Written on October 22nd, 2006 at 12:10 am by Darren Rowse
What is Your ‘Day Job’?
Over at b5media’s internal blogging forums there’s an interesting thread going on where the question was asked (by Jason) - ‘what do you do for a living?’
So far the answers show a real diversity of occupations - from business consultants to stay at home moms, to pro bloggers, to artists….
I thought it’d be an interesting question to pose here also.
What do you do for a living? What’s your ‘Day Job’?
And if you’re a ‘blogger’ for a living - what did you do before that?
Here’s my answer over on the forums:
- Currently a Blogger….
- Previously a Minister….
- Previously a Kitchen Hand….
- Previously a Minister…..
- Previously a Rock Band Manager….
- Previously a Youth Worker….
- Previously a Stationary Salesman…..
Of course through most of that I’ve been a student (part time studying Marketing in the earlier years and part time studying Theology in the later ones).
83 Responses to “What is Your ‘Day Job’?”
kalyn
October 22nd, 2006 1:16 am
Interesting idea to ask people to share what their “day job” is. I’m a fourth grade teacher in Salt Lake City, Utah, who very much wants to be a pro-blogger!
Marek
October 22nd, 2006 1:23 am
95% scientist (computer modeling in meteorology) doing research at university, but working a lot from home
5% problogger and prophotographer blogging mostly about paddling and photography
Jen
October 22nd, 2006 1:27 am
Freelance writer and book editor who moonlights as a faux-finisher and theme room designer/fabricator, works with therapy dogs, and keeps honey bees…wacky enough for a blogger? :)
brem
October 22nd, 2006 1:27 am
- Currently a PHP / CSS / MySQL programmer and systems integrator
- Previously a Computer Vision Master’s Student
- Previously a 3D digital Camera software programmer and systems integrator
- Previously a Programmer for a consulting company
- Previously a Bachelors student in computer science
- Previously a programmer for steel structure drawing plans automation in autocad
- Previously a programmer for multimedia softwares
- Previously working in a food factory supplying food to the foods chain
- Previously a dish washer
- Previously a “servant de messe”, when I was a kid, I was serving with the priest at the mass, like a good catholic boy. Gave me 25 cents for it hehehehe :-)
Ken Cheung
October 22nd, 2006 1:33 am
~ Currently work at home e-dad (1 high tech directory, 1 high tech news, and 3 blogs).
~ Former web programs manager for a small high tech firm
~ Former web developer for a large high tech corporation
~ Former IT consultant for Intel
Sean
October 22nd, 2006 1:38 am
I make a living as a personal trainer but I used to be a graphic designer. My blogging hobby helps me stay in touch with the field. Plus, I have always loved writing.
Chris
October 22nd, 2006 1:44 am
Currently: Biologist
Wannabe Rockstar/Business Tycoon
Previously I was a student, waiter, auto detailer
TimSchroeder
October 22nd, 2006 1:45 am
Currently I own my own business (ePressive LLC) and work from my home office. I own several websites including webmaster websites, finance, voip, internet safety, and blogs etc..I specialize in SEO and affiliate marketing.
Previously I was a SEO / Internet marketing for a multi-million dollar software company.
Previously a UCF graduate in Management Information Systems.
Previously a Home Depot Employee :)
engtech
October 22nd, 2006 2:00 am
I break chips for a living
calvin
October 22nd, 2006 2:18 am
Currently : Jobless
Wannabe : Problogger
Previously : eat to live
Shannon
October 22nd, 2006 2:18 am
This is a fun post!
Right now I’m a pricebook coordinator for a convenient store/gas station chain. Short description: I’m the one who makes stuff scan at the register, enters in the promotions among a host of other database management and analytical type stuff. I incorporate my advantage of getting to sample a lot of new products before they hit the streets into my food blog.
Milo Riano
October 22nd, 2006 2:26 am
I used to work in Coca-cola, SGV (Arthur Andersen then Ernst & Young), BPO International & Fashion Industry.
I now work at one of the top three biggest technology consulting services firm in the world as a .NET technical lead, Microsoft SharePoint Expert Capability lead and a Capability Mentor.
I blog for B5 and some personal projects for fun.
I want to be a CEO or Chief Software Architect of one of the biggest and richest technology firm someday….
cjcm
October 22nd, 2006 2:44 am
Currently an IT Project Manager and part time ProBlogger (Gadgetell and Profy)
Formerly IT consultants in SCM and Banking solutions
Formerly Life Insurance Agent
LearningNerd
October 22nd, 2006 2:55 am
I’m currently an autodidact (self-learner) learning full-time, though I’m not technically a student — I’m on a year off before college. My only income is from the little work I do on ChaCha.com, this new search engine that pays $5 an hour to help people find whatever they need.
