Career help ... again. [Archive] - SV650.org

Fallout

07-02-13, 01:45 PM

Ok, here goes. I'll try and squeeze in a few horribly depraved comments to keep this entertaining. Apologies if it's boring.

I've been self employed for the last 3 years, scraping a living from mobile phone game/app development (my own), freelance app development for other companies, and sponsored PC game development projects. During this time I have made just enough money to keep me afloat, but I have been boardering on suicidal. Like literally, my friends have no idea how mental I am and depressed when I'm not out with them on the bikes. Working by myself at home with only phone calls to clients and internet porn for company is only good for so long. I ran out of tissues long ago.

Before that I worked for a few top IT companies such as IBM as a developer, so that's my experience. I have a Communcation Systems degree. However, I figured out back at uni I didn't enjoy computers enough to make it a career, but felt I had to try because I'd spent my education gearing up to it. Becoming a self employed game developer was my last ditch attempt to work at the most interesting end of something I find dull, and while it's been fun at times, overall it's been crap. I just can't do it any more. Isolation and sitting in front of a computer all day isn't for me. The only thing I feel like I've really achieved is proof that I can be 100% self sufficient, learning new things and self motivating even when I hate the job. That's valuable at least. But I need to change, and I know I have potential to be really successful at something, if I can just figure out what I want to do, other than work in the porn industry (see, I keep squeezing them in to keep this depraved as promised).

Over the last 3 or 4 years I've tried many times to research careers. I've done questionnaires, loads of internet research, and had conversations with people. While I often find something I am mildly interested in, normally it requires dedication to retraining which I can't do on a mild interest. For example, for a while I liked the idea of being a Psychiatrist and sorting people out by shouting at them, but that takes 6+ years to train in! I need to at least be fairly sure before I do something ridiculous like go back to uni, or become a porn star.

My real problem is that I crave variety. For example, my hobbies range from cars and now the bike, to music production, game development, building stuff (foosball table, air hockey table, planes), remote control stuff, writing, making movies, playing the guitar, etc etc. Once I feel I've got a handle on something or come close to mastering it, I tend to drop it and move on. This has always been my problem at work too. If I do the same thing for too long, I go mental and start thinking about all the millions of other things I could learn and do. If I was a porn star, I could never do the same position twice with the same man ... I mean woman.

I dunno if anyone can help me really. I'm my own worst enemy. Maybe this is just a rant. All I know is I'm 31 now, I feel like I could do anything, but time is ticking away. For example, I'm too old to join the army now. There are other careers I'm now just too old for (not porn, as there's always the Granny Luvin' category). I've already missed the boat. There's a sense of urgency that I need to sort it out.

So what the hell do I do? I have no strong passions. I just like a bit of everything. I have no 1 amazing skill. I can just turn my hand to anything and do it pretty well. So there is no clear path. The only thing clear is that I'm not doing it right, I'm not happy.

Anyone have any pearls of wisdom for me? I'm not necessarily looking for career suggestions. Maybe there's just one bit of advice someone will have that will push me in a direction where I'll be able to fix this myself.

Littlepeahead

07-02-13, 01:53 PM

Have you thought about becoming a TV presenter on an antiques show? Put on a hideous pair of trousers, clashing bow tie and shirt, maybe grow a tash to complete the look then make your contestants wear nasty static creating fleeces.

Not all desk jobs are boring though, so don't rule it out, and at least you would have other people to talk to instead of just wittering on at Duke.

jambo

07-02-13, 01:56 PM

Fallout

07-02-13, 01:56 PM

Fallout

07-02-13, 01:58 PM

Spank86

07-02-13, 02:09 PM

MAybe you should get a job doing something you're rubbish at. Then you'd enjoy it longer because you'd never be any good.

Anyone want to pay him to ride his bike?

TamSV

07-02-13, 02:11 PM

Fallout

07-02-13, 02:13 PM

MAybe you should get a job doing something you're rubbish at. Then you'd enjoy it longer because you'd never be any good.

Anyone want to pay him to ride his bike?

hahaha. As stupid as that is, it also hides a good point. A career where I was crapper than everyone else and had to work hard to become good at it is exactly what I need. Your mocking example is in fact a good one. If an amateur motoGP team took me on as a rider (never happen, but humour me), I'd be good enough to ride round the track, but substantially crapper than everyone else. I'd enjoy that challenge.

EssexDave

07-02-13, 02:16 PM

Seems like you're looking to have a job that is your life - which is fine if you can find something (one thing) you want to do.

If you can't, why not go for the best paid job, with the best hours you can, and keep all that other stuff you enjoy as hobby time.

There's lots of professions that don't necessarily take that long to train it. e.g. Accountancy (depending on your idea of a long time I guess).

You could always mix it up and continue with some of the IT, perhaps in a different direction and add something else in.

Yours,

The unemployed uni student...

Fallout

07-02-13, 02:18 PM

Life coach.

Similar work but you don't need the formal qualifications of a psychiatrist. Do a couple of NLP/hypnotherapy courses and you're away.

Contact with lots of people deals with the isolation problem. Still self-employed so you can continue to pick your moments for the old internet porn, indulge in hobbies etc. Every new client is a new project so might satisfy your preference for starting things rather than slogging on with the same (a problem I very much share).

Just pretend to your clients that you're not actually more ****ed up than them and you could be onto a winner. :D

I know a few people that do this and you can make a reasonable living at it. You seem to be personable and good humoured. If you're also interested in people something like that might be worth a shot. Failing that - sales. Find a product you really believe in and sell the **** out of it.

You could still supplement your income with a bit of app development and maybe try and monetise some of your other interests, and keep the variety you need.

Self-employment is the way to go as far as I'm concerned - priority 1 being getting your business to a size where you can employ someone to do the hum-drum so you can concentrate on the razzmatazz. :thumleft:

Top response mate. Thank you. :thumleft:

Life Coach: I could imagine doing that. I'd like to think I have good advice for friends/family which has helped in the past, and perhaps I wouldn't have to pretend I wasn't fecked up myself because if it was the right job for me, I'd be out of the hole quickly.

Sales: I've looked at sales many a time, and seen the positives of it. I think you hit the nail on the head with finding a product I believe in. I've never considered that. I've looked at sales jobs and not understood how anyone could be passionate about it, but I suppose if I believe in the product, the passion will be there. Maybe one to think about again.

As for self employment, I totally agree. I'd find it hard to work for someone else now unless they gave me a lot of freedom, but I'm sure those jobs exist.

