A friend and I spent some time recounting our life’s journeys. How I went from his apprentice to becoming 1/2 of Twinsparc… His how he studied English Lit in college and now is a top software engineer in a Fortune 500 company… It got me thinking. As kids we tend to fixate pretty hard on things we want to be when we get older… mine was either pediatrician or stuntman. My grades in high school suited me more for the latter profession.
Here is my incredibly abbreviated professional life:
1992. Community college. Worked on imagesetters. Learned desktop publishing. Became print production artist at design agency. Promoted to graphic designer. Dot com boom. Shifted focus, from print to web. Landed web design job. Met Nate. Dot com bust. Another job. Laid off again. Started Twinsparc.
So that’s my story… in 75 words or less, tell me yours!
Ok I’ll start: CAD floor-plan maker for radiant heating manufacturer. Gopher for very bad corporate video production company. Mac-lab, then Photo-lab monitor. Health food deli worker, promoted to prep-cook. Intern at web company, quickly let go. Hired at same company after I learned a few things. “Web author” at division within Georgia Tech. Re-hired at same web company as before (dot-com version). Met Pepe. Dot com bust. Another job. Left and started Twinsparc.
Majors in film and political science > Teaching English abroad > Law school > ?
? = hopefully human rights law through the UN or an NGO - I’ll be interning with the UN in South Africa this summer.
Wanted to be astronaut. Astronomy / comp sci double major. Sucked at math. Switched to acting.
Joined theater company. Made one of the first theater web sites in the world. Co-created world’s largest improv and sketch comedy festival. Computer lab proctor to pay the bills. BA Drama.
LAN Administrator / web designer for university. Dot com boom. Co-owned comedy club. Club went bankrupt. Dot com bust. Web designer for state agency. Web designer / photographer for governor.
Interface designer for surviving and thriving dot com.
Wanted to be an aircraft engineer - served with the UN in Middle East as peacekeeper. Now cad/cam and inventor designer.
The first time someone asked me what I want to be when I grow up I answered ‘Circus Elephant’. People laughed. Then I said, ‘OK, I’ll be a freelance webdevelopper’. So for the next 20 years I did as little as possible and in 1996 I got a job at a website company. I quit my job in 2002 and do freelance webwork ever since.
5th grade: wanted to be a dentist. 11th-12th grade: took BASIC programming courses in H.S., wanted to be a programmer. 1st quarter of college: Intro to Pascal kicked my ass. Took graphic design courses, decided to be an illustrator. Went through design school at UGA, got first job doing DTP @ UGA. Went to Big 3 consultantcy, did Powerpoint presentations. Began dabbling in web design in ‘95, the rest is history.
When I was little I was asked a lot what my dad, did, I didn’t know, just that he was loaded. I asked my dad what his job was, he laughed and said investor —> and so —>H.S. worked part-time computer stuff, saving money, buying and selling motorcycles, and restoring less desirable cars. Paid for a religious mission for 2 years myself serving in Portugal, and Cape Verde, West Africa. moved, Married, —> BYU Marketing and Advertising degree—> 2 Kids—> Currently Self taught Carpenter(kind of a detour), I run a somewhat successful Mac Computer Repair business. I run an even more successful low-voltage wiring & automation business. However all the xtra money I make gets invested. In the end I have always wanted to be an investor,— that doesn’t have to go to work. I guess I am half way there.
Business college degree in Accounting. That sucked from the get-go, so while in college taught myself how to make websites, and have been jumping from one sinking dot-com to the next the last 4 years.
Call me survival artist ;-)
UK born & bred. Was introduced to Apple Computers in 1985. Flunked Art School in 1992.. Graphic Designer til 1995 when became fascinated by a thing called the ‘internet’, specifically the ‘WWW’, Now run a web development company in the Caribbean. Must be doing something right!
Hmm, that sounded a bit overblown - sorry.
High school …. wanted to be a pharmacist.
Joined Air Force Instead.
Supervisor of 3 sections in International Company
Bought my own business.
Happy, but should have stayed with other company. A small business owner never really has time for himself. When working for someone else you have.
