CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS

Lobby => Soapbox => Topic started by: itsJokko on August 21, 2015, 07:03:46 PM

Title: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: itsJokko on August 21, 2015, 07:03:46 PM
Thought it would be interesting to know what you do, besides being an awesome pyrate that is.  :)p14
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on August 21, 2015, 07:08:04 PM
Used to be a student. Back to working again...

In the mean time I learn to code.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Thad E Ginathom on August 21, 2015, 07:24:29 PM
Nothing.And I really, really like it that way.

The only thing I wish is that I'd listened when people gave me good advice on saving towards getting a better pension.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: TMRaven on August 21, 2015, 07:27:30 PM
Self Employed at the moment.  Freelance graphic artist.  One of my current ongoing gigs is being an environment artist for an indie video game.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: ohhgourami on August 21, 2015, 07:52:34 PM
Field service engineer, de facto partial business owner, and landlord/slumlord.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Judeus on August 21, 2015, 07:53:54 PM
drug dealer
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Clemmaster on August 21, 2015, 07:58:54 PM
Algorithm engineer. Dolby laboratories.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: paranoidroid on August 21, 2015, 07:59:12 PM
Indie app developer. I make and run a popular weather app for iOS. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/living-earth-clock-weather/id379869627?mt=8
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: shaizada on August 21, 2015, 08:11:40 PM
Owner/Partner/CTO in a Technology Startup, Landlord, Real Estate Broker.  Sold a successful Software Consulting company (25 employees).
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Sphinxvc on August 21, 2015, 08:20:08 PM
Consultant working with data for the UN

But would prefer to be retired with multiple rental properties
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: takato14 on August 21, 2015, 08:22:59 PM
local gas station, but working on game development with a close friend

also designing some headphones on the side
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Kirosia on August 21, 2015, 08:23:15 PM
Shoutbox defecator
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Hands on August 21, 2015, 08:37:59 PM
Distributed computing/server and datacenter team for a large environment. Mostly focused on my team lead role now, but otherwise specialize in Wintel, SCCM, virtualization, and Linux.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Mrip on August 21, 2015, 08:47:43 PM
Legal analyst.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: jacal01 on August 21, 2015, 09:25:51 PM
Awesome pyrate is not a given at this time by local consensus.  'Course a passel of rejection points by a bunch of elitist bastids could be construed as an honorific of sorts.  I truly don't deserve.   p;) 

But chemical process analyzer systems subject matter expert is what they pay me as.     
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Thad E Ginathom on August 21, 2015, 09:33:12 PM
Nothing.And I really, really like it that way.

The only thing I wish is that I'd listened when people gave me good advice on saving towards getting a better pension.

I earned ( ??? ) those pensions in two ways. First, in publishing, having to do with mostly with greetings cards which had the nicer sort of pictures on the front (mostly) and no horrible rhymes inside. This work came my way quite by chance, having begun working in the company as a temporary labourer in the printing factory. I think I was the only person every to get a job in the publishing department with no degree at all, let alone one in art history, etc. It was a sixteen-year niche job, but...

I took on a computerisation project and became a self-taught Unix admin, and...

a couple of years later, ended up as assistant IT manager in the London branch of a big Japanese commercial insurer. An eleven-year niche. Until...

Post merger redundancy. Which I decided to call retirement.

And a chapter which is not relevant to this thread lead to me living in India... a ten-year niche... and counting.



Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: itsJokko on August 21, 2015, 09:42:30 PM
Much cool stuffs going on here.

I (for the time being) skipped collage and started as a broker in the shipping industry. Only 2 employees so I´m learning a buttload of stuff.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: itsJokko on August 21, 2015, 09:49:10 PM
And a chapter which is not relevant to this thread lead to me living in India... a ten-year niche... and counting.

Wow. What made you settle in India? Not that India is bad, just curious.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Armaegis on August 21, 2015, 10:04:02 PM
sorta rocket scientist
sorta school principal
sorta dance teacher
sorta landlord
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: JMcMasterJ on August 21, 2015, 10:20:42 PM
web developer
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: sfoclt on August 21, 2015, 10:24:15 PM
Lawyer doing M&A and finance for banking clients.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on August 21, 2015, 10:44:51 PM
web developer

Question: do you prefer working in Javascript or PHP?

I have the opportunity to sort of find employment with an advertising agency that works on WordPress with PHP+SQL and I am going to cram the PHP basics to at least show my potential. I started with HTML+CSS and I blog on WordPress so I can give it a try.

There is long-term potential to grow with the company as an developer and/or designer.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: ultrabike on August 21, 2015, 11:26:10 PM
As Harold would sort of put it:

"I'm a mediocre music lover and audiophile, somewhat less obsessed with video gear but still count it as a passion, and an electrical engineer by education (MSEE) and career. I have tested very few audio equipment with POS equipment over very few years and not designed one from scratch. I've designed and built custom home theaters (i.e. my living room and that of my dad and father-in-law all of which are sort of POSses), worked in some industries, and attended a few meets like T.H.E. Show, CanJam, etc. Some might think I don't take it all too seriously. They might be right."

I'm ocationally Mr. Mom as well.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: SanjiWatsuki on August 21, 2015, 11:28:19 PM
I'm a software engineer on Google Chrome.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: smitty1110 on August 21, 2015, 11:44:10 PM
Officially, I'm a software engineer, but I also do most of the ops work for my area. I'm in the online ad business.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: JMcMasterJ on August 21, 2015, 11:47:46 PM
Question: do you prefer working in Javascript or PHP?

I have the opportunity to sort of find employment with an advertising agency that works on WordPress with PHP+SQL and I am going to cram the PHP basics to at least show my potential. I started with HTML+CSS and I blog on WordPress so I can give it a try.

There is long-term potential to grow with the company as an developer and/or designer.


Personally, I prefer writing PHP to JavaScript. I started out as a designer and transitioned into development. I know people that have done the opposite. Just keep learning as much as you can and you'll figure out what interests you.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on August 21, 2015, 11:59:50 PM
Thank you JMcMasterJ   :)p5 (Running off to Codecademy...)

Karma for Mr Mom  :)p4
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: SeaBupter on August 22, 2015, 12:54:00 AM
library assistant
former computer scientist / software engineer / software developer
former stay-at-home single parent
qualified-but-never-employed technical writer
perpetual student
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Skyline on August 22, 2015, 01:02:23 AM
Calculus Teacher/ Cross Country Coach

Lots of Cs now that I think about it.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Kirosia on August 22, 2015, 01:06:15 AM
Calculus Teacher/ Cross Country Coach

Lots of Cs now that I think about it.

Just like your students' final grades. :D

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: kothganesh on August 22, 2015, 01:08:19 AM
Private equity investor in India; previously portfolio manager/investment banker on Wall Street
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Maxvla on August 22, 2015, 01:16:26 AM
Violin Luthier, specializing in bow repair and restoration. This time next year, a full fledged bowmaker.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Mrip on August 22, 2015, 01:20:25 AM
Violin Luthier, specializing in bow repair and restoration. This time next year, a full fledged bowmaker.

