Looking for a new career

[aka619er]

For what it's worth I would stay away from the railroad. I have multiple friends who quit their jobs and got hired on. They went through all the training and are all sitting at home with no work. They over hired like crazy. After that they can still get bumped by sr employees.The kick ass thing with them though is not only do you earn a retirement but your spouse does as well.

 

[riverroyal]

I think I would be looking for a career change in another state, not Cal, not AZ. Somewhere that you can actually survive on one good income. Raise the family that way. California has great wages, great weather, horrible cost of living. AZ has bad wages lower cost of living. Theres a middle state somewhere!

 

[doubleeagle]

Retire move to Oklahoma and explain to the old lady ONE OF US IS GOING TO HAVE TO WORK. It's working out great for me so far. God I love that women.

 

[FROGMAN524]

After 28 years, I am changing too, going into the juvenile justice system, or a state position. I have returned to school and I am a few credits away from being employable.

I see a lot of kids at school chasing degrees that will get them nowhere, if you need to, go back and get another one. Mine will be in criminal justice, crime never goes out of style.

I also studied/study Cybersecurity, if you are flexible and good with technical stuff, then it's a career that is in uber demand with big $$$$ and you can work anywhere in the world with the right security/networking certs. They can't find enough QUALIFIED people to fill positions, but that's because you have to be pretty damned smart, too. If you kick ass at math, then you could do well. You can get into WGU and get a Cybersecurity degree lickety split since you already have your BA.

What's is WGU? If I go back to school for anything it will be concerning IT or engineering, probably IT, as it is in such high demand now. I'm already paying the wife's student loans and hate to add any more to them but if it gets me where I want to go then so be it.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Retire move to Oklahoma and explain to the old lady ONE OF US IS GOING TO HAVE TO WORK. It's working out great for me so far.

What business? If I could make what we make combined she'd stay home in a second.

 

[3.Slow]

i was talking with one of the board of directors a month ago. he was telling me they are having a hard time finding people that really want to work

Is that after they are hired? or they are just not getting a lot of applicants? The O&M Tech IV job I applied for did stay open for applications past the deadline, I am assuming because they did not get enough qualified applicants.

 

[FROGMAN524]

For what it's worth I would stay away from the railroad. I have multiple friends who quit their jobs and got hired on. They went through all the training and are all sitting at home with no work. They over hired like crazy. After that they can still get bumped by sr employees.The kick ass thing with them though is not only do you earn a retirement but your spouse does as well.

Yes that's what I've seen especially following their companies in the stock market. FIL is in the oil business and he tried to get me in but I waited too long and it took a dump as well so I'm happy I didn't quit my job just to get laid off either.

 

[FROGMAN524]

I think I would be looking for a career change in another state, not Cal, not AZ. Somewhere that you can actually survive on one good income. Raise the family that way. California has great wages, great weather, horrible cost of living. AZ has bad wages lower cost of living. Theres a middle state somewhere!

Agreed. I would not be adverse to Texas or the like as the cost of living is even lower there than it is here.

 

[Angler]

Edison or the Gas company, good pay with good benefits.
So many different types of job at both places.

 

[traquer]

How good are you with Internet and technology? If you're not wired that way it's hard, but it's the advice I give to all the youngsters

If you learn Google Analytics and Omniture decently well and some barebones SEO and PPC, you can start at $40k year. If you like it and are good, you can be up to $90k within 5 years. Also the blessing is that during that time if one of your own sites takes off and you're selling a bunch of shit you can always quit, or just go into a consulting role at $75-200 / hr once you can prove your worth.

Classes and tutorials are free for all this stuff and all over the web, and playing with the tools and learning it is also free to it's literally only your time you need to invest.

 

[riverroyal]

Agreed. I would not be adverse to Texas or the like as the cost of living is even lower there than it is here.

3 times, love it there. Partied at Vanilla Ices house in Dallas. I remember most of it :rolleyes

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Edison or the Gas company, good pay with good benefits.
So many different types of job at both places.

I agree with this.

 

[941Punk]

Become a DBA aka Database Admin. You can probably start around 75k and up to 200k once you have experience and into a bigger company. It will take a couple of years of school, but it can be done.

 

[DaytonaBabe]

I'd suggest aspiring to be a forum moderator. It's basically what copterzach does, only from behind a computer and instead of cows, it's like herding cats. The pay and bonuses are well worth the occasional unsavory individual....

