NationStates Jolt Archive


I'm sure this has been asked, but "What Does NSG Do?"

Avertum
07-02-2009, 01:56
Since dropping out of school, I've been working for the past several months (In RI, which is tied with Michigan for the highest unemployment rate in the US. Sorry to brag, but I'm rather pleased with myself.) as a welder. It's hard, dirty work, but it more than pays the bills, and I rather enjoy it.

Now, its occurred to me recently that work like mine is not something people really consider anymore. Fewer and fewer American high school seniors are thinking "I'm going to be a welder when I get out of school." No, most seem to be striving for some sort of degree, then going out into the working world with that piece of paper to wave it around, and see where they end up; likely some office setting, pushing paperwork. (I say this because with any degree, you're apparently instantly qualified for some professions.) The backbone of the American workforce is slowly turning into a cubicle farm.

So my question-
How many here on NSG work in fields which require a lot of manual labor? If you're not in that field, what do you do? Did anyone want to grow up and do what they're doing now?
Galloism
07-02-2009, 01:58
I thought you meant "What does NSG do?"

I was about to make a very long winded comparison to the UN that involved lots of yelling, accusations, long winded explanations, false promises, and irrelevant speeches that results in no one changing their minds and nothing being done.

However, you took all the fun out of it.
Gauntleted Fist
07-02-2009, 02:00
How many here on NSG work in fields which require a lot of manual labor? I have three jobs, and I'm seventeen. :D
I work for my grandfather's log-board company, my grandfather's welling company, and a grocery store. The first two are what one could call labor intensive.
Kryozerkia
07-02-2009, 02:00
No manual labour here. Besides being a moderator, I'm a post-grad student studying to be a law clerk (some might better know the position as legal assistant).
Avertum
07-02-2009, 02:03
I have three jobs, and I'm seventeen. :D
I work for my grandfather's log-board company, my grandfather's welling company, and a grocery store. The first two are what one could call labor intensive.

You see, its people like you that hog all the work that are turning this country to shit!:p
Galloism
07-02-2009, 02:04
As regards the op:

How many here on NSG work in fields which require a lot of manual labor?

Out of work now, but I did work in a way that involved a lot of running, jumping, and such.

If you're not in that field, what do you do?

I was a cop.

Did anyone want to grow up and do what they're doing now?

Actually, I wanted to be an astronaut.
JuNii
07-02-2009, 02:05
So my question-
How many here on NSG work in fields which require a lot of manual labor? If you're not in that field, what do you do? Did anyone want to grow up and do what they're doing now?
I fix computer equiptment, printers and whatnot.

I recently fixed my nephew's DS.

and no. I wanted to be obscenly wealthy when I grew up.
Dempublicents1
07-02-2009, 02:06
So my question-
How many here on NSG work in fields which require a lot of manual labor? If you're not in that field, what do you do? Did anyone want to grow up and do what they're doing now?

Does pipetting count as manual labor?
Dumb Ideologies
07-02-2009, 02:07
I've never managed to hold down a job for an extended period of time. Not because of lazyness, or unwillingness to work, but because I'm hopelessly clumsy and completely lacking in common sense and thus liable to mess up pretty much any task I'm given, especially if its practical. My Dad a couple of summers ago made me work with him rather than sit around doing nothing during the holidays. He's a builder...and lets just say I regularly considered walking straight out in the middle of the road to get run over than continue for the rest of the summer.
Gauntleted Fist
07-02-2009, 02:07
You see, its people like you that hog all the work that are turning this country to shit!:pHey, just because I enjoy doing manual labor every once in a while doesn't mean I'm doing anything wrong. :D
Sarkhaan
07-02-2009, 02:10
I whore myself out for tips.
Avertum
07-02-2009, 02:10
Does pipetting count as manual labor?
Erm... will it make you feel like a better person if I say yes?

I've never managed to hold down a job for an extended period of time. Not because of lazyness, or unwillingness to work, but because I'm hopelessly clumsy and completely lacking in common sense and thus liable to mess up pretty much any task I'm given, especially if its practical.

Off to middle management for you!

Hey, just because I enjoy doing manual labor every once in a while doesn't mean I'm doing anything wrong. :D
I'm the same exact way. I try and pick up as much odd work as I can on the side too. So I guess I'm partially responsible for my own accusations...
Khafra
07-02-2009, 02:11
I'm an undergraduate student at a large American university getting a degree in a field that requires no manual labor, and do not intend to do any if I can avoid it.
Muravyets
07-02-2009, 02:13
Sigh. No matter what I do, I will be told I do nothing and should get a real job.

I'm an artist. I build collages and constructions out of found materials and mixed media. That involves hammering, sawing, plastering, glueing, painting, cutting, primitive carpentry, and so on. It also involves marketing/advertising, project management, and budget management. Also packing and shipping.

I'm going to start this year to develop a business model for a short run publishing company that will produce all its books in-house, by hand. That will involve computer work, copy-shop type work, and bindery handwork, as well as business management.

Yet I am always being asked why I don't look for a full time job.

When I need seed money for all this I work as a secretary. Temp. Part time.
Dempublicents1
07-02-2009, 02:13
Erm... will it make you feel like a better person if I say yes?

hehe. Not really. I don't feel like a bad one in the first place!

Anyways, I'm a grad student in bioengineering. I'm not exactly a cubicle-monkey, but I wouldn't call it manual labor either (although using the cutting machine can give you some real aches and pains).
Dempublicents1
07-02-2009, 02:20
Sigh. No matter what I do, I will be told I do nothing and should get a real job.

I'm an artist. I build collages and constructions out of found materials and mixed media. That involves hammering, sawing, plastering, glueing, painting, cutting, primitive carpentry, and so on. It also involves marketing/advertising, project management, and budget management. Also packing and shipping.

I'm going to start this year to develop a business model for a short run publishing company that will produce all its books in-house, by hand. That will involve computer work, copy-shop type work, and bindery handwork, as well as business management.

Sounds interesting. Any pics of your work online?
Khadgar
07-02-2009, 02:20
Since dropping out of school, I've been working for the past several months (In RI, which is tied with Michigan for the highest unemployment rate in the US. Sorry to brag, but I'm rather pleased with myself.) as a welder. It's hard, dirty work, but it more than pays the bills, and I rather enjoy it.

Now, its occurred to me recently that work like mine is not something people really consider anymore. Fewer and fewer American high school seniors are thinking "I'm going to be a welder when I get out of school." No, most seem to be striving for some sort of degree, then going out into the working world with that piece of paper to wave it around, and see where they end up; likely some office setting, pushing paperwork. (I say this because with any degree, you're apparently instantly qualified for some professions.) The backbone of the American workforce is slowly turning into a cubicle farm.

So my question-
How many here on NSG work in fields which require a lot of manual labor? If you're not in that field, what do you do? Did anyone want to grow up and do what they're doing now?

I'm past the manual labor bit. Thankfully my hands have finally healed completely from the repeated savaging from the chemicals I used to work with. Now I have a posh office job, the hardest "work" I have to do is lift a phone.
Avertum
07-02-2009, 02:21
hehe. Not really. I don't feel like a bad one in the first place!

Anyways, I'm a grad student in bioengineering. I'm not exactly a cubicle-monkey, but I wouldn't call it manual labor either (although using the cutting machine can give you some real aches and pains).
There's always room for improvement, isn't there?
At least you're doing something mildly interesting. What do you hope to do when you're out?

I'm an undergraduate student at a large American university getting a degree in a field that requires no manual labor, and do not intend to do any if I can avoid it.
Have fun in a cubicle!
Grave_n_idle
07-02-2009, 02:25
Sounds interesting. Any pics of your work online?

Yes. She's really quite good. :)

(But I'll leave it for her to forward you a link, so stalkers don't send ninjas after her and stuff).
Galloism
07-02-2009, 02:27
Yes. She's really quite good. :)

(But I'll leave it for her to forward you a link, so stalkers don't send ninjas after her and stuff).

I have the pirates standing by ready to defend her honor.
Lunatic Goofballs
07-02-2009, 02:30
So my question-
How many here on NSG work in fields which require a lot of manual labor? If you're not in that field, what do you do? Did anyone want to grow up and do what they're doing now?

I am a professional physical comedian. *nod*
Lunatic Goofballs
07-02-2009, 02:31
I whore myself out for tips.

A noble profession. *nod*
The One Eyed Weasel
07-02-2009, 02:33
I'm a self employed mechanic, and a scrapper.

Scrapper as in I take your junk metal (I like a good fight too though:)), and I make a good amount of money off of it. That's intensive work though. I just finished a 12 hour day picking up 3 cars.
Avertum
07-02-2009, 02:36
A noble profession. *nod*

Just what is it that you do LG?
Lunatic Goofballs
07-02-2009, 02:41
Just what is it that you do LG?

As I mentioned, I am a professional physical comedian.

AKA; a clown. :)
Big Jim P
07-02-2009, 02:41
I operate and maintain industrial printers and related equipment.
Dylsexic Untied
07-02-2009, 02:42
I'm just your average grunt in the Army.I have the pirates standing by ready to defend her honor.FOOL! Everybody knows ninjas pwn pirate ass!
Avertum
07-02-2009, 02:42
As I mentioned, I am a professional physical comedian.

AKA; a clown. :)

I should have expected that answer.

How could I reach you for booking? Would you cater your fine services to a kegger?
Lunatic Goofballs
07-02-2009, 02:43
I should have expected that answer.

How could I reach you for booking? Would you cater your fine services to a kegger?

No, but if you give me the address, I'll crash the party in costume. ;)
Pure Metal
07-02-2009, 02:43
NSG shoves its head up its arse and argues with itself. its fun.

The backbone of the American workforce is slowly turning into a cubicle farm.

heh, i like the way you put that
So my question-
How many here on NSG work in fields which require a lot of manual labor? If you're not in that field, what do you do? Did anyone want to grow up and do what they're doing now?

no manual labour here. i work for a small family business, so i do a bit of a lot of things, from artworking and DTP/graphic design to server management, website development, other IT stuff, and market research/product development. all of which is at a desk.

the closest i get to manual labour is either photography, which sometimes is required as part of the job, or running events (which can be really fucking exhausting)

and no, i didn't grow up wanting to do this. i still don't know what i want to do other than just help out the family business and get us all out of debt. i'm slowly helping us get there, so i guess i am doing what i want to do, in an odd way. i think i'd really like to be a chef.
Grave_n_idle
07-02-2009, 02:44
I should have expected that answer.

