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WORK & MONEY

3/21-3/27: What do you do -- for pay?

Tripod members are by definition extraordinarily capable and curious people, from all over the world. Tell us what you do for a living, and why!

intrepid63: I own a small electronics company. Becuase food isn"t free. And I love my job.

geraldd: I am a Chartered Accountant in th UK. Basically, that makes the equivalent of a CPA. I work for a software house. Why do I do it? For the money (natch!), and because I actually enjoy it. That said, if I win the lottery this week, I'm outta here!

Adante: I do research - in equities in Malaysia. Officially, that makes me a stockbroker. Unofficially, I'm called a paper shuffler since I don't really contribute to the Gross National Product of my country, except reduce the deficit of our services account. Are we paid well? You bet! There are very few good and established analysts in town and foreign firms pay top dollar for us. For the pay, we work on average 12-hour days. Our package? Now that would be telling, wouldn't it?

Walker: I work right here, at Tripod, coordinating editorial, design, and production aspects of our site -- and also other media ventures and adventures. I love working on the web because it forces one to be so inventive -- nobody has done this before, so we can be one of the trailblazers. I love the media generally because it helps get useful information to people, when they need it.

jnewton: I work as a police officer in a city of a little more than 100,000 people. The job can be fun, exciting, frustrating, challenging, scary, emotionally draining, etc... Some nights I think there is no possible way I could ever do anything else. Other nights I think I am a lunatic for working here. It is important to me to have a job that is socially relevant.

b.u.d.: I design printed circuit boards using PCAD ver 8.5 and do mechanical design using AutoCad ver 13, this is a full time consulting service called JG Design Services.

oblivious: I work in an educational store selling software and giving out computer advice, that I use to charge $30 an hour for to promote computer literacy.

Mufffy: I do web research and go to school at UCLA. I like my job because of the fantastic work environment, but when I finish school, I will leave to pursue a teaching position.

GwenM: I'm the interactive services editor for an on-line career development database/magazine. I love what I do! It's wonderful to be on the cutting edge. I help bring to life concepts that have never been done before -- wow! My pay - not enough right now but I have skills and experience that very few other people have.

MDarnton: I am a full-time college student who works in of my university's all Mac computer lab. Basically I help people learn how to use computers--from writing a paper to surfing the net to scanning images...you name it.

Ron Gladkowski: I am an artist. I create unique stained, and leaded glass terrariums, planters, and flower vases. I travel around the East Coast selling at art and craft fairs, and to galleries. I feel fortunate to be able to make a living doing something I love. Each day brings new ideas, new challenges, and a feeling of accomplishment.

Bohdan: I am a Senior Technical Writer for a famous company (Raytheon). I work long hour with litte pay and love every minute of it. Not really, but hey it pays the bills and keeps off the streets. Isn't this life great?

zabi: I am a research associate at the UCSF Hospital, pediatrics dept, and if you want me to lie than i do it because i like it but if you want to hear the truth, it pays good and as soon as i get in to a medical-school, I will probably have sex with one of my co-workers and then quit the job.

mjustman: I work on what you are staring at..... computers.....

TDaniel: What I do! I am, and have been in auto parts for a long time. I owned several stores and finally setteled in this little town .

Thrasher: I am a full time college student.. working in computer programming. I also play in a band called screeching foster. I also run a record label here in Ontario and distribute cds, eps etc. for a label out of chicago called V.M.L....ummm yea thats pretty much it.. Oh wait I also work on weekends as a baker.

Ace of Spades: I work at a grocery store--Fareway Stores Inc. The only reason I do it is that it is the best part-time job in town and the money is good.

Mr Sinky: I'm an Information Systems Manager of Mac support here at the City. My speciality is development for support of the Internet. I've got four more years to go before I can retire!

clm: I sell tires, because I am stupid. Also, I bought this boombox and some c.d.'s and I only have 90 days to pay for them. I have been doing this for 9 years and I can also change them. I am revered within my industry, and alot of people think that I am good at what I do.

sputnic: I have 2 jobs both of them have to do with fast food: I work at Mcdonalds and Subway. I work to pay the insurance and too pay for my huge phone bill.

shoekid: I'm a graphic artist in Auckland, New Zealand. I'm leaving to work in Belgium as an Au Pair and taking an 80% pay cut! I'm doing it because don't want to be one of those people who have loads of money who go to the same snooty bar every week, who know all the same people but their lives always stay the same. I want to get out and explore!

the crazy vegetarian: I teach rock climbing in the winter and roller blading in the summer. I'm a high school student the rest of the time.