Majored in policy studies, loved politics, worked in PA State Senate, moved to PR in DC, managed a web site for a client, moved to web account management in sports entertainment, now I manage web properties for a large law firm, how did I get here?
Wanted to be a Marine Biologist, but discouraged by school, friends and family Worked as a lifeguard and salesman at Sears during H.S. and college Graduated NYU w/ Communications & Cultural Studies, w/out a clue of what to do Work at an Audio/Video Company, didn’t like it Worked a PR Company, didn’t like it, but they dabbled in Web Design Services so I switched Moved to a start-up division of a large Financial Conglomerate as a UI Designer Division went under and was laid off during Dot Com bust Became a landscape laborer in family business doing some freelance web design Then a UI Designer/Consultant for a International Educational Institution Now a UI Designer at a large banking/financial company
Next? hmmm good question… These stories are great! It seems like web design is like a last ditch effort for people. When all else fails try it! Just kiddin…
Terrible HS student. Drifter, beach bum. Manual labor in lumber mill—>cannery worker—>Coast Guard in communications where I worked with the very first ever digital email system which made me love what computers could and would do. Then commerical fisherman—> BS degree in business and finance—>accounting nerd at County government—>consultant on small business systems in which context I was again exposed to computers (Alpha Micro multiuser system)—>freelancer/consultant/programmer about two years before the first IBM-PC—>hired by large organization at the very start of the PC clone era (compaq luggables) to write financial programs in DBASE-II—>drifted into more and more programming, then HTML etc when we needed software that wasn’t available and that needed to be used by people in literally every country in the world.
Loved working with web based applications. Got better and better at design but still no artist. Hated actually working but did it for many a year. Now enjoying my recent status as unemployed and having the time to visit sites like this one. Willing to work again but haven’t a clue what to do next. Will see what the fates throw my way.
Yeah, you can’t tell where life will take you.
Started out a whore now im a prostitute….making moneys the name of the game
high school work: cleaned church 1996: graduated from tiny high school in Wisconsin 1996: started at state college in UW system. worked at library circulation desk and other parts of the library. college summer work: light factory work 1999: spent a semester in England via a program with the U of Evansville, IN. later worked for Study Abroad program (and the English dept. office). 2001: graduated college with degree in Creative and Technical Writing June 2001: worked for small company in St Paul, MN. also did freelancing for St Martin’s Press. January 2002: laid off from small company March 2002: started working at an even smaller company in a suburb of St Paul March 2004: laid off from that company April 2004: started with a sub-contracting company working for National Car Rental November 2004: EDS hired me directly to work for National March 2005: got new job at locally-owned e-commerce company
Professional: Courtesy Clerk @ City Market; Meat Department Assistant @ City Market; English Department Assistant @ Colorado College; Gopher & Assistant @ German CPA Firm; Driver/Cleaner @ German Butchery; Waiter @ Snowmass Lodge & Club; Snack Bar Manager @ Snowmass Club; Data Integrity Analyst @ SCC Communications Company ; Drummer in Rock Band; Sales Assistant @ Internet Atlanta; Technical Support Engineer @ Internet Atlanta; Web Programmer @ Arthouse; Network Engineer @ Geogria World Congress Center; Consultant @ LogicNET; Senior System Administrator @ BellSouth; Senior System Administrator @ EDS; Technical Integration Architect @ EDS; Technical Integration Architect @ BellSouth; Technical Architect/Web Security @ Freightliner, LLC ; Technical Architect @ International Atomic Energy Agency
Growing up, I never thought about what I’d do. Any mention of a future vocation was always met with a “ya, I could do that.” But I never selected. I just had this vague notion that one day I’d have money and live in a Big City. I thought maybe I’d get a job like Tom Hanks’s character in “Big” where I got to play with toys and live in a 3000 Square Foot loft in Manhattan. I blame TV.
I had an Uncle who got rich doing computers, so I thought, “heck, maybe I’ll do computers.” I got really into writing and literature in the meantime, but kept computers as my objective in the back of my mind. Turns out, it should have been a little more in the foreground as I selected a college that didn’t have computer sciences as a major. I took all the classes in Computer Science I could, but didn’t want to major in math after Calculus II nearly killed me, so I majored in English Literature and Composition instead. Seemed logical.
