RenaissanceFestival.com Forums

So the stereotype thread made me think, "Hey, there is a lot more to us Rennies than people give credit!"  So I thought it would be kinda cool to see what it is you do.

Do you have a 9-5 job outside of faire, what is it?
Is this your retirement job, what did you do before?
If this is your full time job, what got you here?  Did you do something else (mundanish) before Ren Faires?

I am a Geologist full time.

For my grandparents this was a retirement job.  Grandpa was a mechanic, grandma worked for an insurance company and taught art.  Grandma started a crafting business many years before they learned about faire.  It was a natural progression from craft fairs to ren faires.

Network Security Specialist.

Renn Faire's are my escapism from the digital world!

Oilfield supply... US Army before that.



my way of stepping out of the real world for a while...

I write Internet/intranet database application software for a specific department at a university. I love the programming part. I hate dealing with people that refuse to listen to logic. Given a choice, I'd rather be living at Scarborough year-round... It's been a tough day today...

I work in a shipping department of a communications company.

Seems like tons of rennies work IT.  It's so prevalent that I've gotten to the point that I don't even ask any more - at the most I'll ask if someone's a programmer, a DBA or a network specialist.

Hehehe Great thread.

I work mainly in the family business which is custom designed/built RIBS (rigid inflatable boats). I handle all the marketing/ P/R for the company and am now taking over the day to day manufacturing and customer bs.
I also run my own graphics/laser cutting and engraving business.

On the side- my mom and I have been selling our art at art faires for almost a decade now.


no wonder I have no free time. sheesh

Writer/editor for Web and publications at a public university. Before that, 20 years in the airline industry.

I am a network engineer for a particularly large company whose logo resembles the Death Star. US Army before that.

History buff and escapism.

IT manager at a local government agency.

Land Analyst for an oil & gas company for the last, gosh, 10 years.

I'm a stay at home mom of three little girls.

I'm a surgical technologist...in charge of the "silverware"  The doctor says "Knife" and I hand it to him.  My specialty is Neurosurgery...spines and braaaains.  Been doing this for 13 years.
I first came to Faire with an ex-beau in 2001, I think.  Came through the gates in jeans and a shirt...came out in a dress and bodice! and been going ever since.

I'm an actress. I'm currently finishing up the run of a show at a children's theatre here in Orlando, and I have another show with them in Feb-March. I would love for my acting jobs to last all year, but since they don't, when I don't have a show, I'm a Pirate. I work at The Pirates League (which is a transformation experience) in Walt Disney World.

Work in Real Estate with a hint of IT work for a major oil company. 

Love going to TRF and also volunteer for HLSR.

Hey!  There are some hard working people out there!
Keep em' coming.

And what about you full time rennies!?

I'm an Electronics Technician supporting the Labs where the International Space Station Software is tested here at NASA - Johnson Space Center in Houston.  Before that, I worked as an Electronics Engineering / Test / Repair Technician for various Telecom and Electronics Manufacturers, mostly in the cities of McKinney, Allen, Plano, Wylie, and Richardson, Texas.

I just order another round.  ;D

currently getting back into the work force after a bad spell with my partial disability

I am a part-time front of house manager for the Lyric Arts Main Street Stage in Anoka, MN - they are a community based theater.  Unlike other theaters they do shows all year round.

I am also starting my own jewelry making business called Amy Graves Design Studio.  I'm on facebook if you want to check out my collections.   ;D

I'm a cashier at a certain very large and orange home improvement chain. Attempting to get this whole acting thing as a full time gig.

I work in pharmaceuticals processing IVs and formulating parenteral nutrition bags at our brand new children's hospital which is now affiliated with Johns Hopkins.

Saving babies' lives at breakneck speeds!

I also per diem at another hospital.

Currently I'm a cellar assistant for a wine making facility outside of Portland OR. After this gig is over (Mid November/Thanksgiving) I'll be headed back to Texas and most likely either be working for a video game developer or be going back to school to get a master's of Interactive Technology in Digital Game Development with an emphasis on game design at SMU outside Dallas. But that is all speculative at this point, all I really know is I'm making wine then I'm heading back to Texas.

-Barret

I'm a benefits manager for the US and Canada for my international company. My direct report employees give me way more headaches than "my employees" (those of my company who have benefits) ever will! I love faire to get away from the real world. And try to drag as many people in with me as a I can. I figure if they can find their happy place, be it faire or elsewhere, the world will be a better place!

Medical assistant at a diagnostic facility.

Shipping department at a plastic manufacturing plant. Forklifts are fun! ;D

Currently doing contract work for the Dept of Homeland Scty at various federal bldgs in the KC area.  Also teach Karate 3 nights a week.

Just retired this year from a 30-year stint in the Marines.