Patty Peppermint: I am a chemical engineering student and I work at the Materials laboratory here in the university. I don't work here for money, it's just to get experience. Anyway, as I'm not a slave, who works for free, they pay me something and I have fun with it.

Vicente: I am a Physician, currently working in research about infectious diseases in a pediatric population.

Sapphire: I babysit so that I can afford to pay for my books next semester at college. Not to mention my food and everything else that keeps me alive.

AnthonyOddo: High School Business/computer teacher, and some days it beats the hell out of me as to why! Actually it's a lot of fun, and being around young people keeps you on your toes.

Victoria16: I'm a copywriter and webmistress at a small advertising agency near Chicago. I love my job. Honestly. It's a small enough company that I get lots of responsibility, as well as encouragement and positive personal contact with my "bosses." It's always been my dream to work on commercials and print ads, and I'm finally realizing my dream. Not like I'd refuse a raise, of course.

swampgirl: I coordinate content expertise for educational simulations. Nice variety of tasks and knowledge areas from day to day. Plus, it required a liberal arts major, and lucky me, I had what I figured was a worthless English major. Been here 5 years now, and although I could use a big fat raise, the people are young and cool and intelligent. Lots of free time to goof off. Completely casual and playful environment.

angelgirl: I work as an Administrative Clerk at a Technical Institute. I'd rather be working outdoors, but I don't have a choice because it's pretty hard to get paid for hanging out at the beach. (hahahaha)

joemi: I work at Microsoft and also work MLM programs on the Internet ($$). I still work at Microsoft so I can play with the latest and greatest hardware.

AlanGeee: I am involved in securing computures from unauthorized use. I find the challenge extremely rewarding, in that you are constantly looking for ways that those who would break the system might use.

Ember: I tell spacecraft where to go and how fast. Sometimes they send back pictures. If I live long enough, maybe I'll get to go too ...

Pibbe: I am a full-time student at Illinois College. I have no income except for my parents. I roof houses in the summer but spend all my money on my girlfriend.

ARomero: I've done practically everything for a living, except crime. I've managed companies, worked in the bureaucracy, even made a living as an artist. Now I'm a free lance translator. I like working alone. I can pay the bills. I work at home, and am happy at what I'm doing.

jasper: I work part time at a cafeteria on the serving line. The rest of the time I am a professional student.

truff: I am a meeting planner for a professional membership organization. It's a thankless job, but makes up for it by being really poorly paid.

stanman: I teach music and speaking-voice improvement. Music director of a church, part-time high-school choir teacher, private voice instruction studio (mostly for singing) and a seminar for businesspeople and professionals called "Say it with Velvet Thunder (tm)." After trying to get rich doing straight business and selling things, I figured out I really wanted to focus on music. Not only do I hold two degrees in it, but I love it -- even if it barely pays the bills. I have high hopes for my speaking voice seminar; it should, with adequate marketing, save my financial situation. And it's fun!

Wetterling: I'm a Comp. Sci. lab consultant at Trenton State College. Go Lions! It is my personal mission is life to help the computer illiterate. If I didn't love my job, the pittance they call "salary" wouldn't keep me there. (Well..I got a raise recently, so its about $.25 more than pittance. But I digress..)