Thanks again mate. :)

Redmist

07-02-13, 02:19 PM

Realistically its almost impossible to find the perfect job (Porn aside) but its possible to make even the worst job, not just bearable, but fun too. I think its all in the approach.
I would say by all means go and try for things new, my wife went from caring for old folks to health and beauty and was down to the last 2 for a veterinary secretary involving helping in day to day care of animals, all without any experience with animal work (Apart from tidying up after me).
So have a go at something / anything, you might be suprised how easy it can be to change career paths.
If you've prooved your not a lay about dosser then thats half the interview passed!!
(I always wanted an outside type of job, like forestry commision. so thats my suggestion!)

Fallout

07-02-13, 02:22 PM

Seems like you're looking to have a job that is your life - which is fine if you can find something (one thing) you want to do.

If you can't, why not go for the best paid job, with the best hours you can, and keep all that other stuff you enjoy as hobby time.

You're kind of right mate. The job doesn't have to be my life but I do want to put myself into the job. Money isn't that important to me. Job satisfaction and enough money for a few toys and perks is all I need. If I could get up in the morning and look forward to my day, and have enough money at the end of the month to put away or buy a few toys, then I'd be content (I think).

Littlepeahead

07-02-13, 02:24 PM

Porn star may be a bit beyond you then.

But how about a bra fitter. Rigby and Peller are looking for someone part time in Guildford - leaving you plenty of time for riding. How long would it take you to get bored with bosoms?

http://www.rigbyandpeller.co.uk/company/careers.aspx

Owenski

07-02-13, 02:24 PM

No **** - Teach!
You get the masses of leave in which you can "distract" yourself from the work.
Its never the same,
you can shout all you please
and although they all insist its not, it is well paid.

I'm a qualified civil engineer working 5 days a week with over time on top earning 21% less than my wife who is an Art teacher and only works 4 day weeks... go figure!

Giving serious thought to doing it myself, actually I'd prefer to join the police but they're not recruiting but still genuinely considering getting my teacher qualifications.

Fallout

07-02-13, 02:26 PM

(I always wanted an outside type of job, like forestry commision. so thats my suggestion!)

Same here mate, but I suspect that's due to being stuck in front of the computer all day, and loving being outside at the weekends. Outside all day in the ****ing rain might have me longing for a desk job. I won't know until I've tried it.

Wouldn't it be great if all companies had an 'experience' system where you apply, and if they think you could have potential, they let you spend a week with them seeing how the industry works. Then they send you on your merry way with the invitation to apply for a job if/when you have the qualifications or are available. I know some companies do that. I suppose it's possible to phone up anybody and ask for that, even if they don't offer it officially.

More food for thought. :thumleft:

Spank86

07-02-13, 02:31 PM

hahaha. As stupid as that is, it also hides a good point. A career where I was crapper than everyone else and had to work hard to become good at it is exactly what I need. Your mocking example is in fact a good one. If an amateur motoGP team took me on as a rider (never happen, but humour me), I'd be good enough to ride round the track, but substantially crapper than everyone else. I'd enjoy that challenge.

You'd be surprised at what I can hide behind a veneer of facetiousness.

Matt-EUC

07-02-13, 02:32 PM

Last I checked you could still get into the army at 32...

WeegieBlue

07-02-13, 02:32 PM

Fallout, I read your post and othe than wanting to get into the granny porn sector, I was very much in your boat about 5 years ago. I've worked in financial services since I was 20 and sat lots of exams to get super qualified. I did compliance, sales and research roles all within my sector, but I found myelf getting bored of the roles after a couple of years. I like to be great at what I do, and once I feel I am great, I lose interest.

In 2008 I got made redundant from a big IFA firm where I was paraplanning. I wasn't enjoyig the job anyway as there were no real prospects and I could do it all with my eyes shut. It was still a massive kick as I went into work at 9am just a bit bored, and was on a train home about 9:30am practically in tears.

And then I found my calling - contracting. I generallt do short term contracts, around the 12 month mark, and the roles are pretty varied wherever I go. I worked in Glasgow for 3 months, London for a year, then back to Glasgow for just under 2 years on 2 different contracts, then Milton Keynes for 6 months, Newcastle for 9 months and now I'm in Edinburgh and should be here for around a year. I have gone from doing my normal admin/compliance style role to the project management team. I also earn a lot more money as all the money I would have spent on getting to and from work, and eating while I am there, is on the business. I pay my taxes, but take home 85% of my pay.

I also meet a lot of people - and I mean a lot. Every contract is a new set of people. You see some familiar faces here and there but most people you work with are new to you.

There are risks - what happens if a contract ends and you have no work for a while is the main one. But you earn well and after a few months you build a nest egg to fall back on if you are out of work. I've been very lucky in only having 1 unwanted week off since I became self emplyed.

IT contractors are always needed. You can apply for work that suits you, work there for as long as you feel you want to, and then if you get offered a contract extension but don't fancy it, just move on.

It is definitely something you should consider. Short-term workforces in IT are becoming the norm and you sound like you are in a position to take advantage of that. If you want to stay in IT, that is.

Littlepeahead

07-02-13, 02:37 PM

That's what they call 'work experience' and sadly it only seems to be offered to sulky 15 year olds who don't deserve or appreciate it.

Some companies do allow you to move internally if you show an interest. Our IT Help Desk guy was previously in accounts, the cricket fixtures administrator has been retrained as a coach, one of the stewards moved onto the ground staff and I started out as the press and public affairs officer, and got the photography gig as I was always shocked that we paid photographers to take the simplest pictures so started doing them myself and now I'm full time on the photography management side and they are paying for me to gain the qualifications officially.

Cricket New Zealand let me do two weeks with them when I was 36. I helped out in various departments and it was great experience. I wrote the the CEO and asked nicely. They even paid me the equivalent of my air fare for my time.

ClunkintheUK

07-02-13, 02:41 PM

I don't really have any advice, being in basically the same boat, though not self-employed. I just got a book out the library that so far seems to have some good advice. Haven't read enough for it to be a full on endorsement, but its called "What colour is your parachute" Not a magic pill, but might help order some thoughts or show a new avenue.

It does sound like you want to be an Entrepreneur. Once you have gained momentum other people can do the how and you get to concentrate on the new shiny stuff. (If you manage to pull this off, let me know how)

Fallout

07-02-13, 02:41 PM

But how about a bra fitter. Rigby and Peller are looking for someone part time in Guildford - leaving you plenty of time for riding. How long would it take you to get bored with bosoms?

Bad idea. If there's any chance that a job could make me less interests in breasts then I'm not interested. When a man grows bored of his one and only calling in life, what is left?

