What do you do?

[shy slave]

No, I don't work in the school system (I confess I am not really a 'kids' person').

I work with adults, some of whom need high nursing care due to their disabilities, and some who need a different type of care due to their challenging behaviour.

For the last ten yrs or so I have managed care homes that have been struggling, usually due to staff issues, so despite being submissive I am well versed in being very assertive with individuals and groups of people

I think the term learning disabilities is largly a a UK term, as a generalisation we refer to people with conditions like mild autism, dsylexia as learning difficulties, and people who have a genetic or birth trauma which affect them as disabilities.

I have spoken to people in the US who tell me that the people I work with are called mental defectives or mental retardation (UK law still does), but I am not sure if that is correct or not.

In Denmark LD nursing is not recognised and people with a learning disability come under mental health nursing, When I was looking to move to Denmark that provoked quite a few interesting discussion with the nursing board in the UK & in DK. Had I moved there I would not have been considered a nurse!

I prefer the management side now, to the 'hands on' side.

It still gives me that sense of making a difference but in a different way to actually doing the hands on element.

Your explanation of how MasDom helps single mommies made me smile again, I bet he has a great sense of humour and you both seem so happy together

 

[nh23]

No, I don't work in the school system (I confess I am not really a 'kids' person').

I work with adults, some of whom need high nursing care due to their disabilities, and some who need a different type of care due to their challenging behaviour.

For the last ten yrs or so I have managed care homes that have been struggling, usually due to staff issues, so despite being submissive I am well versed in being very assertive with individuals and groups of people

I think the term learning disabilities is largly a a UK term, as a generalisation we refer to people with conditions like mild autism, dsylexia as learning difficulties, and people who have a genetic or birth trauma which affect them as disabilities.

I have spoken to people in the US who tell me that the people I work with are called mental defectives or mental retardation (UK law still does), but I am not sure if that is correct or not.

In Denmark LD nursing is not recognised and people with a learning disability come under mental health nursing, When I was looking to move to Denmark that provoked quite a few interesting discussion with the nursing board in the UK & in DK. Had I moved there I would not have been considered a nurse!

I prefer the management side now, to the 'hands on' side.

It still gives me that sense of making a difference but in a different way to actually doing the hands on element.

Oh, ok. I forgot you were in the UK. Here my daughter is considered LD, special needs. However it's not mental retardation. Mental retardation qualifies under a certain IQ and ability level. However things are changing here. We just had some new laws go into effect and I don't think that the word mental retardation is going to be used anymore. It gets confusing.

Your explanation of how MasDom helps single mommies made me smile again, I bet he has a great sense of humour and you both seem so happy together

Oh he does LOL, and we are.

 

[Netzach]

Pfftt. I haven't seen a job on this thread that isn't important.

We you guys. Pharm changes so much that I can't keep up with it as a nurse. You guys are lifesavers.

My job is positively non-essential. But that's OK by me.

 

[nh23]

My job is positively non-essential. But that's OK by me.

Well I don't think so. A girl has to look pretty. Plus all those men need ideas for gifts. Oh, and it helps the economy. See essential!

 

[MisterSir]

Pfftt. I haven't seen a job on this thread that isn't important.

And on that note, an update. I have an interview for the lofty position of Administration Officer (read: office monkey) with the Department of Defense. Technically, it's just the Civil Service, but I'd be working in Whitehall and so I think it counts as part of the DoD. If I get the job, and I have no reason to believe I won't, it will be spectacularly unimportant; that said, all I'm concerned about at the moment is having some money coming in and being able to add something to my rather sparse CV.

 

[Keroin]

I am a clinical pharmacist. I love what I do. It is extremely stressful, but can be very rewarding. I like that I can help other professionals--nurses, PA, NP, and MDs, and others do their job better.

The pay is great, but our responsibilities are growing. Because of the nursing shortage and MD shortage more and more responsibility is falling to pharmacists. I wouldn't mind this except we are experiencing severe shortages in our field too. There are times when I may be the only pharmacist in the hospital and responsible for 100+ patients. If any of those patients are a premature newborn or a critical ICU patient it can be very busy and stressful.

