right, this is a genuine "looking for enlightenment" thread
19 July 2008, 07:41 PM
#31
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You've pretty much hit the nail on the head Andy -
I left school with a fair few GCSEs at good grades. My vocation isnt exactly mainstream (and this is where your artistic flair can be compared) - my passion has always been music, and the various industries engulfed in this vocation.
I moved away from home at 16, and got my FE qualification in Music Technology & Sound Recording, and half way through my HE course (pro sound & video tech), I literally was in the right place at the right time. Got a job with the pop group UB40 (this was around the time of the Promises & Lies stuff). Started off at the bottom, and worked my way up to being their producer, programmer & engineer.
They gave me everything but a #1, and I also got married in the meantime. I worked with some of the best artists and engineers/producers in the world, all over the world, and despite what people may think of the band, I've gained SO many of my work skills with them, and I'll be forever grateful for the experience.
So much so, that despite having my own production company, I also now teach at a successful Technical College, in Music Technology, giving prospective future talent the benefit of my modest skills.
I've also done additional qualifications in Management, and have professional qualifications with Apple.
What I'm getting at is that to get to this point, and there have been PLENTY of low points, believe me!, the main things that have got me through have been-
1. My belief in myself
2. My belief in my talent & lots of practice (as a musician)
3. My unfaltering support from my Wife and family
4. A focus in what I want to do (I'm now 34 - I've been focussed on this since the age of 8!)
I'm not saying that these are keys to success, but take from it what you will (hopefully it hasn't come across as "showing off")
All the best with it
Dan
I left school with a fair few GCSEs at good grades. My vocation isnt exactly mainstream (and this is where your artistic flair can be compared) - my passion has always been music, and the various industries engulfed in this vocation.
I moved away from home at 16, and got my FE qualification in Music Technology & Sound Recording, and half way through my HE course (pro sound & video tech), I literally was in the right place at the right time. Got a job with the pop group UB40 (this was around the time of the Promises & Lies stuff). Started off at the bottom, and worked my way up to being their producer, programmer & engineer.
They gave me everything but a #1, and I also got married in the meantime. I worked with some of the best artists and engineers/producers in the world, all over the world, and despite what people may think of the band, I've gained SO many of my work skills with them, and I'll be forever grateful for the experience.
So much so, that despite having my own production company, I also now teach at a successful Technical College, in Music Technology, giving prospective future talent the benefit of my modest skills.
I've also done additional qualifications in Management, and have professional qualifications with Apple.
What I'm getting at is that to get to this point, and there have been PLENTY of low points, believe me!, the main things that have got me through have been-
1. My belief in myself
2. My belief in my talent & lots of practice (as a musician)
3. My unfaltering support from my Wife and family
4. A focus in what I want to do (I'm now 34 - I've been focussed on this since the age of 8!)
I'm not saying that these are keys to success, but take from it what you will (hopefully it hasn't come across as "showing off")
All the best with it
Dan
I love to hear of people who have done well in their chosen career, it shows that with a positive attitude and belief (and a little luck) you can achieve everything that you want 
19 July 2008, 07:45 PM
#33
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thx
Andy - if you like art so much, why not approach your local art college for work as a PT lecturer?
If that's not your cup of tea, the DJ route is MUCH harder
as EVERYBODY does it, so competition is fierce 
Dan
Andy - if you like art so much, why not approach your local art college for work as a PT lecturer?
If that's not your cup of tea, the DJ route is MUCH harder
as EVERYBODY does it, so competition is fierce Dan
19 July 2008, 07:47 PM
#34
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Funnily UB40 are one of my fav bands, although i didn't quite like there newest album.....Have been itching to go see them whenever they play at the waterfront.
19 July 2008, 08:32 PM
#36
I worked in IT for the Police and was offered the Database Admin Job, I realised it was a good opportunity to get some marketable skills, I learnt it and did the exams, got some certs and went looking for another job, went to Woolies and got a few more quid, then went contracting, didnt last long as they offered me perm on good money near home.
Now I am not the worlds best DBA but I keep learning and make sure I prepare for meetings, as long as you know more than the rest of them thats enough to get on, being approachable and helpful pays dividends as well.
As for what you should do, there is going to be a boom in the Nuclear industry in this country, you dont need a degree in Physics but if you dig into the industry and find out where the opportunities are you may get in on the ground floor.