Well....I work full time at Whole Foods Market in Nashville, TN as a Front End Customer Service Team Member.  I also work nearly full time for Heart & Sole/Dream Shoes/Willing Soles as the President of my LLC.  I also work more than full time managing my two children, one human, Aeron, who is a senior in high school and one canine, who is a dropout in general.  I try to spend as much time reading and listening to music and cooking and playing my harp as is humanly possible.  I have consistently listed my occupation as "Thinker," on my tax returns.

Surely I can't be the only accountant on the boards here.

I have fun and lots of it.

Jay Byrd

Oh and what do I do???  Everything that I can,  and some!

Quote from: Craigmeister on October 05, 2010, 11:18:10 PM
Surely I can't be the only accountant on the boards here.

I'm a recovering accountant...

I *was*  the fixed assets department in corporate accounting for a mid-sized regional grocery chain. When I noticed we were selling more assets than we were acquiring or maintaining, I knew it was time to dust off my resume and find something else to do....The company eventually declared bankruptcy and was bought by another grocery chain, and I'm a hostess at a German & America Restaurant part time, and just about half-way through with my Associate's degree in Hospitality & Culinary Management...but really I just want to bake stuff & build amazing looking & delicious desserts  :)

I'm currently a student working toward my AS in Paralegal Studies, with plans to get my Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice and Psychology.

My occupation has always been customer service.  Part call-center, part sales support for a textile company specializing in hospitals & other healthcare facilities.  My division handles the decorative textiles - draperies, privacy curtains, and sadly the goods are all polyester.

I am a Home Care Account Manager for a Medical Supply company.  I manage over 300 accounts, plus answer the phone and work with nurses from the VNS to order supplies for patients which we send to their homes.

I am also a restaurant owner, along with my husband.  In the past, we've owned a catering/specialty foods business.  Also worked in Materials Management for a company who made industrial furnaces and equipment for hospitals, doctors' offices, etc.  Before that, worked for the airlines, was a travel agent, and a tour guide.

Warranty Admin / Field Service Manager of natural gas compressors and engines for a rather largish corporation in Houston. It's the reason I haven't been very active on the forum the past two years! :P

I am an apprentice chef currently in cooking school at college.  It has been awesome changing careers to some thing I have had a passion for all of my life but going back to school at 45 is a biiiiiiiiiig challenge.  I am looking forward to finishing my papers and finding my niche in the culinary world.  Just for kicks, I want to sell homemade pretzels at faire.

I'm the Head of Exhibition Production at the Cleveland Museum of Art and according to my job description....Supervises and coordinates the activities of the Exhibition Production department. Responsible for overseeing the production of all support materials necessary for the presentation of museum special exhibitions and the installation of all permanent galleries. Coordinates carpentry, painting, label production, mount making and gallery lighting requirements to meet exhibition opening deadlines. I have 2 cabinet makers, 1 painter, 2 mount makers, a lighting tech, 2 production assistants and a part-time fabric tech.  I still do my old job as well of graphic production making signage and labels, installing the graphics for special exhibitions, permanent galleries, way finding signage and special events. I am also a licensed Massage Therapist and I volunteer doing massages on cancer patients and their family members at The Gathering Place.

President, Secretary/Treasurer, Chairwoman of the board of a small manufacturing company.  I'm 3rd generation.

Gina

Corp Concierge for an office building, my employer is Capitol Concierge Inc., Here in the Nations Capital.
I had always wanted to go to Ren Faire and finially did in 2007. Now in my 4th season. The other half is now talking about getting Season passes for next year at MDRF

Data analyst by day, milliner by night.

I've also been a personal assistant, librarian, office drone, HR drone, taught at a business college, managed a singing group, and slung pizzas.

I'm a software instructor and curriculum developer for the military.  I travel a lot to bases all over the world to teach new systems.  Before that I was a software analyst and before that I was US Air Force.

I also have a small chainmaille jewelry business on the side.  Up until this year, we traveled to festivals on the east coast to vend.  With the economy in the crapper, I've decided to take a break from festivals, though.  

I'm the Vice-President for a small (but growing, thank God) natural gas business, specializing in construction inspection.  By night, I'm a screenwriter (which is actually what my degree is in, go figure) and amateur novelist.  I love my job, but it leaves little time for much else. :)

I do a little bit of everything, I guess?First and foremost, I have been a Mom since I was 19 and have raised five children. Last one almost out the door...
Other than that, I am a writer and a herbalist. I also fix antique clocks. Of the three, its whatever is demanded of me at the time and will make enough money to pay the bills.

I'm a senior information technology architect for the world's largest computer company.   8)

I'm a teller (or for the P/C a member service rep) for my credit union. My husband and I are starting a candle making business. I help sell the candles, take orders, keep track of stock, etc.