I got my “computers” career basically by happy accident and being born fortunate. I had resources to keep me from starving when I couldn’t work, parents who bought me a computer for college graduation (my first!) and met a woman at a party where my band was playing who got me a my first “internet” job. Since then, it’s been a great progression and, although far from what I imagined myself doing, it has provided for me and my family reasonably well.
oops. i missed the 75 words or less requirement. sorry.
Work for UPS Airlines in Louisville, KY as a Tech Support. Been doing that for about 6 years but have been with company for about 11 1/2years. I’m MCSE, A+, and Net+ cert. Working towards Masters in M.I.T. Was born in Lima, Peru and have lived all over the world.
-Graduated high school -Went to college (duel major in Sociology and Communication) -Got pulled out of college (money) -Got a Paralegal Certificate -Went back to college (duel major in Sociology and Communication) -Worked as a DJ -Got pulled out again (money) -Worked at a dollar store -Made pizzas -Worked in Sales -Worked as a server -Went back to college (major in Sociology, minor in Communication) -Worked as a DJ again -Became an honor student -Completed research -Worked as a teaching assistant -Switched to one of the top schools in the nation -Now I’m a senior! I graduate in the spring with a B.A. in Sociology and duel minor in International Relations and Communication -I am applying to graduate schools in Sociology (international focus), Media Studies (international focus), and International Relations/ Intercultural Communication… we shall see…
Definately NOT a good role model….
Graduated H.S. 1979. Enlisted in navy, four years then community college and worked as a corrections officer (jailor) for three years, WRONG job for me. Back in the navy, first loved it - then hated it but stayed on to get retirement (like most people in military careers). Retired in 2003 at age 42 and have not done ANYTHING since, except spew venomous hatred. Currently busy as a grouchy hermit and making my family miserable…. and wasting my days on the computer posting stuff on “Say-so.”
Started tinkering with webdev in ‘97, graduated HS in ‘99, film major in college, dropped out, IT job, 9/11, unemployed, small webdev company, bigger webdev company, smaller webdev company, big and better multimedia company (doing webdev). All the while doing film stuff and comedy.
1997..community college, right out of highschool. started with history, then went computer science..then settled on graphic design. loved working on the mac. worked at one web dev company. got laid off. took some time off to do freelance. missed working for a company. back at a company doing project management/design/coding.
Wanted to be an interior designer as I was growing up - Barbie’s townhouse was my favorite toy! Told there would be no jobs in that field locally - pick a real job. Decided to be an architect instead.
Great grades throughout elementary and junior high - then life changed - my stepfather began molesting me. No pity, please, but when I told, I was sent to Oregon to live with an aunt I barely knew who didn’t want me there. Met my first husband, lost my virginity, got pregnant at 15. Got married (bad choice) at 16.
Moved to Army base to be with husband and raise child. Went to college for a semester on full-scholarship. Had to quit when husband was sent to Korea. Became a pizza driver for awhile, then had to move home because I couldn’t make the bills with him gone. Divorced the first husband - both just way too young.
Had a job making the donuts, then worked at a factory (most family members still do) inspecting ceramic capacitors - most boring job ever - staring through a microscope for eight hours an evening. Quit to become a model maker - trade show displays, etc. Learned to paint and mix colors and work with all sorts of hand tools. Also worked part-time in the office and gained computer skills. Boss drove me nuts (he was bipolar) so quit without a new job. Scary, but possible because I was by then living with my good friend from high school who also was recently divorced and pledged his support. Married that wonderful man quickly (had been planning to, but needed the health insurance quickly).
Back to work in two weeks for a school district as receptionist (handled attendance, phones, made forms). Quit a couple years later to work for a modular home factory entering order information. Boring and technical. Left after six months to design high-end, custom cabinetry - pursued this job for over a year and a half. Not quite an architect - but I definitely affect space. Anyone need a dream kitchen???