The side wall of my violin under the chinrest has warped and pulled away from the top, I guess due to heat and moisture. Fixable?
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Sylafari on August 22, 2015, 01:35:53 AM
Poor College Student who owns a Tiny Franchise Fast Food Restaurant
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Chris F on August 22, 2015, 01:47:49 AM
I work on SoCs for broadband communications (DSL/GPON) as well as home routers.

I do "systems engineering" which is is either testing out brand new hardware blocks to make sure they work (both in pre-silicon RTL sim and after the chip comes back) or analyzing how well the various chip subsystems interact so we can optimize both the software and hardware.

My moonlight job is as a DJ for local salsa/latin events but also sometimes large international ones. :)
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: x838nwy on August 22, 2015, 01:52:11 AM
Mechanical engineer/Project Manager

We build stuff and machines.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: altrunox on August 22, 2015, 02:05:38 AM
IT student and software developer  :)
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Luckbad on August 22, 2015, 02:14:39 AM
Game Designer at Blizzard
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: mickeyvortex on August 22, 2015, 02:44:16 AM
I am an academic researcher and occasional lecturer specializing in all things small, nasty and infectious- literally  :vomit: walk the plank2
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: songmic on August 22, 2015, 04:12:00 AM
I'm a resident physician at a university hospital working my ass off (officially 80 hours, but unofficially 100+ hours a week) in the department of internal medicine, currently hemato-oncology. Apparently labor laws are very leniently enforced when each doctor has to look after around 30-40 "life-or-death" patients admitted in the ward. Doesn't have much time for high-end audio stuff right now as I only get one day off per week, but hoping this career pays off someday. Surprisingly, a lot of colleague and senior doctors are into hifi audio hobby.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: sachu on August 22, 2015, 04:44:52 AM
Applications Engineer
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Maxvla on August 22, 2015, 04:50:51 AM
The side wall of my violin under the chinrest has warped and pulled away from the top, I guess due to heat and moisture. Fixable?
Sounds like the chinrest was on too tight. It will likely be an involved repair (not cheap, and not easy), so take it to a qualified luthier, preferably a violin maker. If you can post a picture I can give you more information, probably.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: insidious meme on August 22, 2015, 04:52:50 AM
GL Accountant

But Dan Clark thinks I'm an engineer. So we'll go by that.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Marvey on August 22, 2015, 04:58:05 AM
I mesmerize unwitting Head-Fier's with IQs less than 90 to create an army of sycophants that subscribe to my biased views on audio.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: madaboutaudio on August 22, 2015, 05:10:49 AM
I mesmerize unwitting Head-Fier's with IQs less than 90 to create an army of sycophants that subscribe to my biased views on audio.

I'm gonna report you to Head-fi Moderator! opps wait wrong forum :D

No wonder Emperor Jude doesn't like you. You are taking over him!!!!
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Pyruvate on August 22, 2015, 05:16:02 AM
I'm a resident physician at a university hospital working my ass off (officially 80 hours, but unofficially 100+ hours a week) in the department of internal medicine, currently hemato-oncology. Apparently labor laws are very leniently enforced when each doctor has to look after around 30-40 "life-or-death" patients admitted in the ward. Doesn't have much time for high-end audio stuff right now as I only get one day off per week, but hoping this career pays off someday. Surprisingly, a lot of colleague and senior doctors are into hifi audio hobby.

Awesome to see fellow pirates in the health field! Third year medical student here. Yes, hope this career pays off too, so I can maybe afford some nice toys one day.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: SeaBupter on August 22, 2015, 05:21:52 AM
I mesmerize unwitting Head-Fier's with IQs less than 90 to create an army of sycophants that subscribe to my biased views on audio.

Please Master, tell me what to think. p:3
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: merzferido on August 22, 2015, 05:22:39 AM
Awesome to see fellow pirates in the health field! Third year medical student here. Yes, hope this career pays off too, so I can maybe afford some nice toys one day.

Tally another for team health field! Lab rat here.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: No_One411 on August 22, 2015, 05:39:04 AM
Systems architect for a security group at HP, and occasional accompanist and piano teacher.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Marvey on August 22, 2015, 05:50:58 AM
Please Master, tell me what to think. p:3

You've now been blessed with the mark of the Messiah.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Out Of Your Head on August 22, 2015, 06:05:00 AM
Most of you know that my "day job" is as a professional photographer. I've been mostly shooting weddings, portraits, people stuff for 16 years full time. Now doing a lot more commercial photography.
My other "job" is my startup software company, Darin Fong Audio (http://fongaudio.com) with our only product, Out Of Your Head (virtual speaker software).
Previous careers have been:
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Solderdude on August 22, 2015, 06:23:41 AM
Been an audio/video repair guy for Technics/Panasonic for 10 years, then repair/service/install guy for high end audio shop and for the last 15 years electronics development/engineer/prototyper/manufacturer/field engineer in photonic sensor technology for railway-track analysis mainly.

Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: iKhaos on August 22, 2015, 06:24:40 AM
I work as an overnight cashier/receptionist at an airport parking garage. Hate it, but I do meet some interesting people.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: SoupRKnowva on August 22, 2015, 06:25:36 AM
Been in the Air Force for 7 years now, currently in Korea turning wrenches on air sampling equipment.

Getting out in February though to go back to school for Electrical Engineering
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Thad E Ginathom on August 22, 2015, 08:12:11 AM
Wow. What made you settle in India? Not that India is bad, just curious.

Briefly offtopic... Truly, music changed my life. It was South-Indian classical music (carnatic) that first brought me here. It was the climate, the music, and the subsequently-met wife that changed that from two-week holidays to permanent. And, of course, loosing my job.

A redundant, middle-management 50-yr-old in London, is going to end up stacking shelves, especially of they are not particularly "dynamic" as the job ads say. Redundancy pay kept me going for a couple of years, and then. luckily, there was equity in the house.

Private equity investor in India; previously portfolio manager/investment banker on Wall Street
That's why he has more headphones than I do . Wish I had some knack/skill with cash/economy/finance, but my only interest in money is spending it.

Violin Luthier, specializing in bow repair and restoration. This time next year, a full fledged bowmaker.

Many careers here, from interesting to fascinating, but that gets my number-one award!
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: imac2much on August 22, 2015, 08:33:53 AM
I used to be a software consultant and veterinary technician.  For the last year I've been a non-profit English teacher in China (and the occasional Mr. Mom as well). 
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: kothganesh on August 22, 2015, 08:46:07 AM
 itsJokko, don't believe Thad. Its the colonial thing with him.  :)p13
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on August 22, 2015, 08:47:46 AM
Thank you Mr Mom for making the world a better place :)p5
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Thad E Ginathom on August 22, 2015, 09:21:21 AM
.
 itsJokko, don't believe Thad. Its the colonial thing with him.  :)p13
.

Pass me that HD800. Boy.



 p;)

Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Hroðulf on August 22, 2015, 10:22:25 AM
Philosophy degree here.

Worked 5 years as a construction laborer (to fund my studies), then two as an IT project manager, then two as an IT business journalist and now I'm a marketing project manager at an audio software company.

