BillBailey
3 posts
Sep 20, 2009
6:54 AM
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“What’s your “real” job?”
I’ll start.
Since being an all-star professional baseball player didn't work out, I became a 'swashbuckling' academic and hack author of a bunch of second-rate (alright, third-rate…) books. Along the way I sat on way too many committees and didn’t play enough music. Big mistake---but I did “over marry.” Good move, there.
Now semi-retired, I make custom mandolin straps (http://www.thebaileystrap.com/), high-end sculpted rocking chairs (http://www.baileyrockers.com/), write, run, and tear harmonics apart always losing small parts and sometimes my patience in the process. I’ve been experimenting with double reed plates, and other harp building whimsy. But my biggest (and best job) job is getting my last son through college without robbing a bank.
Namaste
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harmonicanick
377 posts
Sep 20, 2009
7:16 AM
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Hi Bill from me in uk
I was in the paper recycling industry for all my working life and am now retired but more time to play the harp, which has been my real love!
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Max-T
30 posts
Sep 20, 2009
7:44 AM
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Well currently I work as a theatre technician part time, I'm still in school, my last year before Uni/gap year (havnt decided yet). I'm studying computer science, physics and extended maths. I hope to for a CS degree somewhere and work there for a bit and keeping up my harp all the way :)
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"imagination is more important then knowledge" - Albert Einstien
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b1ueskyz
33 posts
Sep 20, 2009
8:54 AM
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After a 'lifetime' at Apple (15yrs), I retired, went back to school for a CS degree and on completion, retired to the CA wine country to write iPhone software. Oh, and try to learn to play the harp.
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OzarkRich
5 posts
Sep 20, 2009
9:24 AM
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I retired from the printing industry after 27 years (at age 45) and now work evenings as a custodian at my church, leaving my weekdays free for hobbies and weekends (fri-sun)with family.
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harpinonfire
13 posts
Sep 20, 2009
9:35 AM
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I fought Forest Fires for 36 years with U.S. Forest Service, 1 yr. with Riverside Co. Fire. Now old and retired. I babysit my grandson. Don't worry I have experience as I raised 6 kids. I throw darts, shoot 4 or 5 tournaments a week locally. And because I'm on this site you know I'm a harmonica noodler. Picked up my first hohner marine band winter of '69/'70. It gives me and my grandson common ground. What a great life.
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Scrapboss
23 posts
Sep 20, 2009
10:59 AM
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Steel Works Raw Materials Foreman and Harp player.
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"I have a high tolerance for boredom
as long as it has a groove" - Scrapboss
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Andrew
620 posts
Sep 20, 2009
11:46 AM
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Computer programmer in the civil service for 24 years.
Compulsory retirement on my 50th birthday next April 'cos we can't afford the wars in the Middle East. After that I have no idea what I'll do. Computers make me puke. I could teach math, but kids are bastards. Maybe local government.
Last Edited by on Sep 20, 2009 11:48 AM
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MichaelAndrewLo
17 posts
Sep 20, 2009
12:06 PM
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psych "mental health" nurse PSRB patients mostly
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tookatooka
515 posts
Sep 20, 2009
12:58 PM
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Ex Electronic System Hardware Designer Telecommunications. Used to design the equipment that went into the telephone exchanges where calls are routed through. This entailed design of micro-electronic circuits, programming, simulations etc.
It was an intensive job where technology evolved at a rapid pace and you had to keep up. The idea was to hire graduates, burn them up and spit 'em out. I survived for twenty two years and saw colleagues with heart and mental health issues getting stretchered off site.
I decided that wasn't for me. That, along with the way our lovely government pickpocketed its citizens, I called it a day at age 53 and started to draw my private pension. I thought if I'm going to be poor at 65 I may as well start now while I was still young enough and enjoy some quality time. I may be finacially poor, but I am time rich.
Now follow my love of art by painting, and noodle on the harp while waiting for the paint to dry.
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When I'm not blowing, I'm drawing.
