Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 21 to 37 of 37

Thread: What Job do you wish you'd done?

  1. #21
    Premium Member
    OSIRUS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    3,592
    Thanks
    10,571
    Thanked 2,467 Times in 958 Posts
    Rep Power
    1071
    Reputation
    38001

    Default

    I don't think I would change a thing .... I have liked every job I have done so far ....

    but, I sometimes think about if I had gone into the Armed Forces when I had left school ..... you used to be able to retire when you turned 40 or something on a pension for the rest of your life .... as well as get another job if you wanted to ..... (this takes on more meaning when you are more than 40 years old ....)

    I also now see the benefits of being in a Government paid job or Big Company Jobs where you don't have worry about getting paid all your superannuation, & job entitlements etc ....

    I also think about if I had followed mining company work (anything from a Dump Truck driver, to a Welder, Fitter, Engineer etc ..... to a floor sweeper .... it all paid huge money) & would mean a very good lifestyle with big houses & cars & boats & any toys you wanted ..... as well as a huge superannuation fund at the end
    Become a Premium Member and support the Austech Forum

  2. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to OSIRUS For This Useful Post:

    Godzilla (29-11-15),gulliver (28-11-15),Manwhore (03-12-15),Rick (30-11-15)



  • #22
    Senior Member

    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    1,265
    Thanks
    139
    Thanked 643 Times in 368 Posts
    Rep Power
    454
    Reputation
    10815

    Default

    I'm glad I didn't end up with the jobs I applied for after finishing school. Telecom exchange tech (2nd in line for the state) - exchanges are now basically unmanned tombs; tech at TV station - station has become essentially a sales office with all tech roles gone / moved thousands of km away.

  • The Following User Says Thank You to SpankedHam For This Useful Post:

    Manwhore (03-12-15)

  • #23
    Senior Member
    Rick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Tassi
    Posts
    4,167
    Thanks
    4,168
    Thanked 3,471 Times in 1,531 Posts
    Rep Power
    1340
    Reputation
    51955

    Default

    I started out as an apprentice panel beater and spray painter, got my ticket then quit, the fumes were killing me, from there a lot of truck driving around the state for Ipec, then I went onto mechanics for 5 years, then bought a cafe which near sent me broke, then back on the tools as a marine mechanic but couldnt stand the other prick in the workshop so quit, 3 years now back at mechanics working from my shed at home and its the happiest ive been in a long time I dont think i'll stop doing mechanical work as I really enjoy working with my hands and seeing happy customers when they get their cars back all fixed

  • The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to Rick For This Useful Post:

    enf (29-11-15),Godzilla (29-11-15),Manwhore (03-12-15),ol' boy (29-11-15),OSIRUS (29-11-15),VroomVroom (29-11-15)

  • #24
    Premium Lager

    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Age
    60
    Posts
    4,882
    Thanks
    1,635
    Thanked 2,711 Times in 1,230 Posts
    Rep Power
    1174
    Reputation
    40746

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Godzilla View Post
    My father told me when i was 20 to join the Police force and to try to get into Hwy Patrol, something that i look back at and regret not doing.

    Just last night i was looking at the Police entrance fitness test.......and questioning myself if id still pass......
    Like I think I have said to you GZ, I joined at 48, fitness was a worry for me and I actually did the whole test with a torn calf muscle. i was that determined NOT to fail I just pushed through the pain.

    I focused on the whole task at hand from decision to join and walking through the academy gates. absolutely the best thing I have ever done in my entire life.

    Dont let age or ability stop you, age is just a number and ability can be learnt, taught and achieved if you put your mind to it.

    Even fitness can be improved. I started small interval runs, built upto more and more, although I get extremely bored running a 5 - 6 K run for a nearly 53 yo bugger is no problem

    Actually, in VicPol, a yearly fitness test is a condition of employment in this new age and I totally agree with it. It will force me to maintain a level of fitness into my older life.
    __________________________________________________ __
    Statistically, if you wait long enough, everything will happen!

