What Do You Do For A Living? *Photo Heavy*

stazza · 07-03-2016, 07:16 PM

I'm sure I saw a thread like this a long time ago, but couldn't find anything with the search tool.

I know a lot of members on here may refrain from discussing their occupation due to anonymity concerns, or workplace regulations, but those who can participate - What do you do for a crust?

Do you enjoy it? Is it where you imagined you'd be?

Would be cool to see some pictures of your work activities too, if you guys have any.

I guess I'll start - I'm currently a Crane Operator, have been in the seat for probably the last 4 or 5 years, with 5 or so years prior to that rigging and dogging. Absolutely love every aspect of my job, challenging but very rewarding. Never expected that I'd ever be operating cranes. I imagine in the mining and construction industry it can be one of the harder occupations to get into unless you know someone high up, or you have the gift of the gab. It is very competitive, with a lot of back stabbing and emotions

. Personally I worked my way up off my own achievements and through hard work, building up a solid resume.

First crane gig was with a small piping company, got a lucky break and stepped into some very small cranes for a while, learning the ropes etc... Got made redundant, and that's where it all started to fall into place.

Scored a gig on a construction job at the Perth International Airport with Air BP, then moved on from there to Chevron's Gorgon Project working for CB&I for a few years. Ended up at Barrow Island with them, then after a year made the jump to Thiess. Because I was one of the youngest (if not THE youngest) operator up there I found it hard to get a permanent seat in a decent size crane and stretch my legs. Crane crews can be very clicky, and despite experience or aptitude, if you're young, it's very hard to move upwards (and I'm 30). Ended up biting the bullet and took a job doing shut down work with an actual crane hire company.

Halved my salary, was taken on a casual basis, lost a ton of great work conditions etc... yet I haven't looked back. Best thing I did was take my current job. Made me realize money isn't everything. I was on the highest paying construction job in the world, but was miserable every day. I can definitely say that as much as money is handy, it isn't everything - in my opinion. It comes and goes, but to be genuinely happy and really enjoy your job is such a better feeling than having a big pay cheque every week with an even bigger headache. It's to the point that some nights I find it hard to sleep because I actually look forward to work the next day

Crazy huh?

Here's a couple happy snaps from some of my jobs:

First "real" gig at the Airport

Gorgon Project (unable to get many due to strict camera policy):

Rigger having a well earned rest

Small job in a 150ton Sumitomo crawler on a weekend:

Some very questionable rigging practices

Various shut downs around the South and North West:

75t Bucket

Beautiful Pilbara sunrise!

Happy as a pig in you know what:

Yellow_Festiva · 08-03-2016, 09:12 AM

Man those are some BIG rigs!

You can also say you drive a Bentley if anyone asks ;)

stazza · 08-03-2016, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Man those are some BIG rigs!

You can also say you drive a Bentley if anyone asks ;)

Yeah they are big, surprisingly enjoyable to drive on the road too, everyone keeps their distance and no one dares to cut you off

Unfortunately while the Bentley crane hire cranes share the name, they definitely don't share the pedigree!

**Polyal** · 08-03-2016, 10:35 AM

Nice mate, I am a maintenance planner (engineer) at a Coal mine site, crazy as heck but its all good experience. Love playing with the big toys.

**Grunter** · 08-03-2016, 11:27 AM

Every time I see one of these bad boys, I think of the Thunderbirds.

Great photos and excellent to see someone who loves their job!

**Peuty** · 08-03-2016, 11:49 AM

very cool mate - sounds like you are living the dream.

I have qualifications in the Superannuation industry and currently work for one of Australia's biggest super funds (by funds under management, currently around $50b). I enjoy my work, but it's pretty dry, but it does have it's interesting moments, like our investments, for example. Our company owns One Times Square, which is the building that has the neon billboards all over it. We make more money from the billboards than we do from the actual rental income.

No pics sorry, unless you want to look at a calculator....

ryanstev · 08-03-2016, 12:10 PM

I work on an IT help desk.