The best part about being a pharmacist is the knowledge I have when I need healthcare myself or for my family. I have dropped doctors when they have prescribed what I consider inappropriate drug therapy for whatever issue I am seeing them for. I get into some good discussions with them too about drug therapy.

I met a woman from Denver, CO recently who was an ER pharmacist - a newly created position but one that, from what she described, seems invaluable. Have you heard of this kind of thing?

 

[CurlyKat]

And on that note, an update. I have an interview for the lofty position of Administration Officer (read: office monkey) with the Department of Defense. Technically, it's just the Civil Service, but I'd be working in Whitehall and so I think it counts as part of the DoD. If I get the job, and I have no reason to believe I won't, it will be spectacularly unimportant; that said, all I'm concerned about at the moment is having some money coming in and being able to add something to my rather sparse CV.

Most DoD employees are invaluable! Some, though, you're right, could just stop showing up to work all together and no one would ever know they were gone. I think that has more to do with personality within the position instead of the position itself.

 

[Harmony_1985]

I work in childcare. I'm a nursery assistant in a nursery in our local town that's in an area known for having alot of foreign families housed in it.

So I have some difficult children and then some difficult children with EAL (english as an additional language).

 

[Homburg]

My first year out of college I was a used car salesman. It was a horrid, awful, soul-destroying job for me. I'm a persuasive guy, charismatic in my own way, and I can convince people to go my way. But whenever I sold cars that I didn't believe in, I felt awful, and did a crap job. If you will pardon the melodrama, I just did not want to use my powers for evil.

One day, I realised that I despised that job, and hated it more than anything I'd ever done. I was looking at a position as an F&I manager, and had a shot at it, but decided against it. Those guys spent even more time at the dealership than I did, and that was saying something. I realised that the money, no matter how much, was not worth anything if I didn't have time to spend it. And that my time was more valuable than whatever they were paying me. See, I could find other ways to make money. I would never find a way to get all those hours back.

It was a desperately hot day in March, and I was supposed to be off the next day. One of the sales manager looked at me and said that my numbers were low, and I should probably work the next day. I looked out at the utterly dead lot, and said, with all honesty, that I'd probably find better use of the time looking for another job. I was brought in front of the general sales manager within fifteen minutes, and he shook my hand and sent me on my way.

I kept that thought though. My time is worth more than this. I am NOT what I do. I am not a car salesman, or an insurance guy. I am a father, friend, lover, etc. What I do is just how I afford the time spent doing the things I really want to do.

This is why my income has been less than stellar recently. I'm not willing to be what I do. Not willing to knuckle down and immerse myself in suit, tie, and cubicle fourteen hours a day just to be able to afford that flash car or that watch. I don't care about that stuff. That car will rust, that watch will stop working. I own my time.

There's a line from a song that goes, "These are the memories that make me a wealthy soul." It's from a cheesy classic rock song, but the line resonates with me. My time is worth more than the dollars associated with it by my employers. My time is the most precious commodity I can offer. Far better to spend it living, making memories with those I love and cherish.

So I don't mind when I hear that someone I went to school with is getting his MBA, buying that new Mercedes, or a sweet house on the water. Whatever. I'm happy. My therapy bills are zero. I'll keep my freeform job, scrape by, and be happier by far than people I know making literally ten times what I do.

All the money in the world won't buy you one more second to see that smile that lights up your life.

 

[nh23]

And on that note, an update. I have an interview for the lofty position of Administration Officer (read: office monkey) with the Department of Defense. Technically, it's just the Civil Service, but I'd be working in Whitehall and so I think it counts as part of the DoD. If I get the job, and I have no reason to believe I won't, it will be spectacularly unimportant; that said, all I'm concerned about at the moment is having some money coming in and being able to add something to my rather sparse CV.

Congratulations!

I work in childcare. I'm a nursery assistant in a nursery in our local town that's in an area known for having alot of foreign families housed in it.

So I have some difficult children and then some difficult children with EAL (english as an additional language).

Whew! Have to have a lot of patience for that I bet!

