Other than doing what ever I wanted, per my previous post, I was letterhead press operator, crewleader(quasi-foreman), and flexo-graphic printer operator, then the factory closed. Went back to school at the age of 27 earned a degree in architectural engineering(do not read that I am An architect. Those guys are Too Conceptual for me. I'm the guy that made everything work). Worked in design and layout for a few years, before accepting a position with a mechanical construction company as a site engineer. My claim to fame is the Farm Bureau building in Indianapolis for those of you that would like to drive by.
Also was part of the team that found critical flaws with the Marble Hill Nuclear plant that caused the project to be scrapped due to shoddy construction. Worked on "special projects" for the company, the Bank One rehab, Eli Lilly(one of the most intriguing places to work), and other major construction projects around the state. I left them when they wanted me to head a department(inside the office) that would have cut my income by losing all of my bonuses for coming in on time and under budget. Besides, I enjoyed working outside and the challenges of construction. (Remember the quote, " Well, It looked good on paper?")
I then went into retail management. I worked for Lowe's as a manager. I am now unemployed and looking.
All through this time I owned a car building shop, mostly hot rods, but did do some restorations. It started out as a hobby but mushroomed into a full time business. I also started a couple of niche businesses that were quite profitable. I sold all of them off in the past few years as my health, and energy, went south. Diabetes has taken its toll, and the back is a real pain(no pun intended).
I also have my Captains License from the USCG. It allows me to pilot boats for hire. I usually deliver boats from areas like the Great Lakes areas like the Gulf or East Coast for those with more money than sense. Definitely a "warm weather" job. I've battled ice on the Great Lakes to get a boat south. No fun at all. And the Chicago River is a cesspool.
Through it all, in my positions of management, and owning the businesses. I've been surround by great people. That is probably the part I miss most.....the people. They are the ones that made me successful. It was their devotion, energy, and work that made all of my success possible.
Bob