How could I reach you for booking? Would you cater your fine services to a kegger?

Since when did a kegger need more clowns?
Dempublicents1
07-02-2009, 02:49
There's always room for improvement, isn't there?
At least you're doing something mildly interesting. What do you hope to do when you're out?

Hopefully work in R&D in a medical devices company. I don't want just a desk job, though. Actual research is far preferable.
Muravyets
07-02-2009, 02:57
Sounds interesting. Any pics of your work online?
TG'd you my site. :) Thanks for asking.
Galloism
07-02-2009, 02:59
TG'd you my site. :) Thanks for asking.

I'd like to see it too, if you don't mind.
Muravyets
07-02-2009, 03:02
I'd like to see it too, if you don't mind.
Sure. TG'd. :)
Chandelier
07-02-2009, 03:03
I'm currently a student studying to become a chemical engineer.
Galloism
07-02-2009, 03:04
Sure. TG'd. :)

Thank you.
Ghost of Ayn Rand
07-02-2009, 03:06
No manual labour here. Besides being a moderator, I'm a post-grad student studying to be a law clerk (some might better know the position as legal assistant).

Just say "Power Behind the Throne". We'll know what you mean.
Ghost of Ayn Rand
07-02-2009, 03:07
Does pipetting count as manual labor?

Not if you do it orally.
Ghost of Ayn Rand
07-02-2009, 03:09
I'm currently a student studying to become a chemical engineer.

Like Dolph Lundgren?
Avertum
07-02-2009, 03:09
Since when did a kegger need more clowns?

There's always room for one more.
Muravyets
07-02-2009, 03:11
Yes. She's really quite good. :)

(But I'll leave it for her to forward you a link, so stalkers don't send ninjas after her and stuff).
Oh, thanks! :) (I can't believe I missed somebody complimenting me. Usually, my ego-radar zooms right in on those.)
Ann Coulters Ideology
07-02-2009, 03:13
I write books and help inspire the children of America become good people.
Grave_n_idle
07-02-2009, 03:13
Oh, thanks! :) (I can't believe I missed somebody complimenting me. Usually, my ego-radar zooms right in on those.)

:)

You already knew I was a fan.

Tell you what, next time I'm pimping you out, I'll highlight it in red so you can look on right away. :D
Ghost of Ayn Rand
07-02-2009, 03:16
:)

You already knew I was a fan.

Tell you what, next time I'm pimping you out, I'll highlight it in red so you can look on right away. :D

Just like the Bible does with Jesus!
Avertum
07-02-2009, 03:22
no manual labour here. i work for a small family business, so i do a bit of a lot of things, from artworking and DTP/graphic design to server management, website development, other IT stuff, and market research/product development. all of which is at a desk.

the closest i get to manual labour is either photography, which sometimes is required as part of the job, or running events (which can be really fucking exhausting)

and no, i didn't grow up wanting to do this. i still don't know what i want to do other than just help out the family business and get us all out of debt. i'm slowly helping us get there, so i guess i am doing what i want to do, in an odd way. i think i'd really like to be a chef.

What exactly is your business?
Muravyets
07-02-2009, 03:23
:)

You already knew I was a fan.

Tell you what, next time I'm pimping you out, I'll highlight it in red so you can look on right away. :D

Just like the Bible does with Jesus!
All RIGHT!!! Finally! :D
Ghost of Ayn Rand
07-02-2009, 03:29
All RIGHT!!! Finally! :D

Jesus said he would return. He did not say he would not return as a short fused cougar.
Blouman Empire
07-02-2009, 03:29
I have three jobs, and I'm seventeen. :D
I work for my grandfather's log-board company, my grandfather's welling company, and a grocery store. The first two are what one could call labor intensive.

Is that what I think it is?

As for me I work for a sales company (they call themselves a marketing company) I am only doing it until I can find something better and really can't wait till I do. One upside of the job is that if I don't want to deal with a customer and their bullshit I can walk away whenever I want.
Muravyets
07-02-2009, 03:32
Jesus said he would return. He did not say he would not return as a short fused cougar.
Surprise! :D (By the way, I'm keeping score this time around.)
Anti-Social Darwinism
07-02-2009, 04:36
Before I retired, a BSc. in Admin. qualified me to be one of two things, a graduate student in Business (as in MBA) or a secretary. I couldn't afford graduate school. So I spent my entire working life in cubicle Hell. If I had it to do over again, I'd become a mechanic.

Now I pursue my hobbies which involve handcrafts, cooking and reading.
Hydesland
07-02-2009, 04:36
I'm a sound engineer at my SU, would that count as manual labour? t
One-O-One
07-02-2009, 05:59
In high school at the moment, and if I try hard enough and get University Entrance I may go to University to study History and/or Politics. Otherwise I'll fallback to Computing at Polytech.
Straughn
07-02-2009, 06:17
I whore myself out for tips.Here's a tip: Don't eat toast in bed.
Now get on with that thar whorin'.
*wiggles Honduran currency*
Gauntleted Fist
07-02-2009, 06:19
Is that what I think it is?I have no idea. What do you think it is? :confused:

...;)
Neu Leonstein
07-02-2009, 06:29
I'm in banking, the hardest thing I do to my body is the weekend. Takes until Tuesday to recover.
The Cat-Tribe
07-02-2009, 06:33
I grew up on a farm/ranch, so I performed manual labor regularly from a young age.

I worked various manual labor jobs until I entered law school.

I am now a lawyer by trade, but am not working due to disabling mental illness.

(I must note that I have been pleasantly surprised that no one has ever tried to make an issue of my mental competence in these forums. :wink:)
Galloism
07-02-2009, 06:35
(I must note that I have been pleasantly surprised that no one has ever tried to make an issue of my mental competence in these forums. :wink:)

Most of us have our mental ghosts that follow us to some extent. So, while none of us understand each others' situations perfectly, we do understand that there are other situations besides our own.

I'm kind of buzzed... tell me if I should make a thread about that.
Straughn
07-02-2009, 06:39
Jesus said he would return. He did not say he would not return as a short fused cougar.
That's true, like the new guy in our region's car.

<.<
>.>
Gauntleted Fist
07-02-2009, 06:40
Most of us have our mental ghosts that follow us to some extent. So, while none of us understand each others' situations perfectly, we do understand that there are other situations besides our own.

I'm kind of buzzed... tell me if I should make a thread about that.You should. Sounds like an interesting topic.
Muravyets
07-02-2009, 06:40
I grew up on a farm/ranch, so I performed manual labor regularly from a young age.

I worked various manual labor jobs until I entered law school.

I am now a lawyer by trade, but am not working due to disabling mental illness.

(I must note that I have been pleasantly surprised that no one has ever tried to make an issue of my mental competence in these forums. :wink:)
Well, now that you've brought it up... :D

Seriously, though, it's never been made an issue of for two reasons: (1) it's none of our damned business, and (2) EDIT: Feh, screw it. :fluffle:
Ghost of Ayn Rand
07-02-2009, 07:14
Here's a tip: Don't eat toast in bed.
Now get on with that thar whorin'.
*wiggles Honduran currency*

Straughn, where have you been?

You're one of my favorite posters here, so quite hiding. Got a life? Neglect it. Got a job? Dodge it. Got a spouse? Learn to type while giving head.

Seriously, I want to see you around a lot more. I haven't been too well lately, and I miss you.
Ghost of Ayn Rand
07-02-2009, 07:22
I grew up on a farm/ranch, so I performed manual labor regularly from a young age.

I worked various manual labor jobs until I entered law school.

I am now a lawyer by trade, but am not working due to disabling mental illness.

(I must note that I have been pleasantly surprised that no one has ever tried to make an issue of my mental competence in these forums. :wink:)

Oh, that would be a brilliant move for somebody to make. "Cat-Tribes has dimished mental capacity even though he almost universally crafts deeply thoughtful and contemplative responses adorned with surgically precise and relevant citations that has rightfully earned wide respect! So, he's wrong!"

It would be like a squad of central casting bad guys challenging Nick Fury to a gun fight because he's only got one eye.

Yeah, right. I'll go do that. Right after I give art lessons to Picasso and leave a voice mail for John Nash, letting him know if wants to continue publishing, I need to check his math.

[Enter Serious Mode]
It was a tg you sent my Saint Curie nation that helped me get up the balls to eventually apply to law school. I've had a letter sitting on my desk for 11 months, that I wrote to the Bar of my State, asking if my own mental condition would preclude my admission to the bar (apparently one of the members of the Character and Fitness board here is a psychiatrist).

If you can still think this well with mental illness, it gives me hope they might let me practice at some point.

[End Serious Mode]
NERVUN
07-02-2009, 07:28
As a teen I did various jobs that included manual labor. I loved it so much that I once told my step-father (Who at the time was a carpenter) that I would never, ever get a job that would have manual labor (I think my exact words were, "I don't do manual labor").

I now teach elementary school. If you don't think that requires manual labor, I invite you to take over my 1st grade classes for a day. :tongue:

I've wanted to be a teacher since junior high school, bTW.

(I must note that I have been pleasantly surprised that no one has ever tried to make an issue of my mental competence in these forums. :wink:)
Give us time... of course given the crowd here, hypocrisy wouldn't even BEGIN to describe it.
Galloism
07-02-2009, 07:30
I now teach elementary school. If you don't think that requires manual labor, I invite you to take over my 1st grade classes for a day. :tongue:

I taught first graders for a week... that was when I decided that teaching was not for me.
Straughn
07-02-2009, 07:34
Straughn, where have you been? Dying, in one of the old fashioned manners. My kids are vampires. [/half-kidding]

You're one of my favorite posters here, so quite hiding.Why isn't this on the valentine's thread? :(
Got a life? Neglect it.I figured my posting history was already testament to that.
Got a job? Dodge it.Doing it. They love me. :)
Got a spouse? Learn to type while giving head.I can already do that, but whenever i put it on the resume, people treat me like i should expect the glass ceiling. Well, clear glass coffee table, more appropriately.