Teach!

...

Giving serious thought to doing it myself, actually I'd prefer to join the police but they're not recruiting but still genuinely considering getting my teacher qualifications.

Considered teaching a lot. I can visualise myself as a teacher. I'd have to be one of those teachers that swears and says risky things though, always teetering on the boundary between funny and inappropriate. I'd have to teach 6th form or older too, otherwise it could all go horribly wrong.

I also looked at becoming a cop mate, and also haven't been able to apply because they're not recruiting. Their loss right? Together we could've cleaned up this country.

Runako

07-02-13, 02:47 PM

Missed the boat?
Mate, some of the most interesting people I know have never really managed a standard career, most med students are your age or older, some careers and occupations just aren't apparent or suitable when you're 18, for every door that's closed I'm willing to bet 2 more are open to you now than 12 years ago. The challenge is to work out what to focus on, and that I can't help with I'm afraid :-(

Jambo
Sent from my thingie

I agree with this. You've already stated you're the sort of person that craves variety, the opposite of which is rigid structure. Structure is good for some things like a 'long term career', 'pension', paying the car loan or 'paying the mortgage/rent'. Sounds familiar? Evil words/concepts as far as I'm concerned.

Apart from Kids, which will rule your life, the others are meaningless to me as they seem to pre-determine that you have to have a 'stable job' or 'consistent income'. Sure, we all need to survive but its not easy to make big decisions if you're worried about paying off the mortgage.

So I reckon you have to make a big sacrifice before you can truly decide what you want to do. That might be jacking in the job or selling the house to get away from an onerous mortgage. That self sufficency thing you mentioned is HUGE. Knowing that you can survive whatever means you should be able to make some tough decisions.

Have you spoken to those closest to you? Friends and family etc? You don't have to take someone else's opinion to decide, but sometimes its good to hear what everyone has to say before you make your own mind up.

As for what profession? Well there's a fantasy and reality to every job as you've found out. Porn stars have to take those boring STD tests and in some states in America have to use a condom. Such a hassle ....

Its more likely that your dream profession will involve significant change (move house, move area, move country even). Are you prepared to make those changes? I suppose that's really the key question.

Fallout

07-02-13, 02:53 PM

And then I found my calling - contracting.

I can totally see the appeal of contracting mate. The Mrs is a contract trainers and has done some crazy contracts around the globe, working for many organisations. The variety is really appealing, and I could see myself going for it if there wasn't one big problem: IT. At this stage I'm so sick of IT that I couldn't motivate myself to be an IT contractor.

Case in point, I left IBM to work for another software company. Soon after I joined I switched to part time to work on my own business. It continued to depress me so much I couldn't motivate myself to do my own work, so I thought I'd have one more bash with another IT company. I applied for a job with JobSite (they do those tele ads) and got that. I walked in on the first day and didn't have an ounce of nerves. I met all the people in the office and wasn't even slightly interested in any of them. It felt like the same old depressing bull****. I got up at 3pm and never went back.

If anything could prove to me I'm definitely done with IT, it was that.

I don't really have any advice, being in basically the same boat, though not self-employed. I just got a book out the library that so far seems to have some good advice. Haven't read enough for it to be a full on endorsement, but its called "What colour is your parachute" Not a magic pill, but might help order some thoughts or show a new avenue.

It does sound like you want to be an Entrepreneur. Once you have gained momentum other people can do the how and you get to concentrate on the new shiny stuff. (If you manage to pull this off, let me know how)

I'll look that book up mate. Cheers. Yeah, I think if I got to a stage where I was employing people to work on games of my own design and cutting out all the donkey work, I would probably enjoy it. The problem is I could spend 10 years doing what I'm doing and never get that right killer formula which is successful, earns me big money, and allows me to get there. There is no steady progress to a guaranteed goal. It's just gambling with time and effort, and I've spent 3 years gambling so far and feel like it's time to try another gig.

Fallout

07-02-13, 03:02 PM

I agree with this. You've already stated you're the sort of person that craves variety, the opposite of which is rigid structure. Structure is good for some things like a 'long term career', 'pension', paying the car loan or 'paying the mortgage/rent'. Sounds familiar? Evil words/concepts as far as I'm concerned.

Apart from Kids, which will rule your life, the others are meaningless to me as they seem to pre-determine that you have to have a 'stable job' or 'consistent income'. Sure, we all need to survive but its not easy to make big decisions if you're worried about paying off the mortgage.

So I reckon you have to make a big sacrifice before you can truly decide what you want to do. That might be jacking in the job or selling the house to get away from an onerous mortgage. That self sufficency thing you mentioned is HUGE. Knowing that you can survive whatever means you should be able to make some tough decisions.

Have you spoken to those closest to you? Friends and family etc? You don't have to take someone else's opinion to decide, but sometimes its good to hear what everyone has to say before you make your own mind up.

As for what profession? Well there's a fantasy and reality to every job as you've found out. Porn stars have to take those boring STD tests and in some states in America have to use a condom. Such a hassle ....

Its more likely that your dream profession will involve significant change (move house, move area, move country even). Are you prepared to make those changes? I suppose that's really the key question.

Good points mate. I'm very lucky in that I'm in the unique position where the Mrs earns enough to cover the mortgage and bills ... just. Everything I earn has been a bonus and allowed us to get our cars, go on a few little holidays etc. I could sit here doing feck all and we'd stay just about afloat, though she couldn't take any holiday (she contracts) and we'd have to eat Tescos value soup for all our meals. Basically, I dont have to jack in any financial responsibilities to make change.

I'd be prepared to move abroad. The Mrs said she'd come with me. I could make those massive changes for the right job, but the way I am with being mildly interested in many things, but not passionate or excited about any one thing, it'd be hard for me to make those changes. Ya know, I can't envisage a job abroad that would have me stoked enough to up sticks and leave, because I haven't found anything remotely like that in my searching. I'm too cautious to do it on a whim. If I found something though (Granny Luvin' porn director), I would do it. I'm at that stage where I'd take the plunge.

WeegieBlue

07-02-13, 03:08 PM

coopesh56

07-02-13, 03:12 PM

Your not too old for the forces mate when I joined up 3yeara ago there was a bloke who was about your age... And recently there was an ex man city player who joined us (RAF) as a gunner who was your age too, there's loads of videos on YouTube following him through his training explaining how well he fitted in with the younger lads.

Though not all trades will be open to you, there will still be something you can join as, and it will certainly will be less repetitive than what you doing now, even if you couldn't do your ideal job in the RAF, just get involved I sport Etc and you will never be in work anyway!

