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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 670
  
Location: Running my kids somewhere. | I have two jobs; my degree is animal science and business agriculture. My full-time job is Insurance and Regulatory Compliance Coordinator for a national warehousing company. On the weekends I am an animal care assistant for an outpatient equine therapy farm. This doesn't let much time for my own horses but right now I am doing what I need to for my family. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 670
Location: Running my kids somewhere. | Way Cool Griz!!
My son was in school for aeronatical engineering but is now changing to mechanical. My daughter is looking into airport design.
Edited by flyingcolors 2017-08-02 1:25 PM
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
 
Location: Gainesville, TX | Everyone else is chiming in so I thought I would with something you probably wouldn't be much interested in as you would need quite a bit more education which takes a good bit of time too. One of the reasons I got this job is its flexibility though. I am a community college professor.
I work Monday thru Thursday. I am frequently to work by 8 or 9 am depending on when my first class starts. I am usually able to leave from 3-4. I work half days for 3-4 hours (I decide what time it is unless we have training) on Fridays. We have even better vacation than regular school teachers as our semesters are shorter. There does tend to be some take home work (unless you want to stay at the office more) in terms of class prep and grading. You can usually pick up an overtime class or two per semester or in the summer if you want. Pay is okay though certainly not great for the level of education. You sacrifice some on that front because you get really good benefits and a lot of vacation. No one polices me in my office to make sure I am not onto non work related stuff. I can grade in my office and play around on the internet at the same time (this is how I take my breaks). If you work in the summer it is really just bonus pay and most colleges are closed on Fridays so you have three day weekends all summer. Frequently you have some say in your class schedule too. You can decide most of what your classes look like. Steady paycheck.
The job can be really stressful. You get decent sick leave allowances. Otherwise, there really isn't much break during the semesters so if there is a big show you really want to go to during November or April or something its pretty much tough luck. So you get great vacation but you don't really have any choice about when it is. You also have very definite deadlines. There are a ton of politics too. The students are the greatest part and also the terrible one. One thing I can say, when you teach college students, if they aren't doing their homework that isn't blamed on you as much as they do at the elementary and high school levels. You are still expected to help motivate them reasonably. But at some point they are just adults and have to take responsibility.
If you work at a university, stuff is even more flexible, but they have much more demanding research expectations so you teach fewer classes. At the community college, the grading deadlines can get tough.
Overall I love my job. It is somewhat flexible, dependable, allows you to meet a lot of great people, and intellectually stimulating. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1304
| I've recently posted about this, but I'll post a little more. I have a B.S. in Agribusiness and a Masters of Agriculture I got in May. Since then I have been a Patient Navigator in Emergency Medicine linking HCV and HIV patients to care, with the biggest challenge a lot of them being IV drug users or most living in rural WV hours away. It's been very interesting and rewarding, but I want to do what I studied. The 10th is my last day and then I start managing a beef cattle farm. Very excited as the farm has tons of room for growth and development. Taking a pay cut but with a free farm house, company truck, cell phone, place to have a horse, yard for my dog, etc...I'll take it! I'll actually be able to save more. It is basically a 24/7 job, but every day will be different as there is so much to do and be done. I've been stir crazy in this hospital job and am so excited to be able to wear mainly tshirt, jeans, and boots to work. Haha. Will be hard work but the quality of life change is big to me. Have you considered "contract" work? This farm also has a lot of things needing to be done in accordance with USDA grants including a Nutrient Management Plan. I am going to pursue being certified to do Nutrient Management Plans as I worked on one as an intern a few years ago, like doing them, and the USDA will pay you to do them by farm  | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 670
Location: Running my kids somewhere. | blccwgl55 - 2017-08-02 3:19 PM I've recently posted about this, but I'll post a little more. I have a B.S. in Agribusiness and a Masters of Agriculture I got in May. Since then I have been a Patient Navigator in Emergency Medicine linking HCV and HIV patients to care, with the biggest challenge a lot of them being IV drug users or most living in rural WV hours away. It's been very interesting and rewarding, but I want to do what I studied. The 10th is my last day and then I start managing a beef cattle farm. Very excited as the farm has tons of room for growth and development. Taking a pay cut but with a free farm house, company truck, cell phone, place to have a horse, yard for my dog, etc...I'll take it! I'll actually be able to save more. It is basically a 24/7 job, but every day will be different as there is so much to do and be done. I've been stir crazy in this hospital job and am so excited to be able to wear mainly tshirt, jeans, and boots to work. Haha. Will be hard work but the quality of life change is big to me. Have you considered "contract" work? This farm also has a lot of things needing to be done in accordance with USDA grants including a Nutrient Management Plan. I am going to pursue being certified to do Nutrient Management Plans as I worked on one as an intern a few years ago, like doing them, and the USDA will pay you to do them by farm
Good luck! I studied the USDA regs. That is what I was hoping to be doing. The regs. and insurance for the farms.