 

[C-2]

What's is WGU? If I go back to school for anything it will be concerning IT or engineering, probably IT, as it is in such high demand now. I'm already paying the wife's student loans and hate to add any more to them but if it gets me where I want to go then so be it.

It's an online college that only costs about $3500 semester, they offer a few (but only a few) specialty degrees; the IT geeks love the school. A great resource for an IT career is http://www.techexams.net/forums/ everything you need to know can be found there, schools, education tracks, current cert requirements/testing etc.

Some local colleges also offer the Cisco Networking Academy. Instead of paying $6K, you pay the community college unit rate (I think Cali is $149 credit). I went thru it at RCC here in Riverside, but decided networking sucks.

You get your Cisco Certs (CCNA) and you can get a foot in the door anywhere in the world. If you go thru WGU, you come out with your CCNA and a few other Certs on an accelerated basis. You have to start at the bottom with Cybersecurity, no shortcuts and CCNA is your first step. Then you move into security, project management, incident response, information security (my favorite segment)...IT is huge. Heck, even city and state agencies will pay a IT department head $125-$175K with all the perkies...but, something bad happens...look at the Target hack...took out the CEO :yikes

The Federal government also has a program, Cybercorps, they pay you to get your Cybersecurity degree and in exchange you give them 3 years...with one of the agencies that starts with 3 letters. Can you imagine that on your resume?

 

[No Butt No Putt]

I repair dental equipment in San Diego. I spent 5 years working for another company. They let me go and I went out on my own. I bought $7000 worth of tools and marketing flyers and started pounding the pavement. 3 years later business is great. We've doubled our revenue every year. I work from home. Make my own hours and love what I do. I don't know how I spent 5 years at a desk in a office building.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Thanks guys I'll check out WGU, CyberCorps and DBA stuff.

Will an IT Management degree cover all of this generally or is each one specific I.e. Security, DBA, IT Director jobs.

 

[River Lynchmob]

Yep & a 90% pension after 30yrs. Where else can you get that? Sure there are better paying jobs, but what do they offer with retirement? None of us can work forever....

There won't be a pension like that in 30 years...hell it won't be like that in 10 years. There is going to be a huge reckoning in the next few years with all the unfunded liability and the public unions. The private unions are bad too but nothing like the public.

 

[robby dmax]

Elevator mechanic is where I'd start over.
Plumbings an excellent trade too.

No one argues the bill.



Journeyman Electrician with a Elevator license = the employment world is yours, anyplace.

Ross... I just have ask why you would say elevator mechanic.. are you in the trade or do you know someone in the trade?

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

Start a boating website...

 

[troostr]

Agreed. I would not be adverse to Texas or the like as the cost of living is even lower there than it is here.

I know for a fact that there will be positions opening up in a Milk Processing Plant in Littlefield TX, by opening I mean created. The Plant is starting construction now. Will be full bore by 2018. Mid and uppers are at 6 figures.

 

[FROGMAN524]

Start a boating website...

Lol would t want to compete with Dave

 

[JCUMV]

Frogman, lots of great advice and information on this thread. The fact you're here on the Board tells me that the boating lifestyle, and having the time to do it, is likely important to you. I'm 45 and have spent the last 16 years in Enterprise Software sales. Before that, I spend 4 years with the LAPD. I landed there after not getting hired by any Fire Dept's in the Southern Cal during the early 90's. Back then, it wasn't a job that a college educated white guy could get. Father and uncle are retired LA County FD captains, and I wanted to do the same. Ended up on the LAPD instead, and my advice is that unless you're really wanting to be a cop, you should avoid it. I didn't like it, and got out of the business.

Somebody put FD in one of the first few posts of this thread. This is still the best career, IMO, when you take everything into consideration. Benefits, time-off, work environment, promotability, retirement, ability to earn a 6 figure income, etc. You're young enough to seriously take a run at this and have a great, long career. My brother-in-law is a captain with OC Fire Authority, and even though I earn more money than him, I envy his lifestyle. Seems like they're always taking a vacation somewhere.

I was 29 when I left the LAPD and got into the software business. And I've had a great career, and there's much more left to go get. At 27, the world is really your oyster! Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[C-2]

There won't be a pension like that in 30 years...hell it won't be like that in 10 years. There is going to be a huge reckoning in the next few years with all the unfunded liability and the public unions. The private unions are bad too but nothing like the public.