Seriously, I want to see you around a lot more. I haven't been too well lately, and I miss you.Not well why? Winter? I'd be on more if my boys weren't so already fixated on the boobie pix on my desktop. They hog it a lot, and drool all over the keyboard.
Straughn
07-02-2009, 07:37
of course given the crowd here, hypocrisy wouldn't even BEGIN to describe it.Quoted for truth.
Anti-Social Darwinism
07-02-2009, 07:52
I grew up on a farm/ranch, so I performed manual labor regularly from a young age.

I worked various manual labor jobs until I entered law school.

I am now a lawyer by trade, but am not working due to disabling mental illness.

(I must note that I have been pleasantly surprised that no one has ever tried to make an issue of my mental competence in these forums. :wink:)

As the man in the very old joke said "I'm crazy, not stupid."

I think that's most of us here, crazy, not stupid.
Saint Jade IV
07-02-2009, 08:16
I teach at the School of Distance Education in Charleville. Not something that requires manual labour (all the time). But it is mentally exhausting trying to teach Japanese over the radio waves.
Trollgaard
07-02-2009, 08:32
I'm a kennel worker, so not too labor intensive, but it can be at times.
Cameroi
07-02-2009, 10:39
my little people sized trains would put a LOT of welders to work, and in any country that has welders, even some place like nipal.

for me, yah, i've knocked around a bit. right now i look after a wife who'se in technically disabled. i've worked in reseraunts (behind the scenes) and loved it. i've also been a heavy equipment apprentice and (mineral exploration) driller's helper. when i was in college i worked in a casino's coin room.

i'd love to have learned welding and/or machining. none of my college i've ever been able to actually apply, other then as a hobby. this includes geology, drafting, and even electronics. most by now pretty much out of date and never completed to degree or certification. just never had the flow of resources to do so.

i ain't bitchin cause i've got food in my gut, a roof over my head, and this computer to play with. the latter being something i could only dream of when i was in school, do to the fact that nothing remotely like them existed yet.

so i guess you could call me kind of semi-retired, ghod knows i'm old enough i ought to be.
Querinos
07-02-2009, 12:42
Things I've been paid to do:
Dog-sit
House-sit
Baby-sit
Tutor
Drive
Photograph
Designated driver
Assistant/ clerk
Demolish
Barista
Sale
Maintance
Security Guard (mostly at scrap yards)

Iffy:
Internet DJ- did it for free.
Juror- pay is pay.
Mercy lay- no comment.
SaintB
07-02-2009, 13:14
Sigh. No matter what I do, I will be told I do nothing and should get a real job.

Same here.

I work two jobs, one is work, the other is my business. I work as a part time radio DJ and personality, I also work as a mascot, sound operator, and in any other position they need filled. My other job is as a self-employed graphic designer; I mostly do business cards and such crap but I occasionally get to do what I love; websites.


I'm going to start this year to develop a business model for a short run publishing company that will produce all its books in-house, by hand. That will involve computer work, copy-shop type work, and bindery handwork, as well as business management.


I have experience in all of those if you would be looking to hire, I don't mind relocating. Hell I want to relocate.

Yes, shameless self promotion.
Western Mercenary Unio
07-02-2009, 13:24
TG'd you my site. :) Thanks for asking.

I'm too curious for my own good. Now I want that link.

But in response to the OP, I'm in yläaste(equivalent of Junior High).
Andaluciae
07-02-2009, 14:54
I'm a government employed graduate student.
UNIverseVERSE
07-02-2009, 14:58
I'm currently a student in my last year before University. Once I head off to Uni, I will be a student of Mathematics. I then intend to remain one as long as possible - undergrad, masters, phd, post-doc, etc.
Holy Cheese and Shoes
07-02-2009, 16:20
Spreadsheets spreadsheets spreadsheets, research research research, presentations. And not even about anything particularly interesting, just an industry I happened to work in for 10 years.

*yawns*

Luckily it's not very intensive, and pays well :D
Katganistan
07-02-2009, 16:40
I am a high school English teacher in the NY public school system, working in one of the five boroughs of New York City.
Working with teens: it's not a job, it's an adventure. :D
Heikoku 2
07-02-2009, 16:41
I whore myself out for tips.

Here's a tip: Don't eat the yellow snow.

So, wanna fool around a little? ;)

Also, I'm an English-Portuguese translator.
Heikoku 2
07-02-2009, 16:46
I'm a kennel worker, so not too labor intensive, but it can be at times.

Based on this post, I would like to say that Trollgaard is perfectly capable of being a mod here. ;)
Heikoku 2
07-02-2009, 16:51
I am now a lawyer by trade, but am not working due to disabling mental illness.

(I must note that I have been pleasantly surprised that no one has ever tried to make an issue of my mental competence in these forums. :wink:)

1- Not that it's any of my business, but I can't tell by your posts. You're coherent and so on.

2- Being that you're coherent, it wouldn't only be cheating in the discussion to use it, it'd also be, well, moddable, I assume. I HAVE been modded several times, but I don't cheat. I can't speak for the rest of NSG though.
Call to power
07-02-2009, 17:58
I make ice cream (I got this job the day before the worst snow in 20 years >.<) and defend freedom if you call it a job

edit: when I grow up I want to be a brutal dictator (blame red alert and civ II for that)
Quintessence of Dust
07-02-2009, 18:05
I'm a postgrad student in US History, working on Robert Ingersoll (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_G._Ingersoll) and the politics of religious tolerance in the Gilded Age. For money I juggle a variety of internships, freelance proofreading, grants, and crippling debt. Thankfully, my days of manual labour - in stores and for a chemical firm - are, for the moment, behind me, but I suspect will return soon.
No Names Left Damn It
07-02-2009, 18:38
I'm an artist.

Get a real job. Sarcasm.
The Cat-Tribe
07-02-2009, 18:49
I just wanted to say two things:

First, when I mentioned my disabled condition, I wasn't meaning to fish for sympathy or encouragement.

Second, I am nonetheless deeply touched by the many posts of sympathy and encouragement. :$:fluffle:

You guys are good company. :hail:
Nanatsu no Tsuki
07-02-2009, 18:50
I... I exist.
The blessed Chris
07-02-2009, 18:52
Undergrad student, don't intend to leave academia if possible.
Chumblywumbly
07-02-2009, 18:58
I'm currently a student in my last year before University. Once I head off to Uni, I will be a student of Mathematics. I then intend to remain one as long as possible - undergrad, masters, phd, post-doc, etc.

Undergrad student, don't intend to leave academia if possible.
Same as you guys, in my final year of undergrad, applying to do a postgrad, hoping to stay on, start teaching, get published, then whore myself out to various educational institutions until I'm offered a permanent post.
Holy Cheese and Shoes
07-02-2009, 19:07
I... I exist.

Does that pay well?
Nanatsu no Tsuki
07-02-2009, 19:30
Does that pay well?

Yup. It has a wonderful 401K package and I retire early. *nod*
JuNii
07-02-2009, 19:34
I... I exist.

but.. you don't exist where I am! :(
Nanatsu no Tsuki
07-02-2009, 19:36
but.. you don't exist where I am! :(

If you come to Spain or I go to Hawaii, we can exist on the same place.

Can you, thought, offer me a good 401K plan with early retirement?
JuNii
07-02-2009, 19:38
(I must note that I have been pleasantly surprised that no one has ever tried to make an issue of my mental competence in these forums. :wink:)

I must say, your mental competence has NEVER been in doubt. :hail:
JuNii
07-02-2009, 19:39
If you come to Spain or I go to Hawaii, we can exist on the same place.

Can you, thought, offer me a good 401K plan with early retirement?

hmmm... I doubt my 'plan' would leave much time for you to 'retire' each night. :p
Holy Cheese and Shoes
07-02-2009, 19:50
Yup. It has a wonderful 401K package and I retire early. *nod*

I'm not sure "retiring early" from existence is something I would be happy with!
New Wallonochia
07-02-2009, 19:53
RI, which is tied with Michigan for the highest unemployment rate in the US

That sounds like a challenge!

*gets people fired*

How many here on NSG work in fields which require a lot of manual labor? If you're not in that field, what do you do? Did anyone want to grow up and do what they're doing now?

I grew up on a farm, which was quite labor intensive and have been in the regular army and National Guard, both of which are somewhat labor intensive.

Right now I'm currently in the Guard and studying French at university. As to whether it's what I wanted to do when I "grew up", that has changed many, many times.
Nanatsu no Tsuki
07-02-2009, 20:42
hmmm... I doubt my 'plan' would leave much time for you to 'retire' each night. :p

Retire where? To your bed?:p
IL Ruffino
07-02-2009, 21:26
I think I take photos, I'm not sure.
JuNii
07-02-2009, 21:28
Retire where? To your bed?:p

if that's your preference... ;)
Nanatsu no Tsuki
07-02-2009, 21:30
if that's your preference... ;)

Perhaps we can work something out.
JuNii
07-02-2009, 21:32
Perhaps we can work something out.

word of advice.

I don't mind warming up any chilled body parts. ;)

Yes, feet included. :D
Nanatsu no Tsuki
07-02-2009, 21:33
word of advice.

I don't mind warming up any chilled body parts. ;)

Yes, feet included. :D

Oh my, you're just the perfect bed buddy. I'm going to Hawaii!!:fluffle:
Call to power
07-02-2009, 21:58
SNIP

SNIP

why on Earth would you want to stay in school...dammit get off my bloody tax money and do something with your lives geez :tongue:
Sudova
07-02-2009, 22:01
Since dropping out of school, I've been working for the past several months (In RI, which is tied with Michigan for the highest unemployment rate in the US. Sorry to brag, but I'm rather pleased with myself.) as a welder. It's hard, dirty work, but it more than pays the bills, and I rather enjoy it.

Now, its occurred to me recently that work like mine is not something people really consider anymore. Fewer and fewer American high school seniors are thinking "I'm going to be a welder when I get out of school." No, most seem to be striving for some sort of degree, then going out into the working world with that piece of paper to wave it around, and see where they end up; likely some office setting, pushing paperwork. (I say this because with any degree, you're apparently instantly qualified for some professions.) The backbone of the American workforce is slowly turning into a cubicle farm.

So my question-
How many here on NSG work in fields which require a lot of manual labor? If you're not in that field, what do you do? Did anyone want to grow up and do what they're doing now?