Managers dont generally want the worlds biggest brain box, they want dependability, dilligence and someone they dont have to think for, the rest of it is usually learning the lingo of the particular industry, once you have a foot in the door it is then your goal to capitalise on that and milk it for all its worth, pick peoples brains, read trade journals, take exams, take as much responsibility as you can get and do it well.
Keep away from local government if possible, keep away from companies that arent doing so well, look for the ones on the up, share prices and the like and learn about them for at interview, get contacts and badger them politely, offer to work for little at the start, make it a no brainer for them.
When you have exhausted a particular places opportunities, move on, dont hang around flogging a dead horse like I did at the Police as you get type cast into a role and salary, ask once for an improvement, as twice and if nothing happens leave.
I learnt the lesson later than some but its basically effort and determination, with a bit of luck that gets you where you want to be, very rarely does it land in your lap, its not all about academic ability but common sense and aiming to please.
Now I am not the worlds best DBA but I keep learning and make sure I prepare for meetings, as long as you know more than the rest of them thats enough to get on, being approachable and helpful pays dividends as well.
As for what you should do, there is going to be a boom in the Nuclear industry in this country, you dont need a degree in Physics but if you dig into the industry and find out where the opportunities are you may get in on the ground floor.
Managers dont generally want the worlds biggest brain box, they want dependability, dilligence and someone they dont have to think for, the rest of it is usually learning the lingo of the particular industry, once you have a foot in the door it is then your goal to capitalise on that and milk it for all its worth, pick peoples brains, read trade journals, take exams, take as much responsibility as you can get and do it well.
Keep away from local government if possible, keep away from companies that arent doing so well, look for the ones on the up, share prices and the like and learn about them for at interview, get contacts and badger them politely, offer to work for little at the start, make it a no brainer for them.
When you have exhausted a particular places opportunities, move on, dont hang around flogging a dead horse like I did at the Police as you get type cast into a role and salary, ask once for an improvement, as twice and if nothing happens leave.
I learnt the lesson later than some but its basically effort and determination, with a bit of luck that gets you where you want to be, very rarely does it land in your lap, its not all about academic ability but common sense and aiming to please.
19 July 2008, 08:39 PM
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At 18 I was in what most people would class as a dead end job - checkout operator (not even a decent supermarket, it was Netto!) but by 22 I was in a management position with 100 members of staff reporting directly to me, that was purely down to hard work and always being up for the crappy shifts, never complaining just getting on with the job, even cleaning the toilets when no one else would.
Scunny might not seem the best location for well paid jobs but there are loads of places on the Humber Bank that do pay very decent wages. Can you look into what qualifications you would need to get in at one of the refineries/ big plants there?
Scunny might not seem the best location for well paid jobs but there are loads of places on the Humber Bank that do pay very decent wages. Can you look into what qualifications you would need to get in at one of the refineries/ big plants there?
19 July 2008, 08:58 PM
#38
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At 18 I was in what most people would class as a dead end job - checkout operator (not even a decent supermarket, it was Netto!) but by 22 I was in a management position with 100 members of staff reporting directly to me, that was purely down to hard work and always being up for the crappy shifts, never complaining just getting on with the job, even cleaning the toilets when no one else would.
Scunny might not seem the best location for well paid jobs but there are loads of places on the Humber Bank that do pay very decent wages. Can you look into what qualifications you would need to get in at one of the refineries/ big plants there?
Scunny might not seem the best location for well paid jobs but there are loads of places on the Humber Bank that do pay very decent wages. Can you look into what qualifications you would need to get in at one of the refineries/ big plants there?
i have thought about this, but my main problem for any physical job is my wrist. im unable to work in an enviroment that requires repetitive excursion or heavy manual handling. its proper sh*t but my wrist is that far gone, i cant risk any more damage.
i have considered applying for the police, but im concerned about the wrist thing again. i cant stress how unhappy it makes me being limited. i always wanted to be a car designer, but now id love to experience different things, besides hardship and being miserable and skint, oh and "disabled"
19 July 2008, 09:15 PM
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i have thought about this, but my main problem for any physical job is my wrist. im unable to work in an enviroment that requires repetitive excursion or heavy manual handling. its proper sh*t but my wrist is that far gone, i cant risk any more damage.
i have considered applying for the police, but im concerned about the wrist thing again. i cant stress how unhappy it makes me being limited. i always wanted to be a car designer, but now id love to experience different things, besides hardship and being miserable and skint, oh and "disabled"
i have considered applying for the police, but im concerned about the wrist thing again. i cant stress how unhappy it makes me being limited. i always wanted to be a car designer, but now id love to experience different things, besides hardship and being miserable and skint, oh and "disabled"
When I worked in the Job Centre we had two ladies who were very good at knowing what employers would take on people with disabilities, what courses were available etc and they were delighted to have people come to them who wanted to get off incapacity benefits.
