Been a burning question.. Well, I guess most of us here are bread-winners.. I love my job because it has taken me to bizzare places as well as around the world.. I didn't waste 15 years in journalism for nothing.. Though I have my ups and downs, the Spyderco Forums has been a place of inspiration for me.. In the years that'll come, I'll probably retire to do my own thing and that is to pursue my dreams of writing a book about my exploits and opening a small outfitter's store and retails some <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>s of course! Here are some highlights of my crazy career..
<IMG SRC = http://img66.photobucket.com/albums/v20 ... ungee2.jpg>
Samo leaping off a crane back in '99
<IMG SRC = http://img66.photobucket.com/albums/v20 ... ungee1.jpg>
Samo defying gravity.. The things a journo has to do for a few square meals.. *heh-heh!!*
<IMG SRC = http://img66.photobucket.com/albums/v20 ... ndence.jpg>
At the flight deck of the USS Independence, this one's a real interesting assignment
<IMG SRC = http://img66.photobucket.com/albums/v20 ... wilbur.jpg>
Chilling out with XO of the USS Curtis Wilbur DDG 54 Lt Cmdr Vic Mercudo back in '99
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Mission to the Falklands on a Royal Malaysia Air Force C-130H-30 (stretched charlie), circumnavigated with a team of airforce crew around the world.. So, is your job interesting? Care to share?
Sam
have knives will travel...
OT - Do you have an interesting job?
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samosaurus
- Member
- Posts: 1609
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Malaysia
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java
- Member
- Posts: 2978
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Rosamond - Tropical Paradise without the tropics.....(or the paradise)
<b>Samo</b>,
Cool!!!!! When we share that burger and beer (and prawns ala Samo, hopefully) you’d best have a challenge coin or you know the consequences!
Java leads a very mundane existence presently pulling a graveyard shift in the semiconductor mines here on the Texas plains. But in a previous life, the Air Force gave me the opportunity to meet some incredible people and take part in some aviation milestones both as a regular flightline maintainer at many locations around the world and later as a test program manager at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, California.
Some of the highlights I can speak about were working with NASA on several projects, meeting and working with Gen Chuck Yeager, working with Saudis, Israelis, British, Canadians, and Australians on aircarft upgrades and tests, and the opportunity to fly as a safety chase observer in F-15s, T-2s, a CF-104B and then culminating my "flying" career in a WWII Douglas SBD-5 "Dauntless" dive bomber when I was running the maintenance side of the FAA flight cert on the N9MB Flying Wing with the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California.
<img src=http://members.aol.com/aeronuta2afoto/n9m-3.jpg>
N9MB - Last flying example of Jack Northrup's 1940s "proof of concept" test vehicle.
<img src=http://www.airshots.com/images/navalwar ... d98600.jpg>
Planes of Fame "Dauntless" NZ5062. One of only three still flying
The Air Force gave the opportunity to travel and experience several Far Eastern cultures. I enjoyed living "on the local economy" rather than on base and feel far richer for it. The off-duty time was beyond description (especially having the AF pay to fly me to some of the Pacific’s best diving sites). Stateside travel and volunteer work as an EMT on SAR teams with the Air Force, the New Mexico State Highway Patrol, and the Kern County Sheriff Department also led to a cache of "war stories" that are best enhanced by that next round you’ll be buying........<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
BTW: Why'd you jump off a perfectly good crane with nothing but a piece of string tied to your feet. If you jump, at least wear a parachute like I did!!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
<font color=Red><b>Death Before Decaf!</font></b>
Cool!!!!! When we share that burger and beer (and prawns ala Samo, hopefully) you’d best have a challenge coin or you know the consequences!
Java leads a very mundane existence presently pulling a graveyard shift in the semiconductor mines here on the Texas plains. But in a previous life, the Air Force gave me the opportunity to meet some incredible people and take part in some aviation milestones both as a regular flightline maintainer at many locations around the world and later as a test program manager at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, California.
Some of the highlights I can speak about were working with NASA on several projects, meeting and working with Gen Chuck Yeager, working with Saudis, Israelis, British, Canadians, and Australians on aircarft upgrades and tests, and the opportunity to fly as a safety chase observer in F-15s, T-2s, a CF-104B and then culminating my "flying" career in a WWII Douglas SBD-5 "Dauntless" dive bomber when I was running the maintenance side of the FAA flight cert on the N9MB Flying Wing with the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California.
<img src=http://members.aol.com/aeronuta2afoto/n9m-3.jpg>
N9MB - Last flying example of Jack Northrup's 1940s "proof of concept" test vehicle.