Production Mechanic at Boeing's facility in Everett, Washington, 777 line (but I've worked the 747 and 737, Wasted two and a half months on the 787 line as well-and 'twas truly a waste. Imagine taking everything that's proven to fail in a new airplane programme, combining it with untested software applications and the most incompetent management techniques you can imagine...that's 787. There's a REASON it's two years behind schedule.)

I've also worked as a weldor (Different, supposedly, from the machine, at least according to the guy I was apprenticing under), Cabinet-maker, forklift driver...(Layoffs mean you get to work in a variety of other jobs while awaiting a callback.)
The blessed Chris
07-02-2009, 23:58
why on Earth would you want to stay in school...dammit get off my bloody tax money and do something with your lives geez :tongue:

I loved school. And no, I won't.:tongue:
Fartsniffage
08-02-2009, 00:08
I'm a minion at British Gas.

Even my friends hate me. :(
Trollgaard
08-02-2009, 00:29
Based on this post, I would like to say that Trollgaard is perfectly capable of being a mod here. ;)

Haha, why's that?
Myrmidonisia
08-02-2009, 00:39
Since dropping out of school, I've been working for the past several months (In RI, which is tied with Michigan for the highest unemployment rate in the US. Sorry to brag, but I'm rather pleased with myself.) as a welder. It's hard, dirty work, but it more than pays the bills, and I rather enjoy it.

Now, its occurred to me recently that work like mine is not something people really consider anymore. Fewer and fewer American high school seniors are thinking "I'm going to be a welder when I get out of school." No, most seem to be striving for some sort of degree, then going out into the working world with that piece of paper to wave it around, and see where they end up; likely some office setting, pushing paperwork. (I say this because with any degree, you're apparently instantly qualified for some professions.) The backbone of the American workforce is slowly turning into a cubicle farm.

So my question-
How many here on NSG work in fields which require a lot of manual labor? If you're not in that field, what do you do? Did anyone want to grow up and do what they're doing now?
People here are in love with education. I think they mostly discount manual labor and skilled trades as something beneath them.
Heikoku 2
08-02-2009, 00:41
People here are in love with education. I think they mostly discount manual labor and skilled trades as something beneath them.

Oh, I'm sure Jocabia, who is quite intelligent and well-read, thinks so, and... *Gets a card* Oh. What? He's a soldier too? Splendid, there you go, facts, making me look silly!
Ghost of Ayn Rand
08-02-2009, 00:44
People here are in love with education. I think they mostly discount manual labor and skilled trades as something beneath them.

A lot of the skilled trades I've seen have accredited training programs that contain a lot of formal instruction, and even reasonable introduction to theory.

In a lot of ways, I see at least some trades as included in the set of continuing education.

Except for those dirty centaurs iron workers.
Chumblywumbly
08-02-2009, 00:50
People here are in love with education. I think they mostly discount manual labor and skilled trades as something beneath them.
They also make hasty generalisations.

All of them.
NERVUN
08-02-2009, 00:54
I am a high school English teacher in the NY public school system, working in one of the five boroughs of New York City.
Working with teens: it's not a job, it's an adventure. :D
It's not an adventure, Kat, it's proof of your insanity. :wink:
The blessed Chris
08-02-2009, 00:56
People here are in love with education. I think they mostly discount manual labor and skilled trades as something beneath them.

Personally, it's more an issue of suitability and preference, regarding "skilled trades" at any rate. I'm far better at the mental and intellectual than the physical.

However, I do see "manual labour" in the more banal and soul-crushing forms it assumes as beneath me, yes.
Bubabalu
08-02-2009, 01:03
I was medically retired from my dream job as a career fire officer in 2002, due to an on the job injury. I have worked as a medic and a police officer, but the most fun was as a firefighter for 20 years.

I am currently supervising a small 9-1-1 center in a medium town.

In my area, if you have to call a plumber to your house it is $100.00 for them to show up and the first hour. If you have to call them after hours (or as it usually happens) or on a holiday weekend, they charge $150.00 for the service trip and the first hour.

And if you are an auto mechanic, they charge $75.00 per hour for labor.

I guess my kids need to go to college to learn the basics of business administration, then they can be a plumber and an auto mechanic.
The Cat-Tribe
08-02-2009, 01:15
People here are in love with education. I think they mostly discount manual labor and skilled trades as something beneath them.

1. How dare people value education?

2. This is why I have such contempt for my grandfather, who is a veteran, an ex-miner, and a retired farmer. He is simply beneath me.
Bubabalu
08-02-2009, 01:52
People here are in love with education. I think they mostly discount manual labor and skilled trades as something beneath them.

When I worked in a college town, most of the students looked down on us poor dumb uneducated city employees. Unfortunately, a lot of them are under the imression that their first job will start them at $75k-$100k at entry level. Too bad they don't look at the law school and medical school, because they are not graduating any rookies making that type of money at the start of their career.
Skallvia
08-02-2009, 01:54
Im laid-off, :(

Just last Sunday even...
The blessed Chris
08-02-2009, 01:54
When I worked in a college town, most of the students looked down on us poor dumb uneducated city employees. Unfortunately, a lot of them are under the imression that their first job will start them at $75k-$100k at entry level. Too bad they don't look at the law school and medical school, because they are not graduating any rookies making that type of money at the start of their career.

The two points you make bear precious little relation to each other. Congratulations, Gorgon.
Chernobyl-Pripyat
08-02-2009, 01:58
I currently work in a coffee place, but I put in an application for OMON the other day, next week I take the examinations for it
JuNii
08-02-2009, 01:59
2. This is why I have such contempt for my grandfather, who is a veteran, an ex-miner, and a retired farmer. He is simply beneath me.

but only when he's shafted... right? :D
Rodriquesia
08-02-2009, 02:10
I started out as a biologist, then our prime minister of the time shut down the government funding that was paying the salary for my research post.

So then I took my experience in mathematical modelling and went into IT in the defence industry. Until the Peace Dividend took down my employer. Well some say it was that, others say we were supplying a chap called saddam with "tractor parts" when he was the NICE guy and his neighbour with a bigger beard was the BAD one, and when values changed, he didnlt pay his bills. Is this true ? Maybe, and the story was put in print by a bloke who has been sued many times for libel, but wasn't for THAT story.

So then I went and worked for myself for fifteen years, until our current prime minster, whow as then chancellor, set his taxmen on my clients, threatening THEM with investigation if they kept giving work to the little guys like me. So they stopped doing it.

So then I became a banker. well OK a Database Admin for a load of bankers. A whole BIG huge load of bankers.

And then the bank sent the job "offshore" to the indian subcontinent and I went on the dole. Briefly. Until a certain betting shop found the software they'd sent offshore to the same subcontinent be done in time for the World Cup Football came back in a state best described as "not really done at all". So I went back to working for myself, briefly.

And then I went back to being a Database Admin for a different collection of bankers again. Right in time for the credit crunch.

Why do you think I have time to play this online game and peruse these forums ?
New Manvir
08-02-2009, 02:27
I'm a telemarketer that sells this (http://hppservices.com/) to people in Michigan.
Skallvia
08-02-2009, 02:29
I'm a telemarketer that sells this (http://hppservices.com/) to people in Michigan.

And you got me to click on it.....I see what youre playing at....
New Manvir
08-02-2009, 02:38
And you got me to click on it.....I see what youre playing at....

whatever do you mean? now just sign this paper and we'll get you signed up...
Chumblywumbly
08-02-2009, 03:08
why on Earth would you want to stay in school
Because I want to continue my studies, genuinely enjoy what I'm studying, and want to teach others.

dammit get off my bloody tax money and do something with your lives geez
No.

*withdraws student loan*
Mirkana
08-02-2009, 03:15
I'm a student with scientific ambitions.
Truly Blessed
08-02-2009, 03:29
No manual labor. Lots of number crunching and statistics. I do Software QA.
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 03:36
Same here.

I work two jobs, one is work, the other is my business. I work as a part time radio DJ and personality, I also work as a mascot, sound operator, and in any other position they need filled. My other job is as a self-employed graphic designer; I mostly do business cards and such crap but I occasionally get to do what I love; websites.



I have experience in all of those if you would be looking to hire, I don't mind relocating. Hell I want to relocate.

Yes, shameless self promotion.
Hell, it will be a long time before I'm in a position to give work to anyone, but who knows. If I don't fail miserably first, I will need a web and graphics person eventually. I'll keep you in mind.

I'm too curious for my own good. Now I want that link.

But in response to the OP, I'm in yläaste(equivalent of Junior High).
You're a kid, right? Kids love my work. You don't have any phobias, do you? If so, don't look down:

http://jenfries.com/images/index_main_image.jpg

http://jenfries.com/pages/collages_books/page_01/swap_01.jpg
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 03:45
People here are in love with education. I think they mostly discount manual labor and skilled trades as something beneath them.
Right, of course, because you don't need to know anything for a SKILLED trade. :rolleyes:
Galloism
08-02-2009, 03:48
Well Murv, I looked through your whole site. My favorite ones are the skeletons - especially the two skeletons kissing. It's kind of creepy, but I like it.
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 03:49
I started out as a biologist, then our prime minister of the time shut down the government funding that was paying the salary for my research post.

So then I took my experience in mathematical modelling and went into IT in the defence industry. Until the Peace Dividend took down my employer. Well some say it was that, others say we were supplying a chap called saddam with "tractor parts" when he was the NICE guy and his neighbour with a bigger beard was the BAD one, and when values changed, he didnlt pay his bills. Is this true ? Maybe, and the story was put in print by a bloke who has been sued many times for libel, but wasn't for THAT story.

So then I went and worked for myself for fifteen years, until our current prime minster, whow as then chancellor, set his taxmen on my clients, threatening THEM with investigation if they kept giving work to the little guys like me. So they stopped doing it.

So then I became a banker. well OK a Database Admin for a load of bankers. A whole BIG huge load of bankers.

And then the bank sent the job "offshore" to the indian subcontinent and I went on the dole. Briefly. Until a certain betting shop found the software they'd sent offshore to the same subcontinent be done in time for the World Cup Football came back in a state best described as "not really done at all". So I went back to working for myself, briefly.

And then I went back to being a Database Admin for a different collection of bankers again. Right in time for the credit crunch.