My sister-in-law was sacked from her job last year, she started signing on and had "back to work" interviews, at one of them she mentioned she had always wanted to be a HGV driver, next thing she was doing a course - all paid for, passed that and then they paid for her to do her ADR too.
19 July 2008, 09:36 PM
#40
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OK this is it,just sell up move to Spain and open up Bar.you can siesta in the Afternoon,and you haven't got to worry about rain and mud on the scoob..I think we have all been through **** times Bud with jobs and general life.I think one of the most important things ive learned is self confidence,And to keep pushing yourself Forward.No matter how hard it gets,even if it don't always work out,don't stand still,keep pushing yourself and move Forward..chances are if you persevere,you will succeed..
19 July 2008, 11:41 PM
#41
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Andy, whatever you do, dont give in/lie down/ capitulate...
i know of so many people in a job that pays pretty well and they're stuck there due to a crippling mortgage /fancy car payments etc.
if thats you bag, fine, but im a big beleiver in job satisfaction. nothing better than walking into your house after a days slog knowing youve done what was set out in front of you with aplomb , and settling down to a cold beer in the garden with your faithful mutt by your side, whilst wifey cooks the dinner
work is a necessary evil to enable you to do thing you 'want to do' not a be all and end all. if you end up as a paper-boy, as long as it pays the bills and your happy, then so be it
good luck in whatever pathway you take fella
i know of so many people in a job that pays pretty well and they're stuck there due to a crippling mortgage /fancy car payments etc.
if thats you bag, fine, but im a big beleiver in job satisfaction. nothing better than walking into your house after a days slog knowing youve done what was set out in front of you with aplomb , and settling down to a cold beer in the garden with your faithful mutt by your side, whilst wifey cooks the dinner
work is a necessary evil to enable you to do thing you 'want to do' not a be all and end all. if you end up as a paper-boy, as long as it pays the bills and your happy, then so be it
good luck in whatever pathway you take fella
20 July 2008, 12:14 AM
#42
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Meandering...
Hi Andy, glad you are bouncing back, as an oldie I can only agree with the " big up yourself" theme, you are the only person who knows who good you are, it's up to you to show "them" that they are missing out.
I went to my local college, and then took a year out to get fit, with a degree level education I hated the idea of flying a desk.... so I bought a mountain bike and got fit.
Next thing I was offered a job building car immobilisers (!), within four weeks I was building, kitting up, and packing 100 a week.
Within eight weeks, 200... within 13 weeks 500 a week, and after six months 1000 a week. I worked 100 hours a week and loved it. I didn't have time to spend the money, I was too busy !
It is all about being ready and always see the positives, travel was my downfall, after 18 months I fell asleep driving home from work (26 miles...).
Then it was all gone, but one of my suppliers offered me a job... ten years on I walked out after being assaulted by a manager....
Now live the life of Reilly as a council shurker.
GO OUT THERE AND MAKE IT HAPPEN FOR YOU !
Good luck
Duncan
P.S. Still at work now !
I went to my local college, and then took a year out to get fit, with a degree level education I hated the idea of flying a desk.... so I bought a mountain bike and got fit.
Next thing I was offered a job building car immobilisers (!), within four weeks I was building, kitting up, and packing 100 a week.
Within eight weeks, 200... within 13 weeks 500 a week, and after six months 1000 a week. I worked 100 hours a week and loved it. I didn't have time to spend the money, I was too busy !
It is all about being ready and always see the positives, travel was my downfall, after 18 months I fell asleep driving home from work (26 miles...).
Then it was all gone, but one of my suppliers offered me a job... ten years on I walked out after being assaulted by a manager....
Now live the life of Reilly as a council shurker.
GO OUT THERE AND MAKE IT HAPPEN FOR YOU !
Good luck
Duncan
P.S. Still at work now !
20 July 2008, 09:26 AM
#43
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Regarding earning 'decent money' - the only way you will EVER do this ( other than doing some normal job where you may get promoted to a decent wage just before you retire or die of old age ) is to have a skill that people want that you can charge them for.