It's so monotonous, I hate it so much, I hate going to work, I even hate Fridays, because instead of looking forward to the weekend I'm thinking "I now have another 5 full days ahead of me in a couple days time."

Yes, I'm trying to get out of this field.
I'm actually physically training to join the Police force, which is hard going, as I'm 39 and have injured myself by pushing too hard, too fast.

Something's gotta change soon, I can't take much more of this job.

Sorry to be a downer.

4vxc · 08-03-2016, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanstev

I work on an IT help desk.

It's so monotonous, I hate it so much, I hate going to work, I even hate Fridays, because instead of looking forward to the weekend I'm thinking "I now have another 5 full days ahead of me in a couple days time."

Yes, I'm trying to get out of this field.
I'm actually physically training to join the Police force, which is hard going, as I'm 39 and have injured myself by pushing too hard, too fast.

Something's gotta change soon, I can't take much more of this job.

Sorry to be a downer.

what other work have you done besides IT?

ryanstev · 09-03-2016, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4vxc

what other work have you done besides IT?

Labourer for an electrician
Car groomer for a car rental
Lube tech for a car servicing chain

Those jobs didn't pay much, but I didn't have to explain things to people, like I do in my I.T. job.
People will call me for help, then pay no attention to my answers and I'll have to repeat myself 2 or 3 times.
I've had to repeat a simple 8 word instruction to someone 7 times in a single call in the past.

That, times 8 years and you get me.

This is my last I.T. job, I can't stand these people.

TheSneakiness · 09-03-2016, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanstev

People will call me for help, then pay no attention to my answers and I'll have to repeat myself 2 or 3 times.
I've had to repeat a simple 8 word instruction to someone 7 times in a single call in the past.

Yep, agreed and it does my head in too. Especially when I send out a communication for a system change and you get emails for the next month saying it doesn't work, well read your ****** emails and you might not have to ask the question.

I work in IT at the moment briefly for the next month as helpdesk support until I finally get promoted to business analyst. Been doing support for far too long now.

Big_Daz · 08-03-2016, 12:33 PM

I am a Licensed Customs Broker for one of, if not the biggest Express Freight Companies in the world...

Whilst its a desk job, I absolutely love my job and the company I work for. The pay is awesome, the rosters are very flexible and I Wear Jeans and Polo shirts everyday... No more bloody Business wear/ties for me!!! We are treated really well and have some great perks that come with it..

Express · 08-03-2016, 12:52 PM

Retired - I've never been so busy.

Big_Daz · 08-03-2016, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Express

Retired - I've never been so busy.

image

lol My old man says the exact same thing to me all the time...

Express · 08-03-2016, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Daz

lol My old man says the exact same thing to me all the time...

You can either sit on your bum and leave everything until tomorrow or you can get involved and be relaxed in the knowledge there is no rush which means you enjoy the things that once would have been a chore.

Yesterday I spent the day cleaning and doing maintenance on the pool ready for the winter shutdown.

Today I’m rearranging the garage while my new car is out of the way having the front bar resprayed to remove some delivery marks.

Tomorrow I’m taking the XY for a run to The Entrance to meet friends for lunch.

Thursday I got a friend dropping in to show me his new Mustang Convertible and we’re off to Patonga for lunch.

Friday I’ve planned to polish the rims I removed from the Ute I just sold then I’ll wrap them in plastic and storage them away in the shed.

Saturday is off to Avoca to visit the in-laws.

Sunday is beers with the neighbour while we watch the video of his recent hot laps around Bathurst then watch some of his videos of the 1969 through the ‘70’s Bathurst highlights.

None of it is hard or too taxing but something is always on the agenda and we are kept busy.

Plan it right and throw in the occasional trip away and retirement is a dream.

LG17 · 08-03-2016, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Express

You can either sit on your bum and leave everything until tomorrow or you can get involved and be relaxed in the knowledge there is no rush which means you enjoy the things that once would have been a chore.