  • The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to porkop For This Useful Post:

    enf (29-11-15),Godzilla (28-11-15),Manwhore (03-12-15),OSIRUS (29-11-15)

  • #25
    Premium Member
    ol' boy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    17,662
    Thanks
    8,131
    Thanked 10,460 Times in 5,194 Posts
    Rep Power
    4471
    Reputation
    184272

    Default

    Yes, VicPol is having a huge changing of the guard in recent years.
    A lot of older long serving members (from the old mentality) are all retiring.
    And young (too young) members are climbing the ranks to senior positions.
    I think VicPol like this, as they want the "New School" training to take hold.
    A lot of older and possibly heavier members nearing retirement they just let slide now, no point getting them to conform when they will be soon leaving.

    I guess as mentioned by others... its not just you that change jobs, sometimes jobs change too.

    Like others, I'd also considered work in the mines.
    But its really not that attractive.
    Did a stint in the Wind Turbines.
    Ok money, but its noisy industrial type work, with a big company mentality.
    Not much fun being locked up in a metal box on a 35degree day with hot motors all around you.
    And when you need a poo, you have to do it in a plastic bag and lower it down.
    Last edited by ol' boy; 29-11-15 at 07:15 AM.
    If u want to go on an expedition get a Land Rover, if u want to come home from an expedition get a Landcruiser!

  • The Following User Says Thank You to ol' boy For This Useful Post:

    Manwhore (03-12-15)

  • #26
    Senior Member
    Rick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Tassi
    Posts
    4,167
    Thanks
    4,168
    Thanked 3,471 Times in 1,531 Posts
    Rep Power
    1340
    Reputation
    51955

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Godzilla View Post

    Just last night i was looking at the Police entrance fitness test.......and questioning myself if id still pass......
    Forget it mate, if your anything like me the ciggys have scrapped that idea, some days I puff and pant worse than a 99 year old steam engine

  • The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Rick For This Useful Post:

    Godzilla (29-11-15),Manwhore (03-12-15)

  • #27
    Premium Member
    ol' boy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    17,662
    Thanks
    8,131
    Thanked 10,460 Times in 5,194 Posts
    Rep Power
    4471
    Reputation
    184272

    Default

    Well on the subject.

    Does anyone know if you can apply and be accepted to VicPol if you have been inside before?
    A friend was in Goulburn Jail 20+ ago for a drunken burg on a car radio shop.

    He started the process, and all the info you need to provide is pretty intense.
    Plus the back checks etc.
    He went off the idea, and i think he was told on the quite, he wouldn't stand much chance of getting in.
    Last edited by ol' boy; 29-11-15 at 09:15 AM.
    If u want to go on an expedition get a Land Rover, if u want to come home from an expedition get a Landcruiser!

  • #28
    Premium Member
    OSIRUS's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    3,592
    Thanks
    10,571
    Thanked 2,467 Times in 958 Posts
    Rep Power
    1071
    Reputation
    38001

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by oceanboy View Post

    Like others, I'd also considered work in the mines.
    But its really not that attractive.
    That is true .... (I went for the jobs that made me happy too)

    Ten years ago I heard the coal mines in the hunter valley had to employ a quota of 30% women in some areas (as well as other quotas like for Aboriginal people etc) ...

    & I have met a few women who tried it & didn't like it too ....

    but I think if the women are there long enough they will demand better conditions for themselves anyway ....


    The money is the compensation to get people to go there .... (obviously)

    my brother in law worked on offshore Oil platforms etc .... & he was making $1800 a day a few years ago .... & he also demanded Australian dollars when it was higher than the U.S dollar & demanded to be paid in U.S. dollars when the U.S. dollar was worth more than ours

    Lots of my relations have worked in the mines all their lives, & one of them took it a step further & became a contractor to the mines doing shut down work (on Drag lines etc...) & he then took it another step further & became his own business supplying services to the mines employing over 100 people .... he then sold his Company (but kept his buildings & land & continued to rent it) for a reported 20 million dollars about 10 years ago when he was in his 40's

    My relations who work in the mines have mostly got huge houses, new cars, collector cars, Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Motor homes or Caravans, & everything else that opens & shuts, & the wife regularly changes all the furniture in the house

    The mines usually want young physically fit people who may be willing to put up with smelly coal dust all day & get dirty & work long hours & work shift work .....