Not so much, YET! ( I hope) | |
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Duct Tape Bikini Girl
Posts: 2554
| Streakysox pointed out some very important facts about teaching. If you are an individual that plans on collecting SS and teacher retirement, do your homework. It isn't allowed. You also cannot collect SS left to you by your spouse without reducing your TRS by over half.
Fresh out of college, 33 years ago, I can't say that teaching was a bad deal. Today, I look at the pay scale and see that I'm only making about 12 to 15 thousand more than a first year teacher. My master's degree increases my salary by only $1000 a year, and the top of the pay scale NEVER gets a raise.
There used to be 3 reasons to major in education....June, July, and August. Now, there are only two reasons....June and July. Also, what some may not realize is you must earn comp time to get some holidays off. In Weatherford ISD, we must work during the summer to get the three days prior to Thanksgiving off. In fact, we must have a comp day to get Martin L King Day off.
Great benefits USED to justify majoring in education. Today, my share of my medical insurance is $458 a month out of my pocket. And yes, that is just me.
Lastly, when you hit 65, you hit rock bottom....Humana Medicare. They are the absolute worst.
Thinking about majoring in education? Think harder!! Just say, "No!" | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 600
Location: Oklahoma & Texas | I have my Bachelors in Animal Science and another Bachelors in Business (double majored in college) and minored in Bus. Admin... I graduated in 2004 and after job searching in my degree/field - ended up going to work for a large insurance corporation as an adjuster.. I worked for them for 2 years before transitioning to a different Insurance Corp that I love.. main reason for leaving the first one was no benefits or health insurance.. At any rate been with this company for 11 years and have doubled my salary since starting.. never imagined going into insurance adjusting when I studied in college.. but it pays the bills and its Monday-Friday 99% of the time leaving me time to do what I want on the weekends and after work during the week. It can be stressful - we manage a lot of customers and a large territory in a competitive business but they compensate us well. Would love to win the lottery... but til then.. I guess i'll keep doing this lol. | |
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Posts: 12842
| luckyjo - 2017-08-02 4:52 PM
Streakysox pointed out some very important facts about teaching. If you are an individual that plans on collecting SS and teacher retirement, do your homework. It isn't allowed. You also cannot collect SS left to you by your spouse without reducing your TRS by over half.
Fresh out of college, 33 years ago, I can't say that teaching was a bad deal. Today, I look at the pay scale and see that I'm only making about 12 to 15 thousand more than a first year teacher. My master's degree increases my salary by only $1000 a year, and the top of the pay scale NEVER gets a raise.
There used to be 3 reasons to major in education....June, July, and August. Now, there are only two reasons....June and July. Also, what some may not realize is you must earn comp time to get some holidays off. In Weatherford ISD, we must work during the summer to get the three days prior to Thanksgiving off. In fact, we must have a comp day to get Martin L King Day off.
Great benefits USED to justify majoring in education. Today, my share of my medical insurance is $458 a month out of my pocket. And yes, that is just me.
Lastly, when you hit 65, you hit rock bottom....Humana Medicare. They are the absolute worst.
Thinking about majoring in education? Think harder!! Just say, "No!"
I have some other remarks that I will keep to myself but I will agree Humana is the pits. Looking into something else like AARP.
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 Firecracker Dog Lover
Posts: 3175
| utahgirl - 2017-08-01 3:51 PM I am so glad you said that NoNoBadGirl... that is something I have thought about. I had no idea it was such a demanding career.
You can do soooo many things with an accounting degree - I recommend a few years in a CPA firm to get some experience and they look at private industry - the opportunities are endless. And you will have time and $$ to pay for your horses. :) | |
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 Thread Killer
Posts: 7545
| My degree is in Professional/Technical Writing.