Why do you think I have time to play this online game and peruse these forums ?
You have good timing. :D
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 03:52
Well Murv, I looked through your whole site. My favorite ones are the skeletons - especially the two skeletons kissing. It's kind of creepy, but I like it.
Thanks. :D That image is my favorite photo as well. All the good pictures were taken by a friend of mine who is more talented than she thinks she is. By the way, the kissing skeletons and the seated skeleton, and the third one not on the site because it didn't photograph well (a standing figure) all glow in the dark, too. Fyi. :D
Blouman Empire
08-02-2009, 03:53
I have no idea. What do you think it is? :confused:

...;)

lol, well is it making wells?
Galloism
08-02-2009, 03:53
Thanks. :D That image is my favorite photo as well. All the good pictures were taken by a friend of mine who is more talented than she thinks she is. By the way, the kissing skeletons and the seated skeleton, and the third one not on the site because it didn't photograph well (a standing figure) all glow in the dark, too. Fyi. :D

How much for the kissing one that glows in the dark?
Straughn
08-02-2009, 03:54
lol, well is it making wells?
I've done that. The Romulans thank me and curse me in the same sentence.
Admittedly, they do that as a matter of course.
Elves Security Forces
08-02-2009, 03:54
I am currently studying at University to become a Historian and educator.
Errinundera
08-02-2009, 04:14
I work for a Labor Member of the Victorian Parliament.
Sudova
08-02-2009, 04:17
I am currently studying at University to become a Historian and educator.

So...you're going to remain in school in perpetuity, write a few books about what others have written books about derived from books written about events, maybe editorialize in your classes, but basically a perpetual student.

good luck with that.
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 04:22
How much for the kissing one that glows in the dark?
Make me an offer. Maybe we can work something out.

I don't have a price for those figures because I hadn't planned on ever selling them until some people started urging me to make more, very recently. But I'm thrilled you like it enough to wonder. :D
Galloism
08-02-2009, 04:23
Make me an offer. If it's fair, maybe we can work something out.

I don't have a price for those figures because I hadn't planned on ever selling them until some people started urging me to make more, very recently. But I'm thrilled you like it enough to wonder. :D

Well, I'd like to have it for myself, but I can't afford it right now, being out of work and all (damn economic downturn!).

However, I have an ex that loves that kind of stuff, and I thought I'd pass it along.

I totally wouldn't mind if you completely screwed her over on price, though.
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 04:25
Well, I'd like to have it for myself, but I can't afford it right now, being out of work and all (damn economic downturn!).

However, I have an ex that loves that kind of stuff, and I thought I'd pass it along.

I totally wouldn't mind if you completely screwed her over on price, though.
Fabulous! Pass that link to anyone you think might like it. It's there to advertise me, after all. Check with me again if your fortunes turn around. I might still have that piece, and I might even have properly priced it by then.
Galloism
08-02-2009, 04:27
Fabulous! Pass that link to anyone you think might like it. It's there to advertise me, after all. Check with me again if your fortunes turn around. I might still have that piece, and I might even have properly priced it by then.

Think you can screw her over on the price? That would mean a lot to me.
Elves Security Forces
08-02-2009, 04:27
So...you're going to remain in school in perpetuity, write a few books about what others have written books about derived from books written about events, maybe editorialize in your classes, but basically a perpetual student.

good luck with that.

Your idea of what a historian does is severely flawed, I suggest you take His 2023, or whatever equivilant you can find at your local university.

You also missed the part about me becoming an educator.
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 04:28
Think you can screw her over on the price? That would mean a lot to me.
Oh, easily. ;)
Pepe Dominguez
08-02-2009, 04:36
I wanted to make things explode when I was a kid, either as a pyrotechnician or in demolition, or, failing that, a crane/wrecking ball operator. When I got older I went to college instead, but still took time out to learn a trade to pay for it all, and considered welding (the OP's trade), which was my favorite idea but took too long to train, at about six months at the city vocational center. Instead, I spent six weeks rather than six months in training, and drove a truck for a few years. Paid for school, and I got to see the entire country, just about.
Sudova
08-02-2009, 04:45
Your idea of what a historian does is severely flawed, I suggest you take His 2023, or whatever equivilant you can find at your local university.

You also missed the part about me becoming an educator.

Private uni, or Public? if it's Public, then it just means that instead of tax-dollars as loans, you'll be accepting them in exchange for book-work and a few lectures.

Not that there's anything wrong with that-there aren't enough people who are interested in History or knowledgeable about it, but don't fool yourself-very few people bother to open a PhD's Thesis even after it's been published without being compelled by a prof to do it, and there are plenty of really BAD history Profs out there (Ward Churchill, for instance.)
The Cat-Tribe
08-02-2009, 05:05
Private uni, or Public? if it's Public, then it just means that instead of tax-dollars as loans, you'll be accepting them in exchange for book-work and a few lectures.

Not that there's anything wrong with that-there aren't enough people who are interested in History or knowledgeable about it, but don't fool yourself-very few people bother to open a PhD's Thesis even after it's been published without being compelled by a prof to do it, and there are plenty of really BAD history Profs out there (Ward Churchill, for instance.)

Ah, yes, the boogeyman. Of course, Ward Churchill wasn't a history professor.

But don't let details get in the way of an anti-intellectual screed.
Sudova
08-02-2009, 05:27
Ah, yes, the boogeyman. Of course, Ward Churchill wasn't a history professor.

But don't let details get in the way of an anti-intellectual screed.

Cat-Tribe, my problem isn't with Intellectuals, my problem is with people who hide in the system because they can't cut it in reality, but CALL themselves intellectuals. It's like the guy who figures out that if he uses coloured douche-water, then voids his bowels on a canvas, he can hype it to rich new-yorkers as "art", for millions of dollars by acting really, reeeelly freaky and getting a government grant through the NEA.

I Meant it when I wished the poster "Good Luck with that"-because I know that most people don't read serious historical work, and take History classes only when compelled to do so. The majority of Americans don't know their rights, don't know their own history, don't care about either, and are more interested in "America's Top Model" than they are in what their representatives are actually doing in their name.

I may not have a degree, but I went to college, and there are good profs, and bad profs, but most of the students are there to check off a box on their list.
Khafra
08-02-2009, 08:13
Have fun in a cubicle!
If I don't work in a cubicle, how can I use company time to come here and argue with the likes of you all? :P
Yootopia
08-02-2009, 08:37
Cat-Tribe, my problem isn't with Intellectuals, my problem is with people who hide in the system because they can't cut it in reality, but CALL themselves intellectuals.
I think that bullshitting is as useful a skill in reality as anything manual.

Anyway, I'm a student of History. Hope to go into the civil service or teaching or something after my degree, not quite sure yet. Has to have a good pension, though.
Ghost of Ayn Rand
08-02-2009, 08:38
I think that bullshitting is as useful a skill in reality as anything manual.

Anyway, I'm a student of History. Hope to go into the civil service or teaching or something after my degree, not quite sure yet. Has to have a good pension, though.

If your GRE's are good enough, you can go to grad school to become a Time Lord.
Sudova
08-02-2009, 08:57
I think that bullshitting is as useful a skill in reality as anything manual.
Good point-salesmanship is the very essence of bullshitting-which doesn't make it any less aggravating for people like me, but in the world of reality, BS'ing gets you further up the chain than anything else.

Anyway, I'm a student of History. Hope to go into the civil service or teaching or something after my degree, not quite sure yet. Has to have a good pension, though.

Refine your ability to bullshit, then-take some Rhetoric classes, and if you're going in to Civil Service, study the brown-nosers around you and pick the best techniques. (and remember-a Bureaucrat advances in pay higher and faster than a Teacher-because Teaching is a useful skill, while being a Bureaucrat is a function mostly carried out in obstructing others' progress.)
Western Mercenary Unio
08-02-2009, 10:33
You're a kid, right? Kids love my work. You don't have any phobias, do you? If so, don't look down:

http://jenfries.com/images/index_main_image.jpg

http://jenfries.com/pages/collages_books/page_01/swap_01.jpg

Wow, it's creepy and cool at the same time.
UNIverseVERSE
08-02-2009, 11:30
why on Earth would you want to stay in school...dammit get off my bloody tax money and do something with your lives geez :tongue:

I am doing something with my life - learning :P

Cat-Tribe, my problem isn't with Intellectuals, my problem is with people who hide in the system because they can't cut it in reality, but CALL themselves intellectuals.
<snip>


Define 'reality'.

I intend to stay in the academic world because it's much more suited to me, and for no other reason. I don't need to get rich to be happy with my life. If I don't need to screw other people over for profit or sell my time for a wage that is only just livable, I'm going to go for that option.

And I'm pretty damn good at maths (if I say so myself).


<snip>
I may not have a degree, but I went to college, and there are good profs, and bad profs, but most of the students are there to check off a box on their list.

Ah, American. Over here it's still rare enough that most students are there to actually learn (although I may be hopelessly idealistic at this stage). Add to that the fact that I'm hopefully going to be at one of the best universities in the country, meaning that most of the staff and students there will be very skilled and very much enjoy their subject.
Saint Jade IV
08-02-2009, 13:25
It's really interesting to see the preconceptions of people here. I am constantly amazed at the people from trade backgrounds who seem to have a chip on their shoulder about their lack of academic education. And the amount of educated people who don't care about one's background.
Heikoku 2
08-02-2009, 13:27
Snip.

1- "You don't have any phobias, right?" is the coolest way to introduce pieces of art ever.

2- Any chance you'll ever need a Brazilian Portuguese translator/interpreter? :p
SaintB
08-02-2009, 13:27
I really thought someone was going to ask me about teaching over the radio. i feel so unimportant now.

Hmm, I'll bite. That sounds novel... I work in radio and never heard of ANYTHING like that.
Valentasia
08-02-2009, 13:29
I'm a self employed kitchen and bathroom designer. But i also play guitar and perform vocals in an electronic/alternative band. We play at the occasional wedding or function, so i make money out of that too.

I'm also writing a novel. It's more of a hobby, but you never know. Maybe i'll get it published.
SaintB
08-02-2009, 13:29
It's really interesting to see the preconceptions of people here. I am constantly amazed at the people from trade backgrounds who seem to have a chip on their shoulder about their lack of academic education. And the amount of educated people who don't care about one's background.