<img src=http://www.airshots.com/images/navalwar ... d98600.jpg>
Planes of Fame "Dauntless" NZ5062. One of only three still flying
The Air Force gave the opportunity to travel and experience several Far Eastern cultures. I enjoyed living "on the local economy" rather than on base and feel far richer for it. The off-duty time was beyond description (especially having the AF pay to fly me to some of the Pacific’s best diving sites). Stateside travel and volunteer work as an EMT on SAR teams with the Air Force, the New Mexico State Highway Patrol, and the Kern County Sheriff Department also led to a cache of "war stories" that are best enhanced by that next round you’ll be buying........<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
BTW: Why'd you jump off a perfectly good crane with nothing but a piece of string tied to your feet. If you jump, at least wear a parachute like I did!!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
<font color=Red><b>Death Before Decaf!</font></b>
Samo - Now you're talking! This could become BIG!
Yes, I do believe that I have a good and exciting job on hand. I live a very priviledged life, please forgive me for being so bolt. Most of you already know that I am still an active member of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
In our younger years my twin brother and I we not very interested in school and thus have not quite gathered the amount and kind of education my parents had in mind.
In 1970 I was drafted for my military duty and, with not knowing what else to do I enlisted in 1971.
After initial training with the RNLAF, I was stationed in Germany with our Command Guided missile systems and became a radar technician. Lived and worked in Germany for 17 years and grew into military life thru the ranks. Finally was fed up with the operational side of the busines and switched to the administrative branch. Shorlty there after I was transferred to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas to become involved with our EURO-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJIPT).
After 3 years in Texas, I went back home to start out at HQ RNLAF to become part of the Taceval Branch responsible for inspection of NL and European (read NATO) AF unit's operational readiness status. During this time I was also dedicated to HQ 5ATAF in Italy to help out in the Neth Rep office with organizing the enforcing the the no-fly zones by Netherlands F-16 units (6 months an officers life in bella Italia).
Was with the Taceval team for 5 years and was then (upon request) transferred to Tucson, AZ to be involved with our F-16 pilot conversion program at AZANG. Best posting ever!
Came back after 3 years and started again at HQ with the RNLAF Operational Medical Corps to start-up training programs for flightnurses , flightphysicians and other aeromedical specialists like dedicated trauma teams and SAR personnel.
Since early 2003 in my current position is at the Naval Station Amsterdam, where I run a physical mustering department for the entire NL Land, Air, and Naval forces,
This is what I've been doing over the past 34 years without proper school education - so fathers don't dispair!
And Yes, the Air Force takes you places.
Thank you all very much.
Clipits work!
Yes, I do believe that I have a good and exciting job on hand. I live a very priviledged life, please forgive me for being so bolt. Most of you already know that I am still an active member of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
In our younger years my twin brother and I we not very interested in school and thus have not quite gathered the amount and kind of education my parents had in mind.
In 1970 I was drafted for my military duty and, with not knowing what else to do I enlisted in 1971.
After initial training with the RNLAF, I was stationed in Germany with our Command Guided missile systems and became a radar technician. Lived and worked in Germany for 17 years and grew into military life thru the ranks. Finally was fed up with the operational side of the busines and switched to the administrative branch. Shorlty there after I was transferred to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas to become involved with our EURO-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJIPT).
After 3 years in Texas, I went back home to start out at HQ RNLAF to become part of the Taceval Branch responsible for inspection of NL and European (read NATO) AF unit's operational readiness status. During this time I was also dedicated to HQ 5ATAF in Italy to help out in the Neth Rep office with organizing the enforcing the the no-fly zones by Netherlands F-16 units (6 months an officers life in bella Italia).
Was with the Taceval team for 5 years and was then (upon request) transferred to Tucson, AZ to be involved with our F-16 pilot conversion program at AZANG. Best posting ever!
Came back after 3 years and started again at HQ with the RNLAF Operational Medical Corps to start-up training programs for flightnurses , flightphysicians and other aeromedical specialists like dedicated trauma teams and SAR personnel.
Since early 2003 in my current position is at the Naval Station Amsterdam, where I run a physical mustering department for the entire NL Land, Air, and Naval forces,
This is what I've been doing over the past 34 years without proper school education - so fathers don't dispair!
And Yes, the Air Force takes you places.
Thank you all very much.
Clipits work!
Holy cow.I just run around on a forklift.
I did however fly last week,first time ever.It was on a chopper,got to ride in the co pilot seat.I was nervous before getting on but found that I really loved it.There is nothing I would rather do than to take flying lessons.
