how do you make a living ?

[vlpronj]

Oldest first, most recent last.
Liquor store clerk (I was 17)
Courier - Philly to NYC (not for illegal stuff!)
Security Guard
Laborer - packing elevator and blast doors into shipping crates I made
Parts room - same company as above
Maintenance - Montgomery Ward distribution center
Logroom clerk at a clinical & forensic testing lab - got to deal with everything that comes out of the human body, plus some other stuff
Lab manager at a human tissue lab - basically a shipping receiving clerk with a strong stomach
Machine operator, set-up man - sheet plastic forming plant
Unemployed/underemployed Adult & At-Risk Youth Instructor - GED, Employability, and computer training
A+/NetTech Instructor
Technology Instructor - K-8th Grade, small private school (not ritzy)

 

[Mike83]

Bridge Engineer. Worked a two year stint in the field for construction inspection. Now in the office doing design. Obama's infrastructure funding package has been a big boost to my industry. Anyone ever heard of URS Corp?

 

[JB740i]

The Merkin thing made me laugh my *** off. Hadn't heard that term in a lot of years. Like SMEGMA... anyone know what that is?

I'm a Senior Systems Analyst for a Fortune 500. Basically I'm a geek that gets paid really really well. Been a geek for almost 30 years.

YES... computers go back that far!

Yeah, don't google that one. Eww

 

[demonspeed]

i am a volkswagen technician. so i get to write my tools off as a "business expense" lol

 

[justinmc]

I'm a parts specialist for a high end car new car dealer. My primary function is parts for Mercedes Benz, Maserati, Porsche, Smart and Saab.

I have some other income producing hobbies but thats my "paid" profession. I am also an associate editor for Nissan Sport Magazine as well as horse trading tools and doing concert photography.

 

[buening]

Bridge Engineer. Worked a two year stint in the field for construction inspection. Now in the office doing design. Obama's infrastructure funding package has been a big boost to my industry. Anyone ever heard of URS Corp?

Yep! They have an office here in Decatur, IL. We've done projects with them before. URS as a whole is HUGE! Bridge engineer here too

 

[Laredo]

<<<< I am a plumber who was once considering starting my own business which would have employed several people and contributed to the economy. However, now with the new "spread the wealth around" Socialist agenda in DC that will rob me of my hard earned income to give to those who chose not to work - plans have changed.

Just kidding - I am an automotive field engineer for one of the German importers. No, not telling which one.

 

[krusty the clown]

thank god you plugged your political adgenda................never could have pinned it down with the signature

 

[Deafautotech]

thank god you plugged your political adgenda................never could have pinned it down with the signature

ha ha that is funny!! part changer.... you might need this post that i got from my dad as christmas gift.

the reason is my dad always see one vehicle on four jack stands to be inspections and fix to keep it running and safe. once time i got like 3 or 4 vehicles on jack stands and my family's friend stop by to pick up the child. he was scared about me because i might put his F-150 up on jack stand to fix something... so my dad have to get this post to warning all neighbors and friends about it...

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

i am a volkswagen technician. so i get to write my tools off as a "business expense" lol

you own a home ?
I could never write off my tool expenses as a single guy without itemizing and mortgage credits
good for you

 

[davestlouis]

I sell real estate, 9ft long x42 inches wide...

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I'm a parts specialist for a high end car new car dealer. My primary function is parts for Mercedes Benz, Maserati, Porsche, Smart and Saab.

I have some other income producing hobbies but thats my "paid" profession. I am also an associate editor for Nissan Sport Magazine as well as horse trading tools and doing concert photography.

smart is hi end ? compared to a shopping cart , I guess it is

 

[garfunkle24]

smart is hi end ? compared to a shopping cart , I guess it is

At least Smarts don't have technology comparable to a shopping cart, unlike all that American ****.

 

[krusty the clown]

At least Smarts don't have technology comparable to a shopping cart, unlike all that American ****.

 

[garfunkle24]

Didn't mean to confuse you Krusty and I think the tone of what I meant came across wrong (not that I don't enjoy a dig at the big 3).

I was just trying to say that you can't necessarily base what segment of the market a manafacturer is in based simply on the size of vehicle they produce.

The Smart utilises some fairly modern (and when introduced expensive) technology. When looking at the ties to MB and the target group of the marketers, I would say that Smart was at least intended to be a "premium' brand.

 

[krusty the clown]

ok........never heard of a smart. but i don't get out much......how much does being a parts changer on a smart pay?

 

[garfunkle24]

ok........never heard of a smart. but i don't get out much......how much does being a parts changer on a smart pay?

Here you go Krusty: http://www.smartusa.com/

To give you a sense of scale, you can park two of them sideways in a regular parking space. They originally had a 660cc 3cyl turbo and paddle shift autobox.

 

[krusty the clown]

so it's half overrated mercedes and half cheap gimmick watch...........and your comparing US cars to a shopping cart?