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Leanground
82 posts
Sep 20, 2009
1:00 PM
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I've been a full time artist since 1983 painting portraits ,landscapes and teaching art .
Achieved Copley Master status in 1993.
Husband since '82 and father of two college aged sons
Mark Hayden
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thorvaldsen76
36 posts
Sep 20, 2009
1:16 PM
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Hi guys!
I work as a welder for Hydro on a plant with about 500 employees. We make bumpers and crash-systems for the automotive industry. I'm on the maintenance-department. Couldn't have a better job! Doesn't pay that well but I like getting my hands dirty with welding,grinding and fixing broken machines and things:) Oh,and it's in Norway,by the way!
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Ant138
120 posts
Sep 20, 2009
1:42 PM
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Learning & development officer for the civil service.
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Andrew
621 posts
Sep 20, 2009
2:22 PM
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"im a highly trained assassin working for the government."
Hey, Crabman!
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BillBailey
4 posts
Sep 20, 2009
2:43 PM
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Mark Hayden,
Do you have a website?
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Buddha
1010 posts
Sep 20, 2009
5:35 PM
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my job is being me.
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"The truth may hurt for a little while, but a lie hurts forever."
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BillBailey
5 posts
Sep 20, 2009
6:04 PM
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A Philosopher asks Buddha:
A philosopher asked Buddha: "Without words, without silence, will you tell me the truth?" The Buddha sat quietly.
The philosopher then bowed and thanked the Buddha, saying, "With your loving kindness I have cleared away my delusions and entered the true path." After the philosopher had gone, Ananda asked Buddha what the philosopher had attained.
The Buddha commented, "A good horse runs even at the shadow of the whip."
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Leanground
83 posts
Sep 20, 2009
6:10 PM
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facebook Mark Hayden CM is the only website I have right now but I think I'm "google-able"
thanks for asking
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Hollistonharper
136 posts
Sep 20, 2009
6:40 PM
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Just got laid off, so at the moment I'm a full time flaneur.
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rpoe
35 posts
Sep 20, 2009
7:17 PM
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my job is being you - I do impressions for a living.
just joking....
I'm schooled in Mechanical Engineering and now manage a group of engineers for a test and measurement company out of Austin Texas. Real job is to try to be a good husband/friend, father and son. Makes it hard to find time to play harp :-)
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Aussiesucker
349 posts
Sep 20, 2009
7:47 PM
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I'm retired and living off investments which have taken a hiding. I'm a lot poorer than I used to be but what the heck it's all relative. I have heaps of time so am considering busking to compliment my harp playing hobby.
In a former life I was a financial planner. I'm married for 45 years to the same lass, 3 adult children who all have successful careers, and now have 6 grandchildren aged from 6 to 15, 4 girls and 2 boys.
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Blackbird
114 posts
Sep 20, 2009
7:55 PM
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I've been doing computer technical work primarily over the past 17 years or so. It ranged from programming, desktop/phone based computer support, delivery/shipping in a rental technology warehouse, support for cellular technology including aircards, and smartphones/pdas/blackberrys, and probably a few other stints that were too short lived. Currently working for a nationwide ISP/dataprovider. I'm ready to try something new, just don't know what. The tech field is burning me out after so long.
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gene
251 posts
Sep 20, 2009
9:12 PM
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I retired June 30. I was nothing but a worker on a freight dock. My many money-making plans have all failed, and any other attempts will fail, too. I there's a god, he hates me.
Last Edited by on Sep 20, 2009 9:14 PM
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AlphaHog
2 posts
Sep 20, 2009
10:16 PM
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I've been a college prof for the past 20 years. After work and family I use whatever time remains on my two favorite obsessions -- blues and brewing beer.