JPFahren: I reproduce 19th century American Indian fine art museum pieces for collectors, the film industry and home decoration. It often requires one or two months to make a large item such as a blanket strip or a bandolier bag and I must charge accordingly. It is still much cheaper than purchasing an original and it is brand new so it can be used without fear of ruining a delicate original.

pazz: I teach Physical Education, because I have always liked to play games

pennyln: I am an editorial artist for a daily newspaper in Lancaster County PA. Amish Country! On off hours I operate a free-lance graphics arts and design company! Gotta put the kids through college ya know!

anthonyk: I am a Computer Assembly Technician. i was working as a temp for AT&T;, when I got bored one day. So i went in the bathroom to take care of some business, and when i was reading the paper i noticed a classified add for the company i work for now- Computer Management Corporation. I called them up. It was a friday. Saturday i went for an interview... monday i had a job offer. I do it because i like it -- it's a lot of fun!

iradu: The more I get older, the more I work. And more than half of my working effort does not get payed. The other half it-s just for survival. Shure I'm not the type working for a living. For a life I did systems / computer center / network management. Now I find wyself deeply involved in technical support for Internet services at the local University. You know what they say: one can either gather or spend, there is hardly place for both in a life...

DWalden: I am a lumber handler in Post Falls, Idaho. What I actually do is operate a gluing machine, making wood panels for furniture companies. They are sent to Germany, then they sell them back to U.S. customers for big bucks ( as entertainment centers,etc.) It's O.K., I get off early, paid vacation, and its not too mentally taxing. But best of all, it pays 7 bucks an hour(not bad up here).

Dickj: Authors are to society what food stamps is to money. When you figure out what that means - let me know.

noahlamy: I work as a self-employed plumbing and heating contractor. I used to have full-time employees but I cut back to being a one man shop. Now I have control over my schedule, I work when I want to and don't when I don't. I have control (within reason) over my income. When I need more, I work more. After 25 years in the business I've gotten pretty good at what I do. I don't advertise, ALL of my work comes in by reference. And I'll never be replaced by a machine or a program.

Cook_D: I attend University of Paisley, UK. I also work for Colloquium Internet, our local ISP. We're the only UK company that offers a 24/7 support line for our users and as a result sleep is a bonus. It pays the bills and provides some excellent humour.

mjaising: Me! I jes' love goofing around. But seriously I am a full time graduate student and am always short of cash. Please someone gimme a job.

gbknox: Computer programmer/analyst. Because it pays good and I get to create logical structures and users are easy to please. At the advanced age of 41 I'm also beginning to manage everybody's expectations so that I can even get more creative about what I produce.

Peterson: I am a Historic Preservation assistant. I research and plan new historic districts in my city, as well as assist people with their research. I also moonlight as a pre-school teacher (3 year olds). These two jobs combine my two passions in life, history and kids (I was a history major, and I have my Ed degree). Children represent our future, and history serves as a guide and insight to where we are going! And of course, it's great to get paid for something I love to do.

Byblos: I work in retail security. I walk around for eight hours a day and catch shoplifters. The money is alright, the benefits are great and the schedule is flexible. I meet interesting people. I also go to college part time. After school, I still don't know what I want to do.

staci: I work for Campus MCI cause I love the internet!

andreamer: I'm a student, and I have a couple of campus jobs. I work at the computer center help desk, and on my college's web site and, when it's being taught, I am a teaching assistant and grader for Computer Science 141. Though I get paid only minimum wage, I love doing all these things, because I like being helpful and I like playing with computers and I REALLY like getting paid for it.

mightor: Well, I'm a student of software engineering and I don't really work at all. I do design home pages and write clever CGI scripts for people, but I do this for fun. I also run a server together with a friend of mine, programming stuff for sys-adminning and making life for my users easier. Apart from that I don't do much, cept watching TV, hanging with friends and cooking food. Ohhh, I might be getting paid for a home page I made for my dad's company, does that count as job ?

dlarryk: I am a IS manager for one of the Baby Bells. My group and I have a lot of fun, especially since we work the night shift!

TGO27: I'm a Medical Technologist and manage a small, for profit, clinical laboratory and a staff of 20 or so. It is a constant battle to provide quality service, to turn a profit, to keep everyone: clients, staff, regulatory agencies, and my boss satisfied. Constantly up to my butt in a swamp of alligators. Good pay, though, and never a dull moment.

lobster: I enjoy working for Catholic Charities is social and community development. In that capacity I work with low-income groups and community agencies which aim to empower people. I also serve as an officer of several non-profit corporations which build homes and provide high risk loans to worker-owned businesses and low income housing groups.

dawnh: I work as a babysitter for two adorable little adopted children three days a week and Saturday nights. I do it because it pays good and I love children, these ones especially.

richard_: I saw logs for a living.No I don't go to work and get paid to sleep.I am the "Head Sawyer"at Hoosier Hardwood.I saw a survey on avg.pay and I make more than most four year college gradutes.I also do woodworking in my spare time so it works out well as I get my lumber free!!!

