David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! discussion

I think most in this group are adults so I'm curious to know - besides reading books and sipping on your favorite hot beverages - what do you do? What's your occupation? Do you like your job, or do you wish for a different one?

I'm currently a junior in high school, yee I'm a young one. As per usual, I'm not a big fan of school but I only have one more year and then I'll have to work on what I'm gunna do after o-o I'd be working now but we haven't been able to obtain working visas yet - working on it though!

Please, do share!

I work as a Production Consultant at a mutual funds firm. I'm a liaison between the marketing managers and our print and mail vendors. I work with our vendors to print and mail marketing and compliance materials. I enjoy my job but our department is going through a lot of changes so the culture is changing and we aren't as cohesive a group. My dream job would be to work for a major publishing firm in marketing or production. When I'm not reading or working I spend time with my two teens and my husband. My daughter Mackenzie is 16 and my son Hunter is 16. Mackenzie is in to horse back riding and Hunter enjoys football and baseball. I also enjoy watching Dateline and 48 Hours, love true crime shows, I also like traveling, art, museums, the ballet and the theatre. I recently went to see Justin Timberlake in concert with my daughter and he was amazing! Best. Concert Ever!

I work at a little local independent bookstore. It's a lot of fun; I'm enjoying it immensely. Before that, I spent practically all of my time volunteering at the local library. Because my job is full-time, I don't do much else beyond work, reading, blogging, writing, and watching my favorite shows when I need a break from reading. And of course, hanging out with my hedgehog, but I can do all of that while reading and writing. I would like to travel, but haven't the time, and I enjoy a night out at a ballet, play, opera, or swing dancing. And the movies, of course. But I don't get much time to do that.

I am a judicial clerk in the county district courts. I have worked the traffic desk but have been in non-traffic primarily since late 2008. What that means is summary non-vehicular citations come across my desk for our local jurisdiction. Public drunk, retail theft, disorderly conduct, harassment, etc. I also help out the other desks when available; traffic, civil and criminal. I would like to move to the criminal desk when that comea available. I like the job but working with the public in this job can feel like being harassed too. I've never known any place where I can get called every name in the book because of something they did.

Homewise, I'm currently going through a separation with my husband. (Jist started) My stepsom is in the Air Force, my oldest daughter is Marine boot camp and my 15 yo twin daughters are looking forward to the summer. We are all big Doctor Who fans, courtesy of moi, and we've watched every episode of How I Met Your Mother together. The 15 yo's are into manga. My secret pleasure is watching Weeds on Netflix.

Not sure what this new chapter in life is going to bring is, but I pray it all works out for the best.

I own a company that specializes in managing community associations (aka homeowner associations/HOA's). I don't think anyone grows up wanting to be a "community manager" and I don't love the industry or the work, but DO love the fact that if an HOA becomes a pain, we can "fire" THEM. (And visa versa!). ;)

I love owning my own company and my very long time best friend is my co-owner so we can take breaks when we absolutely need to and we have each other's backs! We're very successful and have been named in the top 10 in AZ since our first year (8 years now)!!!

But, I'm almost at the point where I'd like to retire in a few years and just work part time in a book store. ;) No more 60 to 70 hour work weeks! No more stress of deadlines every day!

I am 27 and a stay at home mom with 4 precious girls. I am homeschooling my oldest who will be in first grade this year. and my 4 girls keep me busy all day, so when they are asleep is usually when I read. I sacrifice my sleep to read, which in totally cool with :)

Well, my "full-time" job, per se, is college!! I'm currently a sophomore working towards a degree in elementary education. I would love to be a kindergarten teacher. I absolutely love college; it's so much fun and the classes are ten times more interesting than they were in high school.

When college is not eating my wallet or kicking my butt, in enjoy reading, swimming, playing the flute or piano, cooking, baking, binge watching TV shows or just being lazy on the couch!

Marni wrote: "I am a judicial clerk in the county district courts. I have worked the traffic desk but have been in non-traffic primarily since late 2008. What that means is summary non-vehicular citations come..."

I hope it works out for you, too! You are one of the nicest people ever, and you deserve the best :)

Karen wrote: "I own a company that specializes in managing community associations (aka homeowner associations/HOA's). I don't think anyone grows up wanting to be a "community manager" and I don't love the indust..."

One of the most hardest working people I know! :)

My current "gig" is a part time chef at a senior assisted living facility. Basically, most days I cook supper for 30-35 residents, serve it, and clean up the dishes and the kitchen for the end of the day. My hours normally average 22 hours a week, but lately have almost been full time. With 4 kids and other commitments, life has been super busy lately!

I fill in a lot, especially lately, so I've been working more days, and that usually consists of me being a "dining aide" at lunch, where I set up the dining room, serve the food, take care of super whiny residents (some of them have been a pain lately) clean up the dining room and then set it up for coffee hour.

I also do loads of baking, one of my favorite things ever! I really do love my job, this is probably the best one I've ever had, but things have been hectic lately! I hope things settle down soon! But still, even my worst days there have nothing on some of my previous jobs!

Wow, you guys all sound like you're very hard working, and successful people. It's quite admirable!

I'm a student.
Well, that's it. lol

@Thanks Kynndra! :)

Jenny wrote: "Marni wrote: "I am a judicial clerk in the county district courts. I have worked the traffic desk but have been in non-traffic primarily since late 2008. What that means is summary non-vehicular ..."

Thanks Jenny!

Jenny wrote: "My current "gig" is a part time chef at a senior assisted living facility. Basically, most days I cook supper for 30-35 residents, serve it, and clean up the dishes and the kitchen for the end of ..."

You are a godsend to the residents!

Awww thanks, Marni :) I do really like the residents, but sometimes they are just like kindergartners...I'm pretty good at staying patient with them, but lately they've all been crazy or super needy.

A lot of the residents LOVE me, because I ask them if their food was good, and sit and chat with them when I have time. They really love that! And probably a bunch of other reasons.

Daniel wrote: "I'm a student.
Well, that's it. lol"

Hah! We're in the same boat, Dan. What grade are you in?

10.
Two more years after this. Grr.

Just entered 8th grade. :)

I love seeing what everyone is doing! Great thread!!

Daniel wrote: "10.
Two more years after this. Grr."
Blah! Grade 11 is terrible. So many college tests (here at least) so glad I'm a senior next year.

Divya wrote: "Just entered 8th grade. :)"

Oh my, Divya I wouldn't have guessed - you're so mature!

I teach music and I love it! Most of my spare time is taken up writing, writing, writing. And writing. And more writing. LOL.

I'm a self-published author of children's books and poetry. That's it, because I'm considered unable to work due to a combination of being blind and having a few other health issues (including Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder, which makes it next to impossible for me to stick to a normal routine).

Writing sounds perfect for you, Victoria! :)

B.B. wrote: "I teach music and I love it! Most of my spare time is taken up writing, writing, writing. And writing. And more writing. LOL."

Music and writing! Sounds wonderful!

Katherine wrote: "Well, my "full-time" job, per se, is college!! I'm currently a sophomore working towards a degree in elementary education. I would love to be a kindergarten teacher. I absolutely love college; it's..."

I admire teachers so much!!

Jenny wrote: "My current "gig" is a part time chef at a senior assisted living facility. Basically, most days I cook supper for 30-35 residents, serve it, and clean up the dishes and the kitchen for the end of ..."

Knowing you, Jenny, I bet you make their days! :)

Marni wrote: "I am a judicial clerk in the county district courts. I have worked the traffic desk but have been in non-traffic primarily since late 2008. What that means is summary non-vehicular citations come..."

You do deserve only the best, Marni!

This is an awesome thread, thanks for setting it up Kynndra! I was an accountant for 7.5 years (technically an auditor of mutual funds, hedge funds, and private equity funds), and then an operational risk manager for an Investment Manager for 1.5 years. Then, as you all know, I became a YA and Children's author!! In case you're wondering, my latest "job" is my favorite :)

Karen wrote: "Writing sounds perfect for you, Victoria! :)"

It is, Karen, especially since I self-publish, which means any deadlines are ones I set myself. Plus, I've loved to write since I learned how to, so I get to do something I love.

This is really interesting!!!!

I'm a Credit Controller (basically a debt collector dealing with big companies) and have been for going on 16 years now although at the moment I seem to be taking on more system related work than actual financial tasks. It's strange but I do love it - especially if the work gets complicated as I have a bit of an analytical mind and enjoy a bit of problem solving. I love reading and music and spend as much time as possible doing either and mostly both at the same time!

My ideal job though would be to open a little cafe and spend my day baking! I love experimenting with new recipes and I'm always on the look out for something new to try. My work mates love me for that!

B.B. wrote: "I teach music and I love it! Most of my spare time is taken up writing, writing, writing. And writing. And more writing. LOL."

My cousin is a band instructor for middle school in Texas. She loves it! Fun job!

B.B. wrote: "I teach music and I love it! Most of my spare time is taken up writing, writing, writing. And writing. And more writing. LOL."

That is really awesome, sounds like a fun but sometimes difficult job!

David wrote: "This is an awesome thread, thanks for setting it up Kynndra! I was an accountant for 7.5 years (technically an auditor of mutual funds, hedge funds, and private equity funds), and then an operation..."

Thanks, David! I just thought it'd be interesting to see what everybody does in their life. An accountant, eh? I could never do that. I'm terrible at math, numbers anything to do with numbers I avoid lol. I'll have to get comfortable with numbers when I graduate though o-o

And yes, it's good you love your new job - I can understand why. It seems that most of you love your jobs, that's so awesome. I know some people who just dread waking up and going to work (I hope to never be like that).

Mara wrote: "I work at a little local independent bookstore. It's a lot of fun; I'm enjoying it immensely. Before that, I spent practically all of my time volunteering at the local library. Because my job is fu..."

I would love to work at a little, cozy bookstore. Sounds like a really awesome gig!

I'm a 39 year old mom and wife. My son is 7 and my husband is 8 HA!
My parents have a computer store that I am grooming to take over when they're ready to retire.
My dad started his computer store in a bedroom of his house, that he only worked at after he was done working his normal 9-5 job, and weekend. When the company he worked for sold, my mom and him decided to give the computer business one year full attention, if nothing happened my dad would start looking for another job. So they expanded the computer business to downstairs in their basement. So he started selling computers and fixing computers in his basement for a few years till the neighbors started to complain with all the traffic coming in and out of their house. I think they suspected my parents were dealing drugs as a side job lol.
So they moved on over to a strip mall, and my dad was able to hire two computer technicians. Four years ago their little store expanded even bigger by taking over a store that was closing beside them.
Enter me....I had done odd jobs at the store when I could thru out the years, when I was pregnant with my son I would do the garbages on Saturday and clean the store. So I really did work my way from bottom up.
I was originally hired to take over the accounting position for my mom. They paid for me to take accounting and all the goodies that went with it. But in the meantime my dad was training me to do his job, selling, and ordering parts, building systems for customers. So when I was done the accounting course I did nothing with my mom's job....poor mom lol.
As time went on and got busier I started learning how to repair certain things, change a computer screen, powersupply, motherboards....and now I do my dad's job as well as do technician work. Nope never took a course, but our head Technician is amazing! He's so smart and has taught me so much in the 3 years I've already been there. I hadn't realized how much I knew about computers till we hired a new technician and I was able to help him.
So soon my dad will be retiring...well part time retiring and I will be taking over the family business. I'm so proud of my parents, I think their story is amazing and I only hope that I can make them proud of me and keep the business going for many years. We live in a small town which supports Mom and Pop stores for which I'm grateful. Our town isn't so small tho that we don't have to fight against the big box stores of Future Shop, Staples ect. However, my dad created a great motto for his store which is, "It's the service AFTER the sale that counts." And that is why our customers keep coming back because they get the service!
Wow, that was fun! Great thread!

David wrote: "This is an awesome thread, thanks for setting it up Kynndra! I was an accountant for 7.5 years (technically an auditor of mutual funds, hedge funds, and private equity funds), and then an operation..."

You know you've succeeded in real life when you put the word job in quotation marks. Keep writing, David!

Daniel wrote: "David wrote: "This is an awesome thread, thanks for setting it up Kynndra! I was an accountant for 7.5 years (technically an auditor of mutual funds, hedge funds, and private equity funds), and the..."

Isn't that the truth, Daniel!

@Cindee that is such a great success story, very pleasant to hear all is well with your family business! If I ever have a slight issue with my computer I'll know who to ask for a general idea!

I currently work part-time two jobs. I work at a college library and am primarily engaged in digitizing Ohio Works Progress Administration documents. I've learned some really interesting technical things since I've been there and I've learned a good deal of interesting information about the state - I've been turned on to some really cool places to visit and books to read (including my current read: Life of Silas Doty, 1800-1876: A forgotten autobiography; the most noted thief and daring burglar of his time. - a criminal active in many parts of the country as well as Ohio in the mid-1800s), as well as trivial stuff. For example, I've recently learned just how glad I am not to have been a pedestrian in 1935-1936 Toledo, Ohio. 52.9% of all accidents from that time period in Toledo were injuries or fatalities to pedestrians with an average of about 5 pedestrian vs. automobile accidents occurring day. Sure 59.9% of the time the pedestrian was at fault, but 14.4% the motorist was, and a whopping 25.7% of the time it was undetermined who was at fault. Those don't sound like good odds to me - I'd prefer less than a 50% chance of getting hit by a car at least once every two years, thanks! And personally, I'd like to know just what kind of injuries they were talking about - minor bumps and bruises or full body-cast.

My second part time job is at Lowe's Home Improvement where I work in the Paint Department. Seriously, if anyone has any questions about Valspar and/or Olympic paints, or anything paint related, feel free to ask me! :)

I enjoy my current work and I love that they're so different from each other. Eventually, I hope to become a YA or children's librarian, but until that time I'm attempting to keep up on YA, MG, and children's titles!

I'm a stay at home mom of a 13yr old daughter and 9 and 5 yr old boys. I do work at the elementary school one day a week but that's nothing compared to the work at home ;-)

I am a 'professional patient' ..

re: I keep copious amounts of health care and service people employed with my multiple physical illnesses.

I have a circadian rhythm disorder, as well. And cannot keep a normal routine. They originally thought it was non-24-hour sleep wake but alas, most people with non-24 hour sleep wake have either a longer or shorter circadian rhythm. And I don't have one at all.

I am working on possibly going back to school for something I could do on my own schedule, or trying to find freelance things that I could do to make a little extra money here/there.

I am also a stay at home crazy cat lady.

Daniel wrote: "David wrote: "This is an awesome thread, thanks for setting it up Kynndra! I was an accountant for 7.5 years (technically an auditor of mutual funds, hedge funds, and private equity funds), and the..."

Hahaha! That's exactly what I was going for, I'm glad you noticed!

Kaylani wrote: "I am a 'professional patient' ..

re: I keep copious amounts of health care and service people employed with my multiple physical illnesses.

I have a circadian rhythm disorder, as well. And cann..."

Ha! A crazy cat lady, huh? My wife and I will likely become crazy cat people one day soon. We love all furry little felines :) And everything else? Wow, you are a warrior, Kaylani. Well, regardless of all of that, you're still one of the coolest people I know, so that just shows how someone can make the best of any situation! Thanks for sharing this with us :)

Kaylani wrote: "I am a 'professional patient' ..

re: I keep copious amounts of health care and service people employed with my multiple physical illnesses.

I have a circadian rhythm disorder, as well. And cann..."

Not everyone with non-24 has a set rhythm. Mine randomly shifts; they call it Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder with a fluctuating circadian rhythm. It's because my body tries to figure out a clock, but my blindness - and a couple of health issues I have that can often interrupt my sleep - keep confusing it, meaning that my body puts itself on a schedule and I'll stay on it for a couple of days, but then it will shift. I could end up on a sleep schedule that's anything from 3 hours (2 hours awake, an hour asleep) to 72 hours (2 days with no sleep, followed by a day when I sleep pretty much constantly). This new schedule will also last for a few days, then my body picks another schedule and I'll keep that one for a few days. Exactly how many days is anyone's guess, so I won't know when I'll want to sleep until I get tired. If I try and force my body to sleep to a schedule I just end up not sleeping at all, so I just end up with insomnia and as a result find myself exhausted and depressed.

This post was a great idea; it's great fun learning about what everyone does!

See... I never have any rhythm.... my body will randomly shut off when it needs sleep.

So its not just that my rhythm fluctuates.. which is what they thought at first. But rather I don't have any to begin with.

ooo geeze

so I am an operations manager for a local bank of America. i hate my job!!! it wouldnt be so bad if the company didnt suck. more and more work but dont want to pay you and only complain to you about what your not doing. its the least rewarding job in the world. I am there all week and come home to take care of ky 6 foot 4 ogre =) my husband. I also have 2 furbabies. I graduated college in 2008 in criminology and hope one day to work with my degree. other than that I work work work come home and like most everyone else miss sleep to read! ! its my favorite thing to do when my husband is alseep!! its nice to hear im not the onky person who works alot!! =/ keep it up everyone! !

Kaylani wrote: "See... I never have any rhythm.... my body will randomly shut off when it needs sleep.

So its not just that my rhythm fluctuates.. which is what they thought at first. But rather I don't have ..."

That must really suck... A fluctuating rhythm is annoying enough!