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the frozen canuck
54 posts
Sep 21, 2009
6:30 AM
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I`m an auto technition at an auction company here in Nova Scotia Canada,Got my masters papers through Generals Motors ,became a drivablity specialist,got tired of working flat rate at the dealersship got offered 15000/more per year to jump ship so i did.Started to play harp a year& half ago ,practice w/band 2 night a week ,record w/song wrighter on weekends .Have wife 2kids whom are my bigest fans .its lots of fun WHEN ITS BECOMES WORK I`LL STOP .Just have fun .thanks the frozen canuck
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Buzadero
143 posts
Sep 21, 2009
9:06 AM
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I began my career as an underwater manual laborer. Over the years, that has evolved into my carving a niche market in the marine and civil construction industry as a solution finder to odd logistics.
When someone says that it can't be done for anything less than some horribly unreasonable amount of money, my partners an I figure out how to do it creatively for much less.
It's how I maintain my messianic self-esteem.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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congaron
139 posts
Sep 21, 2009
9:56 AM
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I work At a maunfacturing plant making Aluminum multi-phase electrical cable. I am always looking for a way to actually use my degree in Business. I ran my own business for ten years after leaving the Air Force during the Clinton administration cutbacks. I am seriously considering applying at the Railroad since my company was recentlty acquired by a private equity firm. Things aren't so good and my benefits (particularly my health insurance..$10 co-pay and 100% coverage) will likely erode rapidly in the next several weeks. Meanwhile, i play music actively in the area as a percussionist and vocalist and that is actually picking up as my band becomes more well-known. Last night i got a call to do a wedding gig as a solo guitar player accompanying a female soloist. Harp is also becoming a very cool pastime. Music is My Gospel ministry tool, and church functions also take up a lot of my spare time. My job is a 12 hour swing shift that rotates from days to nights every two weeks. That is becoming a problem with the music and the ministries lately, so I'm looking around.
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XHarp
169 posts
Sep 21, 2009
10:38 AM
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Automotive and Heavy Truck Licensed Mechanic - 20 years
Fleet Superintendent/Manager - 15 years
Retired for one year - got bored doing nothing meaningfull.
Now - Operations Manager - Valve and controls industry - 2 years.
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"Keep it in your mouth" - XHarp
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Philosofy
272 posts
Sep 21, 2009
10:48 AM
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I have a degree in Chemical Engineering, and worked for years as a paint chemist. The last 13 years I've been selling chemicals to the coatings industry.
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Gwood420
32 posts
Sep 21, 2009
11:03 AM
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well, i have owned a Capps Pizza located in northeastern ohio for 11 years.. money is ok but harder and harder to come by lately.. its alot of fun not having a boss though :) just pray that time change soon...
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isaacullah
347 posts
Sep 21, 2009
3:24 PM
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I'm archaeologist. This means that I'm still in school, with only TWO more years to go (it's been two years for five years now) before I get that PhD and have to find a J-O-B!
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The magnificent YouTube channel of the internet user known as "isaacullah"
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snakes
350 posts
Sep 21, 2009
3:40 PM
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I worked in the paper industry for 21 yrs. until I was forced into a career change due to the sale of the company I worked. I banged out a quick degree and now am an applications analyst for a regional healthcare org. I support systems for disciplines such as pharmacy, sterile processing, sleep medicine, etc. I have a long commute, but like my job. Been there 8 yrs. now.
Last Edited by on Sep 21, 2009 3:40 PM
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Elwood
140 posts
Sep 21, 2009
3:58 PM
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I'm a masters student at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, and a magazine writer.
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www.murrayhunter.net
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gmacleod15
8 posts
Sep 21, 2009
6:54 PM
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OK I'll jump in.
I have worked as a geologist for the past 25 years. Most of that time in underground coal mines that extend up to 10Km (6 miles) under the Atlantic ocean. 300 years of mining history ended a few years ago when the last underground coal mine closed. Now I help with site remediation at the former mine sites. BTW the first coal mine in North America was located here...Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
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phogi
31 posts
Sep 22, 2009
3:21 AM
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I'm a music teacher. I got my Music Education degree from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati. Piano was my primary instrument. I've been teaching band and orchestra in the public schools for seven years. It's freaking awesome. Also very challenging, but I am never bored.