....plus my camp puts on a track day on rounds it's runway 3times a year which is free if your serving so there's another bonus!

Runako

07-02-13, 03:22 PM

I can't envisage a job abroad that would have me stoked enough to up sticks and leave, because I haven't found anything remotely like that in my searching. I'm too cautious to do it on a whim. If I found something though (Granny Luvin' porn director), I would do it. I'm at that stage where I'd take the plunge.

That Australian Caretaker for an Island looked job amazing. You also mentioned teaching. Lots of opportunity abroad, if that's your thing (you can even swear in English and not lose yopur job) ;) But its not gonna make you rich.

Going abroad adds the opportunity to learn a whole new culture. Imagine living in San Fransisco, experiencing the delights of one of America's best Cities. Or living in France. You can't get a different perspective without sometimes changing the scenery.

But I think your post probably reflects what a lot of people feel sometimes, including me. Imagine if I didn't have the bike. I'd be bored out of my skull. The one month it was off the road was horrendous. I'll admit that I'm envious of satisfied people because I'm never there.

Otherwise, you could just do what a lot of other bored people do and procreate wildly. That should keep you busy for a good few years :D

Fallout

07-02-13, 03:38 PM

Do you thing maybe you are striving for perfection? Start a poll on here - who is 100% happy with every aspect of their work - pay, duties, people they work with, their boss/staff, prospects etc. I would be suprised if there are any.

Definitely mate. I can never settle for what I have. It's a blessing and a curse. I try and take a step back and look at where I am, and ask myself why it's not good enough.

At the risk of getting too deep, the trouble is basically I'm a nihilist. I don't believe in an afterlife. I don't believe there is anything for us except what we achieve, the things we experience and the people we surround ourselves with. When I'm old and grey, I want to feel like I did a good job and made the most of things.

Your not too old for the forces mate when I joined up 3yeara ago there was a bloke who was about your age... And recently there was an ex man city player who joined us (RAF) as a gunner who was your age too, there's loads of videos on YouTube following him through his training explaining how well he fitted in with the younger lads.

Though not all trades will be open to you, there will still be something you can join as, and it will certainly will be less repetitive than what you doing now, even if you couldn't do your ideal job in the RAF, just get involved I sport Etc and you will never be in work anyway!

....plus my camp puts on a track day on rounds it's runway 3times a year which is free if your serving so there's another bonus!

It must've just been certain jobs I was looking at then. I think it was Army, and looking at all the roles with 25 age limits or something like that. I'll have another look mate. Won't do any harm to keep my options open. :)

Spank86

07-02-13, 03:49 PM

At the risk of getting too deep, the trouble is basically I'm a nihilist. I don't believe in an afterlife. I don't believe there is anything for us except what we achieve, the things we experience and the people we surround ourselves with. When I'm old and grey, I want to feel like I did a good job and made the most of things.

but as a nihilist just after you're old and grey it wont matter anymore anyway.

it will all just be vanished memories.

Littlepeahead

07-02-13, 03:52 PM

At the risk of getting too deep, the trouble is basically I'm a nihilist. I don't believe in an afterlife. I don't believe there is anything for us except what we achieve, the things we experience and the people we surround ourselves with. When I'm old and grey, I want to feel like I did a good job and made the most of things.

That is not a nihilist, that is a Humanist.

I am 96% Humanist. It didn't tell me what the other 4% was, possibly sadist.

http://humanism.org.uk/humanism/are-you-a-humanist/

Fallout

07-02-13, 04:17 PM

I know what nihilism is Clare. Existential ... moral ... We can chat about it sometime if you like. Could get quite depressing though. Might be more fun to just giggle at fart and boob jokes.

Littlepeahead

07-02-13, 04:20 PM

I think you spend too much time wondering how you would weigh a pair of breasts.

Fallout

07-02-13, 04:28 PM

Shouldn't have mentioned boobs. I've started you off again. :rolleyes:

Jackie_Black

07-02-13, 04:33 PM

Teaching is probably what you are after.

Doesn't matter how good you are at it you're not good enough.
It's well paid.
You get holidays to play with your toys but it always seems to rain.
Every single day is different.
You have to throw yourself into it otherwise the kids will literally murder you.

I have similar interests to you by the sounds of things and teaching lets me have enough time to play my guitars, ride bikes, make tunes and play video games.

Go for it.

Fallout

07-02-13, 04:41 PM

Cheers Jackie. I'm going to take a good long look at teaching. What I'd teach would be a mystery though. Maybe there's a video game teacher job out there with my name on it.

Spank86

07-02-13, 04:45 PM

You could teach kids to stay away from strange men?

Teejayexc

07-02-13, 04:47 PM

Same here mate, but I suspect that's due to being stuck in front of the computer all day, and loving being outside at the weekends. Outside all day in the ****ing rain might have me longing for a desk job. I won't know until I've tried it.

Wouldn't it be great if all companies had an 'experience' system where you apply, and if they think you could have potential, they let you spend a week with them seeing how the industry works. Then they send you on your merry way with the invitation to apply for a job if/when you have the qualifications or are available. I know some companies do that. I suppose it's possible to phone up anybody and ask for that, even if they don't offer it officially.

More food for thought. :thumleft:

You * may* have found the answer to your dilemma.

With your 'it' skills would it be possible to look into setting up a website/ business to do what you suggest above?

ClunkintheUK

07-02-13, 04:47 PM

Would it still be a mystery after you've taught it?

Jackie_Black

07-02-13, 04:47 PM

I teach ICT, Electronics and Design Technology. I have a workshop and can do all kinds of fun stuff. If you have programming skills I think the government are just about to pay crazy money for you to train as a teacher. So keep your eyes open.

missyburd

07-02-13, 04:48 PM

How about this Si? Definitely not a desk job :P

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2274494/Inchcolm-Island-perfect-job-grabs--manger-uninhabited-Scottish-island.html?ICO=most_read_module#axzz2KBwcDw5b

I'm having the problem you have and I'm not 30 yet. I did a Zoology degree because I was interested in it, I had no guidance as to what I could do with it once I had it. Then came two years of more voluntary experience and interviews in the conservation sector which mainly resulted in me being pipped at the post at every turn by bank managers and accountants who needed a change of scene. Being able to get money out of people is the best skill of all, or so it would seem, animal knowledge bears no relevance. I quickly needed to make some money so started selling the artwork, now I'm self employed with that with two part time jobs in a pub and a shop. Hardly a career. I'm building up my art business but something is missing. I wanted to be a vet before I went to uni but family matters meant I missed the boat on that one...so actually considering going down the vet nurse route, I guess it's never too late.

