What is or was your career?

[Cilrah]

Myself, I retired from the Army in 2002 after spending 23 years in service. First 4 years were spent as a Topographic Map Maker, then changed my speciality to Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance.

DW, retired from the Army in 2004 after almost 25 years in service. She joined as a Military Police Officer. Her last years were spent in Administration and HR.
After retirement she worked as a Flight Attendant for Horizon Airlines for a short time. After leaving the airlines she opened her own Coffee Shop which she closed after problems with her landlord.

We both started working full-time for the US Postal Service where we met in 2007. Currently both still with the USPS. Last November we drove the RV to Las Vegas where we were married by Elvis Presley on 11-11-11

[scgator]

Former Manufacturing Maintenance Manager; specialties were Plant Automation and Robotics, Custom Hydraulics and Pneumatics.....also former licensed South Carolina Electrical Contractor (retired).

Now, I work on computers and build websites for a "money making hobby"

[flightmedic]

I am a retired flight paramedic that can't wait to travel!

[Bullitt]

Spent 33 years with the Los Angeles Police Department (last 20 as a sergeant). Retired awhile ago now just waiting for the spouse to retire in 4 years so we can sell the house and go full time. She was a 20 year RN MICN at Los Angeles area E/R Trauma Centers, now a Nurse Educator for the FD. Photo is Hollywood Division circa 1978 during the good old days.

[puddintang]

As for me, 4 years military, then 30 years industrial HVAC working for York factory service in Georgia, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 72. Retired after motorcycle wreck with disability.

[dashdriver]

First 4 years of my working life I was a flight instructor, corporate pilot and charter pilot. I then spent 3 years as an airline pilot before being away from home so much sucked all the enjoyment out of it. Career change to law enforcement. Spent first 3 years on patrol. The last 2 I have specialized in accident investigation/reconstruction and impaired driving enforcement. Still have a long way to go (hopefully!) in the timeline of life.

[MickBrennan]

I alternated jobs. Switching back and forth between heavy construction, layout, inspection, field engineering with barbering. Not too big of a transition.

[RanCarr]

Veterinary surgical assistant. I was lucky enough to retire at the age of 50.

[Rom]

Wow, very very interesting thread - thanks Okmunky for starting this!
Now for my side of the story which is not as exciting as for the majority of the posters here. Held a variety of jobs after high school, then apprenticed as a Merchant Marine deck officer, joined the US Navy, found out it was fun travelling and seeing all those exotic places and stayed in for 22 years, retiring in 1996. Volunteered for the American Cancer Society for a couple of years, then went back to work a Defense Contractor until finally calling it quits in 2007. Loved it but having itchy feet (love to travel), gets bored sometimes at home since DW still working (35 yrs as an RN).

[Cilrah]

Originally Posted by Rom

Wow, very very interesting thread - thanks Okmunky for starting this!

I totally agree with Rom, very interesting thread, probably the first with this many pages that I read all the way through. All I can say is when I start traveling full-time, I'd like to caravan with some of you mechanics

Thanks for your service to all the Military and Law Enforcement Officers

[carolanded]

Hey Bullitt,
My DH knows you...Ed Wheelis, retired after 35 1/2 yrs with LAPD..he remembers you! And remembered that your wife was a nurse..he wants to know if she still bakes cakes! Small world, huh!

Originally Posted by Bullitt

Spent 33 years with the Los Angeles Police Department (last 20 as a sergeant). Retired awhile ago now just waiting for the spouse to retire in 4 years so we can sell the house and go full time. She was a 20 year RN MICN at Los Angeles area E/R Trauma Centers, now a Nurse Educator for the FD. Photo is Hollywood Division circa 1978 during the good old days.

[sirpurrcival]

Occupations have included, Youth Care Worker, then supervisor, transitioned to computers after some years and spent the next 20 working as an independent consultant and Computer Support Engineer. Have stepped back recently to manage some family matters but still dabble. DW is a registered social worker and victim's assistance worker.

[Old Trucker]

Originally Posted by okmunky

The diversity of this group never ceases to amaze me. I think it would be fun to know how you earn(ed) a living. The wealth of knowledge of this group is astounding! I'll start --

I have been a chairside dental assistant, a civilian dental therapy assistant for the US Army (dentist did the drilling, we did the filling), a mom, an Optical shop owner, a dispensing Optician for Sears, a Dental Assisting School instructor, a 7-11 store manager, an infant daycare provider, a home builder (my own), a foster parent for kids with special needs, and a personal assistant/monkey nanny for a very busy female executive. I retired in May 2011 after working for 42 years My job now is driving my motorhome, caring for my furkids and seeing this marvelous counrty. The best job, for sure!

Hmmms, seems like I was destined to roam the country as a full-timer. I get bored easily and enjoy learning and trying new things. Who knows what will be next? An adventure for sure!

I spent 9 years in the consumer finance business, another 20 years in auto & motorcycle sales. In 1985 I worked in sales at a motorcycle dealership. It was located on I-70, St Charles, Mo. I kept seeing those big trucks going by and could not stand it any more. I bought an 18 wheeler and hit the road for the next 24 years. The song ways "I have been everywhere" fits me. All 48 states, plus Alaska, 8 Provinces of Canada and Mexico. I drove that same truck 24 years and 3,145,000 miles. Decided to retire when freight got slow in 6-09. I had met the love of my life 8-08 and remaried at age 70, retired at 71, sold my trruck and 10 days latter bought a diesel pusher. I must have a lot of wanderlust in my soul because I am always ready to travel somewhere. After being a cross coucntry trucker, I have to giggle a little when RV's talk about there 10 year old RV high mileage motorhome with 70,000 miles best wishes, old trucker

[Mooseguy]

I have worked on aircraft engines for a major engine supplier for nearly 20 years. During this same time I have owned my own sign business, but sold it in the spring of 2011. My wife and I have had fifth wheels in the past, but had always dreamed of a DP. Soooo after selling the business we bought one. Love it and we are ready to travel. Our son attends West Point so we are making trips out to the east coast a lot.