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What are you studying/ What job do you do?

JamithicusJamithicus
edited May 2010 in General Banter
What kind of things do people do around here? Personally, I'm taking Philosophy at GCSE and A level and I'd quite like to lecture it at a university or something. Were your career choices affected by Buddhism or anything like that? Obviously I'm quite young and my career options are pretty open, so I'm open to ideas!

Thanks :)

Comments

  • NomaDBuddhaNomaDBuddha Scalpel wielder :) Bucharest Veteran
    edited April 2010
    I'm a high school student studying boring subjects( 90% of them are boring). As for buddhism affecting my school, I can tell you, that after practicing meditation I'm not afraid of what the future holds at school (tests and other things).
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited April 2010
    Scientist doing research on genetics. Buddhism had little direct impact on the decision.
    Jamithicus wrote: »
    ...I'm taking Philosophy at GCSE and A level and I'd quite like to lecture it at a university or something.

    Some probably painful, but possibly helpful advice: Graduate School in the Humanities: Just Don't Go. You are in for a rough road, if you go that way.
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited April 2010
    I'm a registered nurse about to launch into a Master's Degree program to become a nurse anesthetist. Terrifying and exciting at the same time. Someday I'll figure out what I want to be when I grow up. If I don't die first :)

    Mtns
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited April 2010
    I'm 53 today, and I still don't know what to do with my life - !!

    Actually, I'm the Manager of an Italian delicatessen/Bistro, and have great fun doing that, but I'm also working to gain my certified accreditation in Dog Psychology, because people are so fond of the 'bit of paper' that says you can do something....although, I've been an 'unofficial' Dog Behaviourist for nearly 10 years now......
  • skydancerskydancer Veteran
    edited April 2010
    I work for an afterschool program for an elementary school part time and I co-facilitate Mind/Body Exploration Workshops with a Physical Therapist.

    Meditation practice is well integrated into my working life.
  • JamithicusJamithicus
    edited April 2010
    fivebells wrote: »
    You are in for a rough road, if you go that way.
    :eek:
    Ow. That was painful. I think I'll have to do my own research about that, because that seems to be from the US of A and I'm living in the UK. But I take the point, it looks very very difficult, however for me it's still early days so I have plenty of time to change my mind and become a ventriloquist. :D
  • fivebellsfivebells Veteran
    edited April 2010
    Yes, it's primarily written from a US perspective. The UK has generally had less money for academia, though, at least since Thatcher, but I suppose there could be some other compensating factor I don't know of, like a correspondingly lower number of aspiring humanities academics.
  • InmostLightInmostLight
    edited April 2010
    I'm currently running a graphic / web design business, although the commitment is enormous and I may just switch to a day job for a more stable income.
  • OlarteOlarte
    edited April 2010
    I've had a 20+ year career in IT, and now in my private life, I've become a classical guitarist, and am learning to be a good cook of healthy foods.
  • MidpackMidpack
    edited April 2010
    Engineer in manufacturing management. Buddhism has not affected my job per se, just made my personal journey more important than my job - happily.
  • SomeSayInFireSomeSayInFire
    edited April 2010
    High School Student, but I realise its important, so I wont complain. Complaining doesn't get anything done anyways...Buddhism affects my schoolwork slightly, I spend most my team reading on it, rather than reading anything school related! :)

    As long as I graduate I'll be happy! :)
  • Quiet_witnessQuiet_witness Veteran
    edited April 2010
    Professional wikipedia researcher part time physician group manager.
  • -ken--ken-
    edited April 2010
    Fire-Fighter :rarr:
  • patbbpatbb Veteran
    edited April 2010
    I do animated cartoon movies for a living.

    Which consist of making sophisticated computer puppets act and move...


    Not contributing much to society with my work ;)
  • SomeSayInFireSomeSayInFire
    edited April 2010
    patbb wrote: »
    I do animated cartoon movies for a living.

    Which consist of making sophisticated computer puppets act and move...