Previously, I was just a high-school student. As for the future, well, I have no idea. :) Hopefully I’ll have a real job soon. I’m not really hoping to be a problogger, but I do enjoy reading your blog, Darren!
And it’s really interesting and inspiring to read all these other comments here. You guys have some cool jobs!
Simonne
October 22nd, 2006 3:04 am
tomorrow: blogging consultant
today: blogging 90% of the time, learning how to do it best
today: marketing consultancy & training - the rest of 10%
previously: owned and run a publishing house
previously: marketing in pharmaceutical business
previously: advertising
previously: market research
previously: engineering
The time span of the above mentioned activities: about 15 years
Linda
October 22nd, 2006 3:21 am
I work as a paralegal, in divorce law, with very complicated cases, big trials.
Before this, I was a buyer for a company, and travelled to India to buy brass, wood, soapstone, etc.
I am a big music fan, hence this, my first blog, is about music.
I want to be a full time blogger when I grow up (whenever that will be). :)
Interesting question, I’ve enjoyed reading the responses. Thanks!
Mark Tosczak
October 22nd, 2006 3:33 am
Currently a newspaper business journalist and part-time MBA student. Been in journalism off and on for about 12 years, since college. Also freelanced fulltime and worked in PR/marketing some.
Not at all a professional blogger. Yet.
Judi Sohn
October 22nd, 2006 3:34 am
Currently: Director of Operations and Communications for C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition (nonprofit organization)
Previously: Sole proprietor in a small home-based graphic design biz (Mom at Home Design)
Previously: Studio Manager of a small advertising agency in NYC
Previously: night-shift paste-up artist and typesetter at a newspaper
Ahsoon
October 22nd, 2006 4:05 am
I am currently a Software Support.
I enjoy my type of work which I can spend more time on my site, do more research and read more ‘Educational’ posts from Problogger.Net
Ian McKenzie
October 22nd, 2006 4:15 am
Stationary Salesman? Does that mean you stood still all the time? ;)
Doug Henderson
October 22nd, 2006 4:47 am
I’ve been an AutoCAD Draftsman for a privately-owned plastics extrusion company for the last 21 years. It’s been my only full-time employment.
Paul Gannon
October 22nd, 2006 5:11 am
Only 19 so I haven’t really had a desk job, but I’ve been working in retail for the last 4 years or so, and I’m trying to make enough money online so that I don’t have to work another crappy job.
Brent
October 22nd, 2006 5:11 am
Day job = Network Systems Admin
Off hours = Web Admin for a small computer how-to startup / Learning PHP, MySQL, and CSS for future startups.
bernard van isacker
October 22nd, 2006 5:11 am
Currently E-business developer for a financial company
Previously editor of law books
Previously marketing manager e-commerce shop
Previously pop / rock journalist
Basically I hop to jobs where I can learn something.
And besides this I also run a record label and magazine for several years now.
Ted Demopoulos
October 22nd, 2006 5:33 am
Blog/new media/information security consultant.
Obvious combo, sort of :)
Stuart
October 22nd, 2006 5:45 am
Before I became involved in writing, online marketing and blogging I was a:
bus driver
security guard
Sheriff”s Officer (for 20 years)
(moonlighted as a cab driver and cleaner)
warranty clerk for a car dealer
film librarian
theology student
worked behind the counter in a post office
farm worker
I’ve also driven cabs, been in the Army Reserve and been an instructor in the Air Training Corps
Chris
October 22nd, 2006 5:46 am
Currently an Arborist. I do my best work in the trees!
stef
October 22nd, 2006 6:00 am
wow. you were a minister?
Mark McGuinness
October 22nd, 2006 6:02 am
Current: Business coach and poet
Previous: Psychotherapist/Hypnotherapist
Andrew
October 22nd, 2006 6:24 am
My day job’s a 3/2 mix of employment and entrepreneurship/self employment.
the 3 part is Linux sysadmin and infrastructure architect.
the 2 part is blogger, photographer, developer, consultant.
I like variety.
Karen
October 22nd, 2006 6:46 am
Currently a SAHM (although something about that term rubs me the wrong way).
I also Freelance Write when I can.
Previous role: Event Manager
Kind of boring in comparison to others here!
pcunix
October 22nd, 2006 7:10 am
25% of my income comes from advertising revenue from blogging
Another 25% comes from consulting opportunities obtained because of blogging
The rest is sometimes related to blogging but might have come without it.. hard to be sure, sometimes.