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DutchBones
289 posts
Sep 22, 2009
4:04 AM
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I have a small school in Japan, where I teach the basics of English conversation to a variety of students, from little children up to retired city officials. Once a week I also visit a neighborhood kindergarten and do games and songs with the kids there.. and as phogi puts it so well... it's freaking awesome, very challenging but never boring....
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DutchBones Tube
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bluedogg
15 posts
Sep 22, 2009
6:24 AM
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i was a music major until i realized how bad I hated teaching (I thought everyone had the same passion for music that I did!) i'm a computer network admin and have a side business installing CCTV surveillance systems. i think if I wouild have stayed with music as a career it wouldn't be so much fun now
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nacoran
193 posts
Sep 22, 2009
10:44 AM
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I'm broken. The doctors say they can fix me, but my cat says that's what the vet told him and it wasn't a good experience. Anyway, I can talk to cats, so there is that. Learning to play the harmonica, trying to write a novel. Enjoy writing nonsense descriptions of myself to avoid the fact that I don't have a career to show for all the student loans.
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harpcrab
20 posts
Sep 22, 2009
12:15 PM
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Practiced dentistry for 20 years- enough already. Still volunteer at the local Free Clinic working with dental and hygiene students that come down and do a rotation here from the Medical College. There's an awful lot of need in this geographic area, as I'm sure there is most places today. It's more rewarding than private practice was, but the pay sure sux! One day I might jump back in to it. I sorta like semi retirement though. We'll see.
Last Edited by on Sep 22, 2009 12:15 PM
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Cisco
20 posts
Sep 22, 2009
12:28 PM
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My job title is Information Technology Manager Principal, which translate to manager of computer geeks. I've been doing this for 25 years with the University of Arizona. I could have retired last year but if put in another 4 years and 10 months my monthly retirement benefit goes up an additional $500 for life so I'm sticking it out. I'm a bass player in a kick ass blues/R&B band and I am also this year starting to get back into harp playing with the band while one of the guitarists plays my bass. I've got a bunch of tweed amps that I've modified just for harp and have been collecting a few vintage mics. Now all I need is some decent chops but that will come in time. Luckily I have access to two smokin' pro harp players for lessons and tips.
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arzajac
45 posts
Sep 22, 2009
6:50 PM
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Clinical perfusionist. I run the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery.
I also do computer stuff on the side.
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nacoran
196 posts
Sep 22, 2009
8:01 PM
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Ok, I'm going to go out on a limb and say arzajac should combine his passions too. How cool would it be if your lung machine played harmonica? Just a thought. :P
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
233 posts
Sep 22, 2009
9:50 PM
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I am a diesel fitter with the Diesel fitter's union. My current assignment is at the underwear factory. I work at the end of the production line. I hold up the underwear and say "diesel fitter!"
Seriously, I was an award-winning journalist until I lost my award-winning journalist job in May... and I was fresh off a first place award from the WV Press Association. Just goes to show, no matter how good you are, somebody thinks you suck, either that, or nobody's bought a newspaper ad in like 20 years. We lost A LOT of people before and after I left. You could launched a space shuttle through that newsroom and not hit anybody.
Now that I am no longer a journalist, I will spell advisor with a goddamn "O" like you're supposed to. Stylebook said we had to spell it "Adviser..." Stylebook was god.
ADVISOR.
ADVISOR.
ADVISOR
ADVISOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR...
There, I feel better.
Gotta tell you, I miss the rush. I miss hearing crap on the scanner like some dude has a 7mm rifle and is threatening to snipe people... then I have to go there where the guy with 7mm is. That really happened last year. I got there and started talking to this group of people in the sidewalk, turns out they were personally involved somehow and they were pissed at the paper and I thought I was gonna get killed or something.
At the end, the cops shot the dude with the 7mm.
You know, when I had to go to stuff like that, I really didn't like it. But now, I miss that crap.