Example - the bloke who just fitted my new boiler - he earned £1500 for less than a weeks work - the reason he earned this is because he knows how to fit boilers and do plumbing, and is Corgi registered. The reason he can fit boilers is because he took the time to learn how to do it and get qualified.
I left home and school at 16, with just GCSE's and did various menial factory and labouring jobs, worked in shops etc... all paying less than what the minimum wage would be now. During this time I was laid off a couple of times, no redundancy pay as I hadnt been working there long enough.
I would probably have ended up doing this forever had I not gone to Uni as a mature student and studied for 4 years - now I have something that I can use to run my own business, charge people for and make a decent living.
I'm sure your artwork and DJ'ing are great, but dont rely on either to make you a living - there are LOTS of people who are great artists, and lots who can spin discs who will never make a living out of it - only a tiny percentage are lucky enough to get noticed and do well from artistic skills.
I would seriously think about looking at studying something or getting some sort of training - you can get grants and student loans, work part time and probably not be much worse off than you were when working full time.
Try and pick something with real job prospects at the end of it, if you wanted to use your artistic skills then something like product design would be a good route.
Example - the bloke who just fitted my new boiler - he earned £1500 for less than a weeks work - the reason he earned this is because he knows how to fit boilers and do plumbing, and is Corgi registered. The reason he can fit boilers is because he took the time to learn how to do it and get qualified.
I left home and school at 16, with just GCSE's and did various menial factory and labouring jobs, worked in shops etc... all paying less than what the minimum wage would be now. During this time I was laid off a couple of times, no redundancy pay as I hadnt been working there long enough.
I would probably have ended up doing this forever had I not gone to Uni as a mature student and studied for 4 years - now I have something that I can use to run my own business, charge people for and make a decent living.
I'm sure your artwork and DJ'ing are great, but dont rely on either to make you a living - there are LOTS of people who are great artists, and lots who can spin discs who will never make a living out of it - only a tiny percentage are lucky enough to get noticed and do well from artistic skills.
I would seriously think about looking at studying something or getting some sort of training - you can get grants and student loans, work part time and probably not be much worse off than you were when working full time.
Try and pick something with real job prospects at the end of it, if you wanted to use your artistic skills then something like product design would be a good route.
20 July 2008, 10:26 AM
#44
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Regarding earning 'decent money' - the only way you will EVER do this ( other than doing some normal job where you may get promoted to a decent wage just before you retire or die of old age ) is to have a skill that people want that you can charge them for.
Example - the bloke who just fitted my new boiler - he earned £1500 for less than a weeks work - the reason he earned this is because he knows how to fit boilers and do plumbing, and is Corgi registered. The reason he can fit boilers is because he took the time to learn how to do it and get qualified.
I left home and school at 16, with just GCSE's and did various menial factory and labouring jobs, worked in shops etc... all paying less than what the minimum wage would be now. During this time I was laid off a couple of times, no redundancy pay as I hadnt been working there long enough.
I would probably have ended up doing this forever had I not gone to Uni as a mature student and studied for 4 years - now I have something that I can use to run my own business, charge people for and make a decent living.
I'm sure your artwork and DJ'ing are great, but dont rely on either to make you a living - there are LOTS of people who are great artists, and lots who can spin discs who will never make a living out of it - only a tiny percentage are lucky enough to get noticed and do well from artistic skills.
I would seriously think about looking at studying something or getting some sort of training - you can get grants and student loans, work part time and probably not be much worse off than you were when working full time.
Try and pick something with real job prospects at the end of it, if you wanted to use your artistic skills then something like product design would be a good route.
Example - the bloke who just fitted my new boiler - he earned £1500 for less than a weeks work - the reason he earned this is because he knows how to fit boilers and do plumbing, and is Corgi registered. The reason he can fit boilers is because he took the time to learn how to do it and get qualified.
I left home and school at 16, with just GCSE's and did various menial factory and labouring jobs, worked in shops etc... all paying less than what the minimum wage would be now. During this time I was laid off a couple of times, no redundancy pay as I hadnt been working there long enough.
I would probably have ended up doing this forever had I not gone to Uni as a mature student and studied for 4 years - now I have something that I can use to run my own business, charge people for and make a decent living.
I'm sure your artwork and DJ'ing are great, but dont rely on either to make you a living - there are LOTS of people who are great artists, and lots who can spin discs who will never make a living out of it - only a tiny percentage are lucky enough to get noticed and do well from artistic skills.