I was a housekeeper/waitress/managment babysitter at a little hotel and at the same time I worked at a heath food store.

Now I am stay at home mom, a full time garland slave and I make and sell little monsters at local crafts faires oh and I clean a private home.

I'm a seamstress in the campus costume shop, making the costumes for the plays here at Kansas State. That's my during the week job. I'm also a waitress for the suite boxes at the football games on game days (usually weekends, but there's a game tomorrow night as well)

I'm also a full time student getting my degree in technical theatre. Emphasis on props and costumes. I like props better, but don't tell that to my costume shop boss/teacher ;D

I am a CPA and the unit controller for an aircraft galley inserts sales organization responsible for sales in the western hemisphere.  You know those drink trolley's that flight attendants push up and down the aircraft aisle?  We sell them....(among other things).

Full time - Quality Assurance Manager - last 31 years at the same company.  We are an international distributor of fasteners and electronic hardware ( oh fun stuff! ).

Part time - violinist/ concertina player for The Brigands ( 2011 will be our tenth year together!).

I'm a Police Officer in Toronto, Ontario, up in the Great White North.  Been one for 14 years, longer than I have been visiting Faires.  Funny, now that I look at it, it's prolly the closest thing to a modern day Knight that I can think of, I guess it was meant to be.

Within policing, I have been a Forensic Crime Scene Investigator going on almost nine years.  I received my Lead Homicide Investigator status almost seven years ago, and have sub-specialties in Chemical- Biological- Radiological- and Nuclear Weapons/attacks (that's your Weapons of Mass Destruction), Post-Blast (after the explosion) scene investigations, Arson and Fire Cause Determination, Blood Spatter Pattern Interpretation (that's right, no "L" in spatter), Recovery of Decomposing Human Remains (that's the buried in shallow grave stuff) and HUSAR and Post-Disaster Investigations (Heavy Urban Search and Rescue).

I love my work, and I have a little of both OCD and ADHD (self-diagnosed) which all contributes to me being a workaholic with attention to detail, with multiple major cases on the go at the same time.  We work on a rotation, with the end being we work an average of 40 hours per week.  In the last two weeks I have worked an additional 48 hours of overtime.

We do more than eat donuts and write tickets, but that's another thread.

Robert I tip my hat to all cops and people in the military.

Me I am an office assistance for a large retail corporation. I manage a sample room, and front office.

For the past 4 years I've also been a professional theatrical seamstress.  In other words you show me a picture of something I can pretty much make it provided I have the time, money, and your measurements.   The difference between a theatrical costumer and a regular seamstress is that a seamstress carrys around a sewing basket, a techie costume also carry's around a tool box as well. One minute I make vintage 1940's gowns replicas, to making 6 foot tall killer mutant leeches costumes, to creating headresses for a mermaid queen.

Notary Public who specializes in mortgage loan closings

Because the market is slow, I picked up a 2nd job delivering Pizzas

I am also a musician at Faire and outside playing celtic music

When not acting or performing at faire or elsewhere, i am a Production Control Analyst. Definitely got to have something to support this hobby lol....

I'm a photographer, i.e. a starving artist.  Still haven't found a "real job" yet, even though I work at a retail camera store chain/studio.  Back in the days of film, photography was my real job, but with the advent of high quality, affordable digital cameras, everyone and their dog and uncle is a photographer now, almost making me obsolete.  I still completely enjoy it as a hobby, it's just not sustainable for me anymore. 

I'm a mom, and a college student persuing a Bachelor's Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Previously, I was an executive assistant for the Vice President of Research and Technology at International Paint (a division of Akzo Nobel).

I have worked at TRF and Sherwood Faire- one season at Castle Kzar Leatherworks as a leathersmith and sales monkey, two seasons with Fellowship Foundry Pewter, and this season, I begin on TRF cast as one of the newest members of the Transylvanian Court!

Free!  Free! Free!  ;D ;D aka retired.  Used to do office work, secretary in the 60's and 70's, then computer operator at a major military base, then back to secretary when the Air Force decided to close that base. 

Polly

I am inside sales for a distributor of fasteners and specialty hardware. I also double as office manager, IT tech and supplies coordinator.

Oh Ho Dona, the competion! WHo do you work for? 

I suck mold. :D

Actually, I'm a safety geek for a large university, so I wear a lot of hats. Primarily I operate the hearing conservation program for the campus, with a few indoor air quality investigations (including mold) and the occasional asbestos survey thrown in. I also do volunteer work with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a 501(c)3 that generates scholarships and research grants for state-supported higher education.

I'm the department secretary of a cardiac cath lab.  Previously worked in a compliance dept of an investment co.

Educator.  I teach Kindergarten at a charter school.  One of the perks is that I can wear garb on 'Book Character Day'.  Last year I was a pretty darn awesome (IMO) pirate [I carried the book 'The Day I Became a Pirate'] & this year I'm going steampunk & carrying the book 'The Time Machine'.  I cannot wait!!