 

[garfunkle24]

so it's half overrated mercedes and half cheap gimmick watch...........and your comparing US cars to a shopping cart?

Good description of the car, but I definitely wasn't the one who started the shopping cart comparisions. Also I was referring to the technology employed by said vehicles, not the size/quality etc

Edit: And maybe I'm just grouchy because I spent a sucky day with sucky family and my SS recipient still hasn't posted...

 

[justinmc]

smart is hi end ? compared to a shopping cart , I guess it is

Think whatever you want.. its not really "hi end" but its kinda boutique. I'd say we picked it up because of our relationship with MB. However oddly MB doesn't distribute, advertise, etc the cars in the US. They are done by Penske. Weird. The cars in the US use a Mitsu 3cyl motor vs. the Euro spec cars that use a few different motors including a diesel. The cars are actually very safe and we've had surprisingly little problems with them. So again.. maybe they aren't "high end" but I'd say the rest of our lineup kinda makes up for that.... anyways.. who cares?

 

[a390st]

The latest Smart advertising: "Buy a Smart. It may be virtually useless for anything but a commuter in tight urban quarters, but if you're actually thinking about buying one, the sort of people you're friends with will think you're cool". Also, "For 99% of America, it's 99% gimmick". I know someone who waited almost a year for one and paid over sticker, which happened to be more than many compacts, whether domestic or import. Hey, it's their decision, right?

 

[justinmc]

The latest Smart advertising: "Buy a Smart. It may be virtually useless for anything but a commuter in tight urban quarters, but if you're actually thinking about buying one, the sort of people you're friends with will think you're cool". Also, "For 99% of America, it's 99% gimmick". I know someone who waited almost a year for one and paid over sticker, which happened to be more than many compacts, whether domestic or import. Hey, it's their decision, right?

I'm not sure how this thread turned into a bash on a car you don't like thread... but anyways. Look I'm not a smart owner.. I don't really love the cars.. but they have their place. Not to mention its pretty amazing that a car company really took a gamble in the U.S. marketplace. The cars don't have mass appeal.. but if I lived in an urban core I'd own one in a heartbeat. Its not ideal for a daily 30+ mile commute or for a soccer mom with 3 kids, etc but the same can be said for say a chevy suburban for someone who's single, lives in a loft in an urban area and doesn't have much parking available.

Your friend should've never paid OVER sticker.. if he did the dealer was in the wrong. Smart has basically controlled pricing and controlled sales territories. We are not allowed to sell outside of our territory and we are not allowed to discount off of or mark vehicles over sticker. The only way to mark a car over sticker would be to install non-oem optional parts and sell them at a markup. We do sell Lorinzer & Brabus kits, etc for them and have outfitted a couple of cars as such. However the majority of the cars are sold stock and at sticker price. We have no inventory.. cars that are ordered (preorders must be made.. and there is STILL a 9 month wait) must be picked up or they are sent back to Smart within a 3-5 day window. This is all controlled by Smart USA. We are the dealer.. we have to play by the rules or lose our franchise. Honestly we don't make much $$ on them at all.

 

[a390st]

Of all the people she knew who got them, they all waited much longer than they were initially told. They all had to get something they didn't really prefer because that was what they were offered with the comment that they could always wait A LOT longer if they didn't take it. Her car had items she didn't really want, but what are you supposed to do when you want one, wait forever for it, and then are threatened with waiting a lot longer if you don't take what they offer.

I'm not just bashing Smart or you justinmc. PT Cruisers were no different when they first came out. Neither were Dodge Rams with Cummins engines several years ago. Or US market Minis with the John Cooper doodads. Or hybrids with ridiculous upcharges based on high demand.

 

[beelsr]

Think whatever you want.. its not really "hi end" but its kinda boutique. I'd say we picked it up because of our relationship with MB. However oddly MB doesn't distribute, advertise, etc the cars in the US. They are done by Penske. Weird. The cars in the US use a Mitsu 3cyl motor vs. the Euro spec cars that use a few different motors including a diesel. The cars are actually very safe and we've had surprisingly little problems with them. So again.. maybe they aren't "high end" but I'd say the rest of our lineup kinda makes up for that.... anyways.. who cares?

Well, they are made in DE and do drive the Autobahn... A few years ago I was in Germany for work - Hertz gave me a lovely Jaguar S-Type. The first Smart I saw in person was buzzing by on the autobahn as I was turning in on the onramp. Looked like a little mosquito flying along. Very handy in urban envros...