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www.elkriverharmonicas.com
Last Edited by on Sep 22, 2009 9:54 PM
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ness
55 posts
Sep 23, 2009
9:07 AM
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arzajac said "Clinical perfusionist. I run the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery.
I also do computer stuff on the side. "
By 'on the side' you mean, of course, outside normal cardiac surgery hours, right?
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XHarp
175 posts
Sep 23, 2009
11:52 AM
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Did anyone take the time to check this out?
http://www.baileyrockers.com
I did and I am very impressed.
Bill you have to relay the story on how you got started and in particular how you learned the joinery techniques of Sam Maloof. His work was outstanding and yours is equally so. Did you get any training from him directly?
How do you make the seat relief? That is about one of the nicest seat forms I've ever seen. You are indeed a craftsman and true artist with wood.
Very nice.
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"Keep it in your mouth" - XHarp
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BillBailey
10 posts
Sep 23, 2009
1:04 PM
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Gees, Xharp, thanks.
I did learn from Sam, who passed away in May at 93-years old. Worked in the shop to the end. There are few finer men---and fewer still that are willing to eagerly and openly share their joy and knowledge. He once told me that sharing his skill was the 'rent he paid for his existence.' I see that in the harp community, too.
I used to teach a graduate class that mostly discussed functional art and I can think of few objects that are finer examples than sculpted rockers and fine fretted instruments. Since I was a life-long woodworker I chased Maloof's example and still study art in all it glorious forms.
I merely sculpt out the seats by hand and eye. I use a lot of machinist's and fine Japanese tools. The rocker-making process is sculpting and nothing is square, thus cutting the compound and competing angles to make the damn thing rock correctly (and be extremely comfortable!!) took me years. Of course, I'm a slow learner in some areas.
Sam had some Brazilian rosewood I wish I could have tried as tone wood for harp combs. He often had top luthier's from around the world bidding for the rare (and how illegal to import) stuff. It would have been fun to experiment with it---beautiful, too.
I also make lots of mandolin straps which keep me in touch with a variety of musicians (www.thebaileystrap) and my cupboard full. Life is good, thanks for the mention, XHarp. Peace.
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XHarp
177 posts
Sep 23, 2009
1:24 PM
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You were blessed to be able to work with him. I can only drool over the pages of reference materials that show his work.
You appear to have mastered the techniques.
On to your strap site next.
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"Keep it in your mouth" - XHarp
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
236 posts
Sep 23, 2009
6:06 PM
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X-Harp, don't worry about stealing the "diesel fitter" joke. I stole it from Lewis Grizzard. God knows where he stole it.
Dave
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www.elkriverharmonicas.com
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RyanMortos
325 posts
Sep 23, 2009
8:19 PM
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My real job is getting through the work week with a smile on my face. Always working on that one.
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~Ryan
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
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nineveh_harp
2 posts
Sep 26, 2009
11:32 AM
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Full-time guitar tech for Carvin. I work on electric, acoustic and bass guitars all day... and get paid! I started doing it on my own time when I was 14, for friends and local bands... now I do tech work for Joe Walsh, POD, Tony MacAlpine, and others. I also do fretwork, headstock overlays with exotic woods, and oil finishing on the same guitars I set up @ the end of the line. That's my "real" job, but the rest of the time I write and play music with my band, some friends, and my wife. I also work on guitars, basses, mandolins, banjos, and harps in my spare time for fun as well as for money (freelance style). Basically... my life is filled with music until I go to sleep... and then there is music in my dreams too. I like it!
By the way, harp was my first instrument. I put it down for 20 years to focus on guitar and bass (which is my strength), but I picked it back up about a year ago and now I can't stop playing! I can't believe I ever stopped... I guess I just didn't realize the potential of the harp until recently. Now I play guitar, bass, and harp semi-professionally with local pro musicians as well as by myself. I know I'll never make a ton of money at it, but I'll never stop!
-Sam Miller
Last Edited by on Sep 26, 2009 11:44 AM
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