Never back down, ye humanitarian wretches!
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: kothganesh on August 22, 2015, 11:05:11 AM
No effing way....I am a US citizen :))
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Drakkard on August 22, 2015, 12:20:48 PM
Headphone project manager.. Or something like that. Generally the guy you can blame for a headphone\earphone being a poo
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Dr Pan K on August 22, 2015, 12:47:23 PM
MD, field is ophthalmic surgery. Some writing too
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Thad E Ginathom on August 22, 2015, 01:03:45 PM
I take my hat off to, and salute, all the doctors and medical people here. Keep up the good work!

 :money: ahoy

Pass me that HD800. Boy.

No effing way....I am a US citizen :))

In that case, it's, "no effing way, I'm a US citizen, Sir!"

 :)p7
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: kothganesh on August 22, 2015, 02:36:29 PM
No effing way dude
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Cryptowolf on August 22, 2015, 02:59:21 PM
Former molecular biologist, then information security consultant, and now in house-attorney. 
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: SeaBupter on August 22, 2015, 03:17:50 PM
Former molecular biologist, then information security consultant, and now in house-attorney.

All this by age 12! :-00
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Kamaka on August 22, 2015, 03:21:00 PM
Last job was machinist at a nuclear facility. Just Finished my degree in Molecular biology three weeks ago. Been Mr. Mom for my twins while studying.
Applying to Pharmacy schools this fall to continue my perpetual student job.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: RexAeterna on August 22, 2015, 03:29:19 PM
I sell my body to the unclean.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Cryptowolf on August 22, 2015, 03:35:10 PM
All this by age 12! :-00

A moderator found my "grey muzzle" comment amusing.  Someday they'll let me at the big kids audio table.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: manatworks on August 22, 2015, 03:51:24 PM
Autoparts dealer/mechanic , mostly 18wheeler (heavy duty stuffs)
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: mikoss on August 22, 2015, 05:10:44 PM
I'm an electrician... It's a four year trade in Canada, and I got into it shortly after high school in 2001. Started doing industrial electrical work up in northern Alberta in 2007, and I've been working in Oil/Gas since then. Most jobs are fly in/fly out on different shifts (1 week in/1 week out, 2 weeks in/1 week out, etc).

The Oil and Gas industry in Canada was kind of driving our economy, and it's quite cyclic. In 2007, I was on a $6b project that was the largest in the world for a while... Then a couple years of slowdown, and recovery. Back at $40 something oil now, but things are still progressing.

Our plant uses SAGD to recover the oil from the oil sands near Fort McMurray. Basically, two wells are drilled at a time, separated vertically from each other by a couple of meters. One is injected with steam, the other has a pump where the oil flows into. No solvents or "fracking" fluids are used, so it's essentially a clean operation. The steam generators use natural gas as fuel, and the larger sites also produce electricity from their steam generators (they cogenerate power for use at the site, and also to go back onto the grid).

As for energy prices in Canada, natural gas is quite cheap, as is electricity. The cost of recovering the oil from the ground varies depending on the methods used. Our oil is considered on the "thermal" side, as opposed to "light oil" found in southern Alberta, where traditional pump jack style wells are used. The difference being that thermal oil is heavier/thicker, referred to as bitumen. The thermal recovery cost is around $30-$40/barrel, whereas the lighter stuff costs a bit less.

Our plant basically uses a lot of electric motors, instrumentation and controls, and pipes/tanks. Nothing too crazy, but it's cool working on all the different electrical technology. We have a substation, which takes high voltage off the distribution grid, and we distribute 25kV, 5kV and 600V for our plant loads. I find that industrial work is where it's at for myself... I also worked construction on high rises in Vancouver, but the pay is a lot better in Oil and Gas.

Personally, I grew up on the west coast, and have an appreciation for nature and our environment. Most of the people in our industry seem to be fairly out of touch with the environment in my opinion. Our industry could be regulated much better, and held to higher standards to prevent spills. As an example, there have been two fairly major spills in Alberta in the last month or so. The thing about oil being on the ground is that it's extremely nasty shit...

Anyway, we'll see what happens in the next while. Should be interesting times!
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Thad E Ginathom on August 22, 2015, 09:28:25 PM
No effing way dude

I earn my living playing shit tennis with Kothganesh. It is not very interesting and it doesn't pay well. This weekend we are going to play Schiit tennis instead. Things are looking up.

 :)p7
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on August 22, 2015, 09:41:05 PM
I earn my living playing shit tennis with Kothganesh. It is not very interesting and it doesn't pay well. This weekend we are going to play Schiit tennis instead. Things are looking up.

 :)p7

Tennis and Schiit; will the balls be solid state or tubed?
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: JK47 on August 22, 2015, 09:53:27 PM
I'm an electrician... It's a four year trade in Canada, and I got into it shortly after high school in 2001. Started doing industrial electrical work up in northern Alberta in 2007, and I've been working in Oil/Gas since then. Most jobs are fly in/fly out on different shifts (1 week in/1 week out, 2 weeks in/1 week out, etc).

The Oil and Gas industry in Canada was kind of driving our economy, and it's quite cyclic. In 2007, I was on a $6b project that was the largest in the world for a while... Then a couple years of slowdown, and recovery. Back at $40 something oil now, but things are still progressing.

Our plant uses SAGD to recover the oil from the oil sands near Fort McMurray. Basically, two wells are drilled at a time, separated vertically from each other by a couple of meters. One is injected with steam, the other has a pump where the oil flows into. No solvents or "fracking" fluids are used, so it's essentially a clean operation. The steam generators use natural gas as fuel, and the larger sites also produce electricity from their steam generators (they cogenerate power for use at the site, and also to go back onto the grid).

As for energy prices in Canada, natural gas is quite cheap, as is electricity. The cost of recovering the oil from the ground varies depending on the methods used. Our oil is considered on the "thermal" side, as opposed to "light oil" found in southern Alberta, where traditional pump jack style wells are used. The difference being that thermal oil is heavier/thicker, referred to as bitumen. The thermal recovery cost is around $30-$40/barrel, whereas the lighter stuff costs a bit less.

Our plant basically uses a lot of electric motors, instrumentation and controls, and pipes/tanks. Nothing too crazy, but it's cool working on all the different electrical technology. We have a substation, which takes high voltage off the distribution grid, and we distribute 25kV, 5kV and 600V for our plant loads. I find that industrial work is where it's at for myself... I also worked construction on high rises in Vancouver, but the pay is a lot better in Oil and Gas.

Personally, I grew up on the west coast, and have an appreciation for nature and our environment. Most of the people in our industry seem to be fairly out of touch with the environment in my opinion. Our industry could be regulated much better, and held to higher standards to prevent spills. As an example, there have been two fairly major spills in Alberta in the last month or so. The thing about oil being on the ground is that it's extremely nasty shit...

Anyway, we'll see what happens in the next while. Should be interesting times!


Oil Sand Truck Operator here.

I worked at Suncor McKay River, and now currently work at Suncor Fort Hills. I work 22 days on, 11 days off.