    Not contributing much to society with my work ;)
    Sounds pretty cool to me. :cool:
  • diego898diego898
    edited April 2010
    Computer Engineer - going to grad school to major in Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
  • UrizenUrizen
    edited April 2010
    I teach English and Spanish in Japan
  • patominpatomin
    edited April 2010
    federica wrote: »
    I'm 53 today, and I still don't know what to do with my life - !!

    Actually, I'm the Manager of an Italian delicatessen/Bistro, and have great fun doing that, but I'm also working to gain my certified accreditation in Dog Psychology, because people are so fond of the 'bit of paper' that says you can do something....although, I've been an 'unofficial' Dog Behaviourist for nearly 10 years now......


    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
  • patominpatomin
    edited April 2010
    IT technician/administrator.....yeah....Buddhism keeps my perspective through all my aggravation!!!

    :P
  • RainRain
    edited April 2010
    I work in an office... very un-fascinating, I assure you :)
  • dennis60dennis60
    edited April 2010
    I have been a monk in a small Buddhist monastery for about 23 years. We houseclean, and do a little home repair. Of course this vocation is integral with my Buddhist practice....:)
  • IrrisIrris Explorer
    edited April 2010
    Interesting... all your jobs seem to fit your personalities (from what I've read elsewhere on the forum)!
    I just got promoted to kids specialist at a large book store... which is anything related to kids books, events, story time, etc.. and young adult department, including graphic novels and manga. Pretty excited!
    Learning about Buddhism has actually helped a lot at work. My attitude about working, and relationships with coworkers have been immensely healthier here than anywhere else I've worked. Granted, a lot of that probably has to do with how awesome books and nerds are.
    I'm also working on a website for dog (and other pet) nutrition / food and recipes for home made healthy stuff.
  • BjornBjorn
    edited April 2010
    Am in my last year of high school. Studying English, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Physics and Music Performance in classical guitar :)
    I'm looking to hopefully do a Bachelor of Science and Diploma of Music Performance, then a Masters of Engineering at Melbourne Uni.
    Eventually I want to be an Acoustic Engineer :)
    I think Buddhism has had an influence in my studies and the way I think, and like SomeSayInFire, I tend to spend most of my time reading about Buddhism rather than school related study... Haha maybe I should be a monk instead?.. :D
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited April 2010
    If you decide to be a monk, be mindful of your guitar strings....
    On the day he felt like giving up being a monk, the Buddha came to visit Sona in
    his meditation place....

    from here, 2nd paragraph, page 2......
  • SwannySwanny
    edited April 2010
    federica wrote: »
    I've been an 'unofficial' Dog Behaviourist for nearly 10 years now......

    Mind if I ask you an "unofficial" puppy problem? :)

    Two months ago I adopted an 8 month old puppy... Very well behaved, house trained, etc. This lil beast absolutely LOVES people. The problem is I haven't been able to stop her from jumping up on people and she is 55 lbs. and can hurt older people or kids potentially.

    Help! :grin:
  • PalzangPalzang Veteran
    edited April 2010
    My career is being a monk. I also work to provide my necessities as well as money to support my temple. Right now I'm working for a "Beltway Bandit" (government contractor) feeding a database called the Hazardous Substance Data Base (HSDB) for the National Library of Medicine. It's a good company, the work is useful though perhaps not too exciting (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), and it provides what I need to survive. My real career, or pehaps I should call it a vocation, is what provides me with the opportunity to a) be of benefit to others, b) help establish Dharma in the West on a permanent basis, c) give my life meaning. I tend to stay busy...

    Palzang
  • FoibleFullFoibleFull Canada Veteran
    edited April 2010
    I'm on the eve of retirement.

    I chose the well-being of my schizophrenic daughter over using my degree to develop a career. Maybe you can do whatever you want in life ... but you can't do it all simultaneously. I don't regret my choice ... you can't downgrade your child's quality-of-life into second place. You do what's right. Buddhist effect #1.

