As per the title, what job have you had (past or present) that has been your most favourite job? By this I mean you looked forward to going to work, you enjoyed the work and overall you felt very happy working in the job.
I worked at the movies when I was in school and at uni and have to say that was probably the job that I most enjoyed when I look back on it, even despite the pay being very low compared to what I earn now.
Programming Industrial Machine Parts?
Retirement
Deckhand on scallop trawler in Hervey Bay
That sound's like bliss to me, just been out on the open water
Ever been sea-sick?
Yeah, nothing some Travacalm can't fix. But when you get to see stuff like this though, it makes a bit of swell all but worth it.
https://imgur.com/a/zhtZr19
ozbargain socialite
My man ✊
I can't tell if that hand emoji is for the circlejerk or not 🤔
No it’s a fist raised in solidarity (this time anyway)
Hand
Yours or someone else’s?
There's always the sitting-on-your-hand trick to numb it!
Blow
The current one.
Bunnings merchandiser
Freeloader 🤭
Pacific
Job?
You worked for blackberry? Cool.
Have an upvote to cancel the neg. Research in Motion could’ve still been a juggernaut had they made better choices. Same with Kodak and Nokia.
Like not partner with Microsoft 😂 (in Nokia's case)
i had a role where i would go out to the farm and tried out stuff, and then went to the office to build more stuff, and then go back two weeks later to try out more stuff.
i really enjoyed it.
i also enjoy my current job, but not as much as that role. but fun things don't last for ever
i had a role where i would go out to the farm and tried out stuff, and then went to the office to build more stuff, and then go back two weeks later to try out more stuff.
Then one day they told you to get stuffed?
no. The project matured. The fun ended. i left
Tried out stuff like machinery or something? Were you building machinery?
we were trying out a software solution. it also involved adding bits to machinery to see how things go
also had free quadbike training and free flights to rural Australia which i love.
@FoxJump
As a youth I used to go and mow the grass with a push mower at a farm in semi rural Vic. Feed the cows hay. Had my own paddock bomb and drove tractor, outside all the time, was just brilliant.
there's just something about a farm that feels very appealing and at the same time also feels like living in a rural town would be very isolating.
yay contradiction
Sorry to ruin the party but I've got a serious answer: my career has been working in IT consulting. I listen to people's problems, and I get to build stuff. It's like playing with LEGO but I get paid a lot (a lot) of money to do it. It's rarely been stressful for me, and it's been stimulating enough that it's not a bore.
Build stuff like servers or something?
I build enterprise solutions/apps.
Nah they mean build as in build an essay etc.
How would you suggest a 30 year old in a completely different field (but who nonetheless is relatively good with computers, finds computing interesting and tinkering with them on occasion) get into that line of work? I'm in Melb and did a double degree (non IT) if that matters.
I assume you mean the IT project side of things that I'm on, and not helpdesk.
Within project delivery there are multiple disciplines: project management, business analyst, implementer (dev).
The standard path is usually via a (typically meh-paying) role at Big Consulting, and working your way up. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how the hiring process works for non-graduate roles with no experience.
Now, an analyst role has the lowest barrier to entry (since it's non-technical and is really just requirement management) and doesn't require a lot of specific solution knowledge, but that means you need experience and not just some certificate.
A developer role is interesting. Since you can pick your technology and skill up/get certified in your own time. Big Consulting is usually looking for in-demand jobs with little experience (but also little pay). So pick something that's trending on the job platforms, learn it, if you like it, get certified and then go apply. It's probably got the lowest barrier to entry. Make sure you keep an eye out on how your chosen platform is faring in terms of longevity regularly.
A developer in consulting is more 'social' than your typical software dev role in the sense you can be much closer to the client and not just your geeky team. So it's not suited for 'basement-dwelling coders' who can't talk to non-technical people. That's a key point worth mentioning: talking to business in terms they can understand is an incredibly valuable skill. Definitely for Analysts, but for a developer it makes you very versatile.
That's the general stuff. Big Consulting has historically had very bad WLB, so you'll just need to slog it out and get the experience. In general, an average person in any of these roles will pay better than most jobs, but as always, make sure it's suited to you.
Thanks (seriously) ,you just managed to talk me out of pursuing tech consulting
.
@Talsek: There aren't free lunches. Big Consulting is quite an exploitative, but you might have a better experience outside of those firms. I work for a vendor and it's pretty alright so far.
Also worth reading: https://reddit.com/r/AusFinance/comments/13uinis/studying_it…
How is the IT consulting/Contracting market now? It is not as good as last few years, I sense.
I don't have a good feel for it as I'm permanent, but what I can tell is that it's been better. Federal govt allocating less money for projects doesn't help.
Casino dealer… By far. If I didn't have to do rotating night and afternoon shifts, I would still be doing it now.