I would seriously think about looking at studying something or getting some sort of training - you can get grants and student loans, work part time and probably not be much worse off than you were when working full time.
Try and pick something with real job prospects at the end of it, if you wanted to use your artistic skills then something like product design would be a good route.
issues arise regards paying for training. hopefully this week when i have had said meeting (if it goes ahead) and i have had serious words with my union rep, solicitor and debt manager to find out where the f*ck i am with things, i should really pop to the job centre and arrange appoinments to see what i may be netitled to regards training. the point im making currently is my employers have no yet dismissed me so for the last three months i have had nothing, no wages, slow grievances, differeing solicitors opinions, and i am getting sick and tired of the runaround.
one sentance: i wanna be able to go to work and earn a satisfactory living so i can have start a family and do things i want too.
thats it nothing more...
20 July 2008, 10:29 AM
#45
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Have you considered setting up a website or even an Ebay shop to sell your paintings? I'm going to set up a website to sell mine and Bob's photographs and artwork as a sideline. I'm also going to learn picture framing so that I can sell them framed, it's just something I fancy doing and as I'll be keeping the initial outlay down doesn't matter if it fails.
When I worked in the family business I did a sideline in car and boat valeting, that used to bring in a nice amount of extra cash and gave me something to do when business was quiet in the boatyard. I've even done cleaning and bar work to earn extra cash, bar work is good because you get to meet a lot of people from all walks of life and you never know what opportunities that might open up. When I did the valeting it just started off as a one off clean for a friend, I put 110% into it and the result was that the friend paid me £20 extra on top of my fee. He then told someone else and the work just snowballed from there as the recommendations came. As it has already been said, it doesn't matter what you do as long as you put a major effort in it WILL get noticed and open up further opportunities for you. In my business now 90% of my customers are referrals from previous customers
You just have to get out there and sell yourself then do everything you do to 110%, but firstly get some self belief - YOU CAN DO IT!
When I worked in the family business I did a sideline in car and boat valeting, that used to bring in a nice amount of extra cash and gave me something to do when business was quiet in the boatyard. I've even done cleaning and bar work to earn extra cash, bar work is good because you get to meet a lot of people from all walks of life and you never know what opportunities that might open up. When I did the valeting it just started off as a one off clean for a friend, I put 110% into it and the result was that the friend paid me £20 extra on top of my fee. He then told someone else and the work just snowballed from there as the recommendations came. As it has already been said, it doesn't matter what you do as long as you put a major effort in it WILL get noticed and open up further opportunities for you. In my business now 90% of my customers are referrals from previous customers
You just have to get out there and sell yourself then do everything you do to 110%, but firstly get some self belief - YOU CAN DO IT!
20 July 2008, 10:39 AM
#46
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My tenpeneth
I started out at 17 doing an aprentiship in bricklaying, then worked as a general builder for 5 yrs doing house extensions etc. Then joined Royal Marines for 7 yrs now dibble 
6yrs. No real qualifications but just a bit of determination and physical ability.
I wouldn't like to advise you on what occupation to look towards, but if you are an artist, then why not consider advertising privately for work. What I mean by this is portrates, interior house decor, individual arty paintings etc. I know alot of students do this to fund their drinking.
Your full time job could then guarantee your income and possibly move up the ladder in that job.
The last few years, to fund my passion for wasting money on moddifying cars, I advertised very locally and earnt £0000's laying bricks. This was on my days off but needs must.
Good luck.
6yrs. No real qualifications but just a bit of determination and physical ability.I wouldn't like to advise you on what occupation to look towards, but if you are an artist, then why not consider advertising privately for work. What I mean by this is portrates, interior house decor, individual arty paintings etc. I know alot of students do this to fund their drinking.
Your full time job could then guarantee your income and possibly move up the ladder in that job.
The last few years, to fund my passion for wasting money on moddifying cars, I advertised very locally and earnt £0000's laying bricks. This was on my days off but needs must.
Good luck.
20 July 2008, 11:23 AM
#47
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With your humour and light touch I imagine you must be a fun person to work with. In my industry, full of freelance contractors, that goes a million miles and leads to repeat bookings. It is CRUCIAL to get on with people - even if you are managing them (in my book).