As long as you're careful not to turn something you love as a hobby into a stressful job so you end up hating the very thing you enjoy then you'll be ok. And you're very lucky in that financial strain doesn't factor in which path you choose, that old argument of being happy and skint over stressed to buggery but rich always lingers in the background.

Fallout

07-02-13, 05:28 PM

You * may* have found the answer to your dilemma.

With your 'it' skills would it be possible to look into setting up a website/ business to do what you suggest above?

It's a good idea. I've setup a couple of blog website before with an attempt to make advertisement revenue. I found it really hard work to feature on search engines and get traffic. Setting up a website business requires a good niche like that, but it's really tough. You really need to believe in the idea. It's food for thought though.

Would it still be a mystery after you've taught it?

Depends if I was listening. :D

I teach ICT, Electronics and Design Technology. I have a workshop and can do all kinds of fun stuff. If you have programming skills I think the government are just about to pay crazy money for you to train as a teacher. So keep your eyes open.

Where are you hearing this from Jackie? I'd be interested to read and news links or is this just from the grapevine? I'll keep my ears peeled and my eyes to the ground.

How about this Si? Definitely not a desk job :P

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2274494/Inchcolm-Island-perfect-job-grabs--manger-uninhabited-Scottish-island.html?ICO=most_read_module#axzz2KBwcDw5b

Oh man, could you imagine what that would be like if you got the wrong assistant? It would be murder territory. Could be very steamy if you got the 'right' assistant though. :thumleft:

I'm having the problem you have and I'm not 30 yet. I did a Zoology degree because I was interested in it, I had no guidance as to what I could do with it once I had it. Then came two years of more voluntary experience and interviews in the conservation sector which mainly resulted in me being pipped at the post at every turn by bank managers and accountants who needed a change of scene. Being able to get money out of people is the best skill of all, or so it would seem, animal knowledge bears no relevance. I quickly needed to make some money so started selling the artwork, now I'm self employed with that with two part time jobs in a pub and a shop. Hardly a career. I'm building up my art business but something is missing. I wanted to be a vet before I went to uni but family matters meant I missed the boat on that one...so actually considering going down the vet nurse route, I guess it's never too late.

As long as you're careful not to turn something you love as a hobby into a stressful job so you end up hating the very thing you enjoy then you'll be ok. And you're very lucky in that financial strain doesn't factor in which path you choose, that old argument of being happy and skint over stressed to buggery but rich always lingers in the background.

You're kind of the opposite to me. You went with your heart and got screwed over because the work wasn't there. I went with my head and got screwed over because I hate the work. It poses the question, which part of your body are you actually supposed to trust? :D

Btw, I look at your talent with drawings and something in the back of my mind says you could do something with that. I know pushing a bespoke drawing business would probably destroy your passion in it, but there's got to be something else. You ever considered something like holding drawing classes, or something as simple as YouTube tutorial videos?

Littlepeahead

07-02-13, 05:32 PM

You went with your heart and got screwed over because the work wasn't there. I went with my head and got screwed over because I hate the work. It poses the question, which part of your body are you actually supposed to trust? :D

Simon with all this talk of being a porn star do you really need us to answer that?! :smt103

Fallout

07-02-13, 05:33 PM

That's the part you can trust the least! I think the right answer is your nose.

missyburd

07-02-13, 05:55 PM

You're kind of the opposite to me. You went with your heart and got screwed over because the work wasn't there. I went with my head and got screwed over because I hate the work. It poses the question, which part of your body are you actually supposed to trust? :D

Exactly, I and so many graduates in the field have entered the job sector in a bleedin' recession, doomed, we're all DOOMED! :p

Btw, I look at your talent with drawings and something in the back of my mind says you could do something with that.
You're really creative with music and gaming aren't you? Is there not a way you can combine the two or work it to your advantage? I keep being told having a talent is something amazing if you can stick with it but it's going to take me a couple more years at least to start seeing some proper money back from it...though I'm working on it being sooner with any luck!

I know pushing a bespoke drawing business would probably destroy your passion in it, but there's got to be something else. You ever considered something like holding drawing classes, or something as simple as YouTube tutorial videos?
Now this thread is about us helping you, not the other way about :smt101 but cheers! I have many ideas whizzing about my head, but what I don't have is enough hours in the day, or enough pennies to get things moving along at the speed I'd like. But where there's a will there's a way and all that.

Fallout

07-02-13, 06:13 PM

You're really creative with music and gaming aren't you? Is there not a way you can combine the two or work it to your advantage? I keep being told having a talent is something amazing if you can stick with it but it's going to take me a couple more years at least to start seeing some proper money back from it...though I'm working on it being sooner with any luck!

I've tried Maria. I've written music for indi game projects and music for my own titles. Neither of those have earned me much. I have games on Android one with 5 stars and 1/4 million downloads. You'd be amazed how little advertisement revenue you get from that. I've had vinyl released of my drum'n'bass from a label that went under soon after (not my fault! :p). Even had my music played by Pendulum, if you'd believe it. Zero money in that industry unless you own one of the top labels or are top DJ. Everyone else is doing it for the passion and working in MaccyDees on the week days.

The creative industry is basically a sea of failures with a few bright stars rising out of it. The only reason why I mentioned your stuff is because you have a talent I don't have, and when I see that my first thought is "if I could do that, what would I do with it?". I know if I stay in this creative world I need more people with talents to work with, to create something good and be one of those success stories.

Not saying I have any ideas for your art btw, but it's good to know you're out there in case I stumble upon an idea for a multi million pound dog drawing app. Then I'll know who to call. :D

Teejayexc

07-02-13, 06:14 PM

missyburd

07-02-13, 06:24 PM

Not saying I have any ideas for your art btw, but it's good to know you're out there in case I stumble upon an idea for a multi million pound dog drawing app. Then I'll know who to call. :D

One jests but that did actually come up in conversation just the other day...:D

metalmonkey

07-02-13, 06:54 PM

Loads of writing too much for me too read.

I have done a few jobs, we are the same age.

One thing that that got me, as a teenager I though I'm not going to sit in an office its like being in jail I saw all those sad looking messed up people on their commute not for me!

So I have started over again, I'm going to itern in a few months for top camera rental house in the UK learn everything I can about cameras then look at going into features as a camera trainee, then to second AC. Its worth a try we have to have a dream right? Though to achive my bike is being sold and pretty much everthing I own, I'd rather have tried than never done it all...