I hate being a mechanic, but I love being a diagnostic technician. I love to solve problems but hate mundane servicing work.
I also love my volunteering jobs. I get to work with people who are genuinely interested and thankful for the help we give. Some of the kids can be turds, but it's usually great working with kids, although I don't think I could be a teacher or childcare worker.
As much as i hate paying so much for childcare, those people are heros and deserve more pay.
yay the contradiction
What did you enjoy about being a casino dealer?
Obviously buying and selling casino's.
Laundering dirty cash.
What did you enjoy about being a casino dealer?
The skill it takes to be good at dealing some games.
I also enjoyed keeping people entertained while I took all their money and stuffed it down the drop box.
Lastly, probably the sense of community within the staff. It was a huge place, and for there being so many people, everyone was pretty cool with each other… every other job I have worked has been full of idiots and self-centred entitled arseholes… The casino wasn’t.
Lastly, probably the sense of community within the staff. It was a huge place, and for there being so many people, everyone was pretty cool with each other… every other job I have worked has been full of idiots and self-centred entitled arseholes… The casino wasn’t.
Vibes among the staff (and in general in the atmosphere too) are nice in casinos and pubs generally even when they are crowded given the very nature of those businesses. As for the staff culture goes, why shouldn't it be great, when tonnes of money is flowing in from the patrons? It all makes sense. Money flows in, in any business but not as 'direct' and 'visible' as in the case of casinos, restaurants or pubs - be it in form of tips, bonuses or salaries. Similarly, the busiest of the cafes too have a nice culture among the staff even if they are tired and extremely busy (usually all smiling and being nice with customers as well as among them) - I guess 'amount of visible business' has some influence on all this.
What were your roles at the cinema (floor, candy bar, box office, bio box, management)? How many screens? Which cinema chain?
Cinema? Replied to wrong comment, perhaps?
What volunteering work are you doing? I’m early 60’s and contemplating retiring. I’ve sorta got enough $’s put aside, current job is ok, it’s also perm part time and pays well. Im Just a bit bored with this working stuff. I have a few hobbies but honestly want to help others.
Mostly whatever I am asked to do. It all stated out helping at the local schools with programs like canteen and reading groups and then got asked to come and help out in other places.
I do a bit with disaffected youth or homeless people. Making up meals or sorting out clothing. Do a bit of handyman work for elderly folks.
I work for local charities only and I won’t volunteer with large, national chain store corporations “charities”. If they want me, they can pay for my time.
Cheers for the response.
2 favourites:
- volunteer work (I spent 6 months overseas in my profession, 10 years later it still is a taking point in my resume when applying for jobs). I loved it because I got to do what I loved and didn’t have to worry about anything really, I got to do what I loved and for reasons why I got into my profession
- Officeworks when I was at uni, I basically worked with my mates
I loved office works for the same reasons as you!
Same
Same! I worked in Business Machines in the early 2000's. It was nice to have no commission and just try and match customer needs to products with no pressure to upsell. Really good team.
I worked at MSY (the group that sold PC parts) as an 18/19 year old.
Was underpaid to shit and the management was all over the place. But honestly really loved working with technology, building PCs, testing PCs, and just generally being in that space. Some decent staff discounts too. It's odd but the job I was paid the least is the one I've enjoyed the most.
Just goes to prove that money is not everything!
That's not odd. Despite the high pay and glamour, many "good jobs" are some combination of stressful, boring, and dehumanising. If one finds a job that is none of these, it sounds like a winner to me.
Truckie.
Love every day i go to work.
Interstate or domestic?
International
Possibly do Tasmania via the ferry. My oversight there.
Holidays
Intrastate
(Stay with in the same state)
Mix of local, country and overnight runs.
Throughly enjoy the mix of work i get, the people i work with and it doesn’t hurt that i get a say in what work i do.
Rigid trucks?
@MS Paint: Not many people can. Most only can (questionably) drive forwards.
I take a lot of pride in what i do and enjoy pushing myself to learn new things. Thus it makes the job interesting and gives me a sense of accomplishment when i can get my truck in and out of difficult places.
@El cheepo: I love driving and enjoy my own company so maybe I should have been a truckie. Not too late I guess.
@MS Paint: Thats another perk of the job.
If you know what you are doing, are responsible and trustworthy you can be left to your own devices to handle your day your way.
Never too late. The industry is in extreme need and places are screaming for workers.
But the pay and conditions vary wildly between employers.
@El cheepo: How do you guys know when a light is about to turn green? I've seen trucks stop short of a red light, then start rolling when the light is still red and cross the threshhold the moment the light turns green.
@Save Medicare: Generally just experience with how particular local lights work.
Most intersections are similarly set up and we watch the reds for the other directions and count em down.
Always a chance that they have changed time or cycle type though. I personally just pull up short in a low gear and roll up to them hoping I read them right.