Have a wonderful life now with a great husband, a son in college and a pack of beautiful kitties which provide daily entertainment. All in all - pretty peaceful now. Sorry so wordy!
Say So means never having to say you’re sorry.Nice post Nori.
Thanks, pagan. Thanks to VOS, too, for all the great links in the “Who are all you people” post. I’ll try to use tags from now on (yet another thing about which I was ignorant!).
Where’s your post here, pagan? I can spot Deacon, but am also missing Stefani and Melisa here - how about it, guys? Quid pro quo…
Nori,I have to go to work soon.otherwise I’d post something.
I’ll let you off the hook for now, but please return to it when you can…
Nori, you could not possibly spot me… NO, I was sooo well concealed in that fake moniker….
Hey, I need to go now, there is a pile of old catclaw that needs to be burned. Later when I have time… like 8-10 hours from now, I will repost.
Was born and raised in Oregon, moved to Michigan when I got married, been here for 9 yrs now, separated from that loser in June of 04….I work for a real estate development firm, BA from Portland State U….had my first child when I was 24 and my last one when I was 33….what else…….oh I HATE MONKEYS and clowns….and i’m not crazy about spiders although if they’re small its ok….anything with more than 4 legs, have to go….I want a dog, I really do like Mondays, my favorite time of the day is first thing in the morning and later in the evening, love 80’s music (I know its gay), workout 3-4 days a week, dont really like it much, really big on first impressions, this is the longest post i’ve ever left.
OK, I just came in from my catclaw fight…. yeah, that’s where I am from! I am from the yard, the burning barrels, the catclaw pile…
I was born in a hospital, raised in a home, and I absolutely love monkies, mostly because I do not have to actually deal with them, I just spank them daily. Ever since I saw the evil super villain “Mo-jo Jo-jo on the cartoon “Power Puff Girls,” I have accepted him as my role model in life. Spiders are neat, they kill flies and I do hate flies. Music from the 80’s is OK, 70’s is great, Mama’s and the Papa’s is greatest.
One of my favorite hobbies is irritating Stefani, since she like to ding me from time to time. I like posting L-O-N-G posts, and keeping the “Monkey Battle” say-so alive, because Stefani hates it.
Oh, pagan - where are you???
Oh Deac….you’re funny…..and you made me laugh! Yea, where’s P? Didnt he post somewhere that was gonna be gone for awhile???
This is a good one, guys, when you get a chance…
“What do you wan tot be when you grow up?” “Rich” was my answer starting at 5 yrs old. Still is, still waiting to grow up i guess becasue I’m not rich yet. Dropped out of high school twice. Went to England to get out of really bad space as a teen. Left UK to Colorado, finished high school, started college, returned to Canada, opened restuarant. Made $500 000 first yr, thought I was rich. Lost $510 000 second yr, sold restaurant, opened photo studio. Made $700 000 in 2 yrs, got sued 3rd yr for $800 000. Lost business. Now special projects manager for private company trying to save enough money to open another restaurant. Oh yeah somewhere in there finished degree, got married.
Wow! Neat story Indica34! So, the question burning in my mind (in my mind everything is always burning) is “What were you sued for while you were running a photo studio?” You took an unflattering picture of someone?
By the way, one person who I do really admire, is Don Laughlin. He dropped out of high school, and today, the town (soon to be gaming mecca of the southwest) of Laughlin, Nevada is named for him. Everytime I think of his success, I think of that quote (maybe by Mark Twain?) about his extensive education, but how he succeded in SPITE of it.
It was actually copyright infringement, really quite accidentally but Pepsico can be real assholes. My photo studio specialized in commercial photography. We were doing some very rough concept shots for a potential client with their product for them to present to the Board of Directors. Well turns out 2 horrible things happend. 1) there was a diet Pepsi can in the background of the picture. 2) one of the members of the board of the advertising firm we made the shot for was VP marketing for Pepsi Canada. OOOPS!