Yesterday I spent the day cleaning and doing maintenance on the pool ready for the winter shutdown.

Today I’m rearranging the garage while my new car is out of the way having the front bar resprayed to remove some delivery marks.

Tomorrow I’m taking the XY for a run to The Entrance to meet friends for lunch.

Thursday I got a friend dropping in to show me his new Mustang Convertible and we’re off to Patonga for lunch.

Friday I’ve planned to polish the rims I removed from the Ute I just sold then I’ll wrap them in plastic and storage them away in the shed.

Saturday is off to Avoca to visit the in-laws.

Sunday is beers with the neighbour while we watch the video of his recent hot laps around Bathurst then watch some of his videos of the 1969 through the ‘70’s Bathurst highlights.

None of it is hard or too taxing but something is always on the agenda and we are kept busy.

Plan it right and throw in the occasional trip away and retirement is a dream.

I can't plan that far ahead!

**Revolver** · 08-03-2016, 06:29 PM

Work Weekends in a Servo. Which after 12 years, is getting very old. I don't like it.

Work weekdays in a Project Home Builders Office as Draftsman. Ive only been back in the field since August 2015 and Im loving this Job, the office, the team, the pay. Its boring work. But I love it.

Working on a couple of side projects too so that way I can ditch servo work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Express

Retired - I've never been so busy.

image

That is a lot more common than you think.

I've had a couple of older family friends retire and I've caught up with them at the local shopping centre and asked them how they are going after retiring. Both said almost verbatim:

"Mate Ive never been so busy in my life, I don't understand how I use to fit a job in every day!"

NX74205 · 08-03-2016, 08:40 PM

I'm a lawyer dealing primarily with intellectual property matters. Most of my day is spent at my desk typing up letters, emails and contracts which, to me, is more interesting than it sounds - particularly drafting up contracts; there's a certain art to it. When I was studying, I found intellectual property to be the most interesting area of law, and so I decided that I want to specialise in IP.

I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was in high school, so I'm stoked that I've achieved that goal. While being a lawyer in real life isn't anything like being a lawyer on TV, it's still an interesting job and I enjoy going to work - mostly. Like anything else, there are days when I wish I was anywhere but the office.

I won't post a picture of my desk mainly because it's strewn with confidential documents, but also because it's a mess. I'm not the tidiest person around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Daz

I am a Licensed Customs Broker for one of, if not the biggest Express Freight Companies in the world...

Whilst its a desk job, I absolutely love my job and the company I work for. The pay is awesome, the rosters are very flexible and I Wear Jeans and Polo shirts everyday... No more bloody Business wear/ties for me!!! We are treated really well and have some great perks that come with it..

Before I became a lawyer, I also worked in freight forwarding, firstly as a compiler, then ocean imports operator. I was in the industry for about five years, and I found it about as interesting as watching paint dry. Maybe it's different being a customs broker - I attempted the customs broker's course but I just couldn't carry on with it. As far as I was concerned, it was a job that paid the bills, and that's it.

I didn't think my skills in the freight forwarding industry would ever be required again, until I worked on a case involving the importation of alleged counterfeit products ...

LG17 · 08-03-2016, 12:57 PM

Wander around here, sometimes doing something, sometimes doing nothing.
Build, fix things, talk to the animals and look after them.

I'm retired as you can possibly guess.

Used to be a Special Needs Teacher until ill health retirement.

Streets · 08-03-2016, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanstev

I work on an IT help desk.

It's so monotonous, I hate it so much, I hate going to work, I even hate Fridays, because instead of looking forward to the weekend I'm thinking "I now have another 5 full days ahead of me in a couple days time."

Yes, I'm trying to get out of this field.

I was exactly the same as you, I hated going to work and sitting in an office all day doing a job I hated. When I got home at night I had about 3 hours of personal time before it was time to go to bed and get up for the next day. To me it seemed like weekends were only one day long; I could enjoy Saturday but Sunday just meant work tomorrow. Not to mention the only place you can be employed in IT is in a capital city and I lived 1.5 hours away and had to commute.

