Do you like your job?

[wilson83]

Just curious..

Do you like your job? Why? What did you want to do when you were younger?

[trulli]

I'm a stay at home mum. I wanted to be a racing driver. I can't even drive. Oh well maybe next time?

[Postdog]

No, I'm a postman - the delivering sort. When I started 18 years ago you took out one, maybe two, bags a day and you could leave the mailsort and rubbish mail to do on overtime. Nowadays there's more mail anyway, the rubbish mail has to go, and I'm taking up to 7 bags a day, getting a bad back and feeling exhausted when I get in. Trouble is, it pays OK for an unskilled job.

[thebhoy]

im a mechanic and i wanted to be one wen i was young but now i dont wanna be one lol. it doesnt pay too good and u get no thanks of folk for staying late on fridays so they can have the cars for the weekend and some of us are not out there to rip ppl off by the way

[purplelily]

I wanted to be a computer analyst, and I got my degree with this in mind. Still want to do it, but I've been sidetracked into other office-type work for a children's charity, which is really rewarding - I actually look forward to going in to work!! :)

thebhoy - you definitely haven't ripped me off - you saved me a fortune with an answer you gave on here! ;)

[cole13uk]

I work for the inland revenue (UK) whicj I think ie the equivalent of the IRS in the US, I decide how much tax people pay on commercial and domestic properties so no not a very popular job. However I am so lenient as I find the system so unfair, people are lucky to have people like me working in taxes as they would pay alot more otherwise...so in summary no i do not like my job...I wanted to be a stuntman ;0(

[thebhoy]

wat one was that purplelily? glad to be off some help although ive still to send u the bill for the advice ( im scratching ma head " oooh its gonna cost ya" ) lol thanks anyway purplelily x

[gammaray]

I wanted to be a film maker. Tried for several years to get into various film schools but never made it. Became a photographer, now own and run a commercial photography company and have never looked back. I would still like to make films though..!!

[Mrs_Pegasus]

I wanted to be a vet and ended up being an accountant!!! Go figure.

I dont know if this is sad, I now work as a school Business Manager (the old bursar role) and I love it.

[ugly_bob]

Did maths at Uni - now work as a graphic designer
actually just getting stoned on solvent fumes for the last week til we get the ventilation fixed!! - so been good for a short while now

[tigerthecat]

at 10 wanted to be a teacher (loved my year 6 teacher). Left school no qualifications went into the Inland Revenue. My god that was so boring, realised one day I couldn't stand it and longer (aged 26 and 9 years at the lowest grade). Went and did access and then a degree and then gcse maths and then PGCE. Been a primary teacher for the last 11 years and am living the dream, I love it! Of course I love to be at home but teaching is an absolute joy. What a lucky person I am :-)

[purplelily]

thebhoy - it was how to change a fuel filter for a mondeo diesel. I'd be more than happy to pay you for the info - just send the bill to me c/o AnswerBank ;)

Seriously, thanks again! x.

[SaxyJag]

I work part-time with a team of people that buys books for a library service, and I love it. When I'm not doing that, I write books in the hope that one day I'll become a best-selling author.

I never really knew what I wanted to be, except that I went to university a few years ago with the intention of studying to be a teacher. However, I was too 'experienced' (so my professor reckoned) to get onto a teaching course, so I never bothered. I am so glad I didn't, because I've since seen the education system for what it is and would never have forgiven myself if I'd subscribed to it.

I am, however, very happy doing what I'm doing now. It pays stuff all, but for the first time in my working life I am not striving to be something else - and it's a big relief, I can tell you.

[wilson83]

Very interesting repllies so far! Question to Gammaray. I done photography at college for a few months and loved it. my teacher always said my pictures were unique as I didn't take the obvious image (this might be a bad thing). I do a little photgraphy as a hobby, as I never gained the skills to be a professional. Do you think it's hard to teach yourself? espcially with things such as developing? What are the bad points about your job? Sorry to seem nosey! Thanks again

[flipflop104]

I'm a PA to a senior civil servant. I LOVE IT.

She is a great boss and we get on really well and understand each other. I've been her PA (or aide) for 9 years almost and I've no intention of leaving her until she retires.

She got her OBE last year as well which was cool.

[Mrs R]

I work for a Building Society in mortagae arrears and I can tell you it is heart wrenching sometimes listening to some stories and pleads not to evict them. On the other hand some people play the game and its people like them thats made it harder for the genuine ones. Anways I do like my job as when I feel like I've got it hard or I'm skint you can be sure that I count my lucky stars in comparison to others.

I wanted to be a long distance lorry driver and my Dad told me not to be so stupid!!.

[gammaray]

Wilson. No it's not difficult to teach yourself. I went to college and studied Graphic Design. I bascically taught myself the technical aspects of photography. The design/composition element is a different matter as you have to have an aptitude for good composition etc. (although this also can be taught, if it's instictive it allows you to think outside the box and develop a style. following rules you've been taught can be restrictive). Although Digital has eclipsed the "wet" darkroom, you can teach yourself this too. The only draw back in being self taught is that it's all trial and error, so takes a lot longer than it would if you attended a college or uni. I've been a professional photographer for over 27 years and I'm always learning!

The good part about my work is that I get to please myself what I work on and when I work. I don't have a boss (although I am answerable to the client for the life of the shoot) and ocassionally I get to shoot in some foreign places. The down side is that you are only as good as your last successful job, and trends change very quickly so you have to keep ahead of the game in terms of style and content. There is no comfort zone like you get when you're employed.

The brand manager I deal with one month on a brand shoot may leave. A new manager may have his/her own pet photographer - so I'm out of favour. It does happen, but it's all part of the fun!

[wilson83]

Thanks Gammaray for a great answer. Thats very helpful. It sounds like you really enjoy your job, which from my point of you is the best way. You work the majority of your life, so it's important to like your job. I work full-time as a civil servant :o( what sort of college course would you recommend for learning composition and learning to develop in a dark room? It looks really difficult and complicated, is it? Thanks for your help, its much appreciated.

[gammaray]

A city and guilds in photography is a good basis to start with. The good thing about C&G is that you can study from home if you so wish. Google distance learning courses and see what crops up.

Read books on composition - Ansell Adams is a staple of most students (although not particularly to my taste) , but just become aware of images you see in magazines and check out the various elements in the image. Composition is about balance and leading the eye to where you want it to settle in the image.

Dark room technique isn't taught as much because a lot of photography courses focus on the digital image. Wet darkroom technique is not so much in demand, but again there is a wealth of printed material to read. Second hand equipment is cheap and available. It's not as difficult as it looks. Once you've mastered the basics (which should take you about an hour or two) the rest is practice. See what works and what doesn't.

[wilson83]

Thats excellent! I am gonna look into all that and have a play. See what I can do! ..or can't do. Do you have a website or somewhere I can check out some of your material? if you don't mind of course. I really appreciate your time and opinions, its hard to find someone who knows what there talking about who is willing to give me a time of day. Thanks again Gammaray!