What do you do for a living and is the business doing well?

[genglandoh]

I am just wondering what the state of the ecomony for the bilge is.

I am a Process Control Consulting Engineer who works mostly in the Paper Industry helping them save energy and impove quality.
The Paper Industry has been having a hard time but because our projects have a 12 month or better ROI we have lots of work.
This year my schedule has been 3-4 weeks away 1 week home since late January.
Our division is a small division of a big company and we grew 30% last year.

What do you do and is the business doing well?

[Todd D]

I am retired and run a small business building model yachts. I am in the process of scaling the yacht model business back to zero. For me, the economy is good as my pensions kick in.

[Norman Bernstein]

After a two and a half year diversion as a partner in a high tech startup, during which I earned nothing, I have returned to contract engineering..... and other than a short, 10 week contract, I have been unable to find any other contract work. So, the economy ain't so great, for me. Admittedly, mid-summer is the worst possible time to be looking for contracts... in my experience, late August or early September is the best time, so I'm trying to take the best advantage of the inevitable lapse, and am sailing as much as possible.

[hokiefan]

I am a Production Manager at a small chemical plant in a large corporation. I started out in Process Control in the Paper Industry many years ago, then moved into the chemical business. Our particular market has been nuts this year, the usual 6 weeks busy season has been lights out for 6 months. After months of hard work improving operating capacity we are starting to catch up with orders. Been an interesting ride.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Uncle Duke]

I'm a software engineer / designer who has worked for start-ups for 30 years, working up from being a "line" programmer to designing the software and running teams of other programmers. The company I've been with for 6 years has been bought out by a competitor and they are migrating all our customers over to their platform and will shut us down very soon.
I've sat on standards boards (for the 'C' language, for example), have my name on a software patent, and was called out (some years ago) in Business Geographics magazine as a "virtuoso". Despite a great track record it's going to be hard to find another job. Nobody admits to age discrimination, but everybody admits that it is real - I'll be 61 pretty soon and people who are in their 30s and 40s don't tend to hire someone their fathers age. So I'll probably dumb down my resume and take what I can get.
Oh, well.

On "business doing well" - we were bought out because we were making money and our competitor was not (though their investors have very deep pockets). So the industry (telecom) is doing well.

[Norman Bernstein]

Nobody admits to age discrimination, but everybody admits that it is real - I'll be 61 pretty soon and people who are in their 30s and 40s don't tend to hire someone their fathers age.

Amen to that, brother... I turned 60 late last year, don't think I'm in the least bit 'washed up', and still have lots of creative juices... but I suspect I'm the victim of age discrimination, as well.

So I'll probably dumb down my resume and take what I can get.

So far, I've refused to go that route. I still think 38 years of experience counts for something.

[genglandoh]

I am a Production Manager at a small chemical plant in a large corporation. I started out in Process Control in the Paper Industry many years ago, then moved into the chemical business. Our particular market has been nuts this year, the usual 6 weeks busy season has been lights out for 6 months. After months of hard work improving operating capacity we are starting to catch up with orders. Been an interesting ride.

Cheers,

Bobby

I did a project a few years ago at a small Chemical Plant south of Peoria Il
The company was Goldschmidt they got bought by Degussa and is now Evonik.
I also did a project just north of Savannah in Port Wentworth for Weyerhaeuser(Paper Company).

Small world.

[David G]

I own Harbor Woodworks. We are a job-shop manufacturer building small boats, repairing various types of boats, building boaty bits (spars, foils, coamings, companionway doors, etc.), and doing a bit of commercial & residential custom woodworking as well (cabinetry, furniture, landscape hardscaping, etc.).

Business health? Well... I sat out most of the last 9 months or so while recovering from cancer surgery/radiation. Since working my way back into an almost full-time schedule.... I've been focused on completing projects that were backed up since last Fall. But I notice that I'm getting a lot of calls, a lot of jobs to look at, and a rather surprising # of clients willing to hand over a deposit check - even though my lead time is months long (and growing). There's a woman coming in today to sign up for the restoration of a 60's vintage plywood runabout, for instance.

I'm also nibbling away at a business plan for another boat-related venture. Several local successful businessmen (past clients) are interested in looking at the completed plan with an eye toward investing. I get the sense from them that there's a lot of capital out there - nervously... tentatively... looking for a home. And - overall - my sense is that the economy is growing more healthy.

[hokiefan]

I did a project a few years ago at a small Chemical Plant south of Peoria Il
The company was Goldschmidt they got bought by Degussa and is now Evonik.
I also did a project just north of Savannah in Port Wentworth for Weyerhaeuser(Paper Company).

Small world.

Evonik is our neighbor. I started out with Union Camp in Savannah, now International Paper.

It really is a small world.

Cheers,

Bobby

[TomF]

I'm a health policy analyst and advisor.

People still get sick - and lifestyle choices are making people sicker, faster than ever. So business growth appears to have little end in sight. OTOH, business would be better if we could have a bit more success in having decision-makers make the tough decisions.

[pipefitter]

I am about to get out of my trade of welding, at least as far as working for someone else. Very little talent is coming up out of trade schools anymore, and coinciding with the walmartification of the country, is a trend, that at 50 years old, has me working harder and harder with production quotas that diminish the actual value of my wages to that of third world ratings. What used to be an elite trade, or at least the specialized part of the field, is steadily being redirected to the quality standards of Chinese manufacturing. Also now is the trend of constantly having to work and rework around the poor quality of imported materials and having to make it look like it isn't.

By now, to me personally, it is a matter of principle. I simply refuse to give my skills away anymore than I already have. To those who have helped to perpetuate this condition, they can pretty much kiss my ass and let their beloved illegals and Chinese build their products for pennies on the dollar, and finally along with the poor quality that they actually deserve.

I have been in construction and marine fabrication/fabrication for roughly 35 years. The business is doing well enough to stay afloat, but at an ever increasing demand with the physical output aspect. In the last 10 years, I have constructed everything from turd troughs for waste water treatment facilities, to carnival rides.

I have floated this one shop nearly solo for 13 years by now with not only the fabrication work and welding, but the design, drafting and maintenance as well. I'm starting to get a little tired.

[Tar Devil]

I'm Director of Planning Services for a small software company based in Texas. We have maintained healthy sustained growth for 20 years and not even a hiccup during the recession.

[Waddie]

I retired a few years ago and now take only home remodeling jobs or new construction jobs that interest me. I am as busy as I want to be. I haven't ever felt a lack of jobs queued up. I also build guitars and amp cabinets. I've got several of them backed up as well.

I think most of the people doing well have some specialized skills that are in demand. Or they provide a unique service.

I used to just build guitars for myself, basically, but then one of my oldest son's friends asked me to solder in some new pickups and a capacitor into his guitar. Word of mouth and a couple of years later I have a backlog of guitar/amp work. If they bought the guitar from me I will solder up any new pickup/pot/capacitor/wiring scheme they want free of charge, if they supply the parts. Since most guitarists are always searching for "tone" they really like this service, which no commercial luthier would ever do for free. In reality, it only takes about 15-20 minutes to solder in these new parts, but it really makes selling the guitars easier - they kind of sell themselves. The most requested mod for amps is to install an "effects loop". If I can get a copy of the amp's schematic I can build a loop. I post all this because I think finding a niche market is going to be one of the paths to success in the future. And there is lots of demand for niche industries.

An acquaintance/friend builds custom (boutique) amps and has been trying to get me to go to work for him but I'm not really interested. He can't really expand his business until he locates a few electronically inclined techs - not engineers - but young guys who can solder and know a capacitor from a resistor, and have some decent math skills. Of course that's asking a lot from someone who will start off at around $10 an hour...but that would be the "try 'em out" wage and the right person could work up to quite a bit more. So there is demand out there - sometimes it's the lack of properly skilled techs.

Speaking of properly skilled techs, the local welding supply company no longer makes much of a profit from sales of new equipment - the internet stole that - but they do make a nice profit from the service side. Besides having to pay the really good techs very well, the owner can't find good trainees. Once again, plenty of demand but lack of techs.

regards,
Waddie

[John Bell]

Evonik is our neighbor. I started out with Union Camp in Savannah, now International Paper.

It really is a small world.

Cheers,

Bobby

The chemical business is a small world. I'm trying to figure out if you work for one of my suppliers and I think there's a good chance you do, especially if your plant is tucked up next to the IP mill.

I'm a sourcing manager with a large multinational water chemical company. Business is pretty good.

[hokiefan]

The chemical business is a small world. I'm trying to figure out if you work for one of my suppliers and I think there's a good chance you do, especially if your plant is tucked up next to the IP mill.

I'm a sourcing manager with a large multinational water chemical company. Business is pretty good.

I'm not working in Savannah these days, but Mapleton, Il which is just south of Peoria. If you're in the water chemical business I'm pretty sure you buy our stuff.

Cheers,

Bobby

[John Bell]

Ok, I think I know some of you guys pretty well. Swiss owned? Such stories to tell I think.

Lots of quats I'm thinking? Good industry to be in.

[hokiefan]

Ok, I think I know some of you guys pretty well. Swiss owned? Such stories to tell I think.

Lots of quats I'm thinking? Good industry to be in.

A pound or two! You got it.

[hanleyclifford]

I run a small landscape business here and I'm as busy as I want to be. But I prefer to spend the time playing with my Herreshoff between here and Florida. I have found that Republican and Democratic grass mow about the same.

[purri]

Semi-retired, mid 60s.
Heritage consultant, built, "natural" and Aboriginal plus some curatorial work on the side.
Quiet last year but a few smallish ones this year with another for mid 5 figures for 8 weeks work (low overheads help).
Independent inflation adjusted pension for the slow times so I work when I feel like it.

[Garret]

Just had my last birthday with a 5 in front of it. I'm an independent software developer - though I bring in other independents as the jobs require extra help. The last 2-3 years have been the busiest of my life & I just had to turn away work for about the 5th time this year. I'm not (yet) seeing any age issues with my customers, but acting like a 12 year old may have something to do with that.... 30 years experience doesn't hurt either - though it's the personal relationship that is absolutely critical.

Are all my customers doing well? No. A sports travel company is having a tough time, but my manufacturing customers (the majority of my customers) are doing very well - some are adding jobs & all are profitable. None are laying off.

[BrianW]

I sell Mary Kay products. Some of you may have seen the pink helicopter.

[Tom Montgomery]

I work for a corporation that is part of the military/industrial complex.

Business has been great!

[Captain Intrepid]

I'm training for the Coast Guard. Business is up and down. As always, there's a big push to do more with fewer resources.

[genglandoh]

I'm training for the Coast Guard. Business is up and down. As always, there's a big push to do more with fewer resources.

Where were you guys when the SS Caribou was sinking?

[C. Ross]

I'm going to change jobs in August. My oldest daughter strongly advised "hobo". I told her I couldn't make the cut in any of the hobo camps. Any advice?

[Captain Intrepid]

Where were you guys when the SS Caribou was sinking?

The CCG was formed in 1962. A little late I suppose for the Caribou.

[George Jung]

I'm going to change jobs in August. My oldest daughter strongly advised "hobo". I told her I couldn't make the cut in any of the hobo camps. Any advice?

Retiring? You lucky dog!

[genglandoh]

The CCG was formed in 1962. A little late I suppose for the Caribou.

Just joking.
My Uncle was on the Caribou when it was hit.

I will be in North Sydney soon to take the boat to PAB.

[BrianW]

I'm going to change jobs in August. My oldest daughter strongly advised "hobo". I told her I couldn't make the cut in any of the hobo camps. Any advice?

Professional basketball?

[David G]

I'm going to change jobs in August. My oldest daughter strongly advised "hobo". I told her I couldn't make the cut in any of the hobo camps. Any advice?

In these unsettled times... I'd suggest something sure. People are always dying to visit a mortician.

[Captain Intrepid]

Just joking.
My Uncle was on the Caribou when it was hit.

I will be in North Sydney soon to take the boat to PAB.

There's a lot of connection to the Caribou here still. There were a few locals on board, and it was mentioned by name during the Battle of the Atlantic remembrance ceremony. The maritime world is remarkably small.

[AussieBarney]

Just joking.
My Uncle was on the Caribou when it was hit.

I will be in North Sydney soon to take the boat to PAB.

North Sydney NSW? or North Sydney Canada?

[C. Ross]

Thanks for the advice. Retirement, basketball player or mortician. Lucky stiff, stuff or stiff stuffer?

[Reynard38]

I'm a Captain for Delta. The planes are full, and fuel is down a bit. We signed a new contract recently with a pretty decent raise.
Also I've been offered a buyout for a side business I started 6 years ago. If a check shows up for that it'll be a good year.

[Captain Intrepid]

North Sydney NSW? or North Sydney Canada?

Nova Scotia.

[C. Ross]

I'm a Captain for Delta. The planes are full, and fuel is down a bit. We signed a new contract recently with a pretty decent raise.

And your stock is up this year. I'm the tall guy with Diamond tags out of MSP with a copy of WoodenBoat in hand. Thanks for all the safe flights.

[leikec]

I'm a piano teacher, a working musician, and a writer.

The piano teaching is going well--I could get more students if I wanted, but I would rather have fewer students and more free time right now. I'm using some of that free time to grow my writing business.

Band gigs are definitely harder to book than they were two years ago, but playing music is still a big part of my total income. I also cut back to only playing in 4 bands instead of five, and that is less stressful.

My writing business is coming along very well. I'm only bringing in a couple hundred a month right now, but I see more growth potential in this area when compared to music.

I'm happy with my overall situation. I don't make a lot of money, but I get by okay--and my stress level is much lower when compared to my last few years in my former career.


Jeff C

[Keith Wilson]

I'm a a mechanical engineer with a fairly small company making various kinds of industrial nailing equipment. Things are busy, considerably better than they've been for a couple of years.

[bobbys]

I'm a Captain for Delta. The planes are full, and fuel is down a bit. We signed a new contract recently with a pretty decent raise.
Also I've been offered a buyout for a side business I started 6 years ago. If a check shows up for that it'll be a good year.

.

They would not give me "wings" last time i flew even though i promised not to cry again...

[David G]

.

They would not give me "wings" last time i flew even though i promised not to cry again...

Heartless Bastards!!

Aren't you gonna share what YOU do for a living?

[Lew Barrett]

I ran and owned my own company for 32 years, commercial and professional audio and video electronics representation and distribution. Business took a dump in 2008-09 so I retired (a little early) at the start of 2010. I got bored and very antsy in April of that year so now I am a small time (smallest time there is) "hotelier" having built a small vacation rental business here in Seattle. I have a few other projects I work on from time to time. Business is doing very well on the short term rental side but I expect it will slow in winter. I really like being busy so I am considering what other products and projects I can create or get involved in. I'd like to do something new every year or two and I like to be my own boss, especially (as has already been noted), as you get older you really need to have your own specialty.

I like having my own product and being my own boss and I always have. Working for other people sucks by comparison.

[P-man]

unfortunately, business is very good (i work for the Army).

[bob winter]

I am working hard towards at least semi-retirement from public accounting. Look forward to full retirement by the time I am 70, with any luck.

Presently in the process of transitioning out of handling the day to day accounting for a company I am considerably involved in. I will continue as CFO for the next year or so but the new controller will handle the detail work and I will continue to have the signing authority and the fancy title for a while longer. I have mixed feelings about the whole thing but, overall, I am looking forward to way less workload and more time to do the things I want to do. Future prospects for the company are better now than they have been for years, which gives me some satisfaction.

[Paul Pless]

I really like being busy so I am considering what other products and projects I can create or get involved in.

Have you given any thought to restoring an old wooden boat?

[Lew Barrett]

Have you given any thought to restoring an old wooden boat?

Yeah, I have. I've been told it is a really efficient way to turn a large fortune into a small one

[genglandoh]

North Sydney NSW? or North Sydney Canada?

Sorry, North Sydney NS Canada.

When I saw that Captain Intrepid was with the Canadian CG and from Sydney NS Canada I figured I would let him know I have connections to the area with the post about the sinking of the passenger ship the SS Caribou.

The sinking was in 1942 but it is still a very big deal so I knew Captain Intrepid would have heard the story.

There is still passenger service from North Sydney NS to Port Aux Basques (PAB) Newfoundland and I will be taking the boat over soon.
My mother is from PAB, my Uncle (in-law) is from Channel.
Yes Channel is not PAB and Mouse Island is not an Island.

http://www.heritage.nf.ca/law/caribou_sinking.html

[ccmanuals]

I am entrenced in the military industrial complex.

A famous sage once said that for most guys there are only 2 real jobs worth having. Either Rock star or a fighter pilot. All the rest of us are just getting by.

[Gerarddm]

Consulting for a small design/ build architectural company who produces high-end smaller home kits. Green, universal access oriented. CNC milled timber frames, structural foam panel building system. Very much a boutique firm. Reasonably busy, trying to grow. Growing pains are better than dying pains, but they still hurt. I wish the sine curve would flatten and trend upward more.

[Kaa]

Anyone notice a little disconnect? :-)

For most people in this thread business is roaring, everyone is busy, more orders than we can handle, etc. etc.

Look outside of this thread and it's dying economy, all manufacturing outsourced away from the US, unemployment stuck at "high", etc.

Kaa

[Lew Barrett]

Anyone notice a little disconnect? :-)

For most people in this thread business is roaring, everyone is busy, more orders than we can handle, etc. etc.

Look outside of this thread and it's dying economy, all manufacturing outsourced away from the US, unemployment stuck at "high", etc.

Kaa

Conclusions drawn from responses to this thread regarding general economic conditions will closely resemble concussions.