So I figure I’m at least half a blogger :-)
ildiko
October 22nd, 2006 7:11 am
Besides being a blogger -
I run a charitable foundation, I am a lifeCoach, teacher and artist. Curently considering housewife and mother positions as well! :))
Great forum! Thanx
Daniel
October 22nd, 2006 7:23 am
Currently a problogger and freelance web developer
Previously a paper boy
Paul
October 22nd, 2006 7:41 am
Currently I am an attorney
Before that I studied towards a Bachelor of Arts and Laws.
My goal now is to move out of active practice and into new media creation and the new media space generally. Blogging is a way for me to get there mainly because it puts me in contact with people I’d like to work with or emulate.
Victory
October 22nd, 2006 7:42 am
Current: Affiliate Marketer
Current: Amateur Blogger
Current: Ebay Powerseller
Previous: Bike Shop Sales Manager
Previous: Snowboard Shop Manager
Blaine Moore (Run to Win)
October 22nd, 2006 7:48 am
My title is System Administrator, but my job duties include database management, web and application development, help desk, computer repair - basically anything that touches a computer goes through my hands at my company.
Previously, I have been a database manager for the Q/A department at Electronic Arts (I worked on the 2003 version of Madden NFL) and a web developer.
I am trying to get the blogging into a slightly more profitable mode so that I can concentrate more on that. Hence why I read this website…
Shawn
October 22nd, 2006 8:26 am
* Currently a Customer Care Manager for an ISP in the US
* Currently a parttime blogger
* Currently in volunteer ministry (too much to detail)
* Previously a level1 ISP tech
* Previously an auto parts factory worker
* Previously a customer service rep for a mail-order CD outfit
* Previously a cemetary worker
* Previously a radio station board op
I’ve done other things, too, but they were so long ago. :)
adam
October 22nd, 2006 8:32 am
My day job is a print publishing manager,
Previously a typesetter
Previously a graphic designer,
Previously a bartender
Previously a student
Previously a grocery store clerk,
Previously a fetus.
Adam Graham
October 22nd, 2006 8:58 am
My day job is a Customer Service Quality Assurance Monitor
Previously a Customer Service Agent
Previously a Technical Support Agent
Previously a Customer Service Representative
Previously a Student
Previously a Fast Food Crew Member
Previously a Telemarketer
Previously a Fast Food Crew Member
Previously a Student
Previously a Fetus
Previously an Embryo
Aaron
October 22nd, 2006 9:11 am
Currently a missionary in Mexico. It’d be nice to be a problogger, but for me, blogging is just a good way to communicate what life is like on the field.
Shawn Blanc
October 22nd, 2006 9:15 am
Something I never would have guessed … Darren, you used to study theology. Very cool.
My day job is as a full-time staff member with a ministry.
My weekend job is traveling putting on Christian Youth Conferences and drumming in the band.
tish
October 22nd, 2006 10:43 am
Currently a marketing writer for Midwest Airlines, also initiated the airline’s public blog.
Previously, internal corporate communications writer for the airline.
Before that, communications/community relations manager at Master Lock Company.
Before that, freelance business writer/business magazine feature writer.
Prior to that, stay-at-home mom (with some freelance going on)
And before that, advertising copywriter for a national ad agency.
Rob Witham
October 22nd, 2006 11:15 am
I don’t make any real money from blogging yet but I just accepted a part-time job as a newspaper reporter - all thanks to my blogging!
Previously I was a painter/handyman, EMT, web designer, computer programmer (before the dot.com bust), etc. I also was a PT minister at several churches in there.
Sheila Scarborough
October 22nd, 2006 1:19 pm
Current Life: Freelance writer and blogger covering travel, music and NHRA drag racing. Wife and Mom of two. Drive a minivan and live in suburbs. Wondering how that happened (the minivan/suburbs part….everything else I can explain.)
Previous Life: US Navy seagoing Surface Warfare Officer serving in the US, Japan and the Netherlands.
Next Life: Great American Novel, except that I like to write nonfiction. Great American Essay?
Sherman Haywood Cox II
October 22nd, 2006 1:34 pm
I am a Computer programmer and Divinity School Student
Rich Owings
October 22nd, 2006 1:51 pm
I’m the FT Executive Director of a public garden and PT pro blogger.
I’ve got three active blogs, another I help with, and another waiting out the sand box (and awaiting the invention of days longer than 24 hours!).
menoworky
October 22nd, 2006 3:37 pm
Boy this gets me thinking!