It’s quicker and easier for me then stopping. Also better for the flow of traffic.
@El cheepo: Hey mate……quick question for ya……how hard is it for someone to learn to drive a concrete agi truck ? someone who never driven that size of a truck, i know you drive much larger trucks….but are concrete trucks easy to learn? i'm pretty switched on….
@MrTillets: It all depends on the person.
Some people will jump in and get a feel for it quickly, some take longer.
An agi (like any rigid truck) will feel big in the beginning, perhaps even overwhelming.
But after a short time most people get used to it and eventually find it easier then driving a car.
It’s just getting your head around the physics and size of it. Understanding your turning circles and being aware of your surroundings.
Agis also roll easier as they have a high centre of gravity and concrete moving inside. (I’ve seen one roll in front of me turning a corner, was amazing how slowly it actually went over) so driving to the conditions is important with any load, but particularly high centre gravity ones.
It isn’t a job for people who don’t like early starts though. Very early starts.
@El cheepo: Thanks for that info……just looking at some of them with the contracts they seem like they are good money makers…. i mean most make 250k plus gross….not bad coin?
@MrTillets: No worries mate!
Love talking about trucks.
Not sure about 250k as an employee, but certainly 100k+ is possible
@El cheepo: Sorry meant to say owner operated truck on a contract with holcim,boral,hanson….they seem to be turning over 250k
@MrTillets: Ah yeah, that’s definitely possible.
But honestly, it’s better been a company driver then an owner operator.
Even with guaranteed contracted work, the overheads chew in to the profits enough to make the extra effort and stress not worth it.
It’s much nicer to come in and not worry about anything but doing your job.
@Godric: There are deadlines and there can be pressure, but it’s only an issue if you make it one yourself.
By that i mean, if your doing your best safely and you don’t make a deadline, it is what it is.
COR (chain of responsibility) is a big thing now.
Any company that doesn’t accept that isn’t worth working for in my opinion.
When i was younger and new in the game i would let myself be pushed by bad management.
But these days i rush and stress for no man, i do my job well and i get there when i get there.
And the overworked pressure is the same.
I don’t let myself be pressured into extra work. I’ll help out where i can, but its got to be a give and take relationship with management. If i help out extra they need to give me some breaks somewhere too.
This mentality of being balanced and taking your time isn’t common for many companies.
I have learned over the years theres no reward for pushing yourself or letting others push you to the extreme. Just do a good job for people that appreciate what you do.
@El cheepo: Absolutely well said, and i hope that mentality is shared across the industry!
I'd hope that it's in everyone's best interest drivers are given the respect and understanding that there are certain variables when on the road that may be unexpected, and it is not always the fault of the driver.
There are too many risks on the road as is, to then have to add further potential reasons for bad incidents to occur isn't necessary
@Godric: Sadly it’s not a widely shared mentality.
Many companies push their drivers hard.
Some because they still have an old school mentality, some because they worry about loosing contracts and some because they feel like they are loosing money if you take too long.
- They are not worth working for.
Many drivers also push themselves hard for various reasons. (Getting paid a km rate instead of hourly, fear of missing bookings and getting delayed to name a couple)
- It’s really not worth it. But it’s hard to change peoples minds even with logic sometimes.
Sadly it’s not a widely shared mentality.
Many companies push their drivers hard.
I assumed so
- It’s really not worth it. But it’s hard to change peoples minds even with logic sometimes.
May take comfort in knowing it isn't isolated to your industry
But yea least you sound to be on the happy end of it all, i always respected truckies, even after giving it a whirl on Euro Truck Simulator, not easy
It’s funny how our “best “ jobs were in our youth. Was it actually the job? Or is it nostalgia and yearning for a simpler time. Before we had to “grow up” and be responsible adults?
I think it's this. Working fun and varied, but low paying, jobs with less responsibility. Once you're older and have more responsibilities (spouse, kids, house, building nest egg), you're forced to take up higher paying jobs that you hate.
I used to work in hospitality. I enjoyed the fast paced environment and the people I worked with although I'm still glad I got out and work a boring office job now because I don't miss dealing with terrible management and the crap hours and especially the micromanaging egomaniacs of the industry. The transition from working in hospitality to an office job felt like a quarter life crisis though lol
I have exactly the same thoughts - the free food and the mateship was amazing. Customers not so much (still don't trust corporate men in too expensive suits which is a bummer since that's basically the uniform here on fancy days)
But, doing both kitchen and front of house was rush, especially the lunch rushes :)
WW when I was younger.
We would race around the store on pallet jacks all the time and even have the odd egg fight!
I drove passenger trains for 27 years.
Great camaraderie with my fellow Train Drivers. Even our Supervisors and Train Control weren't so bad.
P.I.M.P.