The Oil Sands is something else, quite the experience.

Also born and raised in Vancouver, BC. Miss it, but the cost of living is ridiculous. 90 year old shack for $900 000, gimme a break.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Marvey on August 22, 2015, 09:56:16 PM
Why do all the Canadians have the awesome jobs?
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: ultrabike on August 22, 2015, 10:06:38 PM
I sell my body to the unclean.

... and Aliens.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Thad E Ginathom on August 22, 2015, 10:10:55 PM
Tennis and Schiit; will the balls be solid state or tubed?

Solid State. Healthier, when it comes to Schiit.



Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: JK47 on August 22, 2015, 10:32:39 PM
Why do all the Canadians have the awesome jobs?

Have you ever seen Bitumen? It's not awesome dealing with it, but it does pay well...lol

Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: mickeyvortex on August 22, 2015, 11:13:40 PM
This thread deserves to be pinned.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: knerian on August 22, 2015, 11:16:19 PM
The coolest Canadian job is killing wolves for the oil companies like Master Liam did.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Griffon on August 22, 2015, 11:37:10 PM
The coolest Canadian job is killing wolves for the oil companies like Master Liam did.

You won't want to get into the trouble of animal right groups... BTW, some local governments also pay to kill wolves.

Anyway, I'm a former student and did some environment research about artisanal mining of precious materials, mercury regulations, and cartography of such information of sub-saharan africa. And I'm not sure for how long I'll be living in Vancouver, as other people indicated, the cost of living here is quite enormous.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: itsJokko on August 22, 2015, 11:50:30 PM

The Oil and Gas industry in Canada was kind of driving our economy, and it's quite cyclic. In 2007, I was on a $6b project that was the largest in the world for a while... Then a couple years of slowdown, and recovery. Back at $40 something oil now, but things are still progressing.


The oil party stopped in Norway late 2014. Easily noticing this in the shipping business.

(http://no.oiloilprice.com/charts-show.php?curr=CrudeOil-&days=1800)
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: nmatheis on August 23, 2015, 12:39:36 AM
I used to work in AgBiotech until the @$$H013$ shut down my work site  :)p2
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: DrForBin on August 23, 2015, 01:35:32 AM
hello,

retired Fed, stay at home parent (teenagers), pretty much the househusband.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: AustinValentine on August 23, 2015, 03:47:53 AM
Former Jesuit and ex-associate D.R.E. for a Southeast Michigan parish. Following that, I've spent the last 10 years teaching college English.

Starting this Fall, I'm retraining for LIS work at Dominican University in River Forest. I've been employed full-time since I was 14. I'll be 34 in a few months and it's the oddest thing to be only working part-time while starting back to school. I keep thinking that I should be preparing my syllabi and posting my course materials in Moodlerooms. Instead, I'm buying books someone else has assigned.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: DrForBin on August 23, 2015, 04:30:21 AM
hello,

@ AustinValentine, excellent choice! i hold an old, dusty MLS from the University of Washington. never used it, but learned a lot.

hope it is as rewarding for you as it was for me. i really enjoyed Library School.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: ericfarrell85 on August 23, 2015, 05:51:24 AM
Owner of Insurance Brokerage, Partner in Physical Therapy/NoFault Business and owner/carpenter of an absurdly fruitful artisanal shop on Etsy, Houzz, etc...
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: MuZo2 on August 23, 2015, 09:06:24 AM
Product Manager, we make software to manufacture anything from aerospace , automobile, home appliances to dental components. We run CNC machines and Robots.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on August 23, 2015, 11:43:22 AM
Former Jesuit. 

My father before he married trained to become a priest. "Devoted" priests, especially Jesuits deserve a lot of respect for the work they are willing to do. Many historical academics and scientists either have been or have had a relation with Jesuit priests in their career.

Respect, that decision holds many consequences.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: firev1 on August 23, 2015, 01:53:39 PM
In the Air Force as an F16 crew chief, getting out to study aero engineering real soon.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Armaegis on August 23, 2015, 05:10:50 PM
My father before he married trained to become a priest. "Devoted" priests, especially Jesuits deserve a lot of respect for the work they are willing to do. Many historical academics and scientists either have been or have had a relation with Jesuit priests in their career.

Respect, that decision holds many consequences.

I went to a private Jesuit high school, though myself am not Catholic. Maybe half of my teachers were priests or in-training. Despite being the introverted kid who didn't participate in anything, I had a good time in high school and feel I received a good education from it.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: metal571 on August 25, 2015, 01:49:40 AM
Programmer for a FAA/USAF subcontractor for air traffic control hardware, mainly for conversion between radar formats and distribution of the data between installations.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: ohm-image on August 25, 2015, 07:22:17 AM
I photgraph audiophile products for audiophile companies. Ditto camera stuff. When I'm in between large jobs, I shoot snobnob embassy gatherings in Tokyo.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: vhsownsbeta on August 25, 2015, 08:19:39 AM
Paramedic working in the CBD here in Sydney. A lot of  :vomit: and  poo. Sometimes a :)p6. When Mardi Gras is on, a fair amount of :spank:. Every once in a while a  :)p1.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: adamaley on August 25, 2015, 12:35:40 PM
Full-time Oracle Database administrator, part-time graphic designer/web developer/video post-production, wannabe photographer/video production. You can switch "part-time" with "wannabe" in the preceding sentence and still remain accurate :)p13
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: zerodeefex on August 25, 2015, 12:44:25 PM
Proud member of the internet peanut gallery.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: DaveUpton on August 25, 2015, 12:53:59 PM
IT Infrastructure Manager, Home Theater Forum Owner & part-time Reviewer, also have a couple of startups.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Furley on August 25, 2015, 01:21:28 PM
I'm a blast effects engineer.  I perform forensic investigations of explosions and calculate blast loads for design purposes.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: uncola on August 25, 2015, 01:28:49 PM
(https://kumquatwriter.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/elite1.jpg?w=529)
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: jacal01 on August 25, 2015, 01:39:56 PM
Our plant uses SAGD to recover the oil from the oil sands near Fort McMurray.

I worked on an Athabasca tar sands downstream hydrogenation process project a couple of years in Calgary.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: keanex on August 25, 2015, 01:45:29 PM
Going to school full-time for marketing while working full-time at a cigar lounge. In my free time I drink too much and play video games or listen to music.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: aufmerksam on August 25, 2015, 03:06:08 PM
Trial Attorney. Recovering prosecutor. The war on heroin took it out of me pretty quickly - that is some sad sad shit; it didn't help that my government was/is in the process of universally gutting state jobs, as opposed to being discerning about it, but I digress. Now I just fight about how injured someone is (or isn't).
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: ocswing on August 25, 2015, 07:18:38 PM
I knew there were a lot of smart people here, but seeing some of these occupations is impressive. I'm a fairly mundane Network Administrator.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Schopenhauer on August 25, 2015, 07:38:27 PM
I'm a doctoral student in philosophy.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Kirosia on August 25, 2015, 08:14:12 PM
My highest career point was being a glorified mail boy ;_;

And I'm like 30.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Azteca X on August 25, 2015, 08:42:54 PM
Recording Director of a well-known conservatory of music.
Adjunct faculty teaching a course in digital audio.
The last few years, I was in charge of equipment, facilities, training etc. for a division within said conservatory that dealt with audio and video primarily.
Little bit of freelance video editing work on the side but that was dull stuff to pay the bills - new position means I don't have to break my back trying to get cash. Looking forward to NOT doing that unless I want to.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on August 25, 2015, 09:04:17 PM
Recording Director of a well-known conservatory of music.
Adjunct faculty teaching a course in digital audio.
The last few years, I was in charge of equipment, facilities, training etc. for a division within said conservatory that dealt with audio and video primarily.
Little bit of freelance video editing work on the side but that was dull stuff to pay the bills - new position means I don't have to break my back trying to get cash. Looking forward to NOT doing that unless I want to.