 

[beelsr]

Your friend should've never paid OVER sticker.. if he did the dealer was in the wrong. Smart has basically controlled pricing and controlled sales territories. We are not allowed to sell outside of our territory and we are not allowed to discount off of or mark vehicles over sticker. The only way to mark a car over sticker would be to install non-oem optional parts and sell them at a markup. We do sell Lorinzer & Brabus kits, etc for them and have outfitted a couple of cars as such. However the majority of the cars are sold stock and at sticker price. We have no inventory.. cars that are ordered (preorders must be made.. and there is STILL a 9 month wait) must be picked up or they are sent back to Smart within a 3-5 day window. This is all controlled by Smart USA. We are the dealer.. we have to play by the rules or lose our franchise. Honestly we don't make much $$ on them at all.

Time for me to chime in... Normal day job is a technology/business consultant. I get to travel the world and tell people what to do. And I get paid for it... <lol>

Abnormal day job is a car broker. I can sell/find any make/model car; mostly do new, sometimes used - depends on the customer. Specialize in finding the _exact_ car you're looking for. And it'll (almost always) be cheaper than any dealer can do. Haven't sold a Smart car (yet)...

 

[garfunkle24]

Time for me to chime in... Normal day job is a technology/business consultant. I get to travel the world and tell people what to do. And I get paid for it... <lol>

Abnormal day job is a car broker. I can sell/find any make/model car; mostly do new, sometimes used - depends on the customer. Specialize in finding the _exact_ car you're looking for. And it'll (almost always) be cheaper than any dealer can do. Haven't sold a Smart car (yet)...

Please find me an 08 GT-R with >3000km. About $10k would be great

Seriously are you doing much with these? I'm looking to buy one of these this year and they still seem to be way over list here (Canada) and difficult to get. Just wondered what the situation in the States was?

Thanks

 

[Wandering]

I insure that that drilling rig doesn’t burn up, melt the ice and hurt the grass.

 

[John Timmins]

Retired Nov 2007. I was a union member, a marine engineer in the merchant marine - U.S flag ships. I ran engine rooms in ocean going ships. My license was for steam or diesel plants of unlimited horsepower. I was mostly on the North Atlantic run in containerships, freighters, oil tankers and bulkers. I have seen 85 foot waves. I have been on barstools in 33 countries.

I do some wood working, home improvements, and restore 50 year old Mercury outboard motors

 

[blue302stang]

I work for Loomis Armored as a fleet mechanic.

 

[beelsr]

Please find me an 08 GT-R with >3000km. About $10k would be great

Seriously are you doing much with these? I'm looking to buy one of these this year and they still seem to be way over list here (Canada) and difficult to get. Just wondered what the situation in the States was?

Thanks

Haven't sold one yet. I'll call my Nissan guy tomorrow and see what the market is. Used ones have gone for 75-95 over the past few months but I've no idea on the condition/equipment on those. Used would be easier/cheaper to import into Canada since it doesn't have to be licensed in the US first. I'm 99% sure the GT-R has an Immobalizer...

I used to have serious lust for the Skyline. I used to be a quattro kind of guy but in the last year converted to Scoobies.

Speaking of which (and noticing the pink logo), I need a T70 torx driver but haven't found one yet (I admit, I haven't looked too hard either)...

Oh yeah, feel free to take this to PM to keep the thread clean...

 

[tatra]

in winnipeg here a doctor bought a gtr thru nott auto corp who in turn brokered thru edm. or cal. dealer.......brd new mind you.........thing is has to go to alta for serv...............oh and i fixa the choo choos for the "CANADIAN NATIONAL" rail road.............whay the caps? ask hunter harrison.........

 

[billw9]

Millwright in my previous life now an independent marine mechanic.

 

[wooten1027]

I work in a honda and nissan parts department ... i use to do mercedes parts and honda but we sold the mercedes franchise

 

[Theloniousmonk]

repair older euro cars, almost exclusively now... used to do indust. maintenance and OTR work, also did indust. design/graphic design/marketing at one time...

Oh, and you guys need to check out the "Diablo Smart" on youtubes to get an idea of what a Smart is good for...

 

[lodemia]

I'm a frustrated wanna-be farmer.

For my day job, I sell enterprise software for Oracle.

 

[briggsguy17]

Retired Police Chief who would have rather been a mechanic.

Amen brother!!! I am a Police Sergeant (17 years). Ready to retire and turn wrenches!!!!!

 

[seagravedriver]

Firefighter/Paramedic in a combination dept. with about 115 paid personnel, and 60 or so volunteers.

 

[NWphotog]

On site systems installer, troubleshooting, and repair. Every day is different and I love that. Previously I worked for HP in cubicle hell. Very blue-collar at heart.

 

[Mr. Jean]

Worked in Whse. management and then moved on to managing others business. Finally felt comfortable with the urge to move forward and get my own.

Operated/owned a few different ones and I finally sold them and retired a couple of years ago.

 

[mrholeshot]

I am a retired auto tech, I still do performance engines and head porting(I average about 4 dollars an hour doing that so it's a love thing). My main source of income is buying and selling vintage guitars. My wife and I also own a small cleaning service that she runs.