A
Anonymous
Guest
My wife tries to keep them from hitting each other,shes an air traffic controller at Stansted. A bit worrying, shes very forgetful and indecisive at home :shock:
If you could change your career
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Shultzy
Established Member
After leaving school I joined a civil engineering company for 18 months, and then moved on to work for Birmingham City Council Engineers Dept. My biggest claim to fame is designing a one mile stretch of the Kingsbury Road in Birmingham. I became interested in computing when pc's were introduced into the council in 1981, and in 1983 moved to the finance dept, to work with computers full time. The IT Systems section was formed in 1990 where I continued to work as a network specialist until I retired in March 2006 after 36 years with the Council.
I started engineering because I wanted a job out in the fresh air, and it was the only one I could think of. Computing started as a hobby and this is why I think I enjoyed it so much.
Maybe thats the secret turn your hobby into a job.
I started engineering because I wanted a job out in the fresh air, and it was the only one I could think of. Computing started as a hobby and this is why I think I enjoyed it so much.
Maybe thats the secret turn your hobby into a job.
A
Anonymous
Guest
There seem to be an awful lot of guys here dissatisfied with their jobs but with a love of woodworking and presumably a shed full of tools.
Thought about fitting kitchens?
It's not the glamour end of the woodworking world but it pays well and doesn't need any formal qualifications. Any local good kitchen shop will tell you that decent fitters are as rare as hens' teeth and earn over a grand a week!
Do a good job and you've got a potential client for one of your bespoke masterpieces!
Just a thought...
Brad
Thought about fitting kitchens?
It's not the glamour end of the woodworking world but it pays well and doesn't need any formal qualifications. Any local good kitchen shop will tell you that decent fitters are as rare as hens' teeth and earn over a grand a week!
Do a good job and you've got a potential client for one of your bespoke masterpieces!
Just a thought...
Brad
PowerTool
Established Member
Done a few jobs :-
Farm worker/tractor driver
Warehouse worker
DJ
Policeman
HGV driver
Traffic planner
Bulk chemical logistics (to name most of them)
Some for different firms at different times;have enjoyed every job I have done,and career moves have generally just happened,rather than being planned.
Spend most weekends doing "handyman" work(plumbing,joinery,electrics,gardening,car repairs,driving etc.)
So could quite happily go and do that,but also used to enjoy metalwork and if I had chance,would have done agricultural engineering.
Andrew
Farm worker/tractor driver
Warehouse worker
DJ
Policeman
HGV driver
Traffic planner
Bulk chemical logistics (to name most of them)
Some for different firms at different times;have enjoyed every job I have done,and career moves have generally just happened,rather than being planned.
Spend most weekends doing "handyman" work(plumbing,joinery,electrics,gardening,car repairs,driving etc.)
So could quite happily go and do that,but also used to enjoy metalwork and if I had chance,would have done agricultural engineering.
Andrew
Shadowfax
Established Member
Not sure how I would start now but having been a customs officer and then changing my mind and joining the fire service, where I stayed for thirty years, I would say if you want to change, and you can - do it! Life is too short, otherwise.
I would be a firefighter again. Even after two former colleagues got blown up last weekend at a fireworks store I would still do it again.
(Prayers for their families please).
I really hope those of you who are hankering for a change manage to make the break. I always enjoyed my work and I know it does make a big difference.
Best wishes.
SF
I would be a firefighter again. Even after two former colleagues got blown up last weekend at a fireworks store I would still do it again.
(Prayers for their families please).
I really hope those of you who are hankering for a change manage to make the break. I always enjoyed my work and I know it does make a big difference.
Best wishes.
SF
A year ago I nearly died, in fact so nearly that even now, when doctors hear the results of my blood tests they insist I must have made a mistake, anyone with those levels would no way have survived etc. Long story but essentially it was a genetic weakness in my liver.
Whilst lying in bed, bloated to 25 stone with fluid and with eyes that would have made a buttercup look dull, and wondering whether to cut my wrists in the bath or take a taxi to somewhere beautiful and shoot myself, when the pain got too bad, the thing which was at the foremost of my mind was the number of things I'd wanted to do but had allowed something to get in the way of.