Please keep your back whole. As the skinny guy in hospitality and catering I could lift many heavy things because I did not give a fuck until a light soda crate got out of balance. Physical and mental health are your first assets to survival in the civilised and uncivilised world.

After a few near serious injuries I stopped chasing my limits. I am happy to still be able to recover.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Azteca X on August 25, 2015, 10:05:40 PM
Please keep your back whole. As the skinny guy in hospitality and catering I could lift many heavy things because I did not give a fuck until a light soda crate got out of balance. Physical and mental health are your first assets to survival in the civilised and uncivilised world.

After a few near serious injuries I stopped chasing my limits. I am happy to still be able to recover.

I hear you, and I've seen friends with serious injuries that led to them rehabbing for a long time. In my case I just meant working evenings and weekends on the freelance video editing stuff - no real heavy lifting, thankfully. Some gear here and there but I get help from a coworker for anything I don't feel comfortable with.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Armaegis on August 25, 2015, 11:09:10 PM
After a few near serious injuries I stopped chasing my limits. I am happy to still be able to recover.

I'm a dance teacher with bad knees. There used to be a time I could attend a large weekend event and dance hard for three nights straight. Nowadays, I'm lucky if I can do three dances in a row. If I push too hard (which is easy to do when the music is playing), I will have trouble walking the next day.

The cruel irony of the injuries though is that I did the most damage to them while building a dance floor.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on August 25, 2015, 11:27:21 PM
The cruel irony of the injuries though is that I did the most damage to them while building a dance floor.

I started feeling pains after too much training without resting or proper stretches and cooling downs. I had too much energy as a kid.

Then I entered fencing competition and I learnt what total exhaustion can do to you. When I later had a full time job I already had the stamina to keep working for 10 plus hours a day straight but the wear and tear still had their effect. I take my little breaks and naps very seriously now. Nobody interrupts my coffee break.

Like your case, my preparations did more damage than expected.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Armaegis on August 26, 2015, 03:32:13 AM
General house repairs, plumbing, most of those I think I have a decent handle on. Flooring and roofs though, I'll leave that to someone else with better knees. I don't need a third MRI  ::) (But hey they're free up here. Yay healthcare!)
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Thad E Ginathom on August 26, 2015, 09:50:07 AM
I'm a doctoral student in philosophy.

Is the thesis anything to do with feline thought?
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Prydz on August 27, 2015, 04:40:53 PM
Nothing at the moment. I'm an industrial mechanic who used to work on oil rigs, but I lost my job thanks to the oil crisis, like so many others... Its crazy how many who have lost their jobs. And its hard, especially when your used to getting paid good amount of money.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: keanex on August 27, 2015, 07:13:30 PM
On one hand I'm happy as heck that gas is cheap again, on the other hand that really sucks.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Chartwell85 on August 27, 2015, 07:30:19 PM
Ehhh I work in marketing & PR.  Basically, I'm pretty good at taking a public lashing and working with Facebook and stuff......I think that was even part of my job description at one point......   p;)
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on August 28, 2015, 06:41:24 AM
Ehhh I work in marketing & PR.  Basically, I'm pretty good at taking a public lashing and working with Facebook and stuff......I think that was even part of my job description at one point......   p;)

May Kotler be with you...
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Chartwell85 on August 28, 2015, 05:21:52 PM
May Kotler be with you...


Who doesn't love Phil Kotler :-)
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on August 29, 2015, 10:44:17 AM
Who doesn't love Phil Kotler :-)

He keeps reinventing/re-marketing himself. George Lucas has nothing on him...
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: gixxerwimp on September 07, 2015, 10:07:34 AM
Physics post-grad degree, travelled/bummed around too much and couldn't find work in the field. Working as a technical writer for an embedded computing company in Taipei. Also proofread/rewrite a lot of badly written marketing copy.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on September 07, 2015, 10:40:25 AM
I am back to being a temp in hospitality. When I do well they keep me around and the people I work for are nice.

In the meantime I work on my other skills until I get a better career opportunity.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: MrButchi on September 13, 2015, 06:43:18 PM
As mentioned in my new member intro, I'm a patent attorney. Questions welcomed. Secrecy guaranteed by the law (I want to keep my licence).
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: velvetx on September 18, 2015, 03:37:22 AM
I work for a food brokerage firm in their Costco division in the Bay Area
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: JK47 on September 18, 2015, 04:08:36 AM
My friend at work is a part time wedding photographer and snapped these a few weeks ago. "The Northern Lights" Ft. McMurray, Alberta Canada...
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: mikoss on September 18, 2015, 04:23:20 AM
Saw them all last week. I got called out four times between 10pm and 2am last shift. Took a few pics of my own but they are incredibly hard to capture with an iPhone. Here is mine for comparison lol


http://imgur.com/b1JQoEY

http://imgur.com/DDhblnw
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: WhimsicalStranger on September 18, 2015, 05:14:20 PM
I'm currently a senior in college aspiring to be a Physicians Assistant. I work part time as a marketplace manager for a place that has a lot of fresh produce. The job isn't too bad, but it gets a bit boring at times when it isn't busy. Although, I am glad how to spot out bad produce; it saves me a lot when going grocery shopping  :)p13
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: gelocks on September 18, 2015, 07:08:15 PM
Nice to see so diverse fields on this group!

I'm a designated "Software Specialist" for an aerospace engineering company. We are a joint venture with Pratt and Whitney. I basically work on 'controls software' for a few Pratt jet engines. I actually studied Computer Science/Math but somehow ended up doing Engineering work here which is both good and bad (i.e. I don't know how to program for sheeeit now and at the same time I don't have an engineering degree so... weird Limbo... lol)
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Griffon on September 18, 2015, 09:39:00 PM
Saw them all last week. I got called out four times between 10pm and 2am last shift. Took a few pics of my own but they are incredibly hard to capture with an iPhone. Here is mine for comparison lol


http://imgur.com/b1JQoEY

http://imgur.com/DDhblnw

Wow president I'm sure the photos don't do justice to what you witnessed!
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: atomicbob on September 18, 2015, 10:30:35 PM
I work in acoustic research. Also spend time in recording studios.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: MisterRogers on September 18, 2015, 11:13:39 PM
Chief Technology Officer for an electronic discovery / forensics company.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: lukeap69 on September 19, 2015, 11:33:03 AM
Engineering design manager specializing in railway stations/depot and airport design.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: elwappo99 on September 20, 2015, 04:26:52 PM
I'm a blast effects engineer.  I perform forensic investigations of explosions and calculate blast loads for design purposes.