Failing that we should go make granny porn, we are going to have more older people than young people soon its a growing market:smt112

metalmonkey

07-02-13, 07:11 PM

I've tried Maria. I've written music for indi game projects and music for my own titles. Neither of those have earned me much. I have games on Android one with 5 stars and 1/4 million downloads. You'd be amazed how little advertisement revenue you get from that. I've had vinyl released of my drum'n'bass from a label that went under soon after (not my fault! :p). Even had my music played by Pendulum, if you'd believe it. Zero money in that industry unless you own one of the top labels or are top DJ. Everyone else is doing it for the passion and working in MaccyDees on the week days.

The creative industry is basically a sea of failures with a few bright stars rising out of it. The only reason why I mentioned your stuff is because you have a talent I don't have, and when I see that my first thought is "if I could do that, what would I do with it?". I know if I stay in this creative world I need more people with talents to work with, to create something good and be one of those success stories.

Not saying I have any ideas for your art btw, but it's good to know you're out there in case I stumble upon an idea for a multi million pound dog drawing app. Then I'll know who to call. :D

Your right about being a creative, I know a few very good DOPs that make a living, but its bloody hard to rise to the top. One of my other mates is a well know Deep House DJ had albums, done some sick remixes but he even has a day job. You have to give up a lot, to make in a creative industry. I have worked on some amazing projects, filmed some really intresting things but its a life style. I'm looking at how a put togther a feature lengh factual film, there is a lot involved to get it off the ground and on TV but I'm going to try.

Jackie_Black

07-02-13, 07:20 PM

I heard most of it on the grapevine to be honest. But the tories are determined to shake up the ICT teaching in schools (rightly so) so as soon as they offer you 15k to go to uni and train as a teacher for 9 months get signed up!!

Bordtea

07-02-13, 07:23 PM

Careers adviser?

Littlepeahead

07-02-13, 07:25 PM

How about becoming a stripper?

I really enjoy painting but the prep is horrible. And every other decorator wants you to pay them to do the whole job. I'd pay you to strip for me Simon.

Sir Trev

07-02-13, 09:16 PM

Si you're personable, articulate and get on straight away with new people - and that's just on meeting you briefly twice. Weegie's suggestion of contracting is a good one and something I'd consider if it wasn't for a crippling mortgage. Similar to that is consulting - lots of interaction with people, project based, easy move in and out of sales if you're in the right company. Could do it freelance potentially to stay self employed. We have a consulting arm at Dell - their office-based team leads sit in the next row to me - they're out and about at different clients all the time overseeing installations and helping the new business team design solutions. We also have specialist solution architects who do a similar ever changing role.

Stenno

07-02-13, 09:31 PM

Go travelling.

Stuuk1

07-02-13, 11:32 PM

Do you thing maybe you are striving for perfection? Start a poll on here - who is 100% happy with every aspect of their work - pay, duties, people they work with, their boss/staff, prospects etc. I would be suprised if there are any.

Sorry to disappoint, but I currently love what I am doing.. Had a teeny tiny promotion and love every second. I expect next week ill be depressed and may edit this comment.

Paul the 6th

08-02-13, 12:03 AM

Events is a really dynamic and diverse field

Pro's: tonnes of different technical and structural kit, sometimes under pressure, sometimes all day to finish rigging, good money if you get in with good companies as a freelancer, travel as part of the job (often working in London, Manchester, Birmingham and other places - weirdest I've done is Port Meirion in north wales for a week), gigs can range from boring conferences about lifting and handling people (last week at the business design centre in islington) to fashion shows or fancy dinner awards ceremonies operating spotlights or camera. Plus you can find your niche as a video op/editor (aka vidiot), in sound (noise boyz) or lampy/lx (lighting electrician) etc. Some of the top video guys I know turn up for a few hours, operate their camera's and then feck off without helping any of the rest of the team, and they're pushing around £250-£300/day rate at times. Once you're established you can kind of pick and choose when you work (obviously you still have to work but if you need to get your car in the garage you don't have to plead with an assswhole of a boss for time to sort stuff out)

Cons: starting out generally requires working for an AV company (or being an epic blagger) and they're often reluctant to pay very much for the amount of hours they'll have you putting in (£18-£21k year for some of the younger lads I know and they're often knocking out 50-60 hours a week during sept - xmas busy period). Working away from home a lot can be a pro if you're single and enjoy variety/adventure, but if you're in a relationship it can strain things or if you're not an adventurous type of person then it can become a very lonely time living in hotel rooms for weeks - it's what you choose to make of it. Long hours, on freelance side it's not uncommon to push a 22 hour day, grab 6 hours sleep and then another 20 hour day running the show and de-rigging at the end of it. A lot of technicians are socially retarded individuals, so alot of the time you might regress and have some quiet time while all about you are arguing whether 3D or 4k video is better.

Just a few thoughts from my side of things mate.

On a more sensible note, like trev mentions about consulting etc. might it be worth seasoning what you already know with a different twist so you can get into consulting work or project management as part of a larger team in an organisation, then you've got someone to give you a bit of structure and routine and when you're not at work you can just switch off and forget about it? That's the biggest thing with self employment is that you're constantly thinking about work & bills whether you like it or not, whereas contract employment (or most of it) is that you can generally speaking, leave work at work and know that your salary/wage is being paid when it's due...

The 24 hour work/bills stuff is usually remedied by activities which require immense amounts of concentration so as to acheive a zen like state. May I recommend taking up motorcycling or mountain biking? ;)

"Be the rock your bro's can lean on. No one is strong all the time but together we'll get through it."

Fallout

08-02-13, 08:23 AM

Si you're personable, articulate and get on straight away with new people - and that's just on meeting you briefly twice.

Thanks mate. It all goes downhill from the third time onwards though, as the GM lot will testify. Unfortunately by then I am then impossible to shake off. To be honest it'd be better if we never spoke again. :D

Go travelling.

I'm not sure if that's me mate. Have considered it many a time. It'd be good if I could jump forward in time and see how it'd affect me, life experience wise. If I could see myself as a more rounded individual afterwards, I'd do it just for that reason. The lure of foreign cultures isn't enough for me to justify it alone. Perhaps I'll be one of those people who go swanning around the world later in life, wishing I'd done it on my gap year. :rolleyes:

Lots of stuff

Contract employment would work for me mate, but not in IT. I'm think I'm pretty much done with it. Spent the whole of yesterday procrastinating with work open in front of me on one screen, and not a single character was entered. :rolleyes: Gonna plough on through it today though, but once this piece of work is finished I need to get the ball rolling elsewhere.