How about the ones that have a chip on their shoulder about their level of education, or am I just messed up?
Saint Jade IV
08-02-2009, 13:39
Hmm, I'll bite. That sounds novel... I work in radio and never heard of ANYTHING like that.

I feel special now.

Basically I work at a school that teaches geographically isolated children via the radio. They do half hour classes with approximately 15 kids in them. I have a little radio studio and the kids dial in with a PIN and the school number.

The kids I teach generally live on farming or rural properties more than 90 minutes from their nearest school, or in communities that have a school with a highly modified curriculum which does not meet the child's needs. They have a home tutor who works through the papers (booklets that are sent out containing a term's work).

Some of my students live over 90 minutes from their nearest neighbour, and the only time they see kids other than their siblings is when they come into town for In-School weeks, where all the kids meet up and have face-to-face time with their teachers. It's also the only time I get to see my students all year.
Saint Jade IV
08-02-2009, 13:41
How about the ones that have a chip on their shoulder about their level of education, or am I just messed up?

I'm actually confused :confused:
SaintB
08-02-2009, 13:42
I feel special now.

*snip*

Hmm, interesting. Thats seriously like nothing I have ever heard of before.
SaintB
08-02-2009, 13:47
I'm actually confused :confused:

In the area where I am forced to live my higher level of education has been the biggest factor in my inability to get jobs; I work part time and barely make enough to pay for my loans from college; the situation is so bad I can't live on my own.
Saint Jade IV
08-02-2009, 13:49
Hmm, interesting. Thats seriously like nothing I have ever heard of before.

http://charlevisde.eq.edu.au/wcmss/

Thats our website. Go have a look. Its pretty damn interesting. AFAIK Australia is the only country that does education by radio at the moment. We're just more innovative than everyone else.
Saint Jade IV
08-02-2009, 13:51
In the area where I am forced to live my higher level of education has been the biggest factor in my inability to get jobs; I work part time and barely make enough to pay for my loans from college; the situation is so bad I can't live on my own.

I completely understand. When I was trying to get another job as I couldn't find a permanent teaching position and needed money over holidays and things, I applied for heaps of jobs and was told that I was overqualified so often I got so fed up at how little education is truly valued in my country.
SaintB
08-02-2009, 13:55
Thats our website. Go have a look. Its pretty damn interesting. AFAIK Australia is the only country that does education by radio at the moment. We're just more innovative than everyone else.

Or just more isolated ;).

I completely understand. When I was trying to get another job as I couldn't find a permanent teaching position and needed money over holidays and things, I applied for heaps of jobs and was told that I was overqualified so often I got so fed up at how little education is truly valued in my country.

Yep, education may not be undervalued here in the US but its most certainly not welcome in my neck of the woods. Around here anyone with an education is a teacher or has been in the Army.

Guess you do understand :).
Myrmidonisia
08-02-2009, 13:56
People here are in love with education. I think they mostly discount manual labor and skilled trades as something beneath them.

I forgot to mention that they are also quite disturbed when that is pointed out.
Heikoku 2
08-02-2009, 14:22
I forgot to mention that they are also quite disturbed when that is pointed out.

So, let me get this straight:

You make a claim. You proceed to make a second claim to the effect of "denying the previous claim means admitting it somehow, and I'll reinforce my claim by using it as the basis for my second claim, unproven though my first claim is".

So, I have to ask: Have you stopped beating your wife yet?
Myrmidonisia
08-02-2009, 14:38
So, let me get this straight:

You make a claim. You proceed to make a second claim to the effect of "denying the previous claim means admitting it somehow, and I'll reinforce my claim by using it as the basis for my second claim, unproven though my first claim is".

So, I have to ask: Have you stopped beating your wife yet?
I made a thread a few years back about this topic. It even included a poll. 74% thought college was a necessity. At that time -- and it's mostly the same crowd, now -- the overwhelming response was that no self-respecting NSG member would be caught dead as a plumber, mechanic, or electrician -- despite the fairly decent pay in those trades.
"Yeah. I wouldn't be able to do a manual labour trade. Good enough for those that do, but I don't see myself being happy or especially productive in one."
"In the modern, globalized world, you have to be as competitive as possible, that means becoming educated."
"I don't think it makes sense to plan for a career that a Chinese or a Robot could do better than you, so higher education is needed."
"In the long term, pretty much all left-brain type work will likely be handled by various forms of robot and machine intelligence, so chances are the bulk of opportunities will lie in the "right brain" fields, which generally necessitate (not require, since you can invent or compose for example without formal education) some college education or some additional education in order to work in."
"Yes... if you want to be an educated person, you do. If you don't mind being a member of the uneducated masses, don't bother."
"I am going to college to get a decent job"
Plus a couple responses favoring a trade, if there was nothing else you could do, or if it was the family business...

But in general, NSG is very much in love with college degrees and very much against working in jobs that don't require one. Oh, and they don't like to be reminded of that, so shhhhhh.
Heikoku 2
08-02-2009, 14:42
I made a thread a few years back about this topic. It even included a poll. 74% thought college was a necessity. At that time -- and it's mostly the same crowd, now -- the overwhelming response was that no self-respecting NSG member would be caught dead as a plumber, mechanic, or electrician -- despite the fairly decent pay in those trades.
"Yeah. I wouldn't be able to do a manual labour trade. Good enough for those that do, but I don't see myself being happy or especially productive in one."
"In the modern, globalized world, you have to be as competitive as possible, that means becoming educated."
"I don't think it makes sense to plan for a career that a Chinese or a Robot could do better than you, so higher education is needed."
"In the long term, pretty much all left-brain type work will likely be handled by various forms of robot and machine intelligence, so chances are the bulk of opportunities will lie in the "right brain" fields, which generally necessitate (not require, since you can invent or compose for example without formal education) some college education or some additional education in order to work in."
"Yes... if you want to be an educated person, you do. If you don't mind being a member of the uneducated masses, don't bother."
"I am going to college to get a decent job"
Plus a couple responses favoring a trade, if there was nothing else you could do, or if it was the family business...

But in general, NSG is very much in love with college degrees and very much against working in jobs that don't require one. Oh, and they don't like to be reminded of that, so shhhhhh.

Then, surely you can link this.
The blessed Chris
08-02-2009, 14:46
Then, surely you can link this.

That'd be far too intellectually elitist. You should trust the word of an honest working stiff.
Myrmidonisia
08-02-2009, 14:49
Then, surely you can link this.
Of course, but don't call me surely -- :( it just doesn't work in print.
http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=505931
Of course, you could have searched for the quotes...
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 15:38
1- "You don't have any phobias, right?" is the coolest way to introduce pieces of art ever.
Thanks.

I actually have run into problems with people's phobias on occasion. You ever see a cat get scared by something and then creep up on it super carefully and to touch it to make sure it's safe? I've had people do that to my artwork in galleries. Literally. Also I once had a woman get upset at a collage image of a bicycle race with flowers and butterflies because she said it reminded her of the Nazis. (By the way, I've had all that happen literally simultaneously with people laughing out loud at the same works and little children wanting to make toys of the stuff.)

Yeah, there's no challenge or work in being an artist...

2- Any chance you'll ever need a Brazilian Portuguese translator/interpreter? :p
Now that I know one, I'll look for exhibition opportunities down there. :D
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 15:49
I completely understand. When I was trying to get another job as I couldn't find a permanent teaching position and needed money over holidays and things, I applied for heaps of jobs and was told that I was overqualified so often I got so fed up at how little education is truly valued in my country.
That happens to me all the time. I think it's bullshit. What it really means is that the employer knows the wage they are offering is insufficient, so they're willing to downgrade the perceived quality of the person they hire for it so they can get away with paying them less than they think an educated person would demand.

The inherent assumptions behind that include: 1) That people without degrees don't have work skills or are too dumb to know how much their work is worth. 2) That educated people apply for jobs they don't want and will quit immediately. 3) That it's okay to cut corners on who you hire to do a job, because it's not as if the job actually has to get done, right? Etc. :rolleyes:

And in my case, its doubly galling because I'm looking for part time and temporary jobs. And I'm told I'm overqualified for temp work. Wtf? How can I be overqualified for temp work, if the assignments are the exact same jobs, needing the exact same skills, as the permanent versions of those positions? It is not lost on me that the only difference is that the temp jobs don't offer raises or benefits. Just like with permanent part time work, they're worried I won't stick around long. But it's TEMP work!!! Argh!!
Chumblywumbly
08-02-2009, 15:51
Of course, but don't call me surely -- :( it just doesn't work in print.
http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=505931
Of course, you could have searched for the quotes...
Only 14 people stated that they saw it as a requirment. That's hardly two-thirds of NSG stating that they are "very much against" working in skilled labour.

Stop mucking about with stats, you intellectual elitist!
The Mindset
08-02-2009, 15:55
I'm a freelance illustrator and graphic artist, primarily working within the publishing field - newspapers, magazines, books. As a freelance artist I do quite a bit of business management, not to mention a lot of travel to meet clients. I take on many projects at once to make enough money to live, and a lot of my work is done on very short notice within very tight timeframes (first print run at 5am, illustration commissioned at 11am the previous day or later, sometimes). I don't get a lot of sleep, the work is hard and complicated, but I love it.

I could never do manual labour, it's so intellectually unstimulating.
SaintB
08-02-2009, 15:56
Hell, it will be a long time before I'm in a position to give work to anyone, but who knows. If I don't fail miserably first, I will need a web and graphics person eventually. I'll keep you in mind.


I also know bindery and print, perhaps better than I know web now because its changed less.

That happens to me all the time. I think it's bullshit. What it really means is that the employer knows the wage they are offering is insufficient, so they're willing to downgrade the perceived quality of the person they hire for it so they can get away with paying them less than they think an educated person would demand.

*snip*

Yeah, exactly. I can't even get temp jobs either. I actually stopped looking for them because the ones I did get were so temporary I wouldn't even get my first paycheck before I was out on the street again, and the damn temp company would keep almost the whole check.
SaintB
08-02-2009, 15:59
I'm a freelance illustrator and graphic artist, primarily working within the publishing field - newspapers, magazines, books. As a freelance artist I do quite a bit of business management, not to mention a lot of travel to meet clients. I take on many projects at once to make enough money to live, and a lot of my work is done on very short notice within very tight timeframes (first print run at 5am, illustration commissioned at 11am the previous day or later, sometimes). I don't get a lot of sleep, the work is hard and complicated, but I love it.