    Besides ... my dad was a well-paid chemical engineer engaged in research and he loved his job. But he was so unhappy. As a matter of fact, not a single housewife or professional in my childhood neighbourhood seemed happy. I grew up thinking that the answer to happiness lay somewhere else, and that certainly took a lot of air out of my ambition balloon. Buddhist effect #2.

    P.S. - when I retire I look forward to volunteering at the local soup kitchen for the homeless.
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited April 2010
    Wow... you can sure tell you don't live in America! In America these days you're lucky to get math, English, history, and chemistry, much less all that kind of stuff.

    Good luck!

    Mtns
    Bjorn wrote: »
    Am in my last year of high school. Studying English, Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Physics and Music Performance in classical guitar :)
    I'm looking to hopefully do a Bachelor of Science and Diploma of Music Performance, then a Masters of Engineering at Melbourne Uni.
    Eventually I want to be an Acoustic Engineer :)
    I think Buddhism has had an influence in my studies and the way I think, and like SomeSayInFire, I tend to spend most of my time reading about Buddhism rather than school related study... Haha maybe I should be a monk instead?.. :D
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited April 2010
    Swanny wrote: »
    Two months ago I adopted an 8 month old puppy... Very well behaved, house trained, etc. This lil beast absolutely LOVES people. The problem is I haven't been able to stop her from jumping up on people and she is 55 lbs. and can hurt older people or kids potentially.

    I'm a former veterinary technician (aka nurse in all but name). I've had a bit of dog behavior training. I've had good luck with a gentle but firm knee to the chest of the jumping dog. The knee, along with a firm "NO!" to accompany it will usually cure the problem within a few days or weeks. Heap plenty of praise when she comes up to you all excited and doesn't jump.

    Mtns
  • Fran45Fran45
    edited May 2010
    I'm a head of department in a private school in the UK and teach Psychology to sixth form students. (16-18 years) I was a Psychologist working in the NHS until it got too much; was an RN in an ER and ITU before doing my degree. Worked for big pharma for a couple of years as a drug rep; have taught young people kicked out of school and worked in a young offenders institution (a prison). Buddhism has informed all of the above - including the Big Pharma job as despite a very good salary, lots of 'perks' and fun times I couldn't stand it anymore and went back to the NHS!
  • TheswingisyellowTheswingisyellow Trying to be open to existence Samsara Veteran
    edited May 2010
    Mountains wrote: »
    I'm a registered nurse about to launch into a Master's Degree program to become a nurse anesthetist. Terrifying and exciting at the same time. Someday I'll figure out what I want to be when I grow up. If I don't die first :)

    Mtns
    Hey Mountains:)
    I am an ER RN BSN. Strong work on the advanced study. Good to see another RN.
    Yours in the Dharma,
    Todd
  • EllaElla
    edited May 2010
    I dont work and am on disability due to my mental health
    But i use to be a shop assailant
  • billwbillw
    edited May 2010
    For 20 years I had a career repairing/maintaining industrial equipment. I always loved doing physical labor. Some physical issues forced me onto disability. Went back to college and earned a BS in accounting. Currently work for the state government counting other people's money and making sure they pay the correct amount of taxes. Not a very good job but at least I'm productive, paying our bills and on the right side of the grass.
  • rachelyourachelyou
    edited May 2010
    I've just started studying Psychology - nearly finished semester 1! I've always wanted to go to uni but it's hard when you don't finish school and then have a baby hehe :) I also work part-time at the post office.
  • Fran45Fran45
    edited May 2010
    I went to uni as a single parent with a 2 year old and while going through a horrible divorce. It was very hard and is even harder now in the UK with changes to student financing, but it is worth it. I wouldn't have my job now if I hadn't done my degree. You might be surprised how much support you would get if there are similar systems in Australia!
  • ZachaaZachaa
    edited May 2010
    I am a second year teacher in the US, teaching 6th grade (11 - 12 year olds) science- Earth Science. I was just beginning to get the hang of it, and I was told that third year things really start clicking! Unfortunately, due to the crisis in CA, I have been laid off for next year. I will get my pink slip by the end of the week.

