Day Job

[Gavin Luper]

So, writers and general hangers-on, a common insult we artistic types have hurled at us when our work is met with a tepid or less-than-tepid reception is to not give up our day job.

Out of curiosity, what are all our day jobs? I would be interested to know how diverse our TPM ficcer family is in terms of what we all spend our days doing.

Personally, I'm a banker, which is completely unrelated to anything creative, although I'm also a student which is much more fun.

You?

[mattbcl]

I'm a carpet cleaner.

Actually, my range is much more diverse than that. My official title is "senior technician"; I'm the ranking employee/manager/supervisor of my branch, so in addition to entering many homes and cleaning many types of surfaces, I also handle the paperwork and play resident mechanic on our cleaning units. The job is dynamic. I've never entered two homes with the same problem... I've never even entered a single home twice to encounter the same problem.

And Gavin, in relation to that phrase we so despise, I once told a relative of mine (who was at the time lounging about, watching TV in his underwear) that a friend had completed her NaNo challenge within the first 8 days. His response? "She must not have much of a life." You can imagine how offensive I found that answer to be, and it appalled me because this relative is in the ministry - he has to author a sermon every week. I've always felt like he doesn't take fictional writing seriously, unless it's Tolkien or Lewis... it certainly felt confirmed that day. I haven't shared a single writing accomplishment with him since - mine or anyone else's.

[Gavin Luper]

That's actually quite an interesting point about never encountering the same problem twice, Matt. This is true of my job, too - each client I come across has a slightly different financial situation, and it varies broadly from international students who might just need a new account, to working professionals wanting credit cards and insurance, to pensioners and retirees looking for investment options and still further to helping people finalised deceased estates and organise power of attorney. I tend to just view it as a monotonous job but the reality, as you've kind of reminded me, is far from that: each person has a different situation, a different background and a different story.

In relation to your relative ... well, that's a bit rich. Especially as he was just kicking back! I do think people view us writers in general as bludgers, you know. I think writing isn't viewed so much as a disclipline as a waste of time, unless you're published and successful. Does anyone else get that vibe?

[Drago]

I've worked for nearly four years in a gaming arcade. I also act, but I've never made a dime off of that.

[classy_cat18]

I'm an AVON lady, and it's getting less and less appealing. My customers are getting cheaper by the campaign.

[Gavin Luper]

Ugh, that sucks, Shonta. Granted the global economy is in the crapper at the moment.

I wish the government could just pay us to do the things we like - acting, writing, whatever. That would be just ace.

[mr_pikachu]

As many of you know, I'm a graduate student in communication, and I primarily focus on organizational communication and communication using media/technology. As part of my program, I also teach undergraduate classes. It pays the bills, at least until I've got my Ph.D. and can work as a professor, where I'll basically be continuing my research and teaching without the extra time drain of taking classes and doing the associated homework.

[Gavin Luper]

As many of you know, I'm a graduate student in communication, and I primarily focus on organizational communication and communication using media/technology. As part of my program, I also teach undergraduate classes. It pays the bills, at least until I've got my Ph.D. and can work as a professor, where I'll basically be continuing my research and teaching without the extra time drain of taking classes and doing the associated homework.

Is it enjoyable teaching at university level, Brian?

I'm planning to get into it once I finish my Honours - it will pay the bills and be more relevant to my career than banking. But is it good in your opinion?

[Becky]

I can't answer for Brian, but I LOVE being a graduate student. We're at a Research 1 university, which means that a primary focus of the institution is to conduct research, and the university is largely supported by research (as opposed to smaller colleges, for instance, where the emphasis may be on teaching). R1 is also a nice place to be because the program we're in is grounded in a strong tradition. Like anywhere, it isn't perfect, but the benefits are good if you're good at self-motivation. I count myself as pretty fortunate to have had multiple research and teaching appointments, so being funded to conduct my own research and design my dream classes has been amazing.