Currently own a beauty boutique
Currently a blogger (mostly for fun not profit)
Previously manager of a girls shop
Previously asst. manager of the Body Shop
Previously played in a punk rock band while going to school
Chase
October 22nd, 2006 3:42 pm
I am a “Student of Writing at Houghton College”. I feel so weird saying that. Is “Writing” my teacher? Why do we say “Student of Writing”, would not “Writing Student” work better. But than again all students write, so with my major we are either being taught by out subject of study or we are what ever one else is, just we point it out.
N|.
October 22nd, 2006 5:30 pm
And I’m a former priest in the Lutheran Church of Sweden but now account planner on an advertising agency…
Kailani
October 22nd, 2006 5:33 pm
Currently a flight attendant
Previously the Employment Manager for a 5-star hotel
Previously the Training Manager for a 5-star hotel
Previously a Master’s Degree student
Rob StGeorge
October 22nd, 2006 5:57 pm
Currently a Database Analyst
Previously an IT Support Analyst
Before that a Tyre Shop Manager
Before that a Wheel Alignment Technician…..
Before that a tyre fitter.
Hows that for variety, now I want to become a Pro Blogger!
Nneka
October 22nd, 2006 5:59 pm
Interesting Kailani!
Currently IT production support analyst.
Previously database analyst
Previously ecommerce entrepreneur
Previously business consultant
Previously programmer
Previously business manager
Striving to be spiritual business guru:-)
churchpundit
October 22nd, 2006 9:14 pm
presently a pastor
previously an artist (though I still paint and sell my art)
previously a carpenter (renovated houses)
previously a pastor
previously studied theology (lots of it, and still do!)
thus spoke churchpundit!
Tillerman
October 22nd, 2006 10:38 pm
Presetnly retired
Previously a sailing instructor
Previously an information technology manager
Previously a programmer
Previously a polymer research scientist
Previously an office clerk
Previously a nuclear research technician
Previously a dishwasher
Previously a lumberyard worker
Alfred R. Baudisch
October 22nd, 2006 10:51 pm
Currently:
* Have a web company, especialized on Web 2.0
* Have a web hosting company (3+ years)
* Freelance web developer (PHP 5, PostgreSQL, CSS, XHTML)
* Blogger (almost pro, but I actually am earning little money with it)
* Have a video company
Previously
* Salesman at my father’s fishing store
I will stop working with web next month (ends web company and freelance works - web hosting will continue), and focus all my time and energy on the video one. It is more profitable :D
Chris Cree
October 22nd, 2006 11:05 pm
Currently a Marine Surveyor
Previously a Port Captain
Previously a Security Specialist
Previously a Stevedore
Previously a Vessel Planning Manager
Previously a Vessel Planner
Previously a Vessel Agent
Previously a Naval Officer
Roy
October 22nd, 2006 11:18 pm
I’m presently working as a systems administrator.
Prev college student (went back to school to pursue 2nd BS)
Prev military
Prev college student
Prev bill collector
Prev auditor
Prev agriculture
Bill Hutchison
October 22nd, 2006 11:29 pm
Currently a Full-time volunteer / Christian Missionary (last 8-years)
Previously Computer Salesman & Technician
Paint Company Manager
Amway Distributor (please don’t mock me…)
Door to door knife sales man
Bicycle sales and assembly
Dale Cruse
October 23rd, 2006 12:31 am
Currently a fulltime website designer and developer.
I publish the only weblog dedicated to tracking news about bass players.
Previously a writer/editor for CBSNews.com
Before that I was a photojournalist at West Point
Before that I was a US Army photojournalist stationed in Germany for three years and Bosnia for six months.
Manoj.R
October 23rd, 2006 12:51 am
Currently Consultant
Previously Relationship Executive
Inside Fatherhood » What Do (Did) You Do For a Living?
October 23rd, 2006 2:59 am
[...] Darren over at problogger.net asked what people do for a living. I thought maybe this would be an interesting question directed to Stay at Home Dads or any parents out there who work hard to support their family. [...]
Miha
October 23rd, 2006 3:06 am
Currently working in IT department of a Bank as a Business Analytic.
Previusly worked as a Delphi programmer.
Kashif Aziz
October 23rd, 2006 3:59 am
Currently working as web master responsible for CMS, intranet and loads of web sites. I write on topics ranging from life style to sports, current affairs and technology for number of blogs (at least 4 of them). Direct earnings from the blogs are insignificant at the moment.