Now I don't want to be negative as 'self-belief' is fine, but this must be translated to high level practical usable skills/knowledge, accuracy, creativity (in my industry), proper thinking processes etc in whatever your chosen line would be. Its not about THINKING that you are the best when you are lying in the bath, its about going out there, making the effort, learning, developing, getting the experience until you feel naturally confident and proficient in what you do. All mouth and no trousers don't work and the more experienced in your industry/area will think you are a bull$itter - it is a hazard of youth and ambition and many of us have done it though!. Even if you are the best, if you get ratty when under pressure, who's going to want to work with you? Attitude and behaviour is paramount.
Just a wild shot - how about buying and selling cars? No issue with your wrist here and I'm sure you have a bit of charm to manage the haggling in a positive way, and you will be your own boss (a Godsend
). You may lose money with mistakes at the start, but its a learning curve like everything Learn EVERYTHING about a specific few marques maybe and specialise? Sorry just a punt but maybe worth an IMMEDIATE dabble the day AFTER you get dismissed.
Hope it works out for you.
D
Now I don't want to be negative as 'self-belief' is fine, but this must be translated to high level practical usable skills/knowledge, accuracy, creativity (in my industry), proper thinking processes etc in whatever your chosen line would be. Its not about THINKING that you are the best when you are lying in the bath, its about going out there, making the effort, learning, developing, getting the experience until you feel naturally confident and proficient in what you do. All mouth and no trousers don't work and the more experienced in your industry/area will think you are a bull$itter - it is a hazard of youth and ambition and many of us have done it though!. Even if you are the best, if you get ratty when under pressure, who's going to want to work with you? Attitude and behaviour is paramount.
Just a wild shot - how about buying and selling cars? No issue with your wrist here and I'm sure you have a bit of charm to manage the haggling in a positive way, and you will be your own boss (a Godsend
). You may lose money with mistakes at the start, but its a learning curve like everything Learn EVERYTHING about a specific few marques maybe and specialise? Sorry just a punt but maybe worth an IMMEDIATE dabble the day AFTER you get dismissed.Hope it works out for you.
D
20 July 2008, 12:01 PM
#48
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I took the route of getting as many qualifications as early as possible and training to be in one of the traditional professions that has a pretty mapped out career plan. Whilst it needed hard work and some ability, once you were in at the bottom as long as you could pass exams (10 years of continuous education from 16) and do the job you get through to the end result where I am now working for myself, in an interesting and well paid job that is pretty recession proof and about as secure as is possible these days.
The other route is the university of life, and I admire people that make a success of it. I think the chances of success or failure are much more unpredictable. I have no hints to offer on this, my work doing Scooby remapping (which arose from a combination of hobbies that I was skilled at) could have expanded and diversified into a full time income, but I never relied on it or even intended it to be a serious income stream, it happened by accident. However, taking that as an example, I'm glad I'm not doing it now with the market place more crowded as we move into a probable recession. The traditional professions often offer an effective monopoly regulated by statute, which gives a scarcity factor and the ability to command high remuneration.
A recession can be a good time to get training, but you have to have an income to live meantime. It is probably not a good time to try to start a business unless you have something really special with low up front risk. This will demand a special knowledge, skill or idea from you, otherwise everyone would be doing it...
The other route is the university of life, and I admire people that make a success of it. I think the chances of success or failure are much more unpredictable. I have no hints to offer on this, my work doing Scooby remapping (which arose from a combination of hobbies that I was skilled at) could have expanded and diversified into a full time income, but I never relied on it or even intended it to be a serious income stream, it happened by accident. However, taking that as an example, I'm glad I'm not doing it now with the market place more crowded as we move into a probable recession. The traditional professions often offer an effective monopoly regulated by statute, which gives a scarcity factor and the ability to command high remuneration.
A recession can be a good time to get training, but you have to have an income to live meantime. It is probably not a good time to try to start a business unless you have something really special with low up front risk. This will demand a special knowledge, skill or idea from you, otherwise everyone would be doing it...
Last edited by john banks; 20 July 2008 at 12:05 PM.
20 July 2008, 12:35 PM
#49
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John am I imagining this or did you not start out as a housing officer or something like that at some point before going back to uni to do medicine? I have no idea why but I've had that in my head for years since I first met you.
20 July 2008, 12:46 PM
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No, straight from school to uni and then into work (apart from summer jobs). When I did it, the most junior hospital doctor was called a "house officer".
Some days now, I feel like I am a housing officer when I'm asked to write letters in support of housing applications, usually based on spurious illnesses
Some days now, I feel like I am a housing officer when I'm asked to write letters in support of housing applications, usually based on spurious illnesses
20 July 2008, 01:00 PM
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No, straight from school to uni and then into work (apart from summer jobs). When I did it, the most junior hospital doctor was called a "house officer".