    & it is true this may not suit all people .....
    Last edited by OSIRUS; 29-11-15 at 09:59 AM.
    Become a Premium Member and support the Austech Forum

  • The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to OSIRUS For This Useful Post:

    Godzilla (29-11-15),Manwhore (03-12-15)

  • #29
    Premium Lager

    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Age
    60
    Posts
    4,882
    Thanks
    1,635
    Thanked 2,711 Times in 1,230 Posts
    Rep Power
    1174
    Reputation
    40746

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by oceanboy View Post
    Well on the subject.

    Does anyone know if you can apply and be accepted to VicPol if you have been inside before?
    A friend was in Goulburn Jail 20+ ago for a drunken burg on a car radio shop.

    He started the process, and all the info you need to provide is pretty intense.
    Plus the back checks etc.
    He went off the idea, and i think he was told on the quite, he wouldn't stand much chance of getting in.
    mhhhh. its a touchy subject.

    I had been a bad teenager, not too bad but had been before the magistrate for a minor matter......... move forward 30 yrs........they bought it up at every stage of the process. Asked about it and what it taught me. I was employed none the less. I had not been in trouble, except for traffic matters, since.

    So its on individual merits and your record since that has weight.

    It is also a matter of full disclosure, they want to know EVERYTHING about you, because they already know EVERYTHING about you and are testing YOU and YOUR honesty and integrity!!!
    Last edited by porkop; 29-11-15 at 10:06 AM.
    __________________________________________________ __
    Statistically, if you wait long enough, everything will happen!

  • The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to porkop For This Useful Post:

    Godzilla (29-11-15),lsemmens (29-11-15),ol' boy (29-11-15),OSIRUS (29-11-15)

  • #30
    Premium Lager

    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Age
    60
    Posts
    4,882
    Thanks
    1,635
    Thanked 2,711 Times in 1,230 Posts
    Rep Power
    1174
    Reputation
    40746

    Default

    continuing with the threat theme,

    I also tried for the Army when 17. Wanted to do electronics. When right through the process including final interview.

    Had been a naughty boy and they wouldn't take me while on a good behavior bond.

    Like all 17 yo know it all's, I thumbed my nose and say your loss.

    Several months later I received a call from recruiting saying they had reconsidered my application and they would take me and I could do electronics but I said NO.

    Probably one of those fork in the road moments in life where I should have gone left but I went right.

    Moral, it was actually my loss, but i most probably wouldn't be where I am now with what I have from the right turn.
    __________________________________________________ __
    Statistically, if you wait long enough, everything will happen!

  • The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to porkop For This Useful Post:

    Godzilla (29-11-15),LeroyPatrol (29-11-15),ol' boy (29-11-15),OSIRUS (29-11-15)

  • #31
    Senior Member
    Godzilla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    59
    Posts
    12,740
    Thanks
    16,580
    Thanked 7,201 Times in 3,648 Posts
    Rep Power
    2198
    Reputation
    79113

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by oceanboy View Post
    Well on the subject.

    Does anyone know if you can apply and be accepted to VicPol if you have been inside before?
    A friend was in Goulburn Jail 20+ ago for a drunken burg on a car radio shop.

    He started the process, and all the info you need to provide is pretty intense.
    Plus the back checks etc.
    He went off the idea, and i think he was told on the quite, he wouldn't stand much chance of getting in.
    It does not say they wont take you but you need to disclose everything, even while being in the force....



    @ Rick, yep ciggies is the number 1 factor effecting me too.

    A good excuse to give them up and start getting healthy again, im sure some slow bike riding progressing to longer rides wont hurt to open the lungs again, even if you dont get in, you can try, it will only help your health.

