what do you do for a crust?

[Jeremy]

I am a scientist. Work in cancer research in a State Governent research institute. Had to do 8 years at uni - BSc. hons and PhD. The money isn't great considering the amount of time at uni not earning a cent (and these days going in reverse racking up a HECS debt), but the hours are flexible and I do find some interest and satisfaction in the research. Also I am on 3 year contracts and if the research doesn't produce good results well within 3 years, the research grant probably won't be renewed and I will be looking for another position.

My first job after my PhD involved research on marine organisms - ascidians - which required me to spend about 10 weeks a year on Heron Is collecting them. That was great fun and I caught some nice fish up there after work too!

BTW, I am not a Fuc#ing BOFFIN!!

Jeremy

[Smithy]

Went straight from school to Uni studying Mech Engineering - pipe dream of doing Naval Architechture - but stuffed around too much and didn't finish a degree after 4 years of full-time study. Went home and tried to complete the 3 year degree externally for a couple of years but the extra time I gained by not running amuck like I was, was then taken up by fishing. Worked for an Architechtural model maker for 6 months down in Brisbane on a flat $7 an hour and sulked off home after doing the head on my 4cyl Cortina for the third time. Arsed a job at one of the local councils as a Technical Officer (Draftsman/Surveyor/Engineers Rousabout) and have been here ever since - 7 years. Pay is OK, cost of living is cheap up here and I know no different being a local. Benefits of local government employment is everything is by an award or EBA, super is good, job security is good, they are pretty flexible with work hours and RDOs which really suits fishermen. With my experience now I could probabably get a lot more pay in private enterprise but the job I am in now is strictly 8:00-4:30 and if you don't get something done today it is there for you tommorrow. I expect there would be a lot more stress and deadlines to meet in private industry.

[bidkev]

Seen the number of hits on this thread? Man's thirst for knowledge about other fishos seems pretty strong.

Good thread Jeffo. As a relative newbie I appreciate being given this insight into some of the members here.

kev

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

ghigh s[peed typisst & fishing legend

come on someone had to be stoopid & I do it better than most

Science degree & Diploma of teaching
Bachelor of Applied Science Built Environment (Industrial Design)
Graduate Diploma in the same

my old man (& great friend & mentor) died in the year i was graduating & I guess I lost motivation for things material & took a long break surfing & fishing - mostly on North Straddie & when I came back to reality jsut started working in the family business (not using the degrees) which is where I am today - renting cars & operating parking facilities.

[Dr_Dan]

One of my mates has what i think would be the ULTIMATE job!

He left school, then worked on cruise ship for 12months out of Cairns. #Wasn't happy with that, so headed over to the mediteranian, and basically walked along the warves where all the superyachts are based, and asked for a job. Only had a couplea grand to live off, was down to his last $$$ when he got a job on a 160ft luxury yacht. So he's now working on this yacht (motor yacht), spends half the year in the med, then the other half of the hear in the carribean!!!! #Now this is no tinny, cost's $160,000 a week to hire it out (US&#36, that doesn't include food, fuel, taxes, docking fees, and of course the customary tip for the crew. #They claim overall cost is over $250,000 a week (US)!!!!!!! #

Did a charter not that long ago, a week. #It was for a guy (owned a diamond mine), his wife, and two daughters. #Now my mates job was to look after the 6yr old. #It involved, in the mornign, play pirates on the deck of the ship. #Then take them out on the Banana behind the speed boat tender. #Of course he had to ride the banana as well. #Then for the arvo, took the kids out on the jetskis for the arvo. #Did this for a week. #At the end of teh chater, the bloke handed the skipper $US25,000 CASH! #in $20 notes. #$2,500 tip isn't too bad for mucking around all day. #

Now i dunno about you guys, but i reackon i could get used to cruising around the carribean making an absolute killing!!

Worst thing is, he always sends me pics and info while i'm locked up in good old townsville, madly busting my ass studying!!!! >

[jeffo]

i saw a thing on one of the current afair shows a few weeks ago on aprentice's and trainees.. one of the guys that they interveiwed had in my mind one of my dream jobs... he was doing an electrical aprenticeship... wait for it... for RIVIERRA!! > is this just a case of "being in the right place at the right time" or "its not what you know.. its WHO you know"?