Granted, we're in a program for research in the social sciences. I suspect other graduate programs may work differently or have emphasis in different areas.

I believe that you've got to be extremely self motivated to truly be successful in a research university. It's definitely not a passive environment. I've seen people leave because the pressure and amount of work is too much for them. It's a career that involves dedication from the very start, but the rewards are well deserved.

I love teaching undergraduates, by the way. There are ups and downs (and I've got stories, sure!), but for the most part, I've had some amazing experiences in the classroom. What would you like to know?

[Gavin Luper]

Thanks Becky for the response - lots to think about there.

What kind of social sciences do you specialise in, out of interest?

Hm ... I guess I'm just wondering what the response is like as a generally youngish person teaching other similarly-aged students, which is what I'd be getting into if I start tutoring next year/2013. I'm a senior employee in my job and have relieved as the manager before so I'm reasonably comfortable in a leadership role, holding the floor, putting people in their place, etc. - but yeah, just wondering if there tend to be a lot of undergrads who try to make it difficult for grad students who are tutoring?

And, I dunno, any other tips that come to mind would always come in useful! I wish I could think of more questions but I've had a beer (just one!) and I'm in bed relaxing so my mind is not at it's sharpest right now!

[Mew Master]

I have a Masters Degree in Geosciences with an emphasis in Paleontology and my day job is delivering tacos...

Yeah.. I'd give up my day job in a heartbeat for something that actually uses my degree. 8 years of my life.. GONE! *cry*

[mr_pikachu]

Gavin: Well... there are ups and downs. My first semester of teaching, to be perfectly blunt, was a catastrophe. I blame it largely on the fact that I missed a week-and-a-half with pneumonia (from a health standpoint, it should have been at least twice as long before I returned), and it was right around my students' first major assignment, so I lost a lot of rapport with them during that time. On the other hand, on the first day I (correctly) identified several students who I thought were going to be significant problems and spoke with my supervisors to get advice, so there was going to be trouble whether or not I got sick at all.

On the other hand, my last few semesters have been great, and in the spring, in particular, I received what were likely some of the highest student evaluations in the department. (I'm speculating, but based on what people have divulged to me in the past and the general tendency I heard of instructors getting worse evaluations than usual, it's likely accurate.) My classes and I got along really well last term, and we were able to do some great things as a result. Several students came up to me during the term and said that they entered my class expecting to drop it within a week and just use it as "practice" of sorts for when they took it at some point down the line, but they quickly found that they really enjoyed it and were learning a lot, as well. There's really nothing more fulfilling as an instructor than to receive that kind of feedback.

I should note that I really despise the whole concept of student evaluations. Honestly, I've never really gotten much out of them, and in particular, students in their first year or two are often inclined to abuse the opportunity. What I mean is that if you give them lower grades, they slam your evaluations; this makes many instructors less willing to accurately grade students who aren't putting forth an effort. (On the other hand, you also don't want to be that instructor who announces that everyone will get an A... last semester, someone gave an A to every student in her class and subsequently received horrific student evaluations, a pair of circumstances that indicate she basically didn't teach them anything. The university has asked her not to teach any more classes.)

Sometimes, too, it just depends on the class you're dealt. If they're willing to work with you and believe in your plan, you can do amazing things together. If even a few students would rather fight you at every turn, you're going to get stymied in a hurry, the flow of the class will be horribly disrupted, and the class as a whole probably won't learn much at all.

Anyway. I think the key, if you're going to teach undergraduate classes, is to hold on to the good memories. You're going to have rough moments, times when it seems like no one cares and you're not doing anyone any good. But there will also be classes that are incredibly fulfilling, or even individual students who come to you for advice and support, and instances where you really help those individuals achieve something great for themselves. As far as I'm concerned, the students who actually care are the reason that we do what we do as instructors. It's not a profession for the faint of heart, but it's a valuable one.