My first year out of college I was a used car salesman. It was a horrid, awful, soul-destroying job for me. I'm a persuasive guy, charismatic in my own way, and I can convince people to go my way. But whenever I sold cars that I didn't believe in, I felt awful, and did a crap job. If you will pardon the melodrama, I just did not want to use my powers for evil.

One day, I realised that I despised that job, and hated it more than anything I'd ever done. I was looking at a position as an F&I manager, and had a shot at it, but decided against it. Those guys spent even more time at the dealership than I did, and that was saying something. I realised that the money, no matter how much, was not worth anything if I didn't have time to spend it. And that my time was more valuable than whatever they were paying me. See, I could find other ways to make money. I would never find a way to get all those hours back.

It was a desperately hot day in March, and I was supposed to be off the next day. One of the sales manager looked at me and said that my numbers were low, and I should probably work the next day. I looked out at the utterly dead lot, and said, with all honesty, that I'd probably find better use of the time looking for another job. I was brought in front of the general sales manager within fifteen minutes, and he shook my hand and sent me on my way.

I kept that thought though. My time is worth more than this. I am NOT what I do. I am not a car salesman, or an insurance guy. I am a father, friend, lover, etc. What I do is just how I afford the time spent doing the things I really want to do.

This is why my income has been less than stellar recently. I'm not willing to be what I do. Not willing to knuckle down and immerse myself in suit, tie, and cubicle fourteen hours a day just to be able to afford that flash car or that watch. I don't care about that stuff. That car will rust, that watch will stop working. I own my time.

There's a line from a song that goes, "These are the memories that make me a wealthy soul." It's from a cheesy classic rock song, but the line resonates with me. My time is worth more than the dollars associated with it by my employers. My time is the most precious commodity I can offer. Far better to spend it living, making memories with those I love and cherish.

So I don't mind when I hear that someone I went to school with is getting his MBA, buying that new Mercedes, or a sweet house on the water. Whatever. I'm happy. My therapy bills are zero. I'll keep my freeform job, scrape by, and be happier by far than people I know making literally ten times what I do.

All the money in the world won't buy you one more second to see that smile that lights up your life.

 

[ecstaticsub]

I met a woman from Denver, CO recently who was an ER pharmacist - a newly created position but one that, from what she described, seems invaluable. Have you heard of this kind of thing?

Yes, most large hospitals have them now. It is an effort to reduce medication errors in hospitals. Previously ERs, ORs, Labor and Delivery, and sometimes ICUs were exempt from having to have pharmacists review medication orders before the meds were given. But with recent new standards all med orders except in very urgent cases must be reviewed before the drug can be given.

It is unbelievable the frequency of drug allergy reaction we catch. Though what pharmacists tend to correct most often is corrrecting drug doses based on age and renal function.

 

[chelleb]

I have found it fascinating to read about everything everyone does/did, lol.

Mine is rather un-exciting, lol. I'm an accountant (BS in Accounting, MS in Taxation). Worked as a Staff Accountant in a small firm, but am now pursuing my dream, working for the IRS. Interviewed a few weeks ago waiting to here

 

[Netzach]

My first year out of college I was a used car salesman. It was a horrid, awful, soul-destroying job for me. I'm a persuasive guy, charismatic in my own way, and I can convince people to go my way. But whenever I sold cars that I didn't believe in, I felt awful, and did a crap job. If you will pardon the melodrama, I just did not want to use my powers for evil.

One day, I realised that I despised that job, and hated it more than anything I'd ever done. I was looking at a position as an F&I manager, and had a shot at it, but decided against it. Those guys spent even more time at the dealership than I did, and that was saying something. I realised that the money, no matter how much, was not worth anything if I didn't have time to spend it. And that my time was more valuable than whatever they were paying me. See, I could find other ways to make money. I would never find a way to get all those hours back.

It was a desperately hot day in March, and I was supposed to be off the next day. One of the sales manager looked at me and said that my numbers were low, and I should probably work the next day. I looked out at the utterly dead lot, and said, with all honesty, that I'd probably find better use of the time looking for another job. I was brought in front of the general sales manager within fifteen minutes, and he shook my hand and sent me on my way.