I'm still here, and doing my old job part-time whilst I accumulate some clients for furniture, build the old portfolio up etc. In five years we're going to sell up and get a small hotel in the Highlands (which actually makes sense financially as you can borrow money for commercial ventures without life insurance, unlike a mortgage. Nobody would now sell me life insurance), with outbuildings which can be converted into holiday cottages and a large workshop. Found a backer already, another man who has the money in his career but hates it and wants an excuse to get away to Scotland to keep an eye on his investment (ie, go fishing).
If I have one bit of advice to offer, it is, don't go to your deathbed wondering, what if?
Whilst lying in bed, bloated to 25 stone with fluid and with eyes that would have made a buttercup look dull, and wondering whether to cut my wrists in the bath or take a taxi to somewhere beautiful and shoot myself, when the pain got too bad, the thing which was at the foremost of my mind was the number of things I'd wanted to do but had allowed something to get in the way of.
I'm still here, and doing my old job part-time whilst I accumulate some clients for furniture, build the old portfolio up etc. In five years we're going to sell up and get a small hotel in the Highlands (which actually makes sense financially as you can borrow money for commercial ventures without life insurance, unlike a mortgage. Nobody would now sell me life insurance), with outbuildings which can be converted into holiday cottages and a large workshop. Found a backer already, another man who has the money in his career but hates it and wants an excuse to get away to Scotland to keep an eye on his investment (ie, go fishing).
If I have one bit of advice to offer, it is, don't go to your deathbed wondering, what if?
A
Anonymous
Guest
Further to my post yesterday about kitchen fitting, last night I bumped into an old mate of mine who for years has been a househusband while his wife went out to work. Now the kids are older he has set himself up as a handyman - advertising in newsagents, chip shops etc. He charges £100 a day and is turning work down, he's that busy!
Maybe it's because I've always been self-employed but I can't understand why anyone would stay in a job they hate that does not even pay that well, rather than taking a flyer and going solo.
As Woodstoat puts it;
Maybe it's because I've always been self-employed but I can't understand why anyone would stay in a job they hate that does not even pay that well, rather than taking a flyer and going solo.
As Woodstoat puts it;
A
Anonymous
Guest
Wizer,
I'm sorry if it sounded like I think it's the simplest thing in the world to throw in your job and work for yourself. I actually think that voluntarily to leave the cosy if brain numbing corperate world and strike out on one's own must be one of the most couragous things one can do.
For me it was easy; my father and grandfather were both self-employed and I knew nothing else. I've worked for myself since the age of 18 (I'm now 46) Consequently I've no pension to look forward to, live in the same semi we've had for 20 years, and will be working 60 hours a week till I drop! However, I would not change a thing!
Just ask yourself what it is you are afraid of;
Fear of failure?
Fear of not being able to pay the mortgage?
Fear of the the loss of social status?
Fear of working alone?
Make your own list and strike out the ones that look ridiculous when you see them written down.
If you then decide to stay where you are - fine. Just stop whingeing! :lol:
If you decide to take the plunge - try reading the book 'Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway'
Oh, and keep SWMBO in the loop! My wife would still love me to have an ordinary 9-5 job!
Cheers
Brad
I'm sorry if it sounded like I think it's the simplest thing in the world to throw in your job and work for yourself. I actually think that voluntarily to leave the cosy if brain numbing corperate world and strike out on one's own must be one of the most couragous things one can do.
For me it was easy; my father and grandfather were both self-employed and I knew nothing else. I've worked for myself since the age of 18 (I'm now 46) Consequently I've no pension to look forward to, live in the same semi we've had for 20 years, and will be working 60 hours a week till I drop! However, I would not change a thing!
Just ask yourself what it is you are afraid of;
Fear of failure?
Fear of not being able to pay the mortgage?
Fear of the the loss of social status?
Fear of working alone?
Make your own list and strike out the ones that look ridiculous when you see them written down.
If you then decide to stay where you are - fine. Just stop whingeing! :lol:
If you decide to take the plunge - try reading the book 'Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway'
Oh, and keep SWMBO in the loop! My wife would still love me to have an ordinary 9-5 job!