My only 'retail' connection to faires is that I help support the vendors via purchases!   ;D

Registered Nurse that also teaches High School Health Science.

Pharmacist. formerly hospital presently retail. In the past, EMT, EMS training coordinator, EMT instructor, Ambulance corps chief, Maria was one of my students. now my wife.

Joe

I think we have a highly eclectic group out there! ;)

Hey, Joe! Where you goin...oops...not the song thread..

M'Lady Nimue is also a pharmacist, formerly retail, presently hospital. A .45 pointed in her face during a robbery helped her decide where she was going to pharm.

 I am a retired antique dealer-I had my own shop for 10 years - also an artist.
I used to teach reading- grades 3-5. Ballroom dancing for Arthur Murray and in my past I was a Playboy Bunny for a short spell.
Don't tell anyone! LOL.

I'm an IT Business Analyst/Project Manager/Project Coordinator currently consulting at Bank of America.

Hold on!  Back up!  Queen Bonnie, your most royal highness......I respectfully say.....no shush don't tell...TELL TELL TELL  Please.  You can't just drop a playboy bunny bomb and not give us details

911 Dispatcher for San Francisco police/fire/ambulance...

US Army
Been a tank crewman since 1985.  Currently at Fort Bliss, TX.

And yes Your Majesty, we need details on this bunny thing.  <imagining Queen Bonnie in the bunny outfit> Oh yeah, I'm a bad, baaad rogue  ;D

Process Engineer for a Rubber Manufacturer.  Studied Industrial Engineer, must have dropped a small fortune on garb and accessories at faire this year what with it being my first season not being a broke college student!   ;D ;D

Shipping supervisor, Q.A. tech, Warden of the county jail, Assistant manager of Lake Guntersville yacht club, psych tech at Huntsville hospital, security, construction, U.S.Army- taught at the Chemical School and assigned 1/61st Mech. Inf., 5th I.D., I am sure I have left off some but you get the grist of it...

I've been a software engineer going on 15 years for a company that builds military flight simulators.  I mostly work on the GUI that's used by the instructor to control the simulator.  A little over 3 years ago I started playing doumbek, and I've played for belly dancers at faire the past 3 seasons.

I currently work at an academic library at a university, and I've worked at several public libraries.  I'm working towards a master's in library science. 

Queen Bonnie, I'm quite impressed! Got a photo?

Full time Air Force, currently out of McConnell AFB, KS.

I'm a Pharmacist.  Hospital.  Specifically, Pharmacy administration and pharmacy automation / hospital informatics. 

I'm a custom jewelry designer/manufacturer...wax carver, CAD operator, diamond setter....you get the drift...

I've been working for myself for the last 19 yrs...it was scary and a blessing all at the same time when I raising my two boys.  Now it allows me to take weekends off to be part of our local faires

Quote from: Tipsy Gypsy on October 20, 2010, 08:40:05 AM
Queen Bonnie, I'm quite impressed! Got a photo?

That was a long time ago- late 1960's. My photos got lost in a move/ divorce.It was fun and the people were nice. Memories!

Quote from: Queen Bonnie on October 22, 2010, 09:26:04 AM

Quote from: Tipsy Gypsy on October 20, 2010, 08:40:05 AM
Queen Bonnie, I'm quite impressed! Got a photo?

That was a long time ago- late 1960's. My photos got lost in a move/ divorce.It was fun and the people were nice. Memories!

My Queen, are you sure you were not Miss Nov. 1968?  I think you were using a different name then....
Looking forward to seeing you AHE.

Full time pastor and part time painter ;D

Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on October 22, 2010, 12:22:15 PM

Quote from: Queen Bonnie on October 22, 2010, 09:26:04 AM

Quote from: Tipsy Gypsy on October 20, 2010, 08:40:05 AM
Queen Bonnie, I'm quite impressed! Got a photo?

That was a long time ago- late 1960's. My photos got lost in a move/ divorce.It was fun and the people were nice. Memories!

My Queen, are you sure you were not Miss Nov. 1968?  I think you were using a different name then....
Looking forward to seeing you AHE.

um...Miss November 1968 PAIGE YOUNG
Died 1974 - suicide by barbituate overdose

i'm guessing no

i am the Director of Education for a vocational college and also teach medical billing and coding.

I'm a courier. Considered self-employed, I contract myself to a company that delivers medications to nursing homes and assisted living facilities from a large commercial pharmacy.

I see alot of folks messing with meds here. LOL!!

I am a Property & Casualty Underwriter for boat insurance and am the IT liason/tester.