I kept that thought though. My time is worth more than this. I am NOT what I do. I am not a car salesman, or an insurance guy. I am a father, friend, lover, etc. What I do is just how I afford the time spent doing the things I really want to do.

This is why my income has been less than stellar recently. I'm not willing to be what I do. Not willing to knuckle down and immerse myself in suit, tie, and cubicle fourteen hours a day just to be able to afford that flash car or that watch. I don't care about that stuff. That car will rust, that watch will stop working. I own my time.

There's a line from a song that goes, "These are the memories that make me a wealthy soul." It's from a cheesy classic rock song, but the line resonates with me. My time is worth more than the dollars associated with it by my employers. My time is the most precious commodity I can offer. Far better to spend it living, making memories with those I love and cherish.

So I don't mind when I hear that someone I went to school with is getting his MBA, buying that new Mercedes, or a sweet house on the water. Whatever. I'm happy. My therapy bills are zero. I'll keep my freeform job, scrape by, and be happier by far than people I know making literally ten times what I do.

All the money in the world won't buy you one more second to see that smile that lights up your life.

This has been my philosophy on employment, although it's freedom-time-money for me.

I've always worked to protect my time, and now I work more hours than ever, but dammit, they're MY hours and it's MY money.

That's another ball of wax from any other situation I've ever worked. It works for me.

 

[VelvetDarkness]

And on that note, an update. I have an interview for the lofty position of Administration Officer (read: office monkey) with the Department of Defense. Technically, it's just the Civil Service, but I'd be working in Whitehall and so I think it counts as part of the DoD. If I get the job, and I have no reason to believe I won't, it will be spectacularly unimportant; that said, all I'm concerned about at the moment is having some money coming in and being able to add something to my rather sparse CV.

Well you could do worse than the DoD and hopefully if you show aptitude there's plenty of scope for promotion or a transfer to a department more suited to your skills and aspirations.

 

[catalina_francisco]

My brilliant career has had a varied path, but in recent times before I moved to Europe I studied and got my Social Work degree and specialised in Domestic Violence / Abuse counselling and court work. I also am a published writer (academic and fiction), won awards in art, and have made money from my photography. I hope to do a lot more in the future but these days my priority is being his.

Catalina

 

[satindesire]

I take care of a husband, three cats, and two elderly parents.

Totally bland everyday domestic shit.

 

[Sir_Winston54]

I take care of a husband, three cats, and two elderly parents, and a soon-to-be rugrat.

Totally bland everyday domestic shit.

It might be bland, everyday and domestic, but "shit?" Nope. No way, José.

Whether at home, in a hospital, nursing home, fighting fires, fighting crime, fighting ignorance and lack of education, or any of the myriad of other ways we can help one another, taking care of others is never "shit." It's one of the highest callings one can have, and to do it successfully is grounds for beatification, if not canonization.

Oh, yeah. Fixed your list up there.

 

[billc393]

All the money in the world won't buy you one more second to see that smile that lights up your life.

and AMEN to that!! I don't know how old you are, but, that is a lesson often learned far too late in life! I commend your efforts to find a way to provide what's important (and what's more important than love?) ... and truly enjoy your life!

I've spent the majority of my adult life doing things I loved doing, it was in those in between periods where I felt stressed, lost, and generally unhappy.

I got laid off from one of those "I hate this place, but I love the work, and the money is good jobs" a few years ago.... I remember as I was driving home, that instead of feeling worried, or stressed, about not having a job... instead I was feeling free, like the world was a wide open opportunity again...

Sure it was rough being unemployed, mid-50's and surrounded by 30-somethings with more up to date skills. I found a job I love, with a company that actually treats people fairly... and I actually ejoy going to work again!!

Your statement about working: "What I do is just how I afford the time spent doing the things I really want to do."

Really resonates with me.

 

[Homburg]

This has been my philosophy on employment, although it's freedom-time-money for me.

I've always worked to protect my time, and now I work more hours than ever, but dammit, they're MY hours and it's MY money.

