What do you do for a living?

[dan1977]

I'd be interested to know what people do around this board?

I work in IT, specializing in networking for the federal government. As most people think federal employee's are a financial burden for the canadian population, I would strongly disagree. My work is highly stressful and I assure you I ain't overpaid for the services I provide.

Anyways, although my work is really stimulating and challenging, I'm at a cross-road right now. There's a big stir happening in the federal government regarding IT services which made a lot of people wonder about job security and what's going to happen in the near future.

I'd like to have my own business one day but now sure on what I would like to do though. So i'd like to open up discussion on what you folks are doing for a living and maybe get some idea's.

Inputs?

[Praetorian]

Senior Consultant - Pre-Sales Engineering Telcommunications, Co-founder-BodyAthletica, Online Physique coaching services, Whey-Factory.com sponsored National Level Bodybuilder.
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[#8]

I am a professional shit disturber.

Actually Im a bum who just floats around on the taxpayer dime contributing very little if anything. I work for CANADA POST!!

Kidding.

I work part time for various promotional marketing companies while Im in university. Good pay and good hours.

[gicantor]

Welder and landlord.

[natenator]

Student again.

Marketing strategy consultant on the sideto a few select clients now im back in school

[LonelyBedouin]

Soon to be firefighter, if this second interview went well

[Felinecougar]

Gawd i thought this was an old thread.. new on I see.

I'm a personal trainer now in my own home training salon in my basement. I'm also a childbirth coach...called a "Doula" and I'm a Lactation Consultant, or breastfeeding expert.

I believe in a woman's body.

Also now a grammy to a wonderful one year old grandson. The best job ever.

[Talo]

Oil and gas operator :)

[dan1977]

Didn't know this was a duplicate thread...

You're the last guy I would of thought to be in IT Praetorian... but that's totally cool. You look like a busy man.

Lactation Consultant.. that is one unusual profession. I'd like to specialize in that too. lol Congrats on the being an grand-mother Felinecougar, you get the best of both worlds now. Enjoy kids and send them home when they don't behave.

For the other guys doing marketing, you guys studying in what field? If I'd be 10 years younger, It go get an MBA. One of the most demanded degree. You have so much flexibitily with this in your assets.

[natenator]

MBA is overrated these days as everyone in their brother is getting one thinking it will propel them into a career of financial success and stability. Not true and unless you have something else to bring to the table you'll just be another in a loooong line of clones.

I'm 35 and I went back to school with the end goal of getting into med school but if that doesn't work out (less than 6% of total applicants were accepted in Ontario for 2010) then I'll be able to take my business background along with my new programs of study and transition them into health management functions.

[beserker]

Im an Indoor Environmental professional.....I do air sampling and investigations for mould and asbestos in peoples homes or businesses. I also do home inspections for people looking to purchase a home.

[Green_Giant]

I agree with Nate on this one, the MBA is very overrated. It's definitely an asset but it doesn't guarantee you anything. IMO experience and/or good connections is more valuable in the quest for one of those 6 digits jobs!

As for myself, I studied biochemistry, working as a quality manager in the pharmaceutical industry.

[Praetorian]

Looking to do my MBA part time next year...it is the difference between middle management and VP level...as long as you have the proper experience to go with it.
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[natenator]

I agree with Nate on this one, the MBA is very overrated. It's definitely an asset but it doesn't guarantee you anything. IMO experience and/or good connections is more valuable in the quest for one of those 6 digits jobs!

As for myself, I studied biochemistry, working as a quality manager in the pharmaceutical industry.

Speaking of connections, one of the MOST VALUABLE things you will get from an MBA should one wish to go that route is connections. You'll also understand what it means to think critically in a business context to consider ALL aspects to a situation and business as opposed to a singular focus you might have only been experienced to as a low or middle manager but again that doesn't ensure success.

In my opinion it's the connects that are most important with an MBA.

biochem eh? Mind helping me with some of my studies? LOL

[natenator]

Looking to do my MBA part time next year...it is the difference between middle management and VP level...as long as you have the proper experience to go with it.
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Experience being the biggest driver. You won't have an issue because you're in your 40's and have extensive business experience going into and out of it. Contrast that with kids doing an MBA straight from their undergrad and that's where the drawback to an MBA comes into play.

When you have business experience you can take the case studies (which is what an EXEC MBA program focuses on) and combine the two to offer a more practical approach to the situation.

Good luck on it! Where abouts? U of T or York? I guess Western and Queens is doable as well if you don't mind the distance.

[Green_Giant]

You're right Nate! I had a teacher back in University who described his MBA as a 30k investment for a network of contacts. I'd rater build my network at work while getting paid! Oh and that's another thing too. Schools take advantage of the fact that it is overrated and the tuition fees are sky high!

Trying to get in med school? What are you taking?

[Praetorian]

Experience being the biggest driver. You won't have an issue because you're in your 40's and have extensive business experience going into and out of it. Contrast that with kids doing an MBA straight from their undergrad and that's where the drawback to an MBA comes into play.

When you have business experience you can take the case studies (which is what an EXEC MBA program focuses on) and combine the two to offer a more practical approach to the situation.

Good luck on it! Where abouts? U of T or York? I guess Western and Queens is doable as well if you don't mind the distance.

Haven't decided as to where yet...one that appears interesting is the Ted Rogers School of Managment...MBA in the Management of Technology and Innovation.
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[dan1977]

MBA is overrated these days as everyone in their brother is getting one thinking it will propel them into a career of financial success and stability. Not true and unless you have something else to bring to the table you'll just be another in a loooong line of clones.

I'm 35 and I went back to school with the end goal of getting into med school but if that doesn't work out (less than 6% of total applicants were accepted in Ontario for 2010) then I'll be able to take my business background along with my new programs of study and transition them into health management functions.

Back to school at 35, good for you dude. Take's courage to attack the bench schools again. Specially Med School, that's a rough path. Good luck to you too Praetorian.

Thinking about returning also (34 yo) but I have way to many things on the go for the time being. Spouse finishing up her COOP for her second masters. We invested in her last year, she's becoming a notary. This should give us more flexibility financialy in the future.

You guys are right about an MBA not doing too much for kid coming out of school. Experience will provide much more to any education you take. Being in IT, I can't even tell you how many times I've seen freshly graduated student (Bachelors and more) that can't accomplish shit in the field. You have to be able to apply the theory to real life scenarios. Has to do with the person's habitlity and aptitudes.