Thunderjet: I am the Comptroller/ Systems Manager for the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee. I also own a custom software company that specializes in legal and real estate programs. Why????? Because we like to.

fanzo: I help other people learn how to solve problems and set up goals. I am able to use my God given talents of music, crafts, song, and other creative skills to find common ground on polarized issues. I get paid to do what I enjoy doing. As a counselor/supervisor/consultant in and for a private organization, I look forward to the challanges and the rewards and the fact that I am part of the solution rather than sitting on the sidelines making the call.

JKushner: I'm an air traffic controller. I am underpaid, over-worked, and tired to death of having to use antique, crappy equipment. But (I know it's crazy), I just LOVE my job. It's different each and every day, and there's never any paperwork (unless I screw up!). I guess I enjoy the adrenalin rush when things get busy/ugly too.

stratcat: Well up to a month and a half ago I was a Scitex Prisma Operator(impressive eh?) -great job!-for a printing company(that shall remain nameless!).They screwed up big time and had to close their doors, one of which helped me out. Now I surf the Internet looking for jobs and collecting unemployment.

deidra: I work as a proofrunner for the local newspaper. I love my job and combined with my husband's income it pays the bills. Why? Because the job is fun and pays better than most other places around here.

deejay: I work on low voltage electrical systems(burglar and fire alarms,access controls, phones, cctv etc)

myrvold: I am a High School Principal in a small rural town called Norwood, Ontario. It is a challenging job but I enjoy it tremendously.

Trissie: I work for a well known Publishing Co. as an Inventory/Returns Manager, I enjoy my job very much. It's an everyday challenge.

Stage: I'm a musician/college student... you can check out my band's page here.

judylew: I am a Buyer for a public utility (water company). The pay is great and the work is interesting. I'm also a re-entry student at a state college.

Rece: I'm at college doing a BTEC Course in Computers! I have no idea why but I do love computers and my "forte" is in programing so I have loads of fun making trial games and menu systems! My next project will be making a chat forum, like Columbus or WebChat, but I need lots more practice in html and Visual Basic!

Kimmy: I write documentation and online help, etc for software at IBM. It's not my life's dream, but it pays good and I have mountains of student loans to pay off.

CapnDick: I'm a program specialist for computers and video at The Franklin Institute Science Museum. I do it because I love it, the fact that they pay me huge amounts of money to decide how to spend money on computers and video equipment, design, script and implement new exhibits, train demonstrators, and am being paid to learn as much as I can is only icing on the cake.

Woodsum: I am a physical therapist, I enjoy helping others get better, and the pay isn't too bad either!

wilmer: I retired from 25 years on broadcasting and marriage, 15 years ago. Since then I am a truck driver, (sounds exciting)...but realistically I can play a bigger game of chicken than 4 wheelers. OK I'm not doing too good at being cute. Seriously I deliver new Volvo trucks, (piggy-back) from factory in Dublin Va. to dealers all over North America, and fly home and do it over again. It is really a great job, earn more than some of the left seaters on the air lines I fly, pick up lots of frequent flyer miles and wife and I travel a lot. Yes, I did get married again 10 years ago and life is great.

SGammil: I design and cut gemstones. I have been a rock hound since I was about 8 years old. I enjoy the instant gratification of seing a final product every day. Cutting gems allows me to leave the world a little more beautiful than I found it.

AHJAZZ: I am a physician, specializing in radiology. Medicine is tougher today but still fulfilling.

gwendt: I raise money for a major public university in the midwest. It serves both a social need and a monetary need....and it's fun!

