mainly on the structural design side. Designing steel, reinforced concrete, timber, masonry and any structural materials using various computer packages and by hand. We work with architects and clients making sure they get what they want out of the structure. Have also worked on roads, bridges and nuclear power stations.
Joined Post Office Telecommunications as an apprentice in 1973 and worked my way up the management chain until I left (Escaped) in 2007 by which time it had become BT and a shadow of its former self. Best time I had was working on the Channel Tunnel construction project with both TML and Eurotunnel.
I then joined Network Rail as a Signaller as part of my retirement plan and left in 2010 when it became financially beneficial to retire and take my pension.
I now work one paid day per week for the K&ESR in the Ops Department. I'm also a casual lunchtime supervisor for the local Infant and Junior Schools.
I'm also a volunteer Guard and Signalman so I keep busy.
Echoing others' comments it's amazing how many are involved in aviation!
I work for a large consultancy firm in their insurance practice. Trained as a transport planner though, and found my way here wholly by accident!
My father worked in aviation, but I don't. I currently write and edit for a company that models catastrophes, principally for the insurance industry. Once upon a time I was a museum curator, latterly working with historic buildings. When I moved to the USA I had to make a change and transitioned into a webmaster and web content manager. South America earthquake next week and a blog post about hurricane frequency.
I don't think there is enough room in the forum for a list of what I have worked at! I am what was once referred to as an 'industrial gypsy'...
Tractor driver
Student - architecture and land survey
Musician - dance band and studio sessions
Student - structural design engineering
Structural designer/QC inspector
Student - electronics and computing (they were seen almost as the same subject at that time)
Electronics engineer - MOD sub-contract
Electronics engineering consultant - hydrographic survey industry
Instructor - applied electronics/robotics in a foreign military academy
Electronics engineering consultant - hydrographic survey industry
Eventually retired from that last one having travelled the world for over 20 years. Lived in/worked in over 30 countries last count..... It's been fun but it's good not to have to be living out of a suitcase any more.
The philosophy is simple, this is the real thing, not a rehearsal. So, if you fancy giving it a go, well, give it a go! My ex-wife and I owned a fish and chip shop and then a small publishing company during the above period so I also took a hand in those at various times.
JUST DO IT!
Well i started my working life as a boy soldier signing up at 15 and half , 3 tours of northen ireland traveling around the world specialising in artic warfare . 1982 was sent out to the falklands , wounded and demobed in 1984 . Since then have been employed in various rolls in truck driving mainly central europe germany ,holland the like. For the last 11 years work for local council as a refuse driver or bin truck ,also senior shop steward .
I joined the Royal Army Medical Corps at age 17 and served for 27 years around the world including Germany, Falkland Islands, Bosnia, Oman, Iraq and New Zealand.
It was when I retired from the Army that I really got in to N gauge modelling.
For the last 8 years I have worked in management in adult social care; mental health, learning disabilities and now elderly care.