[boatboy50]

Good Thread,
I left school in 1994 in yr 10. Went into computer operator and engraving specialist, led 5 juniors within 12 months.
Did that for three years, cos i knew no better, for shite pay.
My interest in the marine industry bugged me all along, so one day i asked for a job as a detailer and fit out for a major boat manufacturer. With no experience, just a desire, i got the job.
Three years later, good pay, but got sick of fibreglass dust, itching and factory work. Left with desire to get working in the outdoors.
Landed the perfect job, driving boats for watersports companies. Awesom fun, meet awesome ppls and enjoy the water while being paid for it. Its a great job, the pays good, but always working public hols, weekends ect, which means no real social life. Like a builder, if it rains, you dont go to work! Four years later, am starting to get over the sunshine and heat, and abnormal hours worked.
Started working as a second job as a marine journalist (do u think i like boats?), to which its paying off now, and am working toward making it a full time job. Its the perfect compromise, indoors for 2-3 days a week on the comp, outdoors 2-3 days a week on boats.
Gotta love that. Fingers crossed!
Regards
Darren

[Hutcho]

oh, Darren you bastard! What a great way to make money and live life to the full as well on the water. Wish you all the best!

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

jeffo,

never ever forget the word network - everyone you know & meet knows someone else.

Whatever you do - always do your best - even if you hate it - cause at least you'll be proud of the result & have something to show someone else. Besides someone may be watching, wondering if that hard working jeffo lad would fit in to his boat building team. And for that reason, always sell, sell, sell your bosses business - it's not so much your qualifications but your committment to the task that will impress.

best o luck in the search - enjoy the journey & don't be so focussed on a specific destination that you miss interesting side tracks along the way.

chris

ps keep fishing - interaction with nature helps maintain your perspective

[Nugget]

My advice would be think long and hard before you make your decision and try as many different jobs as you can.
I vividly remember lying awake at night as a young married man, working in my brother-in-law’s takeaway, wondering what I was going to do with myself – how I was going create a future for myself and my family.

I had something like 20 jobs as a young fella but they all got in the way of fishing.
I've never been sacked from a job in my life but have been in plenty of situations where you hate every moment you're at work.
As well as fishing, I was always tinkering with electronics, CB, ham radio etc.
I eventually went to uni (at 26 years old with three toddlers) and did an engineering degree in electronics.
I’ve been in the trade for over 20 years now – gone from working for a boss to running my own TV/video repair business for 10 years, then back to working for a boss although as a State Manager.
Eventually the office and management gave me the tom tits and I went back to uni for 4 years and did my second degree (communications) – just so I could stay out of the workforce legitimately!
For the past 8 years I’ve made a meagre living from rec fishing – unfortunately there is no money in rec fishing in Australia.
During all this time I never got sick of or lost interest in electronics.
I have recently started up back in the repair business although on a much smaller scale working from my home based workshop.
While I don’t admit it too often, I am a keen muso – I play guitar.
I’ve found a small market in the repair of electronic equipment for bands – sound and stage gear which is keeping my busy of late.
I never get sick of starting a new repair – I often find myself – even on my days off, Sunday arvo, having a ‘quick look’ at that new job that came in.
I think that is the key – find something that you enjoy, something that you can get interested in at the drop of a hat – and look for a career in that field.
I discovered very early that I don’t get a kick out of manual labour.
I have mates that power on through hot sweaty jobs and love it – not me.
Give me a multimeter and some peace and quite and I’ll work all day without realising what time it is or that I missed my lunch break!
Dig deep and discover what your strengths and interest are and ‘walk that way’.

Just my 2-bobs worth.

Dave ><>

PS – I have a bit of experience with the adult education system – I have 2 x Batchelor degrees both as an adult entrant –let me know if I can help.

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

geez nugget are you THAT old, no wonder ya bones are brittle

[Nugget]

Make all the jokes you like Chris - You can't upset me.
I just got a call from Mono and guess where I'll be at daylight tomorrow morning!!
Up to my screaming reels in mackerel.... and loving it.

Dave ><>

[CHRIS_aka_GWH]

just hope that other wrist & ya hip holds out eh

by the way....

WHAT THE HELL DOES WITCHY JUMP CHIMPETERS mean
aghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

[Nugget]

If I told you that I'd have to remove your ears, eyes and toung - IT'S THAT SECRET!

Dave ><>

[bazzaman]

great stuff boys!!! Some great thoughts there! Im currently going through the same thing, do i wanna do this for the rest of my life....Im currently in Retail as a manager and cant stand it.....thinking of studying to get into the fisheries next year now that would be a great job.....Well for me anyway....Catchin all those theivin bastards out there!....Good dreamn anyway!

good thread jeff!