Job ideas??

[Swiffer]

Alright, I'm trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up:) , and am looking for ideas. I know it sounds silly, but with 80,000 different types of jobs out there it's amazing how hard it is to think of something you may be interested in! As some of you know, I injured my arms again at work so I'm looking for ideas where I would have to use some of the last few brain cells I have left rather than anything too physical. My original plan was to head to Alex for the Marine and small engine class, but between my employer and their work comp company dicking with me for the past 10 months, my arms have gotten to the point that this kind of work is pretty much out for me. I know there's a diverse group here, so was hoping you may be able to throw out some ideas I could consider for schooling. ANYTHING that pops into your head will be appreciated(well, to a point:rolleyes: ). Fire away...I really appreciate it!

Steve

[Rockney]

What do you do now?

[Swiffer]

Bindery work.

Steve

[Ladybug]

Electronics field

[sstodvictory]

Scientific glass blowing/glass repair.

May require an apprinticeship. Few shops do this and they're usually associated with large universities. All the shops I've dealt with that do scientific glassware had plenty of work 'cause its so specialized. Science glass work ranges from mundane repairs of chipped or broken equipment, to really fantastic and expensive one-of-a-kind creations. The University of Minnesota has a top notch glass shop.

Steve

[Swiffer]

Originally posted by sstodvictory
Scientific glass blowing/glass repair.

May require an apprinticeship. Few shops do this and they're usually associated with large universities. All the shops I've dealt with that do scientific glassware had plenty of work 'cause its so specialized. Science glass work ranges from mundane repairs of chipped or broken equipment, to really fantastic and expensive one-of-a-kind creations. The University of Minnesota has a top notch glass shop.

Steve

Wow...never heard of that before! Thanks for the post, that's what I need is somethings a person maybe wouldn't normally think of. Bug is right, will probably get into electronics or maybe mechanical drafting.

Steve

[jimbob92c]

Timely subject!
I've been searching for work here in the cities since we moved....
I posted a similar request last week but for some reason my computer locked up, the post didn't appear and I took it as a sign not to ask...until now, thanks Steve!
I was a phone tech up north and Qwest isn't hiring...I also ran a sign shop for more than 20 years. Right now I'm submitting my portfolio to book publishers( freelance illustration) and working on submitting cartoons to magazines. The freedom is nice, the paycheck sucks (at present).
I was going to ask if anyone knew of sign shops in their area that still turned out painted and hand-lettered signage...in other words, not your "fast vinyl sign" joints. Sometimes they need help and I can still subcontract by doing work in my shop up north.
I am not an airbrush custom paint type....so don't go asking for that. Just your old traditional sign guy.
We have been very seriously considering selling our Vic and sailboat to reduce the 'national debt'. That would change if I could find a situation.
I hope you find what you're looking for Steve....it's a tough market right now and I don't know if war is going to make it any better. I know about aches and pains and it's no fun to have to work a job that aggravates them. How about being a Vic salesman?:)
Good luck in the search,
Jim

[Swiffer]

Thanks Jim! A Vic salesman would be fantastic, but I'm sure all those spots are filled:( . There was a sign shop on highway 65 in Blaine you may want to check out. I have no idea what they all do there, but it's worth a shot. Can't recall the name of the place unfortunately. I'll see if I have an old Blaine phone book laying around and try to dig it up for you. Have my settlement hearing next week with these work comp yo-yo's...not holding my breath though. Apparently some Doctor who helped the state write the w/c laws and formulas decided the use of your arms isn't all that important in the scheme of life:mad: . Well, there's always the Powerball!!

Steve

Ok, I think this is the shop I remember.
ABC Sign and Graphics
10501 central ave. NE
Mpls, Mn. 55434
(763)780-1494

[jimbob92c]

Steve,
I've been by that place....and I'm going to have to stop in and see if they could use an "extra brush".
How bad is the mobility of your arms? Does it hurt to ride?
I banged up my back and shoulder last week lugging a full size piano through the snow(no, not by myself!) for my son's movie he's currently filming. Can you say Motrin? I had a diving accident many years ago that, by all rights, should have landed me in a wheel chair. From time to time I reactivate that ancient injury, which is what I did last week.....seems to get more frequent as I age....hell to get old! Bobbi and I went skating at the depot last night and so far no additional aches ( even tho I landed on my butt more than once). One thing that works for me is to use a Pez dispenser for Motrin..:D

ah well.....
Oldjimbob

[swamper]

Steve , I have alot of sympathy for you here , I'm going thru major shoulder problems and need to find other work myself . I am a small engine mech. Years and years of pulling on stubborn engines have taken a toll on this old bod .
If you come up with something good let me know . The job market isn't that good here in the swamp so I am really limited .
Anyway, good luck to you ;)

Kurt

[Swiffer]

I hear ya Kurt! Over-use is about the only thing that can explain my arms & wrists too. I've got things narrowed down to a couple different paths, but unfortunately there is no time limit on how long these ins. companies can dick you around...they wait for you to give up and quit. Well, I'm just about to that point now. It amazes me that they'd rather spend X amount of dollars trying to screw you, when if they did the "right" thing it would cost them half as much. No wonder w/c policies get more expensive each year for employers!

