US Navy CTM

This job was very similar to electronics technician except we sometimes maintained cryptologic equipment. I spent the first two years learning electronics and specialized equipment. The next four years I repaired everything from main frame computers to receivers. This job was intricate and interesting.

Telephone Network Technician

Once I left the Navy, I worked as a telephone network technician. This job included replacing phones, replacing telephone lines, repairing the network computer and T1 lines, and programming the network computer. Once again it was an interesting and fun job. And, because it was outside the U.S., it was well paid.

Xerox Technician

But, when I went back to the States, I found that many of the schools were pumping out electronics technicians. These guys had the degree, but did not have the work experience. I had the work experience and Navy schooling, but did not have the degree. It was quite a shock when I found out that I with all my experience (about ten years) and my schooling, companies wanted to pay me under ten dollars an hour. The secretaries without degrees were making around thirteen dollars or more.

Also, if you ever have a chance to work on copy machines-Don’t. It is one of the least rewarding experiences I have ever had.

School Age Program

After I earned my degree in English, I worked at a School Age Program for a small amount of time. I was hired to help the children with their homework. Unfortunately, I ended up working in the classrooms with fifteen children to one adult. I became ill with my disease soon after taking this job. I have wondered since if this job partially triggered my disease.

Writing

The last few years I have been writing everything from technical manuals to reviews. This job as a freelancer has been the least rewarding money-wise, but the most rewarding talent-wise. Someday I hope to break-out, but until then I will write until I drop.

So for fun, write your lifetime of work. What was good? What was bad? Would you do it again? Even though some of the work I have done has been hard and rewardless, it has taken me to places I would never have gone.  So yes, I would do it again. Each job taught me a little something about myself. It made life interesting.