<img src=http://techhelpers.net/e4u/drink/trink36.gif
I did however fly last week,first time ever.It was on a chopper,got to ride in the co pilot seat.I was nervous before getting on but found that I really loved it.There is nothing I would rather do than to take flying lessons.
<img src=http://techhelpers.net/e4u/drink/trink36.gif
Very cool Samo.<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Hey Java. You want to buy 5 acres overlooking your old stomping grounds at Edwards?<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Or maybe a bridge?
I'm just a lowly control systems Buyer looking for a way to retire.
Cheers,
Jaxon
Live to Ride....Ride to Live
Hey Java. You want to buy 5 acres overlooking your old stomping grounds at Edwards?<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Or maybe a bridge?
I'm just a lowly control systems Buyer looking for a way to retire.
Cheers,
Jaxon
Live to Ride....Ride to Live
What a diverse (and I mean that in the true, not P.C. way) crew we have here. Military service appears to be an underlying thread.
Some may find my profession of investment management to be a bit of a yawn. But it is different every day. And who else can claim to farm bulls and slay bears on a daily basis?
Some may find my profession of investment management to be a bit of a yawn. But it is different every day. And who else can claim to farm bulls and slay bears on a daily basis?
Wow Samo, talk about getting a thread off with a bang. I've had the opportunity to work with computers for the last 27 years. The first one at a bank had a 500 k disk drive the size of a large sombrero(sp) and 64k of RAM. Today I'm a database administrator where the computers have >5 Terabytes of mirrored disks and 2 production computers with 72GB RAM.
I enjoy it because it's always changing. Never a dull moment. One my best moments is one I can't remember. Work called me in the middle of the night. I Picked up the phone answered their question correctly hung the phone up and continued to sleep. I didn't find out about until the next day when I was thanked for my help. One thing my job does allow me to be close to home so I spend most of my non working hours with my family, not commuting.
Chris
Be Excellent to each other. <a href="http://home.comcast.net/~boxer93/q2.html" target=blank>boxer93 Q's </a>
I enjoy it because it's always changing. Never a dull moment. One my best moments is one I can't remember. Work called me in the middle of the night. I Picked up the phone answered their question correctly hung the phone up and continued to sleep. I didn't find out about until the next day when I was thanked for my help. One thing my job does allow me to be close to home so I spend most of my non working hours with my family, not commuting.
Chris
Be Excellent to each other. <a href="http://home.comcast.net/~boxer93/q2.html" target=blank>boxer93 Q's </a>
For the past fourteen years, I've worked in the fourth largest prison in the U.S. as a corrections officer.
During that time, I've been involved in dozens of fights, stabbings, beatings, etc., and fortunately, I've never been seriously injured.
I've also gone to a number of instructor schools, and teach the following subjects, among others: Sniper School, Emergency Response Team School, Immediate Responder, Chemical Munitions, CERT Baton, Security Threat Groups (Gangs).
I've basically completed the rough draft of my book about my career so far. Now I just have to sort through the scads of information that I've wrtten down, and boil it down to what's interesting/relevant, edit it, and find a publisher.
Other than that, my job is pretty boring....
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
During that time, I've been involved in dozens of fights, stabbings, beatings, etc., and fortunately, I've never been seriously injured.
I've also gone to a number of instructor schools, and teach the following subjects, among others: Sniper School, Emergency Response Team School, Immediate Responder, Chemical Munitions, CERT Baton, Security Threat Groups (Gangs).
I've basically completed the rough draft of my book about my career so far. Now I just have to sort through the scads of information that I've wrtten down, and boil it down to what's interesting/relevant, edit it, and find a publisher.
Other than that, my job is pretty boring....
Sniper -- One Shot, One Kill Email: ST8PEN01@aol.com
Mmmh, I didn't get the amount of education that my parents had in mind either...only the other way round. This is essentially my 10th year in school and my 8th year in gradschool! I make months end working as a research assistant in the same lab I get my Ph.D. in. Basically I get paid to get my Ph.D. which is nice, but its not a lot of money and **** I can't stand academia anymore. Worked in a research company for a combined 3 years and got my M.S. with them and can't wait to get back into industry again.
Think boring!
Maybe I get to jump of a crane at some future time in life...if it continues like it does now it is more likely that I am going to jump off a roof...without bungee cord.
Well, at least I get to torture other students occasionally and get to grill them on quantum chemistry, like right now <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>. I know I am a sadist.
Think boring!
Maybe I get to jump of a crane at some future time in life...if it continues like it does now it is more likely that I am going to jump off a roof...without bungee cord.
Well, at least I get to torture other students occasionally and get to grill them on quantum chemistry, like right now <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>. I know I am a sadist.
