What Do You Do for a Living?

[cheoah]

very cool. I too flew a cub as a kid, but nothing like this! Is this your commuter, Doc?

[larryb]

Wow, cool thread. Kind of makes me feel like a wimp. Fear of failure syndrome.
I've worked in the casino industry nearly my entire adult life. Currently making about 40k a year as a floor supervisor.
I've managed to put away enough for a mid 80's vintage 36 ft (approx) needing minor repair, maintainence and updating of course. After boat purchase and getting it sea ready, probably mostly coastal, looks like a couple years expenses left over for cruising, relaxing, etc. I turn 57 this year, trying to guage at least enough expenses to make it to 65 to draw ss, if it even exists then.
Currently in the midwest, previously on west coast. Will probably buy on west coast, I love San Francisco, San Diego and Channel Islands. Lotsa poker everywhere these days. I know more than a few people that eek out a meager living playing and a few who do real well. Not sure if I have the patience for it, but LA is the now poker capital of the world. Within a few days will know if the deal on my house in AZ is a done deal or not and will be off on 'the adventure', or not. I already have a mooring ball to call home in San Diego, however the fine people there who manage the mooring balls have make it clear that I will have to acquire a boat by the end of May or go back on the waiting list, so the time has come. As has been so eloquently put, poop or get off the pot.
Larry

[speakeasy]

Larry, buy a dink and tie it to the mooring. Keep the pressure off your buying process. Only 40k after long service. How would you feel about being the inside man for an oceans 11 redux?

[larryb]

Speakeasy, you hit it on the head. I just can't seem to put more than a few years in this industry at a time without taking a few off. I sailed the west coast of US and Mex for three years, came back broke but smiling. Time to do it again. The casino industry is tough on the soul. The illusion of security with ins benefits false. Time to fly, however this economy appears to be tough. I have never had trouble finding work, but I haven't been unemployed since 2005, seems jobs would find me, I am hearing a whole different lament these days. Used to be a poker dealer was only unemployed by choice, not quite so in this economy. I have always been one to enjoy "flying by the seat of my pants", so... to quote a famous pirate, "now, bring me that horizon".

[tropicalescape]

I start revolutions,arrange sham weddings,sale air conditioners to eskimos,buy fine art(at reasonable prices)stir the **** in zones of conflict,and water board communist(for fun) naw, just kidding, Im really a Baptist missionary,least thats what they told me to say if I get caught...DVC

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by tropicalescape

I start revolutions,arrange sham weddings,sale air conditioners to eskimos,buy fine art(at reasonable prices)stir the **** in zones of conflict,and water board communist(for fun) naw, just kidding, Im really a Baptist missionary,least thats what they told me to say if I get caught...DVC

Thank you for your service.

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by larryb

Speakeasy, you hit it on the head. I just can't seem to put more than a few years in this industry at a time without taking a few off. I sailed the west coast of US and Mex for three years, came back broke but smiling. Time to do it again. The casino industry is tough on the soul. The illusion of security with ins benefits false. Time to fly, however this economy appears to be tough. I have never had trouble finding work, but I haven't been unemployed since 2005, seems jobs would find me, I am hearing a whole different lament these days. Used to be a poker dealer was only unemployed by choice, not quite so in this economy. I have always been one to enjoy "flying by the seat of my pants", so... to quote a famous pirate, "now, bring me that horizon".

Ever think about working in the Casino on a cruise ship? You'll still be on the water but, someone else is changing the engine oil and paying for dockage.

[larryb]

Speakeasy, the 40k number is only half right. Many have done well in this industry in less time, me however, bounced around too much with too much time between bounces.
Mbianca, crusieships are just big floating hotel casinos. I worked a poker tournamnet on one once, got to know the regular casino staff some. For many it was a good time, but didn't sound so fun to me.
My question, without trying to steer this thread, is for those cruisers like myself without the safety net of pension, SS, rentals or some form of residual income. In the current economy, are you still being able to replenish the cruising kitty and maintain your boat working part time or returning to full time after extende time of for cruising? Is work and jobs that scarce? I know the stats on the west coast, not good. Unemployment has always been high in CA though.
I don't think 45k yr job is enough to keep me sailboatless in the midwest. I may be sorry once I quit and find myself eating beans and rice on the hook or a mooring ball with empty propane and diesel tanks, somwhere off the west coast. I have never found it difficult to maintain the simple livaboard lifestyle in the past though. Am I letting the media influence me too much about this recession. Remaining one of the scared, huddled masses afraid to pursue life to it's fullest. Holding on to a mediocore job with a thankless, faceless, corporate entity with hollow promises of security and expensive health care. I guess I really shouldn't be so hard on our struggling multi million dollar corporations providing a decent living for so many happy to be able to feed, clothe and house themselves and families. For many, life is good. Who is gettin kicked off Idol next? How much did Brad pay for that diamond?
Share your input, ideas, suggestions please. I have pretty much decided my course, would like to hear from others in the same boat though. Haha, intentional pun.
Now to combine two famous quotes. "Tomorrow is promised to no man, so, bring me that horizon."
Is sanity escaping me? Am I the only one? It is so over rated anyway.
Larry

[burtonridr]

I'm a mechanical designer, designing HVAC and plumbing systems.

Still planning, saving, learning and searching for my first boat. I plan to sail from the PNW to the Caribbean summer of 2013 or 2014.

[Huey2]

Denver Broncos, school teacher, insurance claims adjuster, marina owner with 5 months off....just purchased a boat for live aboard in Florida for the off season....don't know how to sail, but not into shuffle board.

[Caribsailors]

Master Electrician, Refrigeration Technician, Thermographer.

Have been cruise working through the Caribbean for the past 10 years. Almost can't remember what a snow shovel is......ALMOST.

[NoDogue]

I work in the oil fields of western Canada.

[Sharkbrain]

Checking in a little late here. I'm just finishing a neuroscience PhD program and am trying to find a cruising compatible job...er.. career.

Maybe I could design mazes to install on dock lines to confuse any invading lab rats?

[Sharkbrain]

Originally Posted by Astrid

large animal veterinarian

Like for obese cats? Or rhinoceri?

[Free Agent]

Retired at an early age, stay at home dad.
My job is to take the family on boating and off roading ATV and Rec Vehicle trips.
I also clean the house, do the laundry, last guy in the neighbourhood that does his own gardening.

When I was a kid, my parents were the first to divorce in our neighborhood.
I was sent to live with a Uncle in Florida.
The Uncle bought Oil property when he was young. He thus retired young and lived along the inland waterway. He introduced me to boating and to only be with cooperative, happy women that can pee into an empty beer can in bad weather.

I saw the light and retired young too.
My wife never had a bad day in her life, and knows all about the 1 down 4 up sports.