    It is possible that at the end of the summer they could say, "OH hey wait, we actually DO need you!!" but that will probably be a job in one of the worst schools. Unfortunately because this is a CA problem and not a district problem, there aren't really any other districts hiring around here. Except for L.A. But not only is that a commute but... well... let's just say I haven't heard many positive things about the district that employs over 45,000 teachers... scary!

    Plus I'm getting married and going on my honeymoon this summer and I don't want to ruin it by constantly worrying over whether or not I will get a job.

    So now I have a new plan. I'm going to take the year off and get my math credential (study to take the test). That will more than double my options, as right now I can only teach middle school (6-8) and physics in high school and not many schools around here have a full-time physics teacher. Hopefully in a year's time SOMEBODY will be hiring...
  • billwbillw
    edited May 2010
    Zachaa you've got a good plan. My son also went back to school this year after losing his job. He is working on his certification as a high school math teacher. It seems math teachers are in high demand, at least here in the Northeast part of the country. This is the fourth recession I've been through. Jobs are the first to go and the last to come back. Hang in there, within a year or so the job market will be better.
  • DanielHallDanielHall
    edited May 2010
    At college doing Computing at A Level. Heading towards the end of my first year doing it.
  • MarmaladeMarmalade
    edited May 2010
    Junior year in college studying psychology. I don't really want to pursue anything in that field, but to make my family happy I'm going to get a degree. What I really do is music. I'll give you all a shout-out at the Grammys someday :)

    Also, just got hired today as a part-time bank teller :P
  • ZachaaZachaa
    edited May 2010
    billw- Math is definitely the way to go! Everyone I've told my plan to has said it's a good one, so I'm feeling more confident by the day. I got a book today specific to the test, so I think that will help. Good luck to your son too! What did he teach before?

    Marmalade- YAY, congrats on getting a job!
  • billwbillw
    edited May 2010
    Zachaa - My son isn't a teacher yet. He has a BS in business administration. He was a recruiter for a company that went out of business. Fortunately he's young and single. He decided to go back to school to get his teaching degree. He moved back in with my wife and I to save on expenses. 3 more semesters to go.
  • ZachaaZachaa
    edited May 2010
    Well good luck to your son! If he's got three more semesters chances are by the time he's ready to go there'll be a job out there for him!

    Here in CA the pickings are slim, but another teacher told me that's probably because the parents just don't realize yet how much is going to change next year, especially in my (now previous) district. Once they get into the schools next year and find out what happened, they're probably not going to let the next school bond vote get pounded into the ground like they did last November. At least that's the hope...
  • ShutokuShutoku Veteran
    edited May 2010
    I teach guitar, drums, voice, bass, piano, and band classes in my home. This coming September will mark my 30th year as a music teacher.
    I also of course perform now and then, though these days almost exclusively with my students.
    7 years ago I got some sort of virus that took 90% of the hearing in left ear (also left me with constant tinnitus and bouts of severe vertigo) which makes really loud music not very enjoyable. Right now I am working with a Jazz quartet though with 3 of my students, and we are planning a CD.
    I chose my career before I became Buddhist, so I cannot say it influenced the choice, but there is an influence in the sense that I do not take a cookie cutter approach. I tailor the lessons according to each students abilities and what inspires and motivates them.
  • Fran45Fran45
    edited May 2010
    It must have been very hard for you to adjust to hearing difficulties given your profession. I'm pleased that you've been able to continue despite those challenges.
  • ShutokuShutoku Veteran
    edited May 2010
    It took a few months to adjust. I wear a hearing aid although it doesn't really help very much. The biggest difficulty is separation of sounds and I have little sense of direction with sound, but I think we can learn to adapt to almost anything. I seldom think about it now. :)
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