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Green Machine



Member Since: 19 Nov 2010
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 1226

United Kingdom 2005 Defender 90 Td5 CSW Tonga Green
What do we all do for work?
Partly out of interest, partly looking for inspiration!

What does everyone do for work? It would be great if people could give a little overview of what they actually do on a day to day basis (especially if it is something unusual that people might not be familiar with), also be great to hear from anyone who has a Land Rover oriented job (we are all Defender nuts after all!). An indication of how long you have done the job for might also be useful, and also whether you enjoy your work or not! And, if not, what would you rather be doing instead? Do you have a job you wish you'd never left? Any experiences welcome! It would also be handy to have an idea of what people's working patterns are i.e. standard 9-5.30, 5 days a week; any regular overtime requirement; working weekends; shift work, etc.

I have a feeling that there was thread along these lines a few years ago, but have done a search and can't find anything.

I'll start: I am a CAD technician for a medium-sized architectural practice. Essentially sit in front of a computer all day (which I fear is becoming increasingly the norm). It is a very nice computer (Retina 5k iMac), but still get sick of looking at it on a fairly regular basis! Regular 9-5.30, 5 days a week (usually in the office 8.30-6), but very rarely need to work outside of this. Work on a variety of projects from large extensions and house re-modelling through to multiple housing schemes and larger public buildings. We use BIM (Building Information Modelling) software, so buildings are 'virtually' modelled in 3D and the 2D drawing information is taken from that 3D model. I have been doing it for 9 years and enjoy certain aspects, particularly the more creative / conceptual front-end design and modelling, but don't particularly enjoy others. Starting to feel that it might be time for a change, hence the thread! 2005 Td5 | 90 Station Wagon | Tonga Green
Post #447925 21st Aug 2015 6:48am
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K9F



Member Since: 12 Nov 2009
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 9610

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey
I spent 32 years in the Military as an aircraft electrical/avionic engineer working on a range of different aircraft that included Hercules, Harriers, VC10s and Tornados. After this I lost interest in aircraft and wanted to find something that was different but not too far out of my comfort zone. I also realised I either needed to find a job where I either worked on my own or with 'like minded people.'I miss the military but had no choice but to leave. If I was a teenager even though things have changed I would not hesitate to take the Queen's Shilling again and do it all over again like a shot.

I am now the sole Marine Electrical Engineer on a high speed trimaran that runs from Poole to the Channel Islands responsible for all the electrical systems on board. I basically swapped one ID card and an office of my own for another ID card and a boilersuit as I am now 'back on the tools' instead of managing. The banter and camerarderie is very similar as I was used to but as the only ex-RAF in an environment where everyone else is either Merchant Navy or ex-Royal Navy I ensure my back is against the wall whenever possible.

Laughing

I do enjoy my job but as with a lot of people I always keep my options open and think the grass may be greener elsewhere.

Favourite saying "To me this boat is just a floating aeroplane!"


Click image to enlarge
 If you go through life with your head in the sand....all people will see is an ar5e!!

Treat every day as if it is your last....one day you will be right!!
Post #447929 21st Aug 2015 7:08am
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ian series 1



Member Since: 17 Nov 2014
Location: south
Posts: 3127

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 CSW Bonatti Grey
Me....?

I work for a very large tree surgery firm as their full time mechanic.
Aswell as working on plant machinery,chippers,trucks,firewood processor, chainsaws, etc, we also offer servicing and repairs on cars, vans, and trucks, to the general public.

It's a very varied job, as we have all manner of equipment!
Also I do get to go out and "play" with all the kit!

Currently I'm out in this hedge cutting today,


Click image to enlarge


We have some serious gear, that needs maintaining, probably the biggest in the fleet is this baby, an ex fire service platform, coming in at mind bending 60 meters!


Click image to enlarge


I love my job Wink 80" 80" 86" 88" 90"

Wanted, Forward Control Anything considered.
Post #447936 21st Aug 2015 7:24am
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steve E



Member Since: 06 Mar 2011
Location: Tenby
Posts: 2073

Wales 
I'm a spectacle maker, and I manufacture all sorts of specs for Opticians all over The UK and Ireland.
I started the business in 1999 as a side line and it became my full time job 10 years ago.


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I also have a showroom at the front of my workshop where customers bring there prescriptions and purchase new spectacles.