Currently retired due to disability and a soft site ren fair owner. Past jobs Circus Wrangler, Truck Driver, Soldier, Roadie, Courier, Convenience Store Cashier/Owner, Artist, too many to mention. Getting to Rennie was just a natural progression of things after all I am Romma by ancestory.

Seasonal Buckeye Wrangler, and full time Observer.

What didn't I do?
I worked with two Sheriff's Departments. With one I worked in Juvenile Justice and the other the "Mug Shot Dept". (Saw relatives in that room!  :o LOL!)
Then I worked with the Physically/Mentally Handicapped for many years. I so loved it! It was very trying at times, but so rewarding.
Now, I am semi retired.

I'm an assistant manager at a Walgreens.

I am a CPA, but don't really practice.  I work for a large bank that has many locations and part of my job involves visiting other banks.  As such, I get to travel quite a bit.  You may think this is cool, but business travel can be very tedious and very intrusive on one's personal life.  Nevertheless, it prompted my love of traveling for pleasure.  My job is stressful sometimes, so Faire is a wonderful escape!

I am a bartender and a horse trainer. I have been bar tending for 12 years off and on and have been training horses for 16 years. These days it's been more bar tending and less horses. (wish it was the other way around).

NC/SC Realtor®/Broker, Certified Feng Shui Consultant

Currently I have a small commercial/residential cleaning co. Do fire restoration also, 10 yrs. Before that I was a engineer for a area arena( Capital Ctr,US AIR,MCI) did that for 17 yrs. Seen it all!

Mmkay, let's see here...

I started my new position back in November as a records clerk for a school district. Before that, I worked at a high school as an instructional aide. I have been working at this school district for a little over 4 years and I love my new job-it's quiet and I get to have my own office (even though a lot of people come into my office to make copies! lol...) I am hoping to transfer into a 4 year university next semester to finish my degree (I have actually changed majors from education to literature with a minor in english). My job allows me to have a couple of months off for summer vacation, so in a few weeks I will be able to relax for a good period of time! :)

Currently I'm a Senior RA at Crumley Hall and I'm working on my Masters in Molecular Biology (Padawan Microbiologist ;))

I'm a silly little admin. assistant for the state of Texas.

I have been and still am a large main frame computer professional.  Currently contracting in Birmingham.  I have been doing this for over 45 years to old to learn new tricks so I'll just keep going.

Sounds like one of my brothers...he's the last remaining machine-code programmer for IBM mainframes in his company...about the same time in as you, BlakDuke.

Quote from: BLAKDUKE on May 19, 2011, 12:47:10 PM
I have been and still am a large main frame computer professional.  Currently contracting in Birmingham.  I have been doing this for over 45 years to old to learn new tricks so I'll just keep going.

Now, now, Blakduke, be careful. Terms like "large" and "main frame" can be offensive. You should use more polite alternatives. For example, you could have said, "I am a weight-challenged big-boned computer professional."

There, doesn't that sound better?

The term 'large main frame' refered to the computer not me.  As to being PC I always though it stood for Psyhcologially Corrupt

Quote from: BLAKDUKE on May 20, 2011, 08:36:11 AM
The term 'large main frame' refered to the computer not me.  As to being PC I always though it stood for Psyhcologially Corrupt

I thought PC stood for personal computer.  ;)

New here, and not quite a Rennie yet.

Either way, I am an IT Security Analyst. Although the title doesn't explain much, since I do everything from network security to vuln. assessments and audits.

There are a lot of IT people here I see. Some kind of trend?

It was that way even when I started in Renn-faires back in 1983

Hense the "Nerd" moniker always attached to rennies?? ;)

Currently I am holding two positions of CEH a.k.a. Chief Executive Homemaker and online vintage garment broker.  Previous positions were two years as a wedding gown manager in a bridal salon, and before that 12 years in the investment banking/brokerage industry.  Nothing exciting.

Quote from: Delireus on October 07, 2010, 12:10:27 AM
I'm a seamstress in the campus costume shop, making the costumes for the plays here at Kansas State. That's my during the week job. I'm also a waitress for the suite boxes at the football games on game days (usually weekends, but there's a game tomorrow night as well)

I'm also a full time student getting my degree in technical theatre. Emphasis on props and costumes. I like props better, but don't tell that to my costume shop boss/teacher ;D

Props for the props folk!

I've had two paying gigs on professional shows - both were as properties coordinator.