That's another ball of wax from any other situation I've ever worked. It works for me.

I basically equate control of my own time to freedom given my business. Though, were I in your situation, I would see it as you do. I've worked pure output before, back when I made my living with my paintbrushes. Time was not a factor, as I put in hours that would make most people bleed from the eyes. So I get what you mean.

--

and AMEN to that!! I don't know how old you are, but, that is a lesson often learned far too late in life! I commend your efforts to find a way to provide what's important (and what's more important than love?) ... and truly enjoy your life!

I was in my mid-20's actually.

I've spent the majority of my adult life doing things I loved doing, it was in those in between periods where I felt stressed, lost, and generally unhappy.

I got laid off from one of those "I hate this place, but I love the work, and the money is good jobs" a few years ago.... I remember as I was driving home, that instead of feeling worried, or stressed, about not having a job... instead I was feeling free, like the world was a wide open opportunity again...

Sure it was rough being unemployed, mid-50's and surrounded by 30-somethings with more up to date skills. I found a job I love, with a company that actually treats people fairly... and I actually ejoy going to work again!!

Your statement about working: "What I do is just how I afford the time spent doing the things I really want to do."

Really resonates with me.

I get all of this. I've been there, and felt just as relieved to have lost a job I despised.

I'm glad you liked that line.

 

[wouldloveto]

I am a wildland firefighter. Forest fires, brush fires and 'all risk' incidents (Hurricane Kartrina, Shuttle recovery, etc.).

It was more fun earlier in my career, actually battling the beast on the ground, but still rewarding planning the strategies and keeping the troops safe.

 

[satindesire]

It might be bland, everyday and domestic, but "shit?" Nope. No way, José.

Whether at home, in a hospital, nursing home, fighting fires, fighting crime, fighting ignorance and lack of education, or any of the myriad of other ways we can help one another, taking care of others is never "shit." It's one of the highest callings one can have, and to do it successfully is grounds for beatification, if not canonization.

Oh, yeah. Fixed your list up there.

You're such a darling! *laughing*

I am a wildland firefighter. Forest fires, brush fires and 'all risk' incidents (Hurricane Kartrina, Shuttle recovery, etc.).

It was more fun earlier in my career, actually battling the beast on the ground, but still rewarding planning the strategies and keeping the troops safe.

Wow! How scary!!

 

[nh23]

I have found it fascinating to read about everything everyone does/did, lol.

Mine is rather un-exciting, lol. I'm an accountant (BS in Accounting, MS in Taxation). Worked as a Staff Accountant in a small firm, but am now pursuing my dream, working for the IRS. Interviewed a few weeks ago waiting to here

Oh! Good luck!

My brilliant career has had a varied path, but in recent times before I moved to Europe I studied and got my Social Work degree and specialised in Domestic Violence / Abuse counselling and court work. I also am a published writer (academic and fiction), won awards in art, and have made money from my photography. I hope to do a lot more in the future but these days my priority is being his.

Catalina

The photographs I've seen are amazing!

I take care of a husband, three cats, and two elderly parents.

Totally bland everyday domestic shit.

But, very important.

I am a wildland firefighter. Forest fires, brush fires and 'all risk' incidents (Hurricane Kartrina, Shuttle recovery, etc.).

It was more fun earlier in my career, actually battling the beast on the ground, but still rewarding planning the strategies and keeping the troops safe.

Wow! That's an exciting job!

 

[PertPerth]

Interesting thread!

Perth is a hub of both oil and mining companies, and I'm one of the little people working in the oil (well, gas) industry. I'm on the exploration side of things - so it's my job to locate suitable drilling locations and assess the risks for drilling...and the size of the hydrocarbons in place if we actually find something.

 

[curvacious]

customer service @ insurance company and i hate it.

if i was going to go back to school it would be for pharmacy. i grew up around it and was a tech for a while. enjoyed it but there's not enough money being the tech.

 

[youknowyoulike]

I take care of a husband, three cats, and two elderly parents.

Totally bland everyday domestic shit.

Toughest job.
I'm just a lawyer