I'm a product quality inspector/technical writer for a company that manufactures radiofrequency coils for MRI machines. These are devices that work with an MRI scanner to create high radiofrequency images of certain anatomies, like the head, knee, or shoulder.
My actual job is to ensure that the trace-ability and compliance related details of the individual parts/components coming in from our suppliers are in line with the FDA's expectations. The FDA is the "biggie," but there are numerous other organizations, institutions, and customers that audit us. I do technical writing as well - though to a lesser degree (I'm ok with that...a lot of it is fixing others' past mistakes lol!). I handle some electronic change control to a lesser degree as well...usually limited to projects that will help the QA/RA/PQ teams. We help other departments sometimes too (Ooyyyy).
Honestly, I don't think I'll be able to top this job and feel like I hit the jackpot. It's not realistic to think I'll be here forever (that would be fine by me) but the experience I've gained will serve me SO well. It's really, really cool. Everyday it's something different/new - and I've learned that I'm a lot more capable than I ever thought I'd be. Of course, something could happen tomorrow that'll take me down a few pegs (that happens a lot too - but in a good way by keeping me humble).
I also am so fortunate to have great coworkers. Sure, some are not so great, but the good ones are so good that I can mostly forget it. There are a lot of standard workplace problems too, but it's still pretty sweet, regardless. | |
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 Am I really the Weirdo?
Posts: 11181
Location: Kansas | luckyjo - 2017-08-02 4:52 PM Streakysox pointed out some very important facts about teaching. If you are an individual that plans on collecting SS and teacher retirement, do your homework. It isn't allowed. You also cannot collect SS left to you by your spouse without reducing your TRS by over half. Fresh out of college, 33 years ago, I can't say that teaching was a bad deal. Today, I look at the pay scale and see that I'm only making about 12 to 15 thousand more than a first year teacher. My master's degree increases my salary by only $1000 a year, and the top of the pay scale NEVER gets a raise. There used to be 3 reasons to major in education....June, July, and August. Now, there are only two reasons....June and July. Also, what some may not realize is you must earn comp time to get some holidays off. In Weatherford ISD, we must work during the summer to get the three days prior to Thanksgiving off. In fact, we must have a comp day to get Martin L King Day off. Great benefits USED to justify majoring in education. Today, my share of my medical insurance is $458 a month out of my pocket. And yes, that is just me. Lastly, when you hit 65, you hit rock bottom....Humana Medicare. They are the absolute worst. Thinking about majoring in education? Think harder!! Just say, "No!"
Those pay scale differences aren't so true in Kansas. The top end at the districts where I've worked has made a LOT more than those of us with less experience. My masters degree last year raised my salary over $4,600 and this year it is a $3,000 and change difference from a bachelors. That is all with barely any teaching experience (this is my 3rd year).
I have no idea on social security and teacher retirement, but my dad retired after 30+ years of teaching in Kansas and has no complaints about his retirement income. KPERS (KS public employees retirement system) doesn't seem to be too bad of a deal.
None of my districts have required me to work during the summer, though one would allow you to work one Flex Day in the summer instead of during Christmas break.That was nice. | |
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | I help people drink and enjoy bourbon. I have a BA in Business Administration, and my Master's in Communication. I've been working at this for 10 years now. Lots of time in the industry, and lots of time making buddies in the industry. | |
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  That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| I make dreams come true. Good pay, lots of flexibilty, holidays and weekends off. | |
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7268
| flyingcolors - 2017-08-02 1:24 PM
Way Cool Griz!!
My son was in school for aeronatical engineering but is now changing to mechanical. My daughter is looking into airport design.
Thanks! Believe it or not, I actually LOVE what I do. I just hope I can continue until retirement. The management turnover is quite an issue here and WHO you work for makes a huge difference in job satisfaction to me. I like the ones who are NOT micro-managers and just let me do my job!  | |
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 Expert
Posts: 2128
| veintiocho - 2017-08-02 1:07 PM I work in ordering/materials/inventory for a large oil company. It's a good job and I enjoy it, but looking into going back to school. Sitting at a desk for 8+ hours a day is killing me, but so is the thought of going back to classes.... 
Which company? I worked for Shell for several years. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1028
| brlraceaddict - 2017-08-02 5:51 PM
utahgirl - 2017-08-01 3:51 PM I am so glad you said that NoNoBadGirl... that is something I have thought about. I had no idea it was such a demanding career.