Some days now, I feel like I am a housing officer when I'm asked to write letters in support of housing applications, usually based on spurious illnesses
Some days now, I feel like I am a housing officer when I'm asked to write letters in support of housing applications, usually based on spurious illnesses
That's what it'll have been. You'll have told me you were a house officer and I'll have taken it literally assuming that you were helping scum find suitable council accommodation or such like
20 July 2008, 01:07 PM
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Choco,Around five years ago i to developed rsi in both wrist's due to my printing job, at the same time my shift team got the same and all of us were sent home on sick leave.
Some were lucky and managed to return to work, I on the other hand tried light duties and it killed me, i couldn't drive, dress myself and felt hopeless.
At the same time me and my ex seperated and I fought through solicitors for a year trying to keep my house.
In the end I admitted defeat and lost everything and had to return to my parents to live.
I've done other jobs since but none of them rewarded me either financially (sp) or mentally.
I was in the end diagnosed with muscalur diskeletor (sp again) disease which now leaves me on high medication daily but goes someway in relieving my symptoms.
To say i've moved on from then is an under statement and i've made myself and family very proud.
I needed agood income to try and buy a house again and a job that was easy on my body but one that kept me busy upstairs.
The nuclear industry( love it or hate it ) is one were all my needs could be met so I took a chance and paid for a course in Health Physics.
I did this distance learning through Kilmarnock college and although there were serious times of doubt in my mind as to whether I was clever enough to achieve this I did, and in July last year I passed my exams.
I've had to prove myself since and beat 70 other candidates through shear hard work and effort to get offered my current role as an Operations Technician at one of my local Power Stations.
My current starting salary is just shy of 29k and it will improve greatly if i knuckle down and learn more.
I guess what i'm saying is not many of us enjoy work, but if you find something your good at develope it more and the rewards you get make it all worth while.
I'm now saving for MY OWN house;0 which makes me feel good about myself again and five years ago it was a distant dream.
Enjoy whatever you decide, but be prepared for knock backs along the way, it's a learning curve and it will make you a better person for it
20 July 2008, 01:40 PM
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first of all, this isnt one of my past "moaning and whining" threads were some cuddled and molly coddled my fragile state of mind etc.
the reality is with my employers i may be dimissed on wednesday (boo hoo i know - gutted, really i am) on the grounds im unable to do my duties, and they cant find me another role within the company itself that is practicable to alterations to suit me.
so really getting onto my point, as i am trying to remain positive on this best i can. i know there are a mixture of high flyers, bullsh*ters and genuine people on here that earn well and have a nice disposable income for themselves and families.
id like to know (without wanting to seem too personal or indeed intrusive) what steps you took into getting where you are today, and indeed how you find your empolyment to work out how it did.
i cant help but think (and i am trying to depress these feelings), that no matter how hard i try, im destined to be some low earner living in a crappy little terraced house and just go through the motions - less positive thinking.
having recieved notification from my current employers (if you wanna call them that), about my possible impending dismissal, im seriously looking to try better myself. now although a quite excentric and happy fellow, i seem to lack qualifications higher than college. this is where the above question re. steps you have taken comes into play.
i naturally have a thirst for knowlegde but maybe im looking in the wrong places for the next step. having worked in a warehouse enviroment since college, i wanna do something, be on a good wage, find that job which may not be terribly exciting, but mean that i can have a family without serious financial difficulties, have a respectable car, and treat my mrs to nice things. its almost a jealousy thing looking at others happiness on here, so without wanting to do a snazy-net and live every moment through a forum, someone throw some factors or information my way.
greatly appreciated, whether positive or "stop whining" negative comments.
i thankyou for your time.
andy
the reality is with my employers i may be dimissed on wednesday (boo hoo i know - gutted, really i am
) on the grounds im unable to do my duties, and they cant find me another role within the company itself that is practicable to alterations to suit me.so really getting onto my point, as i am trying to remain positive on this best i can. i know there are a mixture of high flyers, bullsh*ters and genuine people on here that earn well and have a nice disposable income for themselves and families.
id like to know (without wanting to seem too personal or indeed intrusive) what steps you took into getting where you are today, and indeed how you find your empolyment to work out how it did.