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This came up because of spam^ but it was before my time so…here are my 75 words:
Started work at a retail chain at 15. Worked through HS. Went to NU for a BSBA in Marketing for 5 years. Worked my retail job all through that too. Got a position in the retail chain’s advertising dept. Laid off 2 years later. Got married to my HS sweetheart when I was 25…and we are still quite happily married. Got a job at the (then) top ad agency in Boston: A/P supervisor 2 years, account management 8 years, VP 2 years. Lots of travel and vacations for me and my dh. Had our son when I was 33, our daughter when I was 36. Was let go from the ad agency in 2001. Started a business decorating kids rooms. Went back to school for my masters of education 2002 - 2004. Long term substitute teacher for little ones (Pre K - 2) until this September when I get my first classroom…I hope.
Okay, that’s more than 75, but I tried! It was very interesting reading these posts…especially those of the folks I’ve come to know through Say-So!
I love this post!!! It says so much about the evolution of the people here. Buttercup - I’m jealous. I bet decorating kids’ rooms was great fun! ;)
uh, somewhat embaressed to answer this one, after seeing many impressive stories, but here goes.
raised in abusive household (no pity party here either), left home to live with extended family at 14. married my husband at 17. finished high school (1st woman in my entire extended family) worked many retail jobs, became manager. had 2 daughters- left work when one showed significant developmental delays. began working again a few years later when she was ok. husband suffered horrible accident leaving him bedbound with rare nerve disease. not currently working, caring for him and children.
d, don’t be “somewhat embaressed” because I think your post is one of the more interesting ones. Thanks for being honest.
d - You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished - it sounds like you’ve had quite the uphill battle. I admire your dedication to succeed and your loyalty to your family. Thanks for sharing.
d You have my respect and my admiration for all you’ve been able to accomplish after a rough start in life. Your devotion to your own family shows how great a person you have become. Unfortunately there are those who would just walk away rather than tend to those who so desperately need them. So Bravo.
Ditto with Ben.
TOTALLY d, life’s thrown you some problems but you seem to be doing well with it..good luck.
I’m from Alabama.I play in a band.I play the banjo.I play it on my knee.
Joe…do you know Susannah?? ;o)
d - yours is an amazing story. Embarrassing? No way! Your story demonstrates a strength, determination and perseverance that few of us can ever hope to achieve in our lifetime. You can do anything!!
Buttercup,do you know her too?? LOL
Of course I do. I met her on a hot, dry day. She’s always crying. Same girl? LOL!
buttercup; I am really taken by your story, I am in mid 30’s and not found my niche, after completing beauty school, and working in it for a short time, I learned I did not have the patients to try and make every one beautiful that sat in my chair, so I gave it up and have had various office jobs in the medical field which was somewhat satisfying, but always wanting more, everytime I think of going to school I always ponder the idea of a teacher and thats as far as I get, do you hve any advise? I also have two kids. I just cant see myself starting over.
annie, it is VERY hard to visualize starting over. Honestly, I had to be booted from my job before I had the guts to try something new and even then it was difficult. I was let go from that ad career at age 37…married, the major breadwinner of the family, 2 pre-school aged children. I was excited and scared to death. I tried a few different things that I thought would interest me.
I kept coming back to teaching so I decided to pursue that direction by substitute teaching. The more I subbed, the more I wanted to learn more. I met with a state college with a well-known teaching program and I talked to an advisor. I explained that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to dive in just yet. He suggested that I take a course or two while I subbed. I completed the program, took the required licensure exams and applied for a teacher’s license. It wasn’t easy, but it is so rewarding now.
My situation sounds a little like yours. The best advice I can give you is to explore. I’m not sure where you’re from, but here, they pay you for subbing, so you’d have income. Talk to a college advisor about what you’d need to do to become a teacher. I hope this helps! If you need any thing else, just ask! I’m around. Best of luck!
buttercup/ what state did you sub in?
Massachusetts
Buttercup, you really should look into teaching in the Middle East. Did you ever see the movie “Paper Tiger” with David Niven? That was one very funny movie.
I’m sure I saw that movie Deacon, though I can’t really remember much of it. I’ll have to find it and watch it again. I will never teach in the Middle East. I’ll never teach anywhere other than Massachusetts. I’m a firmly rooted girl. :o)
=) thanks everyone
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