Cool!

I'm a structural engineer, and I've started to dip into blast stuff on a few projects. Super interesting stuff.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Tyll Hertsens on September 20, 2015, 09:03:12 PM
Profession headphone geek.   headbang
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: sachu on September 20, 2015, 09:36:53 PM
Profession headphone geek.   headbang


no.. really dude.. what do you do for a living?
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: sachu on September 20, 2015, 09:38:36 PM
hope you are feeling better by the way Tyll. heard something about you being sick recently.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Armaegis on September 20, 2015, 10:19:50 PM

no.. really dude.. what do you do for a living?

I reckon he putters around all day with his motorcycle and some bourbon, then makes stuff up about all this audio gear.

On weekends he goes shopping for Hawaiian shirts.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: anetode on September 20, 2015, 11:59:29 PM
Full-time dilettante.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Tyll Hertsens on September 21, 2015, 01:43:05 PM
hope you are feeling better by the way Tyll. heard something about you being sick recently.

Feeling MUCH better now, thanks.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: cspirou on September 23, 2015, 02:28:13 PM
biophysics postdoc specializing in nanotechnology
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: DubiousMike on September 23, 2015, 06:50:10 PM
Management labor lawyer/business litigator  :&
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Ali-Pacha on September 23, 2015, 07:00:47 PM
Working class oppressor in a large public company.

Ali
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: takato14 on September 23, 2015, 07:34:21 PM
Chief Advocate and Advertiser for Simple Machines Forum Software
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: kapanak on September 23, 2015, 07:46:20 PM
Physics PhD graduate student specializing in quantum computing.
Also a substitute teacher for high school math and sciences.
After 4pm, a private tutor for physics, math and chemistry grades 9-12 and first and second year undergraduates.
On weekends, teach ESL for immigrant newcomer adults in the government ESLA program.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on September 23, 2015, 09:30:22 PM
Physics PhD graduate student specializing in quantum computing.
Also a substitute teacher for high school math and sciences.
After 4pm, a private tutor for physics, math and chemistry grades 9-12 and first and second year undergraduates.
On weekends, teach ESL for immigrant newcomer adults in the government ESLA program.

Wow.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Xen on September 24, 2015, 01:55:17 AM
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: AustinValentine on September 24, 2015, 02:05:22 AM
  • Ph.D. in molecular biology
  • Worked my way to Big Pharma doing diagnostics
  • Hated, hated, hated, hated the environment, the ethos, the management.
  • Became a HS Science teacher teaching physics to normal students (Texas mandates all students must take physics)
  • No teacher wiling to teach AP Physics C, so I did even though no background. Relearning basic calculus while teaching E&M was ... interesting
  • Embracing the AP ethos of open and welcoming classroom to all students willing to learn.
  • Growing the AP Physics program: AP Physics C has tripled enrollment from 6 to 24 students in 3 years (Awesome kids, top of their class), AP Physics 2 went from 1 student to 26 in 3 years (Awesome kids, not top of their class), AP Physics 1 went from 120 to 200 in 1 year (wide range, from top of their class to first timers in an honor/AP class).
  • Open tutorial hours from 6:30 am to first bell and then last bell to 4:45 pm. Work on stuff until about 6:30 before leaving school.


I was sure that the fifth bullet point was going to be "Purchased an RV and started a mobile meth lab with one of my former students." But then I looked again and saw "teaching physics"  :)p8

That's quite a batch of kids there!
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: kapanak on September 24, 2015, 02:26:42 AM
  • Ph.D. in molecular biology
  • Worked my way to Big Pharma doing diagnostics
  • Hated, hated, hated, hated the environment, the ethos, the management.
  • Became a HS Science teacher teaching physics to normal students (Texas mandates all students must take physics)
  • No teacher wiling to teach AP Physics C, so I did even though no background. Relearning basic calculus while teaching E&M was ... interesting
  • Embracing the AP ethos of open and welcoming classroom to all students willing to learn.
  • Growing the AP Physics program: AP Physics C has tripled enrollment from 6 to 24 students in 3 years (Awesome kids, top of their class), AP Physics 2 went from 1 student to 26 in 3 years (Awesome kids, not top of their class), AP Physics 1 went from 120 to 200 in 1 year (wide range, from top of their class to first timers in an honor/AP class).
  • Open tutorial hours from 6:30 am to first bell and then last bell to 4:45 pm. Work on stuff until about 6:30 before leaving school.


I just want to say, Texas needs more folks like you. All schools need more teachers like you. My sincerest kudos to you!  :)p1
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Xen on September 24, 2015, 03:10:18 AM
I was sure that the fifth bullet point was going to be "Purchased an RV and started a mobile meth lab with one of my former students." But then I looked again and saw "teaching physics"  :)p8
:)p13 I actually suck at chemistry. Do well on tests, but no idea what's going on. I think I was just good enough at the math for Chem101 to fly through without truly understanding the concepts. The chemistry for "Breaking Bad" is obviously dead simple considering the number of meth lab busts that occur everywhere.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Armaegis on September 24, 2015, 03:12:58 AM
  • Ph.D. in molecular biology
  • Became a HS Science teacher
  • Relearning basic calculus
  • AP Physics C has tripled enrollment from 6 to 24 students in 3 years


All those creds and yet you got the math wrong  :)p8 walk the plank2





But seriously, great work there. I run a non-profit children's education centre on the weekends. Being a teacher is one of the most thankless jobs out there. I am grateful for all my staff who volunteer their time to help wrangle the 180 or so kids we get every year.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: zerodeefex on September 24, 2015, 03:36:20 AM
Man, you guys never fail to impress me. I really REALLY love that this people attracts folks who are passionate about the hobby AND about their careers (and families in a lot of cases). So many of you have really fascinating jobs. It's pretty amazing how diverse a group has converged in this little forum. Major props to you all.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Xen on September 24, 2015, 03:51:01 AM
All those creds and yet you got the math wrong
But seriously, great work there. I run a non-profit children's education centre on the weekends. Being a teacher is one of the most thankless jobs out there. I am grateful for all my staff who volunteer their time to help wrangle the 180 or so kids we get every year.
I TOTALLY meant 300% increase. Totally.
I "only" teach 180-ish of the ones listed. I teach 4 classes of AP Physics 1 (~140) and 1 class each of AP Physics 2 and AP Physics C. The school had to get another teacher to take on 2 classes of AP Physics 1. Logistics are pretty crazy.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: cspirou on September 24, 2015, 06:18:30 AM


  • Ph.D. in molecular biology
  • Worked my way to Big Pharma doing diagnostics
  • Hated, hated, hated, hated the environment, the ethos, the management.
  • Became a HS Science teacher teaching physics to normal students (Texas mandates all students must take physics)
  • No teacher wiling to teach AP Physics C, so I did even though no background. Relearning basic calculus while teaching E&M was ... interesting
  • Embracing the AP ethos of open and welcoming classroom to all students willing to learn.
  • Growing the AP Physics program: AP Physics C has tripled enrollment from 6 to 24 students in 3 years (Awesome kids, top of their class), AP Physics 2 went from 1 student to 26 in 3 years (Awesome kids, not top of their class), AP Physics 1 went from 120 to 200 in 1 year (wide range, from top of their class to first timers in an honor/AP class).
  • Open tutorial hours from 6:30 am to first bell and then last bell to 4:45 pm. Work on stuff until about 6:30 before leaving school.