I'm betting against it and have no reservations about doing so.

I mean, I need something since my social security won't be there, either

 

[River Lynchmob]

I'm betting against it and have no reservations about doing so.

I mean, I need something since my social security won't be there, either

Mine either...I have said for a long time it is up to the individual to save...I tell this to our guys...when you get overtime e save it...save everything you can...most think I'm nuts and say the union has it taken care of...you can lead a horse to water...

 

[jones performance]

Is that after they are hired? or they are just not getting a lot of applicants? The O&M Tech IV job I applied for did stay open for applications past the deadline, I am assuming because they did not get enough qualified applicants.

he didnt really specify, although he did tell me to start applying even if i didnt have the exp they want. so it sounds like just not getting applicants. i met him at a bbq competition got to talking about stuff. talked to him for a couple hours.

 

[941Punk]

Thanks guys I'll check out WGU, CyberCorps and DBA stuff.

Will an IT Management degree cover all of this generally or is each one specific I.e. Security, DBA, IT Director jobs.

Wouldn't hurt.

My old neighbor was an helicopter tech for the Air Force and when he got out. Got fed up of being outside and the heat. He become a DBA within a couple of years with night school. Works for Insight now still supporting 3 girls and a wife.

 

[Scott E]

I also studied/study Cybersecurity, if you are flexible and good with technical stuff, then it's a career that is in uber demand with big $$$$ and you can work anywhere in the world with the right security/networking certs. They can't find enough QUALIFIED people to fill positions, but that's because you have to be pretty damned smart, too. If you kick ass at math, then you could do well. You can get into WGU and get a Cybersecurity degree lickety split since you already have your BA.

This! I already work in IT as an Enterprise Systems Analyst. One of the things I have been kicking around is getting some type of certificate in Cybersecurity as it is not ever going to go away. Just need to get off my fat ass and do it.

 

[Rogers Hopeful]

Background is Im 27, have 5 years management experience in facilities/security/maintenance with a school, graduated with Bachelors in Hotel and Restaurant Management in 2011 and have been searching for something different since.

Right now I'm strongly considering a career with a financials company such as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley or the like because of the amount of positions and mobility as well as potential for compensation beyond what I make now.

If I had it my way I'd fly for UPS but can't justify the expenditure on flight school and paying for flight hours.

If also be very interested in working for Union Pacific or BNSF, however, they're never hiring and are taking a hit financially.

Try Amtrak. I believe we are hiring conductors for the Metrolink side.

 

[Waffles]

Subbed to this because I'm in the same boat. Same boat same age same aspirations. Been with my company for almost 10 years and the only way to further my "career" is if one of these lifers dies or retires. I too hold a gov gob and I'm tired of feeling like I've settled for something when I know I could do better. It just sucks because it seems like I'm running out of time at establishing a solid foundation for my family.

 

[PVHCA]

Background is Im 27, have 5 years management experience in facilities/security/maintenance with a school, graduated with Bachelors in Hotel and Restaurant Management in 2011 and have been searching for something different since.

Right now I'm strongly considering a career with a financials company such as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley or the like because of the amount of positions and mobility as well as potential for compensation beyond what I make now.

If I had it my way I'd fly for UPS but can't justify the expenditure on flight school and paying for flight hours.

If also be very interested in working for Union Pacific or BNSF, however, they're never hiring and are taking a hit financially.

Are you thinking a stock broker or Financial Advisor role? Think again, most firms won't pay commissions on anything under 100K, so go small firm that does if that's the road you are contemplating.

Pay cut? You must be doing fairly well right now then. I know some guys who work as city cops in SoCal... they easily make into 6 figures with overtime. They're the same age as you and have only been doing it a few years.

NO SHIT, not 1-FT UPD officer makes under $100K with benefits, most are at $125K or more.

And don't get me started on Upland Fire's pay.

 

[jones performance]

Are you thinking a stock broker or Financial Advisor role? Think again, most firms won't pay commissions on anything under 100K, so go small firm that does if that's the road you are contemplating.



NO SHIT, not 1-FT UPD officer makes under $100K with benefits, most are at $125K or more.