Marty2: I work work as an elementary school teacher. I love it! Where else can you get paid to play with Leggos and get to have absolute authority over people. Actually, I know it sound kind of hokey but I like the fact that I actually make a difference in someone's life. I work in a rural and poor area of Georgia. Some of the kids background would made you feel so bad. I hope that I can be some type of kindness in their lives. Plus where else can you get hugs and not be sued for sexual harassment.

TONYBAKER: I work for the fourth largest telecommunications carrier and basically correct errors in the computer billing network...(not your bill...just the network)... and I also work part-time as a music private lesson instructor in saxophone, keyboards, piano, and MIDI. Oh, and I arrange and write music occasionally for a little fee. But, usually it's free+copyright. I work very hard as an adult volunteer for my church's youth department. I do a monthly newsletter for the youth, and I am involved as the music director of our Youth Outreach (bus ministry), and also play in the Jr. and Sr. High youth bands. I don't volunteer for $, but I volunteer for to reach the lives of young people who live only for $. You can visit my page at http://cust.iamerica.net/tdbaker/index.html. The pages are about C-Music, the Christian Musician's Resource Network. Come by soon!

chanticlear: I am a Data Systems Coordinator for a state university by day...I love the job, but am underpaid. My motivation and enjoyment are derived from helping people, seeing them discover and find practical uses for the network services and computer hardware I'm responsible for. By night, I'm a freelance consultant, editorialist, and president and webmaster of a new startup company. Hopefully, if it goes well enough, I can quit my civil service job, and earn a little more money. I'm also an online rights activist, for free.

Colestock: I am a senior staff member for on campus housing at a University. I have been a college housing professional for 15 years now because I always wanted to be a teacher, studied to be a teacher, and didn't like the stale classroom. This job offers me an opportunity to be a teacher of life to my students, employees, etc. I like to tell my students taht they go across the street in the morning to learn how to make a living, only to return to our facilities later for the class that teaches them "how to live." It is a great opportunity to be of real service to the world. People don't know how to be members of a community anymore in our society. I like to believe the ones in our facilities are learning that. Aside from this profession which pays next to nothing, I invest in real estate for my real money.

advocat: Sacramento based legislative advocat specializing in internet based technology, environmental issues and other social/civil rights based stuff. I make about $25 to $30k a year, never finished college and love to ski Tahoe and party in San Francisco. Sacramento is great for young people. I left L.A. when I was 10 and only go back for work related projects. President of Jungblud -- check it out at http://www.ns.net/users/advocat/che.htm

OTIS: I'm a self employed roofing contractor. I make good money but im getting sick of it. Would like to change careers But I'm 40 years old and have no degree.

cmillard: I am a geologist working for a consulting firm (Radian International, L.L.C.). Most of the work I do is related to site assessment and remediation. I became a geologist because I love to be outside, and now I spend too much time in here. Oh yeah and consulting pays more than teaching.

flutterby: The most intersting job I've ever had was working as an artist's model. People are sometimes amazed that I feel comfortable walking into a room of strangers and sitting/standing/kneeling/recling..for three hours with no clothes on. Of course after the first few sessions their not strangers. And it has nothing to do with sex...I'm not spread legged with a seductive look in my eye wearing lace garters. The artists are very invovled in capturing the ARTISTIC beauty of the human body--- meaningfully and poignantly. And (unless otherwise desires) corectly and in the right proportions. One artist explained it this way, "We look at you like we look at a bowl of fruit, we just want to get it RIGHT." My boyfriend said he lost all illusions about it one day when he came in to pick me up. Everybody was struggling with their painting--they weren't getting any sexual gratification from my nudity. I really wish that people would look at the human body as a thing of beauty, and realize that we ALL live in one--no matter how many layers of cloth we try to cover it up with. Oh, and one last thing. I feel like I've been enriched and learned a lot from this job--it has sparked my interest in art.

KenMar: I work at USC. The pay isn't great but it keeps me and my children off the streets. I'm only here to get in my 15 years so I won't have to pay for my children's college education in the next 15 years. 6 more years to go and I'm free to go make some real money!

sawbuck: I build custom cabinetry and furniture for the commercial and residential market. I enjoy working with my hands and I am now learning programming for when I am old and tired..