You can do soooo many things with an accounting degree - I recommend a few years in a CPA firm to get some experience and they look at private industry - the opportunities are endless. And you will have time and $$ to pay for your horses. :)
This is very true. I have my CPA, MBA and Bachelors in Business Administration and after putting in a little time in the public sector, I've worked in the private side for years and absolutely love it. I've worked for a wholesale nursery, HVAC system wholesalers, and a nonprofit organization since. I currently work for a mid-sized commercial real estate company. I make a comfortable living, pay for my horse habit, and have plenty of flexibility. Don't let accounting scare you off! There's always a need, you can get a job almost anywhere, and can make a decent living. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions! | |
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12842
| rodeowithjoker - 2017-08-03 9:40 AM
luckyjo - 2017-08-02 4:52 PM Streakysox pointed out some very important facts about teaching. If you are an individual that plans on collecting SS and teacher retirement, do your homework. It isn't allowed. You also cannot collect SS left to you by your spouse without reducing your TRS by over half. Fresh out of college, 33 years ago, I can't say that teaching was a bad deal. Today, I look at the pay scale and see that I'm only making about 12 to 15 thousand more than a first year teacher. My master's degree increases my salary by only $1000 a year, and the top of the pay scale NEVER gets a raise. There used to be 3 reasons to major in education....June, July, and August. Now, there are only two reasons....June and July. Also, what some may not realize is you must earn comp time to get some holidays off. In Weatherford ISD, we must work during the summer to get the three days prior to Thanksgiving off. In fact, we must have a comp day to get Martin L King Day off. Great benefits USED to justify majoring in education. Today, my share of my medical insurance is $458 a month out of my pocket. And yes, that is just me. Lastly, when you hit 65, you hit rock bottom....Humana Medicare. They are the absolute worst. Thinking about majoring in education? Think harder!! Just say, "No!"
Those pay scale differences aren't so true in Kansas. The top end at the districts where I've worked has made a LOT more than those of us with less experience. My masters degree last year raised my salary over $4,600 and this year it is a $3,000 and change difference from a bachelors. That is all with barely any teaching experience (this is my 3rd year).
I have no idea on social security and teacher retirement, but my dad retired after 30+ years of teaching in Kansas and has no complaints about his retirement income. KPERS (KS public employees retirement system) doesn't seem to be too bad of a deal.
None of my districts have required me to work during the summer, though one would allow you to work one Flex Day in the summer instead of during Christmas break.That was nice.
I work in Marshall ISD (TX). Apparently you do not have state testing in Kansas. We are required to teach the state objectives for the tests. If your students do not perform well on tests, you get reassigned. First year teachers probably make about $15,000 les than top pay scale. Spec Ed teachers have so much paperwork that we cannnot keep them. Teacher retirement has such a crazy formula to figure out what your monthly income is so I am no going to even try to explain. It is better than social security but not much. I teach in an accute shortage area so I am able to teach and draw my retirement also. If we didn't have a bunch of retired teachers teaching we would be short many teachers. | |
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 I'm Cooler Offline
Posts: 6387
Location: Pacific Northwest | Department of Agriculture in the pesticide licensing. Monday thru Friday, all holidays off, paid vacation and sick leave. It's just very boring. Not exciting at all. But I've only been here since December and once you're hired it's fairly easy to move around so I just need to find something I like. | |
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 Having Smokin Bandits
Posts: 4572
Location: Woodstown, NJ | I'm an entrepreneur. We have a flooring business and an online shop called Mad Girl Retro. We sell vintage. I'm excited because my shop has been getting "discovered" and I recently sold some things to famous people and places like the HBO TV show Getting On with Laurie Metcalf and Alex Borstein and to the Tenement Museum in NYC. | |
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 To the Left
Posts: 1865
Location: Florida | Collecting TRS and SSA varies from state to state. In Florida you can get both. If SSA is deducted from your check you are eligible. I know because I work for a teacher union. My Bachelors is in Biology but I quickly learned that I couldn't support my family on that. Tried teaching but discovered that I couldn't tolerate brats that some parents dump on the school system expecting it to raise/fix. So I moved to the union defending teachers so they can actually teach. I guess I am kind of a hard ass when it comes to support in discipline but I was raised rodeo and just can't believe how so many kids today have no respect for anything, not even themselves.
Edited by Vickie 2017-08-06 12:34 PM
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