And don't get me started on Upland Fire's pay.

gotta get paid to drive that big fuggin ladder truck around...:rolleyes

 

[3.Slow]

he didnt really specify, although he did tell me to start applying even if i didnt have the exp they want. so it sounds like just not getting applicants. i met him at a bbq competition got to talking about stuff. talked to him for a couple hours.

I have to say, the job description and requirements were extensive. I would like to think I fit the description pretty well but I could see how some people would not apply because they feel under-qualified. On the flip side, how long can an employer expect someone to stay in a position if they are fully qualified before they start, they are going to be ready to move up before they even begin.

 

[milkmoney]

I wish I had a job. [emoji12][emoji202]. Well maybe [emoji41]

 

[PVHCA]

gotta get paid to drive that big fuggin ladder truck around...:rolleyes

Mind you I'm going off 2 year old figures as well so it's more now, IMO it's unreal, they wouldn't make anything near that in the private sector for similar work.

 

[HotRod82]

If you want to be self employed, start a licensed Handyman business. A former client of mine (he just retired at 52) took my advice and did this about 15 years ago. He made over 200K a year doing nothing but small odd jobs. He used to joke that he must hold the record for total number ceiling fan installs. He also did a lot of high end office building work, hanging art pieces etc. People will pay big bucks for a clean cut professional that does top notch work and speaks good english.

 

[Bobby V]

NO SHIT, not 1-FT UPD officer makes under $100K with benefits, most are at $125K or more.

And don't get me started on Upland Fire's pay.

They need to update their website then.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/uplandca/

 

[Scott E]

They need to update their website then.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/uplandca/

Real numbers, up to 2014, are available on a publicly accessible website. Personally, I think they should remove the employees names but they are listed as well.

 

[PVHCA]

They need to update their website then.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/uplandca/

Why?

Real numbers, up to 2014, are available on a publicly accessible website. Personally, I think they should remove the employees names but they are listed as well.

Every city's employee salaries can be seen at transparency ca, I just google salaries of upland employees and bam.

The OT and benefits is ridiculous. Again this would never fly in the private sector.

Kinda why I hated hearing about the "poor UUSD" teachers salaries and benefit package, such BS

 

[Scott E]

Every city's employee salaries can be seen at transparency ca, I just google salaries of upland employees and bam.

The OT and benefits is ridiculous. Again this would never fly in the private sector.

Kinda why I hated hearing about the "poor UUSD" teachers salaries and benefit package, such BS

Yep, that is the exact site I was referring to. I even exported the data for Upland but decided to delete it. If anyone wants to see the data they can navigate to it and run their own search. It is definitely eye opening for sure.

 

[Ballyhoo]

Are you thinking a stock broker or Financial Advisor role? Think again, most firms won't pay commissions on anything under 100K, so go small firm that does if that's the road you are contemplating.



NO SHIT, not 1-FT UPD officer makes under $100K with benefits, most are at $125K or more.

And don't get me started on Upland Fire's pay.

It is very difficult to recruit, hire, train and retain cops. Its even harder right now with all this BS going on. Cops in California are among the highest paid in the country and have the most training requirements in the country. As far as making 100k plus a year for the average cop goes; The highest paid, top step cops not supervisors, are making about 85-100K without overtime. That will take you from 6-10 years to get to that pay step. Overtime is a necessary evil of the job-court, staying late after your regular shift and filling in when your team is short. The adventure from the time you get hired to that 30 year mark is very challenging both physically and mentally. Most cops never make it anywhere close to a full 30 year service retirement. If you do, you are very fortunate. Anyone can apply but the amount that does is never enough to keep up with the need. The cop job is something that very few people want to do for all kinds of reasons.

Fire jobs are very difficult to get. It takes an average of 5-6 years to get hired. That is after getting a 2 or 4 year degree, fire science and EMT courses, paramedic school and taking countless tests and interviews where you are NOT selected. Fire always has hundreds of folks show up for testing. They also have a hard time finding people they can hire, train and retain. Fire pay in California is on the same level as police pay.

Both of these careers can be very rewarding. You must be fully committed and want to do these jobs for the right reasons. Most folks that try and get these jobs just to get a job, don't last. Way too much BS to deal with unless you are 100% committed.