Cheers
Brad
syntec4
Established Member
Just thought I would add my 2p
I've been thinking about this a lot recently (4 years actually). I too hate my job as a sales manager. I started out as an engineer visiting sites installing/repairing the equipment I now sell. I was bullied into the sales dept by my boss, he needed me to bring in more money for the company or else kinda thing. Unfortunately because I was so worried about loosing my job, I tried VERY hard and managed to close some big deals (luck not skill). That was the end of my technical position
The thing is though that I hate doing the sales thing so much it's making me ill. I have to stand up in front of some of the biggest cheeses in business and do presentations on our equipment/software I hate doing that, I'm not a 'show off' type of character. Forcing myself to do it every day is hell.
The really bad thing is now I cant change. My other half doesn't want to work and doesn't want to listen to the fact that I need to do something with a lot less salary and a lot less pressure. I would love to do something like fitting kitchens etc, but It would be ages before I could make anything like the sort of money I make now. Who would pay the bills and keep SWMBO in the new cars and clothes that she needs all the time if I made the change ?
I found out 2 weeks ago my dad has got cancer as well. He's been saying he's not bothered as he's had a great life. he's always done jobs that gave him satisfaction. Motor mechanic, Cabinet maker, JCB engineer - all sorts. My Mum is the steady earner in a job that she loves -Vet. I can already see that I will not have those opportunities :evil:
If my pension is going to end up being worth anything, I will be able to retire in 31.1 years if I make it that far.
My advice from being in this situation is that if you have an understanding partner, or none at all. Change jobs whilst you can. You would be amazed at how ill long term stress can make you. Don't get yourself into this situation
:wink:
PS Sorry Brad - I've had my Winge now...
I've been thinking about this a lot recently (4 years actually). I too hate my job as a sales manager. I started out as an engineer visiting sites installing/repairing the equipment I now sell. I was bullied into the sales dept by my boss, he needed me to bring in more money for the company or else kinda thing. Unfortunately because I was so worried about loosing my job, I tried VERY hard and managed to close some big deals (luck not skill). That was the end of my technical position
The thing is though that I hate doing the sales thing so much it's making me ill. I have to stand up in front of some of the biggest cheeses in business and do presentations on our equipment/software I hate doing that, I'm not a 'show off' type of character. Forcing myself to do it every day is hell. The really bad thing is now I cant change. My other half doesn't want to work and doesn't want to listen to the fact that I need to do something with a lot less salary and a lot less pressure. I would love to do something like fitting kitchens etc, but It would be ages before I could make anything like the sort of money I make now. Who would pay the bills and keep SWMBO in the new cars and clothes that she needs all the time if I made the change ?
I found out 2 weeks ago my dad has got cancer as well. He's been saying he's not bothered as he's had a great life. he's always done jobs that gave him satisfaction. Motor mechanic, Cabinet maker, JCB engineer - all sorts. My Mum is the steady earner in a job that she loves -Vet. I can already see that I will not have those opportunities :evil:
If my pension is going to end up being worth anything, I will be able to retire in 31.1 years if I make it that far.
My advice from being in this situation is that if you have an understanding partner, or none at all. Change jobs whilst you can. You would be amazed at how ill long term stress can make you. Don't get yourself into this situation
:wink:
PS Sorry Brad - I've had my Winge now...
If I bought Mrs Stoat a new car or an expensive frock, she'd think that either (a) I'd gone barmy, or that (b) I'd been cheating on her. If she was in the habit of demanding such things, I'd suggest it was time she got a higher paid job. If she expected me to be miserable, and hate my life, just to get money to squander, I'd wonder what I ever saw in her in the first place.
beech1948
Established Member
Syntec4,
First for the mods...this is not a personal attack on Syntec4 its a reasoned and thought out reponse to his post.
My reaction to this is that I want to help Syntec4 from the bottom of my heart, with respect and empathy but I need to say this:-
I don't believe you Syntec4. Thats because your written message shows tha you are OK at sales but have some issues with FALSE beliefs about sales and sales people.
1) Sales people are show offs. Utter and complete crap. The best sales types are those who are competant, therefore coming from competance is confidence. If you can't "show off" then you can only just be yourself.
So what if your not a show off, who cares other than your preconcieved ideas and the rotten value you have about it. If your not a show off type then what sort of salesperson are you, principled, technically aware, human, similar to your audience, family man, flirt, humorous.etc etc...you get the picture here I hope.