On a related note, you asked what it's like teaching students around your own age. I probably have a unique perspective on this, as I started teaching at 21, around the age that most students are just beginning their junior (third) years of college. To this day, many of my students are older than I am. Last semester, for instance, one of my students mentioned that he was 26 and completing his second bachelor's degree; I didn't tell him that I was three years younger and working on my doctorate.

Elsewhere, I've mentioned that we graduate instructors are usually trained to develop a confident (or even arrogant) mindset, and that helps to an extent. You don't want to seem timid, like you don't know what you're doing, or that your students are just as qualified as you are. The instant you lose your ability to command authority and your students get the impression that their qualifications rival yours, it's all over for you. As such, many professors advise instructors not to reveal their ages, especially if, like mine, they're "too close" to those of their students. I'm not sure how I feel about that. There's something to be said for not making your students suspect a lack of qualification, and the age issue would definitely get them thinking. On the other hand, sometimes I think trying to hide it does more harm than good, as your class will realize quite quickly if you seem uncomfortable with yourself or with them. Everyone has a different philosophy on this, and I think you could go either way, myself.

The important thing is that you're comfortable handling yourself in a position of authority. I don't think you have to be arrogant (despite the prevailing trend in instructor training), but I do think you have to be able to stand up to nonsense challenges from those few "bad apple" students who are just trying to cause trouble. As long as you can stand your ground and maintain the (correct) impression that you do, indeed, know more on the subject than your students do, you'll be in pretty good shape.

[Gavin Luper]

Brian - Wow, thank you for the mammoth post. That's given me a lot to think about and I'm pretty sure I'll be referring back to it next year/2013 when I try to start teaching at uni.

The age question is interesting. I'm pretty sure I have no definite answer on the age of any of my lecturers or tutors - I don't think it's ever come up in class and it would seem inappropriate if it did, I guess. That would probably give me a chance to dismiss the question as irrelevant/inappropriate. Then again, I suppose I'll probably be about 24 by the time I start this ... and that's not as young as say, you were, at 21, which is phenomenal. So maybe I won't mind. We'll see!

I agree with the confidence/arrogance idea, too. Obviously not in an unkind or pretentious way, as discussed in that other thread, but yes, to a certain extent there needs to be that level of authority in order to command a certain level of respect.

Great to know that even if I have a catastrophic beginning it can still turn out good, too.

Thanks again, dude!

Denny - I know how you feel! Bleeehhhh.

[mr_pikachu]

Great to know that even if I have a catastrophic beginning it can still turn out good, too.

I'm glad the post was helpful, Gavin. Just to clarify, though, the first semester was an all-around train wreck, particularly in terms of teaching. It wasn't until later terms that things started looking up. Part of it that I've grown into a little bit of a better teacher, but I firmly believe that most of it is related to not having intentionally disruptive and aggressive students.

Not having pneumonia helps, too.

[Becky]

Gavin: My research is primarily focused on developing a theory of media subjectivity, and I primarily examine computer-mediated communication, media effects (to an extent: primarily CMC based) and using classical theories to explain new theories of online interaction.

To a further extent, I try to incorporate my interests in the classes I teach. Thankfully, the class I've primarily been working on for the past two years is one for students in the College of Technology at Purdue, which gives me the chance to at least incorporate some of my ideas. At the same time, it's impossible to fulfill everything I'd like to do in the class, simply due to both time, somewhat trial and error, and competing obligations.

[Gavin Luper]

I'm glad the post was helpful, Gavin. Just to clarify, though, the first semester was an all-around train wreck, particularly in terms of teaching. It wasn't until later terms that things started looking up. Part of it that I've grown into a little bit of a better teacher, but I firmly believe that most of it is related to not having intentionally disruptive and aggressive students.

Not having pneumonia helps, too.

I knew you said they were disruptive - but aggressive?! Do tell?