I work for the Department of Aging Services in Davis County here. I manage in-home care services for elderly clients. Nice change from 12 years doing social work in nursing care facilities...I get out of the office a lot on home visits every week.
By the way...to the person who said they're "just a boring street medic"...nothing wrong with that! I'd give up my job in a minute for the chance to do that daily. I've been in EMS almost 20 years, but mostly volunteer and not routinely in the field any more. Now I spend quite a bit of time as an EMS instructor. EMS is a fine job!
By the way...to the person who said they're "just a boring street medic"...nothing wrong with that! I'd give up my job in a minute for the chance to do that daily. I've been in EMS almost 20 years, but mostly volunteer and not routinely in the field any more. Now I spend quite a bit of time as an EMS instructor. EMS is a fine job!
I've got you all beat! For the past 9 years, I've been working for a Spyderco dealer. I'm the PIMP: Product Information Manager for Personnel. Basically, I'm charged with staff product knowledge training. We carry other stuff besides Spydies, but I don't care as much about that stuff...other than Surefire flashlights.
Wow, I suck! I drive a clamp truck, which is basicly a forklift with a giant ~~~e on the front of it. It picks up virtually anything I can get the clamps around. But my real job I don't get paid for, but I love it anyway. I am the entertainment wherever I go, and the psycologist for my group of freinds. I'm that weird guy that will strike up a conversation with you while you are in line at the D.M.V. You know who I am. Yes it's a full time job, and I love it.
"My parents dropped acid back in the sevendies in an attempt to "Expand their conciousness" and then turned around and gave me Ritalin in the nineties to supress mine"
"My parents dropped acid back in the sevendies in an attempt to "Expand their conciousness" and then turned around and gave me Ritalin in the nineties to supress mine"
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vampyrewolf
- Member
- Posts: 7486
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
you want boring? I walk and huck fabric around... woo! at least it keeps me in shape. Holding at 170lbs of solid muscle since march.
tarp factory since april 3rd 2003, standard tarps get to 85lbs for a 33'x48', specials are 50-250lbs. Rolls for the standards are 500-700yardsx144" , 4 in a day, average 10km of walking.
Sewing area is up on the 2nd floor, 12' up on stairs, can toss 300lbs on my shoulders and carry it up. Can firemans carry a 250lbs person and walk a couple blocks with em... bearhug, pick up 6" and walk with the 250yardsx73" rolls for about 10feet(only 250-300lbs)...
plan to go back to school next spring or summer.
<img src="http://www.members.shaw.ca/pjharyett/sp ... pyder5.gif">
Mei Fides, Mei Victus
We are programmed to receive. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
tarp factory since april 3rd 2003, standard tarps get to 85lbs for a 33'x48', specials are 50-250lbs. Rolls for the standards are 500-700yardsx144" , 4 in a day, average 10km of walking.
Sewing area is up on the 2nd floor, 12' up on stairs, can toss 300lbs on my shoulders and carry it up. Can firemans carry a 250lbs person and walk a couple blocks with em... bearhug, pick up 6" and walk with the 250yardsx73" rolls for about 10feet(only 250-300lbs)...
plan to go back to school next spring or summer.
<img src="http://www.members.shaw.ca/pjharyett/sp ... pyder5.gif">
Mei Fides, Mei Victus
We are programmed to receive. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
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Mr Blonde
- Member
- Posts: 7658
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: The Netherlands, Europe, Earth
- Contact:
Funny that this topic should come up now, I just got a promotion!
I graduated about two years ago with an MA in business communications and an MA in American studies. With the job market as it has been, it wasn't easy to get a nice job.
But I held on and now I am a full-time junior consultant (environmental policy making for local and national government), and my Spydie habit gets fed through my parttime freelance consultancy (business communications, knowledge management).
In the future I would love to work for an American company, to get full mileage from my four year investment in American Studies and intercultural communications. Ah well, I'm still young and the wheels are very slowly turning in my favor.
Wouter
Edited by - Mr Blonde on 7/5/2004 8:22:01 AM
I graduated about two years ago with an MA in business communications and an MA in American studies. With the job market as it has been, it wasn't easy to get a nice job.
But I held on and now I am a full-time junior consultant (environmental policy making for local and national government), and my Spydie habit gets fed through my parttime freelance consultancy (business communications, knowledge management).
In the future I would love to work for an American company, to get full mileage from my four year investment in American Studies and intercultural communications. Ah well, I'm still young and the wheels are very slowly turning in my favor.
Wouter
Edited by - Mr Blonde on 7/5/2004 8:22:01 AM