Well, I've pretty much been doing retail off and on since 1997. It's something I'm good at. There have also been a few stints in fast food management, as well as a few temp jobs (telemarketing, factory, warehouse, and data entry). I always come back to retail, though. I've worked at the big three discount stores in the US - Wal-Mart, KMart, and Target. I've also worked at The World's Largest Truckstop (Iowa 80 in Walcott, IA) and JCPenney. Currently, I'm the pricing and signing specialist at Toys R Us here in town. It seems I'm on track to become management at some point in the future. I already have occasional "GSL" shifts (that's where I'm the person in charge of the store operations during business hours for a two-hour shift). My main responsibilites are performing price changes (I get a list of items that are being marked up or down, then print shelf labels for them and replace the old with the new), maintaining self-service tickets on large items such as swingsets, pools, and basketball hoops, and setting signage for any and all ad events. It's full time with benefits, and I almost always have Saturdays off. Not a bad deal.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I've done props for two professional stage shows, "Gilligan's Island: The Musical" and "The Will Rogers Follies". I've also done a couple of paid acting gigs (a staged reading at an art museum and a part-time job as an actor at a local science and history museum), and been a voice actor in a multimedia college textbook. I also did a filmed part for the follow-up textbook by the same author. Theatre is one of my many hobbies. So is history. So faire really combines those two nicely.

I volunteer a lot, too. I've been a volunteer in various capacities for the Bix 7 road race every year since 2002, worked at beer tent at the River Roots Live Music Fest, worked the gate at the Celtic Highland Games of the Quad Cities, and directed a living history event at a local historic cemetery. I've also had acting roles with several community and college theatre groups, from Shakespeare to Durang to Calderon to classic Greek comedy, and lots of stuff in between.

As for faire-related stuff, I've helped with setup and tear-down, and was a town crier a couple of years ago.

I work for my local school system as the cook in a school cafeteria.

I am a nanny 2 days a week for my best friend. The rest of the time I'm a domestic goddess at home. I also make and sell various hairpieces and types of fest pants as well as making custom scrubs for my neighbors. My previous jobs have been; admin assistant, tax preparer, and data processor for market research company- my first job was as a phone interviewer for the same place.

For the past 11 years (oh good gawd) I've been the office manager for a small direct mail company (NO I can't take your name off the list!) which means I do everything from maintain the computer system to scrub the toilets - literally.  I mostly work with data and preparing it for print, but if there's something around here that needs to be done - walk the dogs, vacuum, standardize inconsistent data - I'm your gal!

When I was younger I wanted to be a gradeschool art teacher and had the wonderful opportunity to work as an assistant teacher at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Unfortunately I was never able to finish my degree.

In my heart of hearts I'm an artist and have been for as far back as my memory can take me.

I can do just about anything artsy or crafty given enough time to figure it out.  It's one of the reasons faire appeals to me so much - a new way to express an old love.

I'm a freelance Graphic Designer, and I also design custom jewelry and create various types of accessories from leather and/or fabric. 

I've had all sorts of eclectic job descriptions in the past, including sous chef, carnie,  admin asst., database admin., office temp, street-corner hotdog vendor, tourist trade beach-front palm frond weaver, retail sales clerk for all sorts of shops, phone surveyor, placer gold miner in AK (for about 6 weeks, once), wrangler for outfitter in Yellowstone Natl. Park, poker dealer/house shill in MT, cocktail waitress, professional storyteller, after school enrichment teacher of science for elementary school age kids... and more. 


It's been an... interesting... run, so far.  ;) 

  Hmm..I overlooked this thread...
 I currently work as a collections acct manager for a mortgage company (I set up alternative payment plans for delinquent customers, see why I need faire to unwind?), before that-I set up computer networks for a Y2K contractor.  
 Resource desk for ADT for a (thankfully) short 3 year sprint.
 Before that I spent 20+ years as Aircraft Ground crew (Boeing) in the AF.  3 trips to the sandbox and now retired.

 

Quote from: Dustin on May 20, 2011, 09:17:20 PM

Props for the props folk!

I've had two paying gigs on professional shows - both were as properties coordinator.

Awesome! I just finished a doing props for my first community theatre show, which is performing this weekend. Wasn't paid, but it was good experince

I also got my first paying job as a graphic designer. I put together a CD cover and booklet for Marc Gunn's new CD, Firefly Drinking Songs. Go buy it, it should be shipping soon!

I have worked for over 7 years in the cutting dept of a local printing company. If there is a machine in that area (guillotine, sheeter, I-cutter, panel saw, etc.) I have either run it or know how to run it. Most of the past 7 years has been spent working on the sheeter, and I have more experience running it than anyone working there. Previously, I worked in data entry for DHL for 4 1/2 years, did some office temp work, and worked for the IRS for 3 seasons.

Moved to Texas from NC almost a year ago ( October 20th will be a year ) so I'm still finding my place in Texas. Right now, I'm working for a certain dealer in electronics who is blue and the "best" in what they do, in their mobile sales department.

I go to Faires to unwind, to remind me that humanity as a whole isn't a screaming spoiled kid who wants a iPhone even though he is 12.

Quote from: Rowen MacD on May 24, 2011, 02:13:14 PM
Before that I spent 20+ years as Aircraft Ground crew (Boeing) in the AF.  3 trips to the sandbox and now retired.   