  • The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to Godzilla For This Useful Post:

    LeroyPatrol (29-11-15),Manwhore (03-12-15),OSIRUS (29-11-15)

  • #32
    Premium Member

    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Central Tablelands of NSW
    Age
    81
    Posts
    13,824
    Thanks
    1,242
    Thanked 3,806 Times in 2,525 Posts
    Rep Power
    1797
    Reputation
    56986

    Default

    Godzilla, It seems having a Trade and working in it will get you accepted in most jobs even though your trade has nothing to do with the new job.
    2 Bro-in-Laws (one a Butcher the other a Baker ((NO candlemaker!!!) never seemed to have problems getting work in anything but their Trades over the years.
    I think many employers view the certificate as a sign of stability and ability to learn.
    Although I have never been underground, I have been around 20,000 tonne mounds of freshly mined Coal and never smelt a thing and I have never heard several relatives who were or are still in the Coal Mines say anything about any smells but rather the dust which they strictly control because of it being a Fire Hazard and dangerous to your lungs.
    None of the Mines here have much Methane like the Wollongong area do so maybe it has an odor or smell.
    I stand unequivicably behind everything I say , I just dont ever remember saying it !!

  • The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to gordon_s1942 For This Useful Post:

    Godzilla (29-11-15),Manwhore (03-12-15)

  • #33
    Senior Member
    Rick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Tassi
    Posts
    4,167
    Thanks
    4,168
    Thanked 3,471 Times in 1,531 Posts
    Rep Power
    1340
    Reputation
    51955

    Default

    My 2nd youngest son, has always wanted to be a copper ever since I remember but never followed it through till recently, he has acquired all the paperwork to join up, and is waiting on a response, he should do well, he was a volunteer firefighter for 6 years and won junior firefighter of the year 2 years running, ive got my fingers crossed and hope he gets in

  • The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Rick For This Useful Post:

    Godzilla (29-11-15),OSIRUS (29-11-15),porkop (29-11-15),sublib25 (02-12-15)

  • #34
    Banned

    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    tassie
    Posts
    449
    Thanks
    25
    Thanked 265 Times in 120 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    Reputation
    5329

    Default

    I wanted to be a cop when young, that changed when was beaten up by various cops for running away constantly. Since have seen cops as egocentric bullies and they reinforce that each time I talk to them or see them socialise, which sadly has been often in some of my roles in life.

  • #35
    Premium Member
    ol' boy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    17,662
    Thanks
    8,131
    Thanked 10,460 Times in 5,194 Posts
    Rep Power
    4471
    Reputation
    184272

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by porkop View Post

    Moral, it was actually my loss, but i most probably wouldn't be where I am now with what I have from the right turn.
    Not really, the Police and AFP love Ex Army people
    Because you have already been institutionalised and can weapon handling.
    If u want to go on an expedition get a Land Rover, if u want to come home from an expedition get a Landcruiser!

  • #36
    LSemmens
    lsemmens's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Rural South OZ
    Posts
    10,585
    Thanks
    11,868
    Thanked 7,061 Times in 3,338 Posts
    Rep Power
    3153
    Reputation
    132592

    Default

    One thing I have learnt in my working life. "If it ain't fun, I ain't gonna do it any more". That does not mean I shy away from difficult tasks because they are hard, but it does mean that I've never stayed in a job that has no potential to improve. Speaking of fork in the road, I took a voluntary redundancy from Telecom back in the 90s, had I stayed, I may well have gone a lot further with my computer expertise than I subsequently did, but, I have also learned; "NO REGRETS". Regardless of the things you have done, or not done, it has brought you to the here and now. Learn from your past and resolve to ensure that your future is going to be better. If Sh*t happens, and it will, make fertilizer!!!!!!!
    I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message...

  • #37
    Senior Member
    best4less's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    7,684
    Thanks
    3,487
    Thanked 2,207 Times in 1,132 Posts
    Rep Power
    757
    Reputation
    15165

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by weirdo View Post
    to the overzealous mod that has obviously been pruning this thread; Really? Was it that bad to need cutting out posts?
    Get a life!
    Now I wish I got a job with Dr Who or as a Psychic / Fortune Teller so I could have read Weirdo's Posts
    When you do things right, people won't be sure that you have done anything at all

  • The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to best4less For This Useful Post:

    lsemmens (01-12-15),OSIRUS (30-11-15)

  • Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •