The meter reader job(8) lasted for several years including the time mariner rolled a company car and developed a BFF who still visits. Reading meters was a lot like delivering newspapers with the added activity of engaging humans. Mariner realized that most labor jobs never have a conclusion. So, with the help of his preacher father, he set out to go to college with financial income as a lay preacher (Job 9).
He hasn’t mentioned it much but mariner was still playing semipro football. He immediately volunteered for the college team, eventually became the starting outside linebacker. Otherwise, preaching was an easy job, But the opportunity came to take a church back in his home state (Job 10).
This job was identical in practice but the income was too frugal for city living. He soon took a job working for an investment firm (Job 11). He knew going in that pencil work was not his ilk.
At the time there was a recession going on. He had difficulty finding work to match his budget. He worked as a bank teller (Job 12) while working at Pinkerton (Job 13) at night. Soon he left to become a probation officer for the city. This job (14) was very much like being a preacher but with no religious ties. Two years later the State took over the job and mariner became a Parole officer (Job 15).
This move set mariner’s jobs in a different direction for the rest of his life.
So how about you, readers. Was there a time when you jumped through jobs like a kangaroo? Can you name two people you worked with in each job? Did you join the military? What was the hardest task for you to endure in your job history?
Ancient Mariner
I’ve only had 7 jobs over my lifetime. Only two, my first as a teen aged elementary teacher’s assistant and my second as a paint factory worker, were not associated with the piping trades.
I worked as a non union pipefitter’s helper and moved into the union pipe trades apprenticeship. I worked as a first year industrial pipefitter’s apprentice before transitioning to industrial air conditioning and refrigeration with the same union. Joining the union was the best move I ever made. I topped out as a journeyman Industrial HVAC mechanic where I stayed employed for 39 years.
In my early 50’s I began teaching part time at the apprentice training school. I am still teaching there after 18 years.
I retired at age 62 with a full pension and retiree health benefits for both, me and my wife. I worked for 3 years for my former employer as a technical consultant and have worked for other mechanical contractors as a consultant on an as needed basis.
Do I remember names? I remember the elementary school teacher I was assisting – Mrs. Lovett, who was married to my elementary PhysEd teacher. I remember my supervisors and co-workers at the paint factory. One of them followed my advice and joined the union. He managed the HVAC systems at the Baltimore Aquarium for over 20 years and will be retiring this year.
Remembering all those I worked with in the union is relatively easy as I am President of the Local 486 Retirees Club. We meet once a month to see who’s still kickin’ and share some coffee and donuts. I do have a hard time remembering all my students names. I’ve probably taught over 500 up to this point. One young lady graduated from the apprentice school with her HVAC and Master Plumbing Licenses and now owns a Plumbing Service Company here in Harford County Maryland. I’ve introduced her to several residents here in the condo building who’ve needed plumbing repairs/services.
To quote the Joe Walsh song, ” Life’s Been Good to Me So Far.”