Gavin: My research is primarily focused on developing a theory of media subjectivity, and I primarily examine computer-mediated communication, media effects (to an extent: primarily CMC based) and using classical theories to explain new theories of online interaction.

To a further extent, I try to incorporate my interests in the classes I teach. Thankfully, the class I've primarily been working on for the past two years is one for students in the College of Technology at Purdue, which gives me the chance to at least incorporate some of my ideas. At the same time, it's impossible to fulfill everything I'd like to do in the class, simply due to both time, somewhat trial and error, and competing obligations.

Very cool research by the sounds of it. The theories of online interactions sounds slightly linked in with some of Brian's research - am I correct in making that distant connection?

[mr_pikachu]

I knew you said they were disruptive - but aggressive?! Do tell?

Well, maybe that wasn't the best choice of words. The most "aggressive" act taken against me -- which was at least aggressive against my career and standing as a graduate student, if not a physical attack or anything of that nature -- was when a student sent the department head an E-mail with a set of false allegations about poor teaching, unfair grading practices, and giving different students different requirements for assignments. (The department head isn't actually supposed to handle such things, either, so he had to forward it to every professor in the department. Thankfully, the course director didn't buy the lies, although her assistants did come to observe a few of my future classes, just to be sure and to defuse the situation with that student.)

I'm not sure whether or not you'd call that aggressive. Had he succeeded, my life as a graduate student basically would have ended right there, but while that would have crippled my career, it wasn't "aggressive" in terms of throwing a punch. (Of course, he was a member of the ROTC, or army training, as was one of the other two main troublemakers, so I certainly had enough nightmares about being attacked in the classroom.) If not aggressive, though, I could certainly say they were overtly hostile. That, at the very least, clearly applies.

...See why we're trained to hold an obvious air of authority? It's because of morons like these guys.

[Gavin Luper]

Well, maybe that wasn't the best choice of words. The most "aggressive" act taken against me -- which was at least aggressive against my career and standing as a graduate student, if not a physical attack or anything of that nature -- was when a student sent the department head an E-mail with a set of false allegations about poor teaching, unfair grading practices, and giving different students different requirements for assignments. (The department head isn't actually supposed to handle such things, either, so he had to forward it to every professor in the department. Thankfully, the course director didn't buy the lies, although her assistants did come to observe a few of my future classes, just to be sure and to defuse the situation with that student.)

I'm not sure whether or not you'd call that aggressive. Had he succeeded, my life as a graduate student basically would have ended right there, but while that would have crippled my career, it wasn't "aggressive" in terms of throwing a punch. (Of course, he was a member of the ROTC, or army training, as was one of the other two main troublemakers, so I certainly had enough nightmares about being attacked in the classroom.) If not aggressive, though, I could certainly say they were overtly hostile. That, at the very least, clearly applies.

...See why we're trained to hold an obvious air of authority? It's because of morons like these guys.

Holy crap. That's definitely hostile - malicious, even. What arseholes, seriously. I'm glad they didn't succeed in destabilising your studies or your career - it's so annoying when obnoxious people like that get their own way unfairly.

[Mew Master]

Please, every institution has those guys.

My Roomate who graduated with me with a Masters in History was Student Teaching several classes, and honestly, I'm amazed some of them even passed (helped grade a few), and my roomate had to drink before grading the written exams (which would drive someone to drink).

Someone went to the Board of Regents to contest their grade because they only needed one more passing grade. She made claims like "Syllabus not accessible, grades were slanted, and didn't communicate at all" to which my Roomate presented that the syllabus was allways accessible on the school site, grading was kept steady throughout the year on her exams, showed that she didn't do one or two, and had kept a complete record of all of the email communications he had with her, for three months. Needless to say her claim was ruled against by the Board of Regents, and last I heard she was trying an appeal and might take it higher, but it could also get turned down.

[mr_pikachu]

Please, every institution has those guys.

(Rant preface: Not all students behave like the people described below. Most don't act this way, thank God. A few do, and a few is too many. Hence my philosophical take on the matter.)