You have a limiting belief about what you need to be to sell which is not true. How do I know this....I sell £6 million a year just being me, boring old fart, ex-scientist and non-show off that I am.
2) There is also an indication that you are thinking the people in the audience are better than you, more worthy than you, more able than you. What crap. They are sitting there trying to understand what your company can do for them and have almost no time to worry about little old you. Another daft belief. Get rid of it.
3) You were bullied into sales. Are you a Yes man, have you no spine. Of course you were not bullied you agreed to do it, you seem to be OK/good at it. Start facing up to the fact that you chose to do it.
Give yourself permission to become the sales person type you want to be.
4) Sales is nothing special. Its just a few guys presenting to the best of their ability. Some very good, some OK some poor. Sales tricks don't work...but you know that. You should also know that people buy from people...that si the buyer needs some liking for the people they buy from or at least a modicum of respect. So why do they buy from you. Do they laugh at you, do they show disrespect, do they mock you.
Of course not. They are buying because you bring something to the table they want, its valuable, it does something for them.
I do not believe that you hate your sales activity so much...you are still doing it. You maybe have a false memory of being a techy...you know the ones who are always being told what to do by the salesman and who are not recognised or rewarded by their company.
RETHINK your values and what you are doing as a sales person, REVALUE yourself. If you can't then just quit and find something else.
I see much of your post as a set of misconceptions about your role, yourself and what you are doing. Maybe its a class issue, maybe its to do with your self image as being a techy needs to be updated to be more
of a business man not a widget supporter.
If you don't like this reply then don't post such a message again.
If your mad at me then good. Go to the pub and have drink and consider.
In respect, with empathy and support
Alan G. Beech
Mind Strategy Ltd
Executive Mentor and Coach
First for the mods...this is not a personal attack on Syntec4 its a reasoned and thought out reponse to his post.
My reaction to this is that I want to help Syntec4 from the bottom of my heart, with respect and empathy but I need to say this:-
I don't believe you Syntec4. Thats because your written message shows tha you are OK at sales but have some issues with FALSE beliefs about sales and sales people.
1) Sales people are show offs. Utter and complete crap. The best sales types are those who are competant, therefore coming from competance is confidence. If you can't "show off" then you can only just be yourself.
So what if your not a show off, who cares other than your preconcieved ideas and the rotten value you have about it. If your not a show off type then what sort of salesperson are you, principled, technically aware, human, similar to your audience, family man, flirt, humorous.etc etc...you get the picture here I hope.
You have a limiting belief about what you need to be to sell which is not true. How do I know this....I sell £6 million a year just being me, boring old fart, ex-scientist and non-show off that I am.
2) There is also an indication that you are thinking the people in the audience are better than you, more worthy than you, more able than you. What crap. They are sitting there trying to understand what your company can do for them and have almost no time to worry about little old you. Another daft belief. Get rid of it.
3) You were bullied into sales. Are you a Yes man, have you no spine. Of course you were not bullied you agreed to do it, you seem to be OK/good at it. Start facing up to the fact that you chose to do it.
Give yourself permission to become the sales person type you want to be.
4) Sales is nothing special. Its just a few guys presenting to the best of their ability. Some very good, some OK some poor. Sales tricks don't work...but you know that. You should also know that people buy from people...that si the buyer needs some liking for the people they buy from or at least a modicum of respect. So why do they buy from you. Do they laugh at you, do they show disrespect, do they mock you.
Of course not. They are buying because you bring something to the table they want, its valuable, it does something for them.
I do not believe that you hate your sales activity so much...you are still doing it. You maybe have a false memory of being a techy...you know the ones who are always being told what to do by the salesman and who are not recognised or rewarded by their company.
RETHINK your values and what you are doing as a sales person, REVALUE yourself. If you can't then just quit and find something else.
I see much of your post as a set of misconceptions about your role, yourself and what you are doing. Maybe its a class issue, maybe its to do with your self image as being a techy needs to be updated to be more
of a business man not a widget supporter.
If you don't like this reply then don't post such a message again.
If your mad at me then good. Go to the pub and have drink and consider.