I could never do manual labour, it's so intellectually unstimulating.

If I could move into a large city I would have more work I could do, but I can't even earn enough money to pay my damn bills let alone get an overpriced apartment in a city.
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 16:03
I also know bindery and print, perhaps better than I know web now because its changed less.



Yeah, exactly. I can't even get temp jobs either. I actually stopped looking for them because the ones I did get were so temporary I wouldn't even get my first paycheck before I was out on the street again, and the damn temp company would keep almost the whole check.
That's one thing I haven't had to worry about in Massachusetts. I don't know if the laws are different or the agencies here are just not run by assholes, but the temp does get the bulk of the money paid by the client. At least for the kinds of jobs I do. I've had occasion to see what goes on behind the scenes at some of the agencies I've worked for -- by getting to be the middle-person in some client/agency disputes, oddly enough. I know that approximately 2/3rds or more of the fee charged to the client shows up in my paycheck, which I found really surprising.

But it hardly matters because I deal with temp agencies by negotiating with them up front how much I need to earn per hour on any gig. As long as they meet that, I don't care what else they do. I've had some agencies agree to my wage requirements but then keep calling me with gigs offering less. I withdraw from them and sign up with another agency. There are a few agencies that I keep going back to because they deal straight with me.

EDIT: PS: I'm serious about adding you to my possible contacts list in regards to my business project, but I'm also serious that it will be a long time before I would have anything to bring to or propose to someone else. But if you enjoy that kind of work, then if it does take shape, I would certainly contact you when I have something to talk about.
The Mindset
08-02-2009, 16:04
If I could move into a large city I would have more work I could do, but I can't even earn enough money to pay my damn bills let alone get an overpriced apartment in a city.

I went to art school for the contacts, really. I could've become a practising artist straight out of high school, but getting jobs within my industry relies on reputation and knowing the right people. University helped with that - I'm still in regular contact with a great number of my former classmates, my lecturers (who are all practising illustrators), and through the the course I made many links within the industry that got me started.

I'm lucky in that as an inherently 2D art form, designed for easy replication within a printed work, I can take on jobs from all over the country. I do regularly travel to places like London, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and so on and I think the size of our country (and its large graphic/illustration industry) helps with me finding work. In America, a mammoth country, I think it'd be more difficult.
Blouman Empire
08-02-2009, 16:10
I completely understand. When I was trying to get another job as I couldn't find a permanent teaching position and needed money over holidays and things, I applied for heaps of jobs and was told that I was overqualified so often I got so fed up at how little education is truly valued in my country.

Tall Poppy Syndrome FTW I suppose.

Mur you listed three things as to why they say that. Another reason I think with some people especially in Australia is that they don't want to hire someone who is more educated and thus maybe smarter than them. If it is one where they hire people but they have managers above them, they do not want to hire someone who may be better at them and thus be promoted over them or be replaced. The easiest way to get rid of them is to say they are over qualified.
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 16:10
I went to art school for the contacts, really. I could've become a practising artist straight out of high school, but getting jobs within my industry relies on reputation and knowing the right people. University helped with that - I'm still in regular contact with a great number of my former classmates, my lecturers (who are all practising illustrators), and through the the course I made many links within the industry that got me started.

I'm lucky in that as an inherently 2D art form, designed for easy replication within a printed work, I can take on jobs from all over the country. I do regularly travel to places like London, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and so on and I think the size of our country (and its large graphic/illustration industry) helps with me finding work. In America, a mammoth country, I think it'd be more difficult.
I think one really needs to be online to do that kind of work freelance in the US. You need to be your own studio, in a way. The more press-prep you can do on your images, the more marketable you'll be. But it can be done. I know freelance illustrators and ad writers who work that way and have clients all over North America.
The Mindset
08-02-2009, 16:15
I think one really needs to be online to do that kind of work freelance in the US. You need to be your own studio, in a way. The more press-prep you can do on your images, the more marketable you'll be. But it can be done. I know freelance illustrators and ad writers who work that way and have clients all over North America.

I could probably take on more clients if I did so entirely online, but I like to meet with people, discuss their ideas, especially if I'm illustrating books or articles. I like to meet the author counterpart, otherwise I worry my final piece would be pretty detached from their intentions. I also find that actually meeting people in the flesh builds trust and friendship that's always helpful for further commissions from the same source.

That said, I've been considering relocating my studio to London recently, primarily because I'm becoming increasingly bored with the work I do in and around Edinburgh. It feels small here, claustrophobic. I think I might need a fresh location with fresh clients to reinvigorate my work.
SaintB
08-02-2009, 16:20
EDIT: PS: I'm serious about adding you to my possible contacts list in regards to my business project, but I'm also serious that it will be a long time before I would have anything to bring to or propose to someone else. But if you enjoy that kind of work, then if it does take shape, I would certainly contact you when I have something to talk about.

Please go ahead and do so Murv. You could add me to your contacts for people to idly chat with when your bored if you want to even.
SaintB
08-02-2009, 16:25
I went to art school for the contacts, really. I could've become a practising artist straight out of high school, but getting jobs within my industry relies on reputation and knowing the right people. University helped with that - I'm still in regular contact with a great number of my former classmates, my lecturers (who are all practising illustrators), and through the the course I made many links within the industry that got me started.

I'm lucky in that as an inherently 2D art form, designed for easy replication within a printed work, I can take on jobs from all over the country. I do regularly travel to places like London, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and so on and I think the size of our country (and its large graphic/illustration industry) helps with me finding work. In America, a mammoth country, I think it'd be more difficult.

The one I went to specialised in business as opposed to art but has an acclaimed program that a majority of the businesses in the area subscribed to, in fact we would get interviews for jobs from companies while we were still learning so that they could put us on file for future hiring reference. When I graduated in late 2004 at the age of 21 the economy was already going to hell; no jobs.

With my freelance work I have a small client base and its always been advertised by word of mouth; I get a lot of freinds of freinds for clients and my client base has spread to international, which makes me proud in a way. I just recently got a job designing ID patches for National Guard units deployed in Iraq so maybe I'll get real lucky?
Muravyets
08-02-2009, 16:26
Please go ahead and do so Murv. You could add me to your contacts for people to idly chat with when your bored if you want to even.
Bueno, thanks. :)
The Cat-Tribe
08-02-2009, 20:10
I forgot to mention that they are also quite disturbed when that is pointed out.

I made a thread a few years back about this topic. It even included a poll. 74% thought college was a necessity. At that time -- and it's mostly the same crowd, now -- the overwhelming response was that no self-respecting NSG member would be caught dead as a plumber, mechanic, or electrician -- despite the fairly decent pay in those trades.
"Yeah. I wouldn't be able to do a manual labour trade. Good enough for those that do, but I don't see myself being happy or especially productive in one."
"In the modern, globalized world, you have to be as competitive as possible, that means becoming educated."
"I don't think it makes sense to plan for a career that a Chinese or a Robot could do better than you, so higher education is needed."
"In the long term, pretty much all left-brain type work will likely be handled by various forms of robot and machine intelligence, so chances are the bulk of opportunities will lie in the "right brain" fields, which generally necessitate (not require, since you can invent or compose for example without formal education) some college education or some additional education in order to work in."
"Yes... if you want to be an educated person, you do. If you don't mind being a member of the uneducated masses, don't bother."
"I am going to college to get a decent job"
Plus a couple responses favoring a trade, if there was nothing else you could do, or if it was the family business...

But in general, NSG is very much in love with college degrees and very much against working in jobs that don't require one. Oh, and they don't like to be reminded of that, so shhhhhh.

Of course, but don't call me surely -- :( it just doesn't work in print.
http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=505931
Of course, you could have searched for the quotes...

Um. What you linked doesn't match your assertions about NSG's proclivities. Among the problems with your analysis:

Your old thread asked "Is College in My Future?" which says little about how one regards skilled or manual workers
In your OP you emphasized you were asking "Do you need college for a secure future? That's a specific and personal you, by the way." Rather disingenuous to claim the comments you got back were not specific and personal to each poster
You got a very small number of responses relative to the size of NSG
Only 14 people said a college degree was a "prerequisite for a good job"
Even that last answer doesn't mean someone has contempt for those without college degrees
You cherry-picked the above quotes
You are deliberately conflating advice/opinion about the best plans for one's future and one's alleged disrespect for different professions


I'll be if you asked those who work in manual labor or skilled trades whether they would like their children to get an education, they'd say "yes." Must be self-hatred. :wink:

EDIT: As someone that has performed both manual labor and professional work requiring degrees, I'm certainly not ashamed to say I prefer the latter for myself. That doesn't mean I have contempt for those that feel otherwise.
Heikoku 2
08-02-2009, 20:27
Yeah, there's no challenge or work in being an artist...


Now that I know one, I'll look for exhibition opportunities down there. :D

1- Oh, trust me, as a translator, I get just about the same crap. People assume it's enough to "know the languages" to be a translator (Sorta like a person "only needs to see and have hands" to create art). I once got a customer complaining about my "capitalization mistakes". The mistakes? Capitalizing gentilics (American, Brazilian) in English (In Portuguese they aren't capitalized. The guy seemed to assume it worked the same way in both). Yup. Knowledge in small doses, Mur. :p

2- Belo Horizonte has nice museums. One of them sits by the side of a huge artificial lake, Lagoa da Pampulha. And BOY an art exhibit would look good in my résumé. ;)

P.S.: Relax, I'm enough of a pro to let the issues I discuss here in NSG well out of my work. :p
Heikoku 2
08-02-2009, 20:29
Um. What you linked doesn't match your assertions about NSG's proclivities. Among the problems with your analysis:

Your old thread asked "Is College in My Future?" which says little about how one regards skilled or manual workers
In your OP you emphasized you were asking "Do you need college for a secure future? That's a specific and personal you, by the way." Rather disingenuous to claim the comments you got back were not specific and personal to each poster
You got a very small number of responses relative to the size of NSG
Only 14 people said a college degree was a "prerequisite for a good job"
Even that last answer doesn't mean someone has contempt for those without college degrees
You cherry-picked the above quotes
You are deliberately conflating advice/opinion about the best plans for one's future and one's alleged disrespect for different professions


I'll be if you asked those who work in manual labor or skilled trades whether they would like their children to get an education, they'd say "yes." Must be self-hatred. :wink:

EDIT: As someone that has performed both manual labor and professional work requiring degrees, I'm certainly not ashamed to say I prefer the latter for myself. That doesn't mean I have contempt for those that feel otherwise.