Yes, every institution has morons like that. But they shouldn't.

Think of it this way. Most (if not all) of the people going to any given college are doing so to get a degree which can be used on the job in the future. In some sense, then, the act of acquiring knowledge and skills in class, toward the end of using them in future work, serves as job training.

Why, then, is professional workplace behavior not among the items we're willing to train and to evaluate? I can look at my past students, and if each of them behaved in their first jobs the way they did in my classes, a significant portion of them would be fired. Those who go to the higher levels and file bogus complaints about their instructors could find that action correlated with going behind the backs of their managers, filing false reports to "upper" management in an attempt to sabotage them. For an employee who did that in a corporation, it would take a miracle for him/her to ever find work anywhere in that industry again.

But when a student pulls a stunt like this in college, we're supposed to laugh it off and assume that the burden of proof rightfully rests with the instructor and that, "Oh, students just do things like that." When such a complaint is almost inevitably rejected (because the vast majority of those complaints are complete nonsense, and a lot of instructors have learned to keep meticulous records just to defend themselves), people still keep a close eye on the instructor, while the student goes about his/her business, with no consequences! This teaches students that there's nothing wrong with trying to bully your superiors into what you want, whether in school or in the work environment, because even if you fail, nothing bad happens to you.

If you wonder why today's students have no respect for authority (or anyone at all) and employers are so hesitant to hire graduates who emerge from this "undisciplined" generation, that's why. It's pathetic. And what makes it worse is that the lazy bums who try to push their way into passing grades often end up with credentials that look just as strong -- if not stronger -- as those students who work to learn and to develop skills, without filing false appeals and such. That degrades the value of the degree itself.

In any case, I come back to the relationship between work and college. If an employee did things like what we've described, the sap wouldn't have a job afterward. Why should a student who files a false complaint get to stay at the university? If we want to protect the integrity of the institution and the degree, why aren't we keeping such immature morons from desecrating the good name of the college? And if the tuition dollars from those bad apples are more important than protecting the accredited degree, what does that say about higher education as a whole?

[Gavin Luper]

I agree with your point, Brian. I don't know why one's conduct as a student is viewed separately to one's conduct as a professional. I mean, we aren't EMPLOYED by the university, but at the same time we should be expected to adhere to a certain level of professionalism and decency. Maybe we are, but it's not enforced? In any case, I agree that misconduct is misconduct and should be dealt with as such, not treated more lightly if one is a student as opposed to an employee.

[Becky]

Reading this makes me wonder if it might be important for instructors to include a course requirement (at least, a small portion of one's grade) on professional conduct.

[Chris 2.1]

Well as many people know, I work as a journalist/magazine writer in london. Most of my work is for FHM, working as an online style writer for their website and as a music/features writer for the magazine.You can see some of my fashion stuff here.

I love my job. I am constantly working to be as creative as possible; our office is relaxed, exciting and inspiring. Sometimes I pull 12-14 hour shifts, which sucks, but it's good knowing you're doing what you're good at.

[Dragonfree]

I'm a web programmer for a small company (small as in four guys and me, and I do almost all the programming). I quite enjoy it most of the time, though sometimes I'm working on something annoying (hello there, Facebook integration) and then it gets frustrating.

I'm also starting my third year of computer science at the University of Iceland.

[Charles Legend]

I warp the local newspapers on Saturday mornings for my dad... -_-

~Charles Legend

[Crystal Tears]

I'm an Office Specialist at a Michaels Arts and Craft store. I work with money for a good portion of my day, do bank runs, price changes, receive things for the store... I also get to write up anyone who makes a mistake (no matter how small) on the cash registers. Though I'm thinking I might apply for a second job, working a few days at the local Game Stop/EBgames for much needed money. ._.

o: So happy to not be on floor anymore~ Or on cash... My job prevents me from working on the cash registers. :3 Boooyahaha.