Elliott C. Back
October 23rd, 2006 4:05 am
I am currently working for Morgan Stanley in NYC, but consider blogging a second job because it’s more than enough to pay the bills. Before that I was various kinds of student, interned at Amazon, etc. You can check out my C/V if you really want to know.
Stuart
October 23rd, 2006 4:43 am
Full time political science student, so writing a politics / current events blog could be considered part of my schooling I suppose.
Maybe im not a blogger, just a really over-zealous student.
Amber
October 23rd, 2006 4:54 am
I guess I’d have to call myself a pro-blogger, as that’s where most of my income comes from these days. Another chunk comes from freelance journalism and copywriting: before that I was a PR girl, and before that, a newspaper reporter. Before all of those, of course, I was a call centre worker, but I try not to think about that too much…
Phil Gerbyshak
October 23rd, 2006 5:21 am
Great topic!
Currently: IT Help Desk Manager, and author of 10 Ways to Make It Great!
Previously: Stock Broker, Sales person, webmaster, Communications guy in the Navy, pizza delivery guy/manager
Gary
October 23rd, 2006 8:55 am
currently: Service Manager at a new car dealership
currently: P/T blogger and editorial partner of Blair Valley Media, a blog network.
previously: car dealership service advisor
previously: every job possible in the restaurant industry.
George
October 23rd, 2006 12:45 pm
I am currently working for a major computer manufacturer in Houston, Texas. I do java development, with a specialization in security.
Previously: Software QA for a different major computer manufacturer in Boca Raton, FL and Software QA manager for a small educational software company in South Florida.
adrian kirsten
October 23rd, 2006 5:48 pm
currently: freelance designer / blogger beginner / art student
previously: fulltime designer
previously: school kid
Benjamin Solah
October 23rd, 2006 7:46 pm
I’m working is an employment charity as an administration assistant.
…previously an unemployed writer
…previously a journalism student
…previously a high school student
Ray Dotson
October 23rd, 2006 9:02 pm
The variety of backgrounds here is amazing!
Here’s mine:
I’m currently working as a senior programmer/analyst at a community college.
Previously, I was an electronic control system designer, college student, stock broker, house painter, hotel security guard, valet parker, army reservist, hardware store employee, landscaper, plant store employee and a few other things…
Eber
October 23rd, 2006 10:28 pm
Well, well…. before all this i worked in the commercial consultants department of TGPoli, a company that makes accessories for cars here in Brazil… spoilers, side skirts, etc….
Left this month to be only a blogger…. and already making as much as i made there….
Cool!!
MInTheGap
October 23rd, 2006 11:21 pm
Currently: Web Developer for a Enterprise Level Reporting Web Site, Blogger, Church Website designer (Purely Virtual LLC), Piano Teacher.
Previously POS Programmer for Cash Registers
Previously Bachelor of Computer Science Major– Dining Common worker, Lab Monitor
Previously Ponderosa Employee
Stephen W.
October 23rd, 2006 11:21 pm
Much as I might get some eye-rolling on this one, I’m a professional web developer turned search engine optimization specialist. Of course, like everyone else here, my dream is to be a professional blogger. Keep giving us wanna-bes hope and advise, Darren. :)
darrenh
October 24th, 2006 1:09 am
I’m an editor at a daily newspaper for my day job. I write a weekly local focused column for the paper too.
Sideline: Blogging and increasingly working to grow my current blog and soon add more blogs.
Paul Cooklin
October 24th, 2006 2:59 am
Im a digital artist and am “obsessed” with the net and all things digital.
Right, better get back to it ;)
Paul.
twins15
October 24th, 2006 6:03 am
Full-time student, part-time Librarian, part-time blogger. :)
Roe
October 24th, 2006 7:01 am
Now:
80% freelance writer for various websites & magazines
20% antique pottery dealer with my wife.
Previously:
IT (Unix applications) support engineer for a pre-press company
Technical consultant for a global telecoms company.
John D
October 25th, 2006 12:24 am
I am an systems administrator for an online travel agency.
Oscar
October 26th, 2006 9:12 am
Currently - Web developer
Previously - Student :P
callcentergal
June 13th, 2008 12:11 pm
Hi!
Very interesting backgrounds indeed!
My turn to share my current/previous Day Job(s):
Current: Communication Skills Trainer for a BPO; Newbie Blogger
Previous: Product Trainer for a Technical and Customer Service Accounts; University Lecturer, Company Representative Speaker, Frontliner for Dell Home Sales and Financing, Vice President’s Secretary, English Tutor to Koreans, Wedding Singer to name a few. =)
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