Sincere thanks for your service, M'Lady.  'Tis an honor to know ye, even electronically. 

   Gramercy Baron,
   I should really join the VFW or the American Legion but alas, they keep sending the membership papers (3 sets so far) to my husband (who has never been in the military but does carry a spousal ID because of me). *sigh*   Sexism is alive and well, and continues to amuse me greatly.  I will join once they send the app to the correct person, and not a moment before!
   

I am in business to business industrial sales. I sell tools and equipment to Electric utilities and electric coops. I also sell the rubber gloves and rubber cover up for the electric power lines so crews are able to work safely. I have been in direct sales since I was eighteen. I worked for my fathers little dist. company until I was 25. He sold it and I did auto parts and automotive chemicals. I also was a Tank crewman in the Va. Army Nat. Guard.

I am a Civil (Transportation) Engineer.  We are the ones trying to keep you safe as you travel to faire.  ;D  I do research at a university and love never having to leave college for this job  ;)

Quote from: brooke on August 11, 2011, 08:14:24 AM
I am a Civil (Transportation) Engineer.  We are the ones trying to keep you safe as you travel to faire.  ;D  I do research at a university and love never having to leave college for this job  ;)

Brooke, if I may ask you a professional question...
Why, as more cars enter a highway, does the speed of the traffic on the highway slow down, causing more backup?  It seems to me if traffic kept a constant pace, say the speed limit, all traffic would move at that speed and backups wouldn't be created.
Or is it human nature to cause problems?

Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on August 11, 2011, 08:29:27 AM
Brooke, if I may ask you a professional question...
Why, as more cars enter a highway, does the speed of the traffic on the highway slow down, causing more backup?  It seems to me if traffic kept a constant pace, say the speed limit, all traffic would move at that speed and backups wouldn't be created.
Or is it human nature to cause problems?

Human nature to cause problems! ::)

Here is a good example I always remember from when I was in marching band (military people will recognize this).  When the block formation takes the first step EVERYONE must take a full step.  There is always that one person that never does, usually in the front, and then everyone behind gets backed up even if all of them took a full step.  It only takes one! ;)

My mundane job is  web development (primarily LAMP stack, Drupal and WordPress among others). I've been in my field since college, so about 7 years now. 

My fun job (or hobby, whatevs) is leather crafting (mainly masks but also some carving & faire related work). ;D

Quote from: Rogue Hidesmith on August 11, 2011, 10:38:44 AM
My mundane job is  web development (primarily LAMP stack, Drupal and WordPress among others). I've been in my field since college, so about 7 years now. 

My fun job (or hobby, whatevs) is leather crafting (mainly masks but also some carving & faire related work). ;D

I am a web Developer / Designer also.  (Lamp) I build a lot of Custom CMS. I do everything from writing content, designing, scripting, SEO, email marketing, user training and pay per click advertising.  I also do a lot of Graphic Design.    I am starting to get burnt out on it - I also do support for over 40 websites (updates, email support, you name it).

For my hobby I play guitar. I have played guitar for over 30 years  \m/

Currently I manage a cafe. Been doing that for a couple years now. Prior to that I've done all kinds of work, from ASE certified automechanic to apprentice pyrotechnician to civilian grounds personell for an army MWR facility, to the athletic programs director for a small town parks and rec. You name it, I've probably tried it at one point. If wishes were fishes, I'd fit school into work and being a parent and finish my BA in history, and teach.

Quote from: Dinobabe on August 11, 2011, 10:27:28 AM

Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on August 11, 2011, 08:29:27 AM
Brooke, if I may ask you a professional question...
Why, as more cars enter a highway, does the speed of the traffic on the highway slow down, causing more backup?  It seems to me if traffic kept a constant pace, say the speed limit, all traffic would move at that speed and backups wouldn't be created.
Or is it human nature to cause problems?

Human nature to cause problems! ::)

Here is a good example I always remember from when I was in marching band (military people will recognize this).  When the block formation takes the first step EVERYONE must take a full step.  There is always that one person that never does, usually in the front, and then everyone behind gets backed up even if all of them took a full step.  It only takes one! ;)

Perfect example of why it all slows down!  Because we can't all go the exact same speed all the time, need to change lanes or enter exit the highway so there is "turbulence" in the flow.  Not to mention all the people who speed up and then get to close to car in front so they slow down, then they are the slow car so person behind them has the same problem, and repeat through traffic.  Human nature can't work as systematically as we would hope  ;)

Just revisited this thread, and some things have changed since my last post. I said then that I was probably on track to be management at some point. Well, September of last year, I was promoted to department supervisor in the baby gear department. Then, in April of this year I was moved into the human resources department supervisor position. I'm not getting ready to do our seasonal hiring, where we'll go from about 45 employees up to over 120. I'm in charge of screening applicants, scheduling interviews, running background checks, and training the new people. Lots of work, but great experience.