Events does sound interesting. Maybe I should come stay with you for a few weeks and be your work experience whipping boy. I could get your coffee for you and spit in it and everything. Then at the end of it if I see potential in it for me, I could start my own business and steal all your clients. Some carefully photo-shopped images of you with farm yard animals should convince them they need to change provider.

Waddaya say? :D

Sir Trev

08-02-13, 09:36 AM

I'm going to ignore the suggestion that we should never speak again and say just one more thing on here. You say you procrastinate at home, so why not change that bit first to see if that helps gee you up a bit? Having people around you may spur you on. So how about something like Techhub? http://london.techhub.com/ A bit pricy and dangerously close to the Soho turf but it puts you in a flexible office-like enviornment with a bunch of like-minded people for inspiration, encouragement and banter. May well be something closer to home but I'm not doing all the research for you as I'm trying not to procrastinate myself too long this morning...

Fallout

08-02-13, 09:58 AM

That's true Trev. I've been looking for a partner for the last couple of years, but as you can imagine, someone in my position is hard to find. i.e. financially stable enough to work on projects that don't pay anything for up to a year, and may still bomb at the end of it. I've met a few artists online, one of which is in that position, but being in Cali, he's not exactly going to tick the socialising box. I'd probably be happy enough if I had a team, or a like minded person in the flesh. I'd still have that nagging doubt I was wasting my time with something that may bomb, but I'd give it a try one last time in that scenario.

So if anyone knows anyone amazing at 3D character modelling and animation, who doesn't need money to live and wants to make games, and is in the Basingstoke area, let me know. :rolleyes:

Mark_h

08-02-13, 10:14 AM

IT is dull-as BUT pays quite well. Currently I get paid far to well for the amount of effort I have to put in to consider chucking it in.

If you are serious about a total career change... Oven Cleaning.

The guy who does ours is one of the happiest most chilled out blokes you'll ever meet. Works when he wants, gets to meet loads of people and if the forecast is good he just takes no appointments and goes to play golf. Also get to meet lots of bored housewives.

Look into an Oven-clean franchise but keep ITing while you get it off the ground.

I'm sure the oven clean chemicals would work on engines so a side-line in bike detailing too.

Mark_h

08-02-13, 10:19 AM

Or ....This has just been posted in my local area facebook page. Has your name written all over it. You could employ Spank too......

"Random request - does anyone know someone who does a 'comedy waiter' act (mingling with guests, serving rubbish canapés, gossiping about the other guests etc etc) - or someone who might be willing to/be good at being a comedy waiter - next sat evening for a couple of hours - paid..."

This is a one-off but I see a Dragon's Den session right there!

SIII

08-02-13, 10:34 AM

Read the first 30 or so posts and got bored doing the same over and over!!!

You sound a lot like me -I trained as an Engineer for 5 years, got my degree and then a number of jobs in industry - and god did I hate it. Thankfully someone made me redundant and what to do at 30 with an engineering degree and the 'wrong expierence' - Teach.

I can only agree wholeheartedly with the comment before about teaching - pays OK / good compared to some, everyday can be different and as a Technical teacher - you get to play and build things all the time.

This week I have been welding up our Gravity Racer , I have been making dolls house furniture, valeting cars and rebuilding brake calipers on the Citreon Saxo's I have down at my Auto Skills unit (Payed for by the school)- all at school! As all jobs are boring (thats why it is called work), I at least get to distract myself with these little things. I still get bored but education is constantly evolving and we are never allowed to sit still for long. (You actually get fed up with the changes of courses/qualifications etc)

Plus there is the fact we only work 40 weeks a year and 6 1/2 hours a day. Plenty of time to play on motorbikes and do all the other things you want to.

You have a degree - so go do a PGCE and get in here. From what I see with your interests I would suggest you too get into technology teaching.

Fallout

08-02-13, 12:23 PM

I'm gonna have a good look into teaching this weekend. I think it's a good shout. Can't do any harm to find out more. :)

As for mobile oven cleaner, I think the lure of gorgeous housewives in their underwear, watching me while twiddling their hair and biting their bottom lip is probably a long way from the reality. :D

Messie

08-02-13, 12:51 PM

Go for it!

http://www.tda.co.uk/

ClunkintheUK

08-02-13, 01:03 PM

As for mobile oven cleaner, I think the lure of gorgeous housewives in their underwear, watching me while twiddling their hair and biting their bottom lip is probably a long way from the reality. :D

Maybe, but it would probably help your granny porn business.

Mark_h

08-02-13, 01:48 PM

Fallout, Mrs.H is a teacher if you want to come round for a chat sometime I'm sure she'll give you an honest appraisal of teaching. It's mostly passing around rolling tobacco while having a glass of wine down the pub with the occasional reprimanding of cheeky kids by the application of disposable crockery.

Fallout

08-02-13, 02:01 PM

I believe one of the other requirements is to propagate the lie that teachers really don't have much time off, despite what everyone else thinks. Then when someone quizzes you about it, get really defensive and angry, in the same way that you do when someone calls you out on any other falsity you're secretly ashamed about.

I have a few mates who are teachers so am able to get the low down though Mark. Actually, one of the Mrs's mates spends 50% (and I don't think that's an exaggeration) off sick, so I already have a keen insight into how hard it is to dismiss a terrible teacher.

Btw, sorry to all the teachers. I'm not bashing your profession. Just poking fun. :)

Bri w

08-02-13, 03:20 PM

Btw, sorry to all the teachers. I'm not bashing your profession. Just poking fun. :)

How very dare You!!:mad:

They're all lazy yoghurt knitters...;)

Messie

08-02-13, 05:48 PM

Nope, not biting.

After what Gove and his chums have been chucking at us recently, a bit of gentle ribbing on a bike forum is like a tickle with a feather.A pink one at that!

Littlepeahead

08-02-13, 06:16 PM

But Sally you are a teacer!

Jackie_Black

08-02-13, 06:45 PM

The reason you get defensive about the holidays is that they are sanity breaks, you spend the first few days of each one calming down a bit. the summer one is mint though 6 weeks paid to be off, awesome.

SIII

08-02-13, 07:59 PM

Teaching.
Easiest job in the world - if your good at it and you enjoy it.
Most stressful and unpleasent job - if you can't! (see all the ones off with 'stress')

metalmonkey

08-02-13, 11:28 PM

Teaching.
Easiest job in the world - if your good at it and you enjoy it.
Most stressful and unpleasent job - if you can't! (see all the ones off with 'stress')

The main thing that puts me off being a teacher is the silly amount of paper work. I actually like teaching and find it pretty easy, I have taught up to Key Stage 3 in the past.