If we worked with the Bushido code, I'd be annoyed at you for taking on my opponent. As it is, though, I can just giggle in slight awe at the asskicking you just delivered. Ah well. ;)
DaWoad
08-02-2009, 20:32
I'm a ski-instructor during the winter and a pool boy during the summer . . .maybe not intensive labor but close enough
Cannot think of a name
08-02-2009, 22:44
I do location audio and PA for film and television productions in the Bay Area.
The Archregimancy
08-02-2009, 22:48
I've come to this thread 13 pages late, and can't be bothered to wade all the way through it...

But I think it's reasonably well known by those who've read the appropriate threads that I'm a professional archaeologist. I've worked in the UK, USA, Australia and Jamaica over the course of my career, and - for the record - am known within my own field for my work on international ceramics comparisons. I have several publications to my name, and am a board member of a US-based professional society with several thousand members.

Many archaeologists are involved with intensive labour, but since I'm an artefact/artifact (UK v. US spelling there) specialist, I don't do much digging - especially since I suffered a prolapsed [slipped] disc last year, which pretty much rules out any digging.
Heikoku 2
08-02-2009, 23:09
I've come to this thread 13 pages late, and can't be bothered to wade all the way through it...

But I think it's reasonably well known by those who've read the appropriate threads that I'm a professional archaeologist. I've worked in the UK, USA, Australia and Jamaica over the course of my career, and - for the record - am known within my own field for my work on international ceramics comparisons. I have several publications to my name, and am a board member of a US-based professional society with several thousand members.

Many archaeologists are involved with intensive labour, but since I'm an artefact/artifact (UK v. US spelling there) specialist, I don't do much digging - especially since I suffered a prolapsed [slipped] disc last year, which pretty much rules out any digging.

Can you recommend me if they're ever translated into Brazilian Portuguese? If so, PM me and I'll give you some of my data. ;)
Ghost of Ayn Rand
08-02-2009, 23:22
I'm a ski-instructor during the winter and a pool boy during the summer . . .maybe not intensive labor but close enough

Not intensive?

(cue 80's sound track as you win the big race against rich asshole Tad or Todd or Brent to save the ski resort from Tad or Todd or Brent's rich asshole father, then have carefully balanced yet still vigorous ski-lift sex with Tad or Todd or Brent's hotass girlfriend)

...six months later...

(cue 70's sound track as you skim the pool, Amber Lynn comes out dressed as the pissy yet hot house wife, says "Poolboy, stop being so lazy! Come over here)

Thats intense.
Ghost of Ayn Rand
08-02-2009, 23:29
I've come to this thread 13 pages late, and can't be bothered to wade all the way through it...

But I think it's reasonably well known by those who've read the appropriate threads that I'm a professional archaeologist. I've worked in the UK, USA, Australia and Jamaica over the course of my career, and - for the record - am known within my own field for my work on international ceramics comparisons. I have several publications to my name, and am a board member of a US-based professional society with several thousand members.

Many archaeologists are involved with intensive labour, but since I'm an artefact/artifact (UK v. US spelling there) specialist, I don't do much digging - especially since I suffered a prolapsed [slipped] disc last year, which pretty much rules out any digging.

This all sounds like a cover story for

"I'm an archaelogist that seeks out artifacts of dangerous power, MI6 frequently approaches me to recover the Spear of Destiny from a rogue neo-fascist renegade former member of STASI, and last year I suffered a pro-lapsed disc when I was thrown off an exploding freighter in the Black Sea while clutching the pommel of the Broken Sword of Joseph of Arimathea which contained the formula for a microbial pathogen that would kill every person in the world with Type A Positive blood."

That's what it sounds like.
Galloism
08-02-2009, 23:31
This all sounds like a cover story for

"I'm an archaelogist that seeks out artifacts of dangerous power, MI6 frequently approaches me to recover the Spear of Destiny from a rogue neo-fascist renegade former member of STASI, and last year I suffered a pro-lapsed disc when I was thrown off an exploding freighter in the Black Sea while clutching the pommel of the Broken Sword of Joseph of Arimathea which contained the formula for a microbial pathogen that would kill every person in the world with Type A Positive blood."

That's what it sounds like.

Dude... I told you that shit was top secret. Stop talking about my life!
SaintB
09-02-2009, 00:39
Not intensive?

(cue 80's sound track as you win the big race against rich asshole Tad or Todd or Brent to save the ski resort from Tad or Todd or Brent's rich asshole father, then have carefully balanced yet still vigorous ski-lift sex with Tad or Todd or Brent's hotass girlfriend)

...six months later...

(cue 70's sound track as you skim the pool, Amber Lynn comes out dressed as the pissy yet hot house wife, says "Poolboy, stop being so lazy! Come over here)

Thats intense.

This all sounds like a cover story for

"I'm an archaelogist that seeks out artifacts of dangerous power, MI6 frequently approaches me to recover the Spear of Destiny from a rogue neo-fascist renegade former member of STASI, and last year I suffered a pro-lapsed disc when I was thrown off an exploding freighter in the Black Sea while clutching the pommel of the Broken Sword of Joseph of Arimathea which contained the formula for a microbial pathogen that would kill every person in the world with Type A Positive blood."

That's what it sounds like.

My job sucks :(
Zilam
09-02-2009, 00:43
I am part student/ part computer lab ass.


(abbreviated on purpose)
Straughn
09-02-2009, 00:53
I am part student/ part computer lab ass.


(abbreviated on purpose)You mean, you're the control group for temperature?
Heikoku 2
09-02-2009, 00:57
I am part student/ part computer lab ass.


(abbreviated on purpose)

You're an ass.

;)
Grave_n_idle
09-02-2009, 00:58
Of course, but don't call me surely -- :( it just doesn't work in print.
http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=505931
Of course, you could have searched for the quotes...

Would 'intellectual honesty' be part of the intellectual agenda? It would explain why you've chosen to reject it.

The stats don't say what you wish they did, and you took a sampling of... what... 54 people? Of which... what... half? Could still be really referred to as regular? Yeah - that's the 'same crowd'.
Straughn
09-02-2009, 01:18
My job sucks :(
Yeah, me too. But fantasy life is da bomb, no?

...whoa, that sounds pathetic. :(
SaintB
09-02-2009, 01:20
Yeah, me too. But fantasy life is da bomb, no?

...whoa, that sounds pathetic. :(

Yeah... and yeah....
Straughn
09-02-2009, 01:26
Yeah... and yeah....Well, on the happy side, you should probably get Nanatsu some vino.
*nods*
SaintB
09-02-2009, 01:33
Well, on the happy side, you should probably get Nanatsu some vino.
*nods*

Heh, I just may get her something
Saint Jade IV
09-02-2009, 01:35
That happens to me all the time. I think it's bullshit. What it really means is that the employer knows the wage they are offering is insufficient, so they're willing to downgrade the perceived quality of the person they hire for it so they can get away with paying them less than they think an educated person would demand.

I never actually thought of that. I was silly and under the impression that I would expect to start at the bottom of a company and work my way up. I started in a call centre at a private health fund and did all the extra work required while I saved for further study and was continually told that I couldn't do the higher positions I applied for because I didn't have a TAFE certificate telling them that I could use a computer, despite that simply being expected at university. I had a teaching degree, but couldn't do training because I hadn't done a six month course in adult training.

The inherent assumptions behind that include: 1) That people without degrees don't have work skills or are too dumb to know how much their work is worth. 2) That educated people apply for jobs they don't want and will quit immediately. 3) That it's okay to cut corners on who you hire to do a job, because it's not as if the job actually has to get done, right? Etc. :rolleyes:

Thats exactly how I feel whenever I go to a shop or call a call centre or need something done.

And in my case, its doubly galling because I'm looking for part time and temporary jobs. And I'm told I'm overqualified for temp work. Wtf? How can I be overqualified for temp work, if the assignments are the exact same jobs, needing the exact same skills, as the permanent versions of those positions? It is not lost on me that the only difference is that the temp jobs don't offer raises or benefits. Just like with permanent part time work, they're worried I won't stick around long. But it's TEMP work!!! Argh!!

That was the question I got asked all the time: Why, if you're so qualified, would you want to work for us? It kinda bothered me, because I thought that they would be delighted to get someone who was educated.
Saint Jade IV
09-02-2009, 01:42
Or just more isolated ;).

We just have room for our population. We like our space downunder.



Yep, education may not be undervalued here in the US but its most certainly not welcome in my neck of the woods. Around here anyone with an education is a teacher or has been in the Army.

Guess you do understand :).

Really? Whereabouts in the US? And does the Army provide educational qualifications like ours does? We have ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy) which gives you a uni degree when you come out. But you have to do a predetermined amount of service to pay it off.
SaintB
09-02-2009, 01:50
Really? Whereabouts in the US? And does the Army provide educational qualifications like ours does? We have ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy) which gives you a uni degree when you come out. But you have to do a predetermined amount of service to pay it off.

Northwestern Pennsylvania. The entire area's economy relies almost totally on skilled labor and customer service; and I am stuck here for lack of money, its where I was raised and hence where my family lives.

The armed forces here do have thier own colleges that officer candidates go to, but mostly here the Armed Forces will give you money to go to school in a private college or university. However when I said most people who are educated around here were teachers or served in the army I was making a sarcastic statement that the only thing you need to know around here is how to shoot something.
Straughn
09-02-2009, 01:58
Heh, I just may get her something
As well you should!
Saint Jade IV
09-02-2009, 02:05
However when I said most people who are educated around here were teachers or served in the army I was making a sarcastic statement that the only thing you need to know around here is how to shoot something.

:p I'm with you now. That's like the town I am in now - I had an 11 year old in one of my classes describe with great delight his experiences pigging on the weekend. I was suddenly very happy with my choice to skip breakfast this morning.
SaintB
09-02-2009, 03:14
:p I'm with you now. That's like the town I am in now - I had an 11 year old in one of my classes describe with great delight his experiences pigging on the weekend. I was suddenly very happy with my choice to skip breakfast this morning.

I probably would have been too.