In respect, with empathy and support
Alan G. Beech
Mind Strategy Ltd
Executive Mentor and Coach
A
Anonymous
Guest
Syntec 4, I know exactly where you are coming from, I was in sales for a while 18 years ago, I was OK at it but hated every moment.
Sometimes now I find myself saying in my head your a lucky b****rd, you can't beat running your own business especially when you are getting the financial rewards.
Just a note to anyone thinging of running their own business, I worked as a cabinetmaker for a couple of companies for 15 years, the last one paid really well,i was the senior guy and it was a risk leaving.
The first year after setting up, I repaid all the borrowed money and took a decent salary.
Last year I tripled what I earnt when I was employed. I've paid of my morgage 12 years early and have investments. The job is still stressful but only because its a success.
I am not trying to blow my own trumpet, just tell people that its not all doom and gloom, if you can produce good quality furniture at speed and get a few lucky breaks you can do all right.
Sometimes now I find myself saying in my head your a lucky b****rd, you can't beat running your own business especially when you are getting the financial rewards.
Just a note to anyone thinging of running their own business, I worked as a cabinetmaker for a couple of companies for 15 years, the last one paid really well,i was the senior guy and it was a risk leaving.
The first year after setting up, I repaid all the borrowed money and took a decent salary.
Last year I tripled what I earnt when I was employed. I've paid of my morgage 12 years early and have investments. The job is still stressful but only because its a success.
I am not trying to blow my own trumpet, just tell people that its not all doom and gloom, if you can produce good quality furniture at speed and get a few lucky breaks you can do all right.
Vormulac
Established Member
beech1948":1w0a00kr said:
I don't like your reply, does that mean you won't post such a load of sanctimonious bullsh*t again?
To launch an attack like this on someone who is sharing their situation on the topic at hand is reprehensible.
I don't like writing comments like that, and I'm sure you have a great deal of experience and friendly advice to offer on a number of subjects, but your post was out of order.
Syntec4, I think a lot more of us understand your position than you might think!
V.
wizer
Established Member
- Joined
- 3 Mar 2005
- Messages
- 15,589
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- 1
Sorry beech but I also don't buy into that Life Coaching rubbish. I don't think the tone and attitude of your message helps syntec or those of us in similar situations.
Sytnec I can totally empathise with what you are saying. In fact, reading your message, it felt that I had written it myself.
Sytnec I can totally empathise with what you are saying. In fact, reading your message, it felt that I had written it myself.
Alf
Established Member
Methinks, if a posting needs a message to the mods to explain it's not an attack, maybe it's best sent by Private Message anyway. Just a thought...
Cheers, Alf
Cheers, Alf
Surely a book is in the offing - Shape Your Mental Sale Strategy with the Spokeshave of Confidence and the Rasp of Esteem - Six Lessons From the Lives of Great Woodworkers.
- Dovetail your Strategies
- Mould your Expectations
- Yew can do It
- Chisel your Margins
- Planes of Achievement
and if that doesn't work
- Stick your Head in the Bandsaw
- Dovetail your Strategies
- Mould your Expectations
- Yew can do It
- Chisel your Margins
- Planes of Achievement
and if that doesn't work
- Stick your Head in the Bandsaw
syntec4
Established Member
Well I didn't mean to cause such a Harsh respone However I do stand by my post. I have re-read it several times and I have not said anything that should have caused such a response. I was simply posting my view of my situation.
Thanks to everyone who did understand what I was on about.
Alf - I agree, possibly a PM would have been more appropriate. Although I now know that I wont post anything like that again
Thanks everyone
Lee.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Lee,
I think everyone except that sanctamonious git can identify with your situation.
It makes me realise how lucky I am in having my wife onside. She has cheerfully supported me both emotionally and financially over the years through a business failure, subsequent bankruptcy, and a minor stroke.
I too am in South Manchester. If you ever fancy a pint send me a PM
Cheers
Brad
I think everyone except that sanctamonious git can identify with your situation.
It makes me realise how lucky I am in having my wife onside. She has cheerfully supported me both emotionally and financially over the years through a business failure, subsequent bankruptcy, and a minor stroke.
I too am in South Manchester. If you ever fancy a pint send me a PM
Cheers
Brad
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