Good luck with your search

 

[boatnam2]

If you don't mind working rotating 12 hours shifts, weekends, holidays, nights, days, overtime you could always try a oil refinery

 

[EmpirE231]

yep... a few minutes of playing around on transparentcalifornia is all you need to see, to realize the path is unsustainable. It makes the city of bell scandal look like an everyday thing.

 

[traquer]

. People will pay big bucks for a clean cut professional that does top notch work and speaks good english.

This. Regarding the handyman idea, my approach would be to always ask for reviews and become one of the top 3 guys on Yelp in my location and I bet I'd be getting calls all day.

 

[Raffit78]

Real Estate Appraiser.

Work from home, snap some pictures of a property, write up a report.

I have a really good buddy that does this, to say he is doing very well for himself, is an understatement.


You do need to get some education, also log in so many hours before you can be on your own.


I believe appraisers are charging about $400.00-$450.00 now. I don't see a reason why you wouldn't be able to perform a few a day.

 

[grumpy88]

Real Estate Appraiser.

Work from home, snap some pictures of a property, write up a report.

I have a really good buddy that does this, to say he is doing very well from himself, is an understatement.


You do need to get some education, also log in so many hours before you can be on your own.


I believe appraisers are charging about $400.00-$450.00 now. I don't see a reason why you wouldn't be able to perform a few a day.

No kidding . I just paid like 475 last month for some a hole to appraise my house . He didn't know a dam thing about houses . Looks like a pretty cush deal to me

 

[PVHCA]

It is very difficult to recruit, hire, train and retain cops. Its even harder right now with all this BS going on. Cops in California are among the highest paid in the country and have the most training requirements in the country. As far as making 100k plus a year for the average cop goes; The highest paid, top step cops not supervisors, are making about 85-100K without overtime. That will take you from 6-10 years to get to that pay step. Overtime is a necessary evil of the job-court, staying late after your regular shift and filling in when your team is short. The adventure from the time you get hired to that 30 year mark is very challenging both physically and mentally. Most cops never make it anywhere close to a full 30 year service retirement. If you do, you are very fortunate. Anyone can apply but the amount that does is never enough to keep up with the need. The cop job is something that very few people want to do for all kinds of reasons.

Fire jobs are very difficult to get. It takes an average of 5-6 years to get hired. That is after getting a 2 or 4 year degree, fire science and EMT courses, paramedic school and taking countless tests and interviews where you are NOT selected. Fire always has hundreds of folks show up for testing. They also have a hard time finding people they can hire, train and retain. Fire pay in California is on the same level as police pay.

Both of these careers can be very rewarding. You must be fully committed and want to do these jobs for the right reasons. Most folks that try and get these jobs just to get a job, don't last. Way too much BS to deal with unless you are 100% committed.

Good luck with your search

I am with you 100% on LEO's believe me, and what you said about finding good cops to hire is absolutely 100% true per our Chief, had a nice convo with him recently about this. In Upland it doesn't take that long to hit the 100K mark, I know a few young cops that are there already.

I admire those that work in these 2 fields, doesn't mean I have to like their pay scale though, but it is what it is and they do a job I wouldn't so I'm thankful to them.

 

[robby dmax]

Fuck it just become a real estate agent...and sell at a discounted rate
Just don't tell everyone on RDP.

 

[26LAVEY525]

I was in car sales for 15 years made a great living. The past few years I hated every minute of it. I tried to get out but came to the realization that I also had a lifestyle to maintain. I made the choice to go back because I wasn't willing to change my lifestyle.

However I am now more appreciative of the living that industry gave me and have a better out look. I wouldn't say I love it I just came to the conclusion it's work. If it was fun you'd have to pay to do it!!

 

[Richard.E]

CAD jock... work in the Aerospace industry

You can go to ITT tech and get a certificate in CAD drafting and work your way into some decent design positions.
I work in the structural design group designing wings, fuselage, tails, etc. All composite graphite/epoxy resin.

After 32 years in the biz you can work for 20 somethings straight out of college ... LOL

On a similar path to this. I'm 21 about a year away from my 4 year degree in business management from BYU, just started getting my certifications for Air Frame & Powerplant.

Currently working 12 hour night shift at a CNC machining company. Planning on getting a few years experience in manufacturing. Probably will need to be a mechanic for a couple years after my schooling is done.

Longterm goal is to be a airframe inspector, ultimate goal would be to do inspections for the FAA. Trying to get all the hard work out of the way while I'm young.