As for the school aspect of this conversation... I've got no plans to go, to be honest. I've hated school since the very beginning, spending a lot of money to go to a school; doesn't seem like a wise decision for me. But if I were to go, I wouldn't disrespect my teachers and other classmates, what's the point of going and wanting to learn; if I'm going to act like I know it all and disrupt the class anyways? :/

[mistysakura]

I'm a final year undergrad student aiming for a physics major. I want to go to grad school and battle it out in the harsh world of academia. I've been talking to potential supervisors and grad school students all holidays, and I'm really excited about what's to come. I feel so lucky that I've found something I really want to do.

About tutoring, I have some friends who are tutors, and, well, I'm at uni myself. I've also been in some creative writing classes, which are what I assume you'd be tutoring, yeah, Gavin? Tutoring seems so much more casual at Melbourne than what you've described, Brian. I've never had a single disruptive person in classes, ever. Probably because there aren't really people who don't like the subjects they're doing. Sure, they might not be studious all the time. They might sleep in instead of going to a tute, or they might spend all their time texting people. But rather than being disruptive, they mostly just disengage. The most trouble my tutoring friends have had is talkative students. And my creative writing tutes were really good -- at the end of the semester, we organised a poetry reading session at the pub, which was fun. Although it's difficult since creative writing is so subjective. Some students might not get along with some tutors because they feel like their work isn't properly understood. But mostly life is peachy... And we know full well that our tutors are only about four years older than us, and it doesn't bother us. Tutors in Melbourne tend to act really casually, actually. Interesting cultural differences.

[DarkestLight]

Late to the party. When I'm not here, I'm hustling really hard.
I work at Best buy right now (absolutely drives me nuts) and I'm aiming for a geology/paleo gov't job.

I also volunteer my time at a paleo lab working on removing stone from inside plaster cast and preserving. I've still been considering working at the oil fields east of here, but I have no damn interest in camping for weeks at an oil site, no matter how much it pays -.-

[Gavin Luper]

About tutoring, I have some friends who are tutors, and, well, I'm at uni myself. I've also been in some creative writing classes, which are what I assume you'd be tutoring, yeah, Gavin? Tutoring seems so much more casual at Melbourne than what you've described, Brian. I've never had a single disruptive person in classes, ever. Probably because there aren't really people who don't like the subjects they're doing. Sure, they might not be studious all the time. They might sleep in instead of going to a tute, or they might spend all their time texting people. But rather than being disruptive, they mostly just disengage. The most trouble my tutoring friends have had is talkative students. And my creative writing tutes were really good -- at the end of the semester, we organised a poetry reading session at the pub, which was fun. Although it's difficult since creative writing is so subjective. Some students might not get along with some tutors because they feel like their work isn't properly understood. But mostly life is peachy... And we know full well that our tutors are only about four years older than us, and it doesn't bother us. Tutors in Melbourne tend to act really casually, actually. Interesting cultural differences.

Yep, this sounds pretty similar to my own tute experiences. And yes, hopefully creative writing is what I would be taking, which I think would be amazing fun for me.

Late to the party. When I'm not here, I'm hustling really hard.
I work at Best buy right now (absolutely drives me nuts) and I'm aiming for a geology/paleo gov't job.

I also volunteer my time at a paleo lab working on removing stone from inside plaster cast and preserving. I've still been considering working at the oil fields east of here, but I have no damn interest in camping for weeks at an oil site, no matter how much it pays -.-

That's actually really cool man - are you a geologist or paleontologist already??

[Wolfsong]

I'm a sales associate in hardware/housewares at Wal~Mart. Celebrated my 5 year anniversary there in September. Thinking abotu going back to school in the spring semester now that they're getting a new teache in the criminal justice program. also thinking about taking some business classes

[DarkestLight]

That's actually really cool man - are you a geologist or paleontologist already??