i cant help but think (and i am trying to depress these feelings), that no matter how hard i try, im destined to be some low earner living in a crappy little terraced house and just go through the motions - less positive thinking.
having recieved notification from my current employers (if you wanna call them that), about my possible impending dismissal, im seriously looking to try better myself. now although a quite excentric and happy fellow, i seem to lack qualifications higher than college. this is where the above question re. steps you have taken comes into play.
i naturally have a thirst for knowlegde but maybe im looking in the wrong places for the next step. having worked in a warehouse enviroment since college, i wanna do something, be on a good wage, find that job which may not be terribly exciting, but mean that i can have a family without serious financial difficulties, have a respectable car, and treat my mrs to nice things. its almost a jealousy thing looking at others happiness on here, so without wanting to do a snazy-net and live every moment through a forum, someone throw some factors or information my way.
greatly appreciated, whether positive or "stop whining" negative comments.
i thankyou for your time.
andy
I left school with no qualifications at 16, joined the Army for 5 years and then came out to be a bin man. After a year of being a bin man I started doing qualifications in IT until I got enough A levels to study at University. After 4 years I ended up with a BSc in computer science. In the meantime I had met my wife who is a pharmacist bought the big house flash car etc etc. After a number of years in IT we decided we'd had enough of the UK and moved to France. I worked in France for around a year as a Multimedia Designer and was then offered to go in to business with the guy I had bought my house off, another risk! So I did, having never sold anything in my life. Anyway 5 years later my friend and I have a string of agencies in our corner of France, I have a house that only a Millionaire could dream of, 4 cars and I earned 26,000€ last week. Not bad for an ex bin man!
So what I’m trying to say is if you have the desire, work hard and take risks the luck will follow you.
Good luck and I hope it works out
.
Last edited by markGT; 20 July 2008 at 03:12 PM.
20 July 2008, 02:03 PM
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If it is a relevant qualification that gives you knowledge [or better a foot in the door] about your subject/profession [e.g. medicine, IT, engineering, law etc] then its worth doing but if it isn't and you aren't a school leaver I'm not so sure.
I just learnt Photoshop & got an NVQ in Health & Safety - practical, relevant and useful stuff to what I do. In fact I just picked up a a job requiring some Photoshop skills this morning; all I need do now is keep safe & healthy!
D
20 July 2008, 03:10 PM
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I'm always confused by qualifications when looking at CV's - often people have degrees in subjects that have nothing to do with the work they are applying for. My mate does PR for a big bank and has a degree in Geology for e.g
If it is a relevant qualification that gives you knowledge [or better a foot in the door] about your subject/profession [e.g. medicine, IT, engineering, law etc] then its worth doing but if it isn't and you aren't a school leaver I'm not so sure.
I just learnt Photoshop & got an NVQ in Health & Safety - practical, relevant and useful stuff to what I do. In fact I just picked up a a job requiring some Photoshop skills this morning; all I need do now is keep safe & healthy!
D
If it is a relevant qualification that gives you knowledge [or better a foot in the door] about your subject/profession [e.g. medicine, IT, engineering, law etc] then its worth doing but if it isn't and you aren't a school leaver I'm not so sure.
I just learnt Photoshop & got an NVQ in Health & Safety - practical, relevant and useful stuff to what I do. In fact I just picked up a a job requiring some Photoshop skills this morning; all I need do now is keep safe & healthy!
D
20 July 2008, 05:13 PM
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Lots of big companies only offer certain jobs to people with degrees now, doesnt matter what the degree is in or if it has any relevance, just as long as they have one.
Downside to this is the jobs are generally your standard office work, and you wont earn decent money until you get 4 or 5 promotions and have been there 20 years.
A decent specialist qualification will get you better money initially, and the potential for more, plus in a lot of areas it is easier to start your own business, the risk though is that if it is very specialised, then getting a job in the first place can be a lot harder, particularly if it is an over subscribed area ( something like web design, which used to be a good skill, but now there are loads of web designers, and not that many earn decent money from or it or get regular work ).
Downside to this is the jobs are generally your standard office work, and you wont earn decent money until you get 4 or 5 promotions and have been there 20 years.
A decent specialist qualification will get you better money initially, and the potential for more, plus in a lot of areas it is easier to start your own business, the risk though is that if it is very specialised, then getting a job in the first place can be a lot harder, particularly if it is an over subscribed area ( something like web design, which used to be a good skill, but now there are loads of web designers, and not that many earn decent money from or it or get regular work ).
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