My favourite lesson I have ever taught was when I was in Mexico. I was teaching English to to the local kids under a street lamp on a dirt road looking out over the Caribbean Sea, you could hear the surf breaking over the beach now that was just awesome:cool:

SIII

08-02-13, 11:32 PM

The main thing that puts me off being a teacher is the silly amount of paper work.

Thats why you wanna be a technology teacher - cannae take 20 tables home for marking!!!:thumbsup:

Fallout

08-02-13, 11:57 PM

metalmonkey

09-02-13, 12:10 AM

But school finishes between 3 and 4, doesn't it? So there's an hour or two at the end of every day (5-10 hours per week) to do marking within normal office hours, right? I wouldn't bring that stuff home!

haha you wish, family mates both he and his mrs are teachers their average day is about 7-7. My old housemate was trainee teacher we never saw Ed he was always writing lesson plans, marking or doing an eassy or something else. Through one of my sisters mates writes the sylbums for year 5, that was an interesting chat she works even longer hours. Then if you go into sales, or pretty much any private sector the pay works out better (does depend clearly on what you do) but for professional people that is often the case, in teaching you just get a pat on the back...you don't get paid or treated any better just becasue your good. I'm not being cyincal here, this is what I was told when I though about going back to Uni to become a teacher. I had a few good teachers when I was at school, but there more cra* ones than great ones from my own experince.

SIII

09-02-13, 09:31 AM

When I was a trainee - yes i did 12 hour days and weekends, but I can honestly say my average day is 8.30 - 4.00. I do all my planning and prep in the 6 non-teaching periods a week (30 periods in a week) and get just about all of the marking during lessons. I am lucky in that my subject (Technology) allows me to do this. Plus marking with the kids there allows instant feedback. Pat on the back!!! You'll be lucky.

I have been at the job for 15 years - so pretty much can teach any lesson on any topic. Yes I could write it all out for every lesson i was going to do - But why? As a trainee you need to, but after 15 years I can do the job with my eyes shut. (Kids might mis-behave tho':rolleyes:) Some subjects with a lot of written tasks, may have to - avoid! LOL.

The only time I mark at home is for the exam board and I get an extra £1k for that!

I can assure you I was getting paid less in industry and there was zero job security. I got made redundant 5 times in 5 years after leaving Uni, because the chosen industry i went into collapsed due to foreign competition -(Buy your drills from china! Thanks). So glad i was not still in industry these last couple of years. Salaries were comparable, if not better than engineering, couldn't comment on sales.

Wideboy

11-02-13, 08:35 AM

Here's an interesting one then. Thought I'd hijack this thread

I've been looking for a new job for some time now and I'm pretty close to just throwing in the towel and go be a self employed general wood rapist. I had a job interview at a boat builders the other week and it just reminded me yet again of how much stress and effort goes into the job in relation to how much your work sells for and how much you get paid back... its utter rubbish!

So I've been looking at a career change. I know roughly what I want to do but not how to get it. A hands on job, outside or inside (not fussed) some sort of technician, out and about fixing and installing things ect ect. Trouble is every job I see advertised that fits this criteria has a requirement of previous experience. How do people get their foot in the door? Where do you look to find these jobs?.

It confuses the feck out of me as its clearly doable as people do it! No offence to those that do but I really dont want to do an office job, I'm not built that way and I'd probably go nuts. Ive thought about going to the job centre but not sure if that would achieve anything as I'm not an unemployed benefit scrounger.

Spank86

11-02-13, 09:25 AM

You apply to the ones that ask for experience anyway and you get creative (but not outright lying) on your CV.

Winder

11-02-13, 09:30 AM

Most jobs are boring. I found the army was the most boring thing in the world until we went on tour, then on my second tour guess what? It was boring, been there done that.
Then I joined the fire service, it was a new challenge and seemed it would get my adrenaline going but, you guessed it, it's dull as dishwater.
Apparently these jobs are ment to be some of the most exciting and rewarding and that's why I went for them. If you do anything for 40+ hours a week it'll get boring. Even porn.

Get a job that has loads of time off and spend that time outdoors on hobbies etc.

And your only too old to be an Army officer posh boy, you could still join as a grunt

Degener8

11-02-13, 10:45 AM

My day job as a barman is shockingly dull.. I love when I'm doing photographic work but that's few and far at the mo, but working in the Army reserve Is like Christmas day everyday I work it , down side is I won't get a Herrick tour as I'm class 3 in my trade, and I need to be a class 2 or above.. but I can honestly say, that I genuinely love my military job, quite lucky really.

Winder

11-02-13, 11:07 AM

Littlepeahead

11-02-13, 11:59 AM

The Vatican have got a vacancy.... comes with free clothes, company car and a bit of international travel.

Degener8

11-02-13, 01:59 PM

The Vatican have got a vacancy.... comes with free clothes, company car and a bit of international travel.

Lol !

Wideboy

11-02-13, 02:17 PM

As much as I love the idea of being rich and powerful over a world wide army I dont think I could live with my conscious with all the bum secsing of the alter boys

ALLEGEDLY!!

Bordtea

11-02-13, 05:46 PM

There is lots of recruitment for TA (or reservists as they are now known).
I've worked with some awesome TA blokes and their training is getting better and better, gone are the days when you would be left out of a patrol because your a "stab".
Might be a good idea for Si
Aye I've sent him a PM with details of local units. Running this whole 'TA Live' shabang at the mo, keen to recruit.

Winder

11-02-13, 07:18 PM

Fallout

11-02-13, 07:55 PM

Keen to recruit as they are drastically cutting the number of regs. You can't just join and bum about firing rifles like years back. You'll be on optag before you know it and on a flight to the sand pit.

That's what I assumed. That's also why I never joined the army. I really like the sound of the life and the possibilities, but since I disagree with pretty much all foreign policy and don't fancy getting shot at, I've always decided against it.

Pete7

11-02-13, 10:00 PM

That's what I assumed. That's also why I never joined the army. I really like the sound of the life and the possibilities, but since I disagree with pretty much all foreign policy and don't fancy getting shot at, I've always decided against it.

You have been watching too much You Tube, how about one of the support Corps? Whilst I appreciate that you don't want to work in IT, how about the Royal Signals TA? or REME Technician or even Intelligence Corps? Not heard of them, then you need to look them up along with the RAF and RN equivalents. You have a degree already so if you can manage people then becoming an officer is an option. Do you have a language? Arabic would be snapped up if you can learn it.

Check out the salary and pension, my pension after 22 yrs service now pays my mortgage.

Pete