Geologist. Studying on my own for Paleo recognition, and right now I have a new job! I work with soils and asbestos in a lab, so yay for Geo degree being useful

[Gavin Luper]

Just saw this old thread and it was quite cool to re-read it 18 months later. I actually have gone on to be a tutor at a uni, where I got to teach Creative Writing. It's been a great experience so far. I also work in Student Services as my main day-to-day job though, which is considerably less awesome. I'm technically still a banker, too, though I only work there one day a week at the moment. So it's one cool job to two mundane ones.

This might be interesting to look at for the others who replied a year and a half ago. Are you still doing the same day job, or are you in a different one now? What would you prefer to be doing? (As a DAY JOB - almost all of us here want to be published writers so that doesn't count!)

Geologist. Studying on my own for Paleo recognition, and right now I have a new job! I work with soils and asbestos in a lab, so yay for Geo degree being useful

Awesome stuff ... all I can think of is "geology rocks!" Careful with that asbestos, man!

[dratinihaunter13]

Really cool to see how everybody pays the bills! Chris your job sounds awesome with the Men's fashion magazine.

I worked as the sports guy on the ABC affiliate in West Virginia. Shot and edited video, produced and wrote the shows. Reported on-site and anchored on camera. Tons of fun but I didn't make any $$! So I had to drop it. Now I'm a third of the way through graduate school to become a Physician Assistant. Studying was hard to start up again after 4 years but I've got my routine back. I do miss providing a service to people though. And meeting new people. Work > School at least for me.

[Chris 2.1]

It's v cool reading back through all of these. We're a clever bunch, eh?

Currently I'm doing more of the same, though I'm a self employed journalist now, and contribute to a few UK papers and publications. I've even been fortunate enough to write for Official Nintendo Magazine (link) which is cool.

As of yesterday, I've entered talks with a pretty well known mag about leaving my freelance job to join them full time, but I'm having to keep it under my hat for about another four weeks!

Generally, though, I love my job, and I love being able to write about things I'm passionate about. Often, though, after a heavy week/month I lose the urge to write my fic, or even just hang out online, which kinda sucks, as I used to use this place to bring out and focus on my writing. That said, I've been a member of TPM since 2001, which is 12 years and HALF MY ACTUAL LIFE WTF.

[Gavin Luper]

BUMP

I like this thread. Every writer and ficcer round these parts should post and let us know what you're up to now that another year (2013) has gone by.

Are you still in the same job? A new one? Are you working toward something?

For me, I got a full-time job within the Student Services section of my uni early this year. It's actually not too bad a job and it pays very well, but as a writer I have come to the conclusion that I am not the kind of writer who can come home from a full day of work and start writing. I don't have the creative energy for it. So my plan during 2014 is to find a job that pays decently well enough for me to work only 3-4 days per week at work and the other 1-2 days actively writing, networking, pursuing agents, etc.

Let me know what you're all up to homies!

[Mewfour]

hazmat cleanup. but it's mostly taking apart old transformers for recycling and sucking out the insulation oil

not my dream job, but the rent doesnt pay itself

[ChobiChibi]

HI GAVIN <3

I didn't post in this thread originally. But hey. Stuff has still changed.

I worked in Poundworld for a few months after finishing Uni, which drained all my enthusiasm for everything. I graduated with an MA in October, and I now work for Game Best job I've ever had. I spend my days nerding over games, being given free stuff from game developers (I pretty much gained a new wardrobe this way) and most of all, it doesn't suck any of my creative energy away. I feel tired (I work full time), but never to the extent of not wanting to do anything at all. It's not my dream job, but it's the next best thing for now and I'm a lot happier <3

I will be going back to Uni in September to do teacher training. Very excited! I've had one offer from a Uni already out of two interviews, so I'm waiting for the second one's reply before accepting anything. Considering I felt more confident at the second interview, and it's the place I prefer, hopefully I'll be able to accept a place from them this week ^^