Sally from Ramblings from the Other Side... asked what we do for a living so I thought I would post this. Over the past 35 years, I have worked as a Registered Nurse, taught Nursing, been a stay-at-home mom, Avon lady, president of the PTA, nutrition counsellor and finally in 2000, I went back to school to train as a computer technician. A year later, I graduated with all these cool Microsoft and Novell certifications and nifty geek pins to wear. Then the high tech meltdown began and no one was hiring. That Christmas, I went to a cocktail party and met a woman whose boss was looking for some new IT people and three weeks later in January 2001, I started working for the Federal Government of Canada in IT. I began with a bunch of guys doing computer support, setting up computers, installing Windows, crawling under desks to hook up the power and cables. I then moved into Application support and got to sit at a computer all day answering questions on why an application didn’t work or helping people fix their passwords. I know all those techie jokes and they are true.
Now nine years later, my title is Systems Analyst but I just got another title—Senior Documentation Specialist. Basically, I write down all the processes, help guides and step by step instructions for my group. I also help design and build software and do database stuff. Right now the group I work for is in a disorganized state with rotating acting managers. I just told my boss today that I would not take on someone else’s work just because they are lazy and don't want to do it. I'm the one they usually go to because I get the job done. No more—I’d rather spend my time on-line reading blogs :-)Well that’s me and my job. This is my secure job with fabulous pay, benefits and a pension so I’ll stick it out for many more years. I don’t get any cute puppies or kittens to work with but then no ones dies at my job anymore. For all of you going back to school or thinking about it, it’s never too late to retrain or change careers. What I think I would like to do next is either work in a coffee shop or bookstore. Maybe when I retire. So what do you do to earn your crust?
9 comments:
What an interesting career change. It sounds like you are good at it. I read Amanda's post today also. It really made me think. My daughter is only 2 and I have already had thoughts about how to avoid passing along poor eating and body image issues. UGH! Parenthood.
Wow. All I could think of was that you went through all that training to become a nurse then completely switched tacks. How I admire you for this.
I read Amanda's post today too. It was very thought provoking. I think most of us here that have children can really identify with what she was saying.
I'm not really happy with my job eventhough it pays well, has great benefits and 4 weeks vacation. I'm seriously thinking about looking for a new job once I lose weight.
I just read your comment about my blog format. I went to http://hotbliggityblog.com, picked a format, and it gives detailed instructions on how to get the format on to your blog. If I can do it, anybody can do it.
Wow Sandy, you have really had a great career! And to train for more than one career and to do so well in both is fantastic!!
Thanks for your comment on my blog today. I too left a comment on Grace's blog and at first thought that it didn't take. But then I realized that it said...your comment will be visible after approval.
And since she just had her Surgery today, it could be a few days before she checks out her blog!! So I will continue to monitor it and see if she ever allows the comments to be visible.
Sandy, what a great job! It's great when you meet someone at a cocktail party and next thing you know, your life has changed for the better. I'm sure it's nice to have someone personable in the IT department - you must be a breath of fresh air in there!
I'm looking forward to your Raising Daughters post. I have two boys and a girl, and I am so concerned about messing them up!
You always provide such great humor in your posts! Love it.
Also an inspiration. I've been at the same sales job for 12 years. I like the benefits, being on the road and not in an office all day and the freedom that I have to make my own schedule for the most part. But all jobs have ups and downs. Kind of a down now (and pretty boring) but with all that is going on in my life that's okay.
It's nice to see others making changes to their careers. I love our idea about working in a bookstore of coffee shop! You seem to have the personality to be in the public eye!!!
Sandy, I think I need to go to more cocktail parties. Thanks for the blog mention. Every once in awhile, we hit a nerve, don't we? I'm glad your daughter is doing so well. That gives me a lot of hope. Yesterday my daughter had soccer practice in the rain for almost two hours. She had a blast.
Thanks for following up on my post...I want to get to know you all better. What an interesting career change and yes...nothing is impossible. I had the worst day yesterday...we had to put down a puppy and another dog we had been nursing for 2 weeks. I hope I enriched their lives or their owners while they were here....Can't wait for your daughter post. I am really conflicted about this issue
Post a Comment