I ended up quitting for my sanity but I'm not sure it was the smartest choice. In this day and age it seems that it's better to be employed and depressed than unemployed and depressed.

Funnily enough I really enjoyed helping people with their tech problems - it was the IT stuff I hated. For most people it's the other way around, they love computers but hate the clients.

Anyway, my life is in the toilet and I dream of a job where I get to work outdoors or something but alas I am unqualified for anything but IT.

b2tf · 16-03-2016, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streets

Funnily enough I really enjoyed helping people with their tech problems - it was the IT stuff I hated. For most people it's the other way around, they love computers but hate the clients.

Anyway, my life is in the toilet and I dream of a job where I get to work outdoors or something but alas I am unqualified for anything but IT.

Hmmmmmm OK. Been in this position, where the big wide world seems about 47 feet higher than what you are and there's no ladder around.

Without knowing or meeting you, I would say you have one big qualification that a lot of people don't - experience. Things happen, stuff goes up and comes down, sideways upside down whatever. The one thing you need to ask yourself is what is the worst thing that can happen to me from having a go? If you don't like what you're doing, do something else. And yes, I have heard all the people who make it sound easy to just up and leave and decide bugger it I'll do what i want without taking into account the fact it's not ever that simple. But it all boils down to that one question.

You're human, you have basic needs, wants desires etc. Bills to pay, food on the table. Go back to all of those considerations then start from the bottom and figure out how you'd make it work. Pick something you want to do and apply that criteria - "if I went to do XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx for a while, I would need to think about XXXXXXXXXXXXXX". Start from there and work out a plan and have a go. You'll still come out alive on the other side.

I see so many people come through our doors now with HUGE hopes and dreams, and they think that just because they're in a chair or cant walk or whatever, that they can't do them. There's absolutely no reason that is true. The ones that want to do it find a way no matter what they have to take in to account to get there. The ones that are just excited about the idea of change but dont actually want to do it keep thinking about it on their way to the same job in the same place that they hate.

Your call as to which one you might be.

Blue Shadow · 16-03-2016, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2tf

Hmmmmmm OK. Been in this position, where the big wide world seems about 47 feet higher than what you are and there's no ladder around.

Without knowing or meeting you, I would say you have one big qualification that a lot of people don't - experience. Things happen, stuff goes up and comes down, sideways upside down whatever. The one thing you need to ask yourself is what is the worst thing that can happen to me from having a go? If you don't like what you're doing, do something else. And yes, I have heard all the people who make it sound easy to just up and leave and decide bugger it I'll do what i want without taking into account the fact it's not ever that simple. But it all boils down to that one question.

You're human, you have basic needs, wants desires etc. Bills to pay, food on the table. Go back to all of those considerations then start from the bottom and figure out how you'd make it work. Pick something you want to do and apply that criteria - "if I went to do XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx for a while, I would need to think about XXXXXXXXXXXXXX". Start from there and work out a plan and have a go. You'll still come out alive on the other side.

I see so many people come through our doors now with HUGE hopes and dreams, and they think that just because they're in a chair or cant walk or whatever, that they can't do them. There's absolutely no reason that is true. The ones that want to do it find a way no matter what they have to take in to account to get there. The ones that are just excited about the idea of change but dont actually want to do it keep thinking about it on their way to the same job in the same place that they hate.

Your call as to which one you might be.

Well said, could'nt be said any better

Ben73 · 16-03-2016, 10:26 PM

I have been working for a railway company for 7 years. Actually been up on the loco for 6 years.
When I started I loved it, over the past 7 years it has got a bit repetitive and boring. Even if you don't travel a route for a month, as soon as you get back on that track it feels like just yesterday you were there.
Having said that I don't mind being at work during normal hours. During night shift sometimes it's terrible, sometimes it's fine. I just have to tell myself I could be much worse off working in worse jobs.