 I went to high school in Texas in the 90s and physics wasn't required. When did they start requiring physics for everyone?
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Xen on September 24, 2015, 10:10:40 AM
I went to high school in Texas in the 90s and physics wasn't required. When did they start requiring physics for everyone?
2010. Texas decided to raise standards so they implemented "4x4": 4 years of math, science, English, and social studies (core classes). Physics became required and not just "Integrated Physics and Chemistry". If you opt-out of taking physics, you graduated on a minimum graduation plan, making you ineligible to directly attend a 4-year institution. You have to attend community or junior college first, then transfer to a 4-year institution.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: cspirou on September 24, 2015, 10:46:13 AM
2010. Texas decided to raise standards so they implemented "4x4": 4 years of math, science, English, and social studies (core classes). Physics became required and not just "Integrated Physics and Chemistry". If you opt-out of taking physics, you graduated on a minimum graduation plan, making you ineligible to directly attend a 4-year institution. You have to attend community or junior college first, then transfer to a 4-year institution.

Ah, so it's required for the recommended plan but not a graduation requirement. Sounds like your school has a program I really would have wanted to take since my school didn't even have AP physics.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Armaegis on September 24, 2015, 03:45:40 PM
What places Physics above Chemistry, Biology, Programming, etc?
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: cspirou on September 24, 2015, 04:43:48 PM
What places Physics above Chemistry, Biology, Programming, etc?

What do you mean? In terms of which is smarter/better/respectable or in terms of which is more fundamental?

As a physicist I don't consider physics as superior to any other subject, especially after meeting some biologists that are waaaay smarter then the particle physicists I know. In terms of the latter I think there is no argument that physics is the basis for explaining just about all natural phenomena, which happens to encompass all the other topics.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Priidik on September 24, 2015, 05:38:47 PM
I'm a metrologist at local national center of measurements and standardisation (in Estonia not US NIST  :-DD) calibrating electronic test equipment.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Xen on September 25, 2015, 12:41:44 AM
What places Physics above Chemistry, Biology, Programming, etc?
Many countries do teach physics as the first science in secondary education. Some countries actually teach physics. Others are more like physical science, which is an on-level 8th grade class here in Texas. Many students are not mathematically ready to take physics as freshman, which is why physics is on-level for 11th grade in my school district. Is the issue on the education side or on the mental development side? Many people have opinions. I honestly think both. Abstract thinking in terms of variables and unknowns appears to be very hard for many students.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on September 25, 2015, 09:50:03 AM
Many countries do teach physics as the first science in secondary education. Some countries actually teach physics. Others are more like physical science, which is an on-level 8th grade class here in Texas. Many students are not mathematically ready to take physics as freshman, which is why physics is on-level for 11th grade in my school district. Is the issue on the education side or on the mental development side? Many people have opinions. I honestly think both. Abstract thinking in terms of variables and unknowns appears to be very hard for many students.

I was one of those students. I had to relearn everything from zero at Khan Academy for the explanations worked for me. The exercises cleared up my issues. Do know I am more language oriented so it required a serious effort. For three months I devoted my spare time to basic maths, statistics and everything related to literally reprogram my mind. I would do it again.

One issue I had was the literature. This can vary so much in jargon and presentation that it can confuse you out of learning. I was a Dutch HBO-student and the differences between English books and American books for advanced subjects are sometimes absurd from maths, statistics, research, and financial accounting to economics.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: knerian on September 25, 2015, 05:04:29 PM
Many countries do teach physics as the first science in secondary education. Some countries actually teach physics. Others are more like physical science, which is an on-level 8th grade class here in Texas. Many students are not mathematically ready to take physics as freshman, which is why physics is on-level for 11th grade in my school district. Is the issue on the education side or on the mental development side? Many people have opinions. I honestly think both. Abstract thinking in terms of variables and unknowns appears to be very hard for many students.

In the US high school physics usually means mechanics starting with Newton's laws, which requires an absolute grasp of algebra and eventually some calculus, so saying that other countries start with physics as freshman (13-14 years old) is extremely advanced compared to US standards.  IS that what you mean?

Caveat:  the above description was my experience many years ago in high school.

edit:  just saw that you're the physics teacher.    I see the AP curriculum has changed, just curious what countries teach their freshman physics which I assume require a grasp of algebra and calculus?
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Xen on September 25, 2015, 07:33:11 PM
In the US high school physics usually means mechanics starting with Newton's laws, which requires an absolute grasp of algebra and eventually some calculus, so saying that other countries start with physics as freshman (13-14 years old) is extremely advanced compared to US standards.  IS that what you mean?

Caveat:  the above description was my experience many years ago in high school.

edit:  just saw that you're the physics teacher.    I see the AP curriculum has changed, just curious what countries teach their freshman physics which I assume require a grasp of algebra and calculus?
Even when I was in high school, there were 2 levels of AP Physics: Algebra-based (physics and AP Physics B) and Calculus-based (AP Physics C). In my high school in the 1980's, my physics teacher flavored his lessons with calculus, but it was still mainly algebra. I was not in AP Physics, just regular physics. Physics was pretty much an honors class as only honor students took it back then. I actually can't remember if he taught AP Physics C or just AP Physics B as a second year course.

If countries do teach real physics to their 12-14 year olds, they will teach them regular algebra-based physics with geometry (sin/cos/tan). I know I have to include trigonometry (sin/cos/tan, radians) and basic concepts of calculus (slope of a curve and area under curve) in my AP Physics 1 classes. From my experience with foreign students where I have had to make official opinions on whether a student will receive credit for physics or have to take the class: many students from big cities in China were taught real physics, 2 1 student from Egypt had real physics (over 2 years, though), 1 2 students from Saudi Arabia had physical science, and India has some with real physics and others with physical science.

From the POV of school curriculum, mastering algebra 1 is the key to teaching real physics. Countries that teach algebra 1 earlier also teach physics earlier. In Texas, there are mumblings of pushing algebraic concepts down to 6th & 7th grades and making Algebra 1 on-level for 8th grade instead of 9th grade. I think this would be a good thing, but there will be pain and a certain percentage of students are going to be classified as not-on-level (yay for PC terms!).

Due to the AP Physics revamp by the College Board, our district offers the following Physics classes:

Alignment is pretty crappy because of the wrench thrown in by College Board. In my opinion regular physics is too broad. AP Physics 1 is just a little too broad for the rigor. AP Physics 1 & 2 are great complements. AP Physics C is specialized for those interested in engineering.