I've been working part time at Panera Bread for about three years now. The hours are pretty good, but they do like putting me on the weekends a lot. I mostly work on the registers, but occasionally they will put me on dining room duty. After January, however, I want to plan to look for a new job. I would love to work in a bookstore of some sort!

I'm an administrative assistant for the great state of Texas.  Nothing fun or exciting but I get to have dinner and weekends with my kids.

Quote from: Celtic_Fae on October 06, 2010, 02:16:37 AM
I'm currently a student working toward my AS in Paralegal Studies, with plans to get my Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice and Psychology.

Eeesh..."shows to go" (goes to show) how plans can change. I'm now a CNA and nursing student!

I am pretty lucky to still be doing something I find really fascinating.  I am a medical transcriptionist who is still really transcribing and not editing. Imagine listening to doctors dictate at what seems to be the speed of light while you decipher what they say, selecting the right similar sounding word (dysphagia or dysphasia) correct their grammar (without changing their meaning) and spelling everything correctly at 95-105 words per minute. 

All this, not to mention the really unusual things you get to hear about.  I have been in pathology for the last 15 years - everyone just thinks about autopsies, but actually if it is taken out of you in a hospital or outpatient setting, it has to come through us and be examined.   I have typed reports of Miller High Life and Miller Lite bottle caps (53 of them swallowed) Lincoln head pennies (placed in the nose)  and way too many corncobs (I will let you sort that one out) than I would have liked, ugh. 

To soon it will all be voice recognition and underpaid editors.  Then you will see more reports like the consult from a large university hospital system I just received.   "No evidence of Methodists"  indeed.  Pretty sure they meant metastasis, but what's that harmless little mistake eh when they saved all that money by not hiring an educated professional?

I didn't know that Methodists were fatal...that's funny!

My name is Mark Sr. History Researcher. I like very much renaissance fest.

Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 28, 2012, 02:27:14 PM
I didn't know that Methodists were fatal...that's funny!

Don't think they are fatal, just chronic

Currently nursing student, soon to be RN! Previously nanny to two precious handicap children and their 3 energetic siblings, and in high school working in the family Mill (wood stakes and planks) which showed me quickly how much I wanted an air conditioned job (without the sawdust). 

After next week, I'll know. The cafe I've run for nearly 4 years just got sold. The new owners are supposed to tell me next Thursday if I still have a job.

Oy! I hope it goes your way, Hoowil. I'll toss a toad or two into the cauldron in your behalf.

Hey, either way, I'm already using it as the kick in the pants I needed to get back to school, and finish my degree and credentialing. One way or the other, I'll be ready to teach high school before my kids are in it (by a margin of 3-4 years if all goes well).

All the best, young man...all the best.

Right now I stay home with the lads and lass and am a bar wench one night per week (my one night out).  Now that the little one is in school, I am looking to get back to work as an Executive Assistant, what I once did in a former life.

I was a software engineer for 15 years. For the last couple of years I've been recovering physically, emotionally, and financially from a battle with breast cancer. I finally seem to have my emotional and physical energy back and am ramping up a career as a fulltime fiber artist. Not yet making a living, but am excited about the future.  :)

Quote from: GryffinSong on October 15, 2012, 07:18:06 PM
I was a software engineer for 15 years. For the last couple of years I've been recovering physically, emotionally, and financially from a battle with breast cancer. I finally seem to have my emotional and physical energy back and am ramping up a career as a fulltime fiber artist. Not yet making a living, but am excited about the future.  :)

Bless your heart.  Best of luck to you.

I am a part time circulation clerk for a local library

By day I am a Medical Assistant for two year now, I was in finance as a loan officer before that. The faire is a place I can breath and really be who I want to be without over thinking. I can always have a good time and meet interesting people without having to worry about impressing anyone. I LOVE it.

Been working full-time at my local library for 6.5 years, and currently working on a master's in library science so I can be a legit librarian. ^_^ I was introduced to faire about 7 years ago, and something about it just made me feel like I was home. Been going as often as I can ever since.

I've been in the construction industry (aside from a couple of layoffs) for the better part of 12 years now. My current title is "Accounting Assistant", and I support 2 affiliated companies, processing Accounts Payable functions, serving as the Gatekeeper (both on the phone and for walk-ins), and somewhat of an executive assistant for the President of one of the companies, who is also the VP of the other company.  Until a year and a half ago, all of my experience was commercial, but we've gone back into the residential biz, apparently, and are doing some multi-family housing projects, as well as single family homes.

I am a college student slowly (but surely!) working towards becoming a paramedic. After that I am heavily considering attending Fire Academy if the Department will have me.