Steve

[Doug G]

Steve

I know what you are going thru, I've been there with a back injury and there is plenty of time for the insurance companies and lawyers to screw with you as if you don't need to make a living. Five and a half years passed by in a hurry before mine got settled.
I don't want to bore you with the particulars of my experiance, I want to help you if at all possible.

If your w/c carrier is offering you the option of retraining you will have a Qualified Rehab Consultant (QRC) assigned to you and they are usually an independant, seperate from the Ins. Co. This QRC will work with you in exploring options for other fields of employment and then possibly retraining. If your case hasn't progressed that far you are probably looking at light duty with your current employer. All cases are different and I don't know the particulars of your case but I hope it all works out for you.

If you are seriosly considering a career change, I would suggest getting your head into computer networking or some kind of auto cad training or if you are experinanced in the construction field or any other kind of production how about project management or estimating?

Other than that you could check out some of the local voc&tec collages and actually speak with a career counselor for assistance.

Good Luck!!!

[BATMAN]

Hey Jim, I see you got work in construction. What kind?

[jimbob92c]

It was a remodeling job in Shakopee (garage/upper room) that was being done by two friends from Bigfork. The trouble is, they work too fast! In two and a half days it went from the footings to 99% of the roof sheeting on and wallboard in place. Unless I get called back for the shingling I'm back at the drawing table again.
I thought the job would last longer....but a little paycheck is better than no paycheck.

Jim

[BATMAN]

Wish we were busier, so I could offer you a job. I do wood floors, but this is a slow winter for us.

[John Ritter]

jimbob,
If you are into construction have you tried JL Schweiter's (sp?) construction? I know they are non-union, but don't know what their merit and benefits are. I know they are a pretty big outfit. The guys that own the company are originally from my hometown of Melrose.
keep us informed...

[BATMAN]

Melrose you say Ritt. Hometown of a certain former pro basketball player!

[John Ritter]

Yep, Mark Oberding. I believe he graduated with my father. He is a nice guy, I met him once. There's also Matt Herkenoff, (KC Chiefs) Paul Ellering (Precious Paul) who used to manage the Road Warriers, Legion of Doom, AKA Hawk and Animal who are also friends with Tom Bernard from KQRS's morning show...
and well...me.... not bad for a little place in Western Stearn's county....

6 degrees of seperation?

[Butch]

:gunrev: go union, if you can pay the initiation fee you will be better off with the benefits and the union will give you a list of contractors to check out for jobs.If you can do form work carpentry,bridge decks, noise abatement program in mpls.Try the glazers union( commercial glass),I hear guys are needed every year in that trade.I was a union foreman for years and if you make the connection you can pretty much knock down 50-70 thousand a year.All i did was go to the big commercial jobsites and started talking to people until i got in.Of course you've got to have some skills,but new guys get the bull work to start:gun:

[Choirguy]

Pat,

What kind of wood floors do you do? Finishing? I've got wood floors in my house that will need to be properly finished some year. Let me know if you guys do this sort of thing. Maybe something can be worked out during one of these slow winters.

[BATMAN]

I supervise the sanding and refinishing of our company Chris. (3 crews) We also do installation.

[SidecarMike]

Originally posted by Doug G
Steve


If you are seriosly considering a career change, I would suggest getting your head into computer networking or some kind of auto cad training
Other than that you could check out some of the local voc&tec collages and actually speak with a career counselor for assistance.

Good Luck!!!

I'm a networking specialist and have been unemployed for two years. Everybody overhired for Y2K and then with the economy tightening they don't want to spend the money. Add to that every tech school in the country is turning out 50-100 grads a year. All thinking they're going to become computer Gurus. I agree about ACAD, but it takes a bit of stamina to sit at a PC 8 to 10 hours a day. Those guys are always complaining about back, neck, and shoulder problems.

[Butch]

:gunrev: i have to do some acad for my job and it is a wrist strainer for sure,but beats the hell out of a hand ful of pencils like the old days.if you enjoy detail and know where the save icon is ,your acad material:D :gun:

[Swiffer]

Well, finally made it up to Staples today to check out the mechanical drafting course. This is something I think I could most definitely get into! Fingers are crossed that the financial aid folks are nice to me since I'm getting nowhere with the w/c or unemployment idiots. At least now I have something to shoot for:)

Steve

[John Ritter]

Best of Luck with all that Swiffer. We are all pulling for you.