I am surprised by all the attention, happy to keep answering and sorry for the threadjack.  :)p7
Also, time to grade...

edit: fixed some numbers.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Deep Funk on September 25, 2015, 11:38:06 PM

From the POV of school curriculum, mastering algebra 1 is the key to teaching real physics. Countries that teach algebra 1 earlier also teach physics earlier. In Texas, there are mumblings of pushing algebraic concepts down to 6th & 7th grades and making Algebra 1 on-level for 8th grade instead of 9th grade. I think this would be a good thing, but there will be pain and a certain percentage of students are going to be classified as not-on-level (yay for PC terms!).


I never understood algebraic calculations and formulas until I learnt the basics of economics and (financial) accounting as a kid. Some kids pick up the abstract math in a pinch and some kids need a tea spoon. I needed a tea spoon.

Some teachers I had were so stuck in their rigid teaching method that I stopped making an effort. Not-on-level or weak-in-maths, fuck it you are not really appreciated for your efforts until you excel anyway. At Khan Academy and while fooling around with numbers I found a reason to enjoy maths again because it can be rewarding and fun.

One thing that really helps is to make the abstract more tangible and/or visual. That made me pay attention and learn again.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: knerian on September 25, 2015, 11:50:11 PM
Xen were those foreign students average status quo or advanced ahead of their class versions?  As we get super ambitious types from the immigrant pool the actual populace of China is not nearly as impressive as the immigrants who make it here.(based on my personal experience of course but it should be common sense that not everyone in China is math enhanced)

Btw thanks for the breakdown, i do find it interesting because my impression is that most HS students don't even get to physics before graduation.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Xen on September 26, 2015, 01:04:58 AM
One thing that really helps is to make the abstract more tangible and/or visual. That made me pay attention and learn again.
At least with motion and forces, its easy to link an abstract variable to something concrete. I make them see variables as numbers, in graphs, walking it, throwing it, graphs of them walking it, graphs/numbers of them throwing it, graphs/numbers of them pushing it, etc. Labs are very important in my classes, but "lead a horse to water..." Making kids actually think and link what they are doing to the numbers and the graphs and variables is not easy for some students. Getting that last 10-15% to buy-in is very tough. I tell them why we are doing this lab and specifically make it a point to say they are to link what they see with the concepts and math that we are working on. It doesn't get more tangible than seeing displacement and velocity change in real-time as you move around a sensor.

I wish there was an optimal solution for students like you. Also, I assume you wanted to learn and that is a very important part of learning. I do point students to Khan academy and other physics tutorial sites. I encourage them to use those resources to learn. As with everything we do as humans, some will excel at self-directed learning and others require structure to even make it through.

Xen were those foreign students average status quo or advanced ahead of their class versions?  As we get super ambitious types from the immigrant pool the actual populace of China is not nearly as impressive as the immigrants who make it here.(based on my personal experience of course but it should be common sense that not everyone in China is math enhanced)

Btw thanks for the breakdown, i do find it interesting because my impression is that most HS students don't even get to physics before graduation.
Due to language, even with physics, the Chinese students do struggle. Also their physics is on par with the way I taught normal physics. I expect most of the Chinese students are coming from better socioeconomic status than the average. They are not all geniuses, but they are generally above average. The students from Egypt and Saudi Arabia seemed like normal students in capacity, above average due to maturity and work ethic. The Egyptian had an easier time since he had real physics (wanted to stay in the class). The Saudis had trouble with the math since they had some of the concepts from physical science and very little of the math.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Mrip on September 27, 2015, 01:48:16 PM
My rural high school didn't even have AP classes. I think around 1 in 5 graduates went to college of any kind. My counselor told me to not even bother applying to elite colleges because they wouldn't take students from our school regardless of how well they had done. I still can't believe she told me that. And, she was wrong.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: DubiousMike on September 27, 2015, 05:51:49 PM

  • AP Physics C (calculus-based, on-level 12th, for all student who have completed a physics) - Kinematics, Dynamics, momentum, energy, rotational mechanics, electrostatics, electricity, capacitance, electromagnetism, magnetic induction, LR/LRC/RC/R circuits


I took that test in '98 and goddamn if it wasn't the most difficult and humbling exam I've ever had to endure.  I had aced the underlying course at my prep school (which was taught by a Caltech prof), but I was so frustrated with the actual AP, compared to the half dozen other AP's I had knocked out with relative ease, that I only answered half of it, snapped my pencil in half, threw it off the front wall, handed in my test 90 minutes early and stormed out.  Figured it was the one AP I had bombed.  Instead, when the results came in, I got a 4 out of 5 (3 was passing at the time).  Can't imagine how badly most students must have fared that year if I got a 4.  Whoever wrote that test, particularly the E&M section, deserves a sharp stick in the eye.     

Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: tomscy2000 on September 29, 2015, 03:22:36 PM
I took that test in '98 and goddamn if it wasn't the most difficult and humbling exam I've ever had to endure.  I had aced the underlying course at my prep school (which was taught by a Caltech prof), but I was so frustrated with the actual AP, compared to the half dozen other AP's I had knocked out with relative ease, that I only answered half of it, snapped my pencil in half, threw it off the front wall, handed in my test 90 minutes early and stormed out.  Figured it was the one AP I had bombed.  Instead, when the results came in, I got a 4 out of 5 (3 was passing at the time).  Can't imagine how badly most students must have fared that year if I got a 4.  Whoever wrote that test, particularly the E&M section, deserves a sharp stick in the eye.

Did you go to Polytechnic School?

My situation was (luckily) better. My AP teacher had no idea how to teach Physics C, and had no way of teaching Calculus-based Physics (the only way to teach Physics, if you ask me), so I had to study on my own. I came out of the test thinking I'd be luckily if I got a 3, but ended up with 5s on both sections. (I think that counts as a humblebrag, whoops)
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: DubiousMike on October 01, 2015, 05:42:06 PM
Did you go to Polytechnic School?

My situation was (luckily) better. My AP teacher had no idea how to teach Physics C, and had no way of teaching Calculus-based Physics (the only way to teach Physics, if you ask me), so I had to study on my own. I came out of the test thinking I'd be luckily if I got a 3, but ended up with 5s on both sections. (I think that counts as a humblebrag, whoops)

Very nice - that certainly is not material I could have taught myself at that age (or now frankly), so a "humblebrag" is totally appropriate in my view! 

I did indeed go to Poly - which was a good experience overall, subject to the caveat that it was priced within the realm of reason back then.  Now it is >$25k for kindergarten and goes up from there.  The teachers were generally quite good (although not all of them), and the extracurriculars were excellent, but socially it was a mess even back then, with too much old money influence.  I won't be sending my kids there.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Kunlun on October 02, 2015, 11:52:37 PM
I bathe myself with my tongue and sleep 18-22 hours a day.
Title: Re: Tell us, what do you do for a living?
Post by: Thad E Ginathom on October 03, 2015, 01:13:25 PM
And get sponsored by the blue-and-yellow-spot knickers company?

Sounds good to me!