Good part of shift work is seeing some amazing sunrises, sunsets and pretty crazy storms and lightning shows.

11,000 odd tonnes keeps you on your toes, especially coming down steep hills.
Multiple V16 turbo diesel locos putting out 3,300kws each make somewhat 'light' work of moving all that weight.

This picture is just over half of the train. There are only a few locations where you can get a look at the entire train

Just another romantic sunset.

phat_stak_tipa · 08-03-2016, 02:08 PM

Just a storeman have been now for around 8 years, it has been much better money than security which i did for 7 years, I currently work for a company called Hettich which is a german kitchen hardware company, pay is good for this industry and there is loads of overtime, have been here over 5 years and have stepped into a 2ic stock control job, whilst still doing basically all the jobs that come with the place, we have a rotation so its not bad.

I had aspirations to be a cop in high school but they deal with way too much **** nowdays....

I am smarter than the job im in but have never really had any passion for a particular job/career, sitting in an office is not my thing, did enough sitting around in security, il probably stay doing this job for as long as it suits me, but if i move to the south coast il probably end up doing the same stuff, though a HR truck licence may happen, not that im excited about it but it makes the chances of getting some sort of w/house logistics job easier down south.

Ive never liked working and probably never will, its a means to an end, once i can comfortably retire i will, i work with a few old blokes who reckon they could retire and have plenty of money but enjoy coming to work......i hope ive got too many hobbies to ever be that person.....i am not afraid of hardwork and have worked since i was 14 whilst still going to school year 12 hsc, im now 33, but like many its just to pay the bills, own the home, and fund a fun retirement!

To those that really enjoy their jobs/career you really are lucky people!

Adamz Ghia · 08-03-2016, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phat_stak_tipa

Just a storeman have been now for around 8 years, it has been much better money than security which i did for 7 years, I currently work for a company called Hettich which is a german kitchen hardware company, pay is good for this industry and there is loads of overtime, have been here over 5 years and have stepped into a 2ic stock control job, whilst still doing basically all the jobs that come with the place, we have a rotation so its not bad.

I had aspirations to be a cop in high school but they deal with way too much **** nowdays....

I am smarter than the job im in but have never really had any passion for a particular job/career, sitting in an office is not my thing, did enough sitting around in security, il probably stay doing this job for as long as it suits me, but if i move to the south coast il probably end up doing the same stuff, though a HR truck licence may happen, not that im excited about it but it makes the chances of getting some sort of w/house logistics job easier down south.

Ive never liked working and probably never will, its a means to an end, once i can comfortably retire i will, i work with a few old blokes who reckon they could retire and have plenty of money but enjoy coming to work......i hope ive got too many hobbies to ever be that person.....i am not afraid of hardwork and have worked since i was 14 whilst still going to school year 12 hsc, im now 33, but like many its just to pay the bills, own the home, and fund a fun retirement!

To those that really enjoy their jobs/career you really are lucky people!

There's some guys that work for my companies warehouse that have been there for 20+ years that are in the same positions as when they started. It boggles my mind how they can do the same thing at in day out every single day for that long, but they seem to enjoy it so all the power to them.

phat_stak_tipa · 08-03-2016, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamz Ghia

There's some guys that work for my companies warehouse that have been there for 20+ years that are in the same positions as when they started. It boggles my mind how they can do the same thing at in day out every single day for that long, but they seem to enjoy it so all the power to them.

Yep have blokes that are the same! Hope im not doing this **** in 20 years!

If i get to a point with finances that i can start an apprenticeship id like to be a mechanic, whilst cars are what im into, id say heavy/diesel mech would be more interesting.....

superyob · 08-03-2016, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phat_stak_tipa

Yep have blokes that are the same! Hope im not doing this **** in 20 years!

If i get to a point with finances that i can start an apprenticeship id like to be a mechanic, whilst cars are what im into, id say heavy/diesel mech would be more interesting.....

And pays more...