I do enjoy my job and have been a spectacle maker for 25 years.
Post #447938 21st Aug 2015 7:40am
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GREENI



Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10381

United Kingdom 
Re: What do we all do for work?
Green Machine wrote:
Essentially sit in front of a computer all day (which I fear is becoming increasingly the norm). It is a very nice computer (Retina 5k iMac)


I do this!

I used to work in the cycle trade for 10-12 years, as well as a year at a 4x4 specialist, building Ibex's and stuff.


Last edited by GREENI on 21st Aug 2015 7:46am. Edited 2 times in total
Post #447940 21st Aug 2015 7:43am
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Daisy90



Member Since: 01 Feb 2015
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 845

United Kingdom 2001 Defender 90 Td5 SW Alveston Red
For the last ten years I was a commercial guard for a major railway company that runs out of Waterloo, I have now just started working as a customer service trainer for the same company,
Previous to this I owned and run a large burger van ( hard work but excellent rewards)
And before that most of my time in dealerships such as mercedes commercial HQ, Jaguar and finished off at Aston Martin
Post #447942 21st Aug 2015 7:44am
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leeds



Member Since: 28 Dec 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 8581

United Kingdom 
Re: What do we all do for work?
Green Machine wrote:
Partly out of interest, partly looking for inspiration!


....It would also be handy to have an idea of what people's working patterns are i.e. standard 9-5.30, 5 days a week; any regular overtime requirement; working weekends; shift work, etc.
......







Rolling with laughter Rolling with laughter Rolling with laughter


If you want a standard 9-5.30, 5 days a week job do NOT start your own business!

Especially if 4 x 4 orientated.


Me? I do everything from sweeping up/packing/buying/selling, being the MD etc.

What I do not is accounts/paperwork!

Good fun but hard work.


Brendan
Post #447951 21st Aug 2015 8:36am
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Martin
Site Admin


Member Since: 02 Apr 2007
Location: Hook Norton
Posts: 6605

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
leeds wrote:
What I do not is accounts/paperwork!


Wimp Wink  1988 90 Td5 NAS soft top
2015 D90 XS SW
Post #447955 21st Aug 2015 8:51am
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excossack



Member Since: 22 Feb 2012
Location: North West
Posts: 5843

United Kingdom 1999 Defender 110 Td5 SW Caledonian Blue
For the last 15 years I have worked for a Local Authority in IT, within the Windows based server team working on HP servers and HP blade enclosures.

Some of my work is;
Specing, installing, configuring and racking servers, installing UPS's
Supporting ISA server, email Hygiene gateways, PGP secure email servers.
Windows OS support
Exchange 2003 and now moving to Office 365 cloud

Previous to that, I worked for SAB WABCO in the IT section 1999 Defender TD5 110

Regards
John M0VAZ
Econet Station 48 no clock
Post #447961 21st Aug 2015 9:03am
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TDCi Guy



Member Since: 17 Aug 2014
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 286

United Kingdom 1996 Defender 110 300 Tdi HCPU Auto Keswick Green
I'm a fairly recent engineering graduate who had the fortune to step straight into the world of work into something I love.
I work for an international access machinery rental company within the service department. I've recently been handed the responsibility of managing the servicing and uptime of the truck mounted fleet from 33m up to 90m.

Unfortunately (or fortunately to save me the embarrassment of breakdowns) we don't run any Land Rover mounted platforms

@ian series 1 Nice to see someone else with an interest in the industry. If you think 60m is mind bending you need a play on one of these.


Click image to enlarge


We're always on the lookout for operators for these trucks due to a recent expansion so if anyone is nuts enough then do get in touch! Thumbs Up Tom
@tditomprice
100” Defender Hybrid
2010 Alaska White 90 HT
Post #447963 21st Aug 2015 9:08am
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X4SKP



Member Since: 29 Nov 2013
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 2295

United Kingdom 2010 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 SW Stornoway Grey
Hello Green Machine

Interesting idea…let’s see where this thread goes...

Workplace Design

My wife and I are in Partnership, running a Workplace Design Consultancy,
we specialise in the design of working environments; Offices, Retail,
Public and Private Sectors and have been trading for 15 years.

We design, specify and fit-out Businesses, both to look good and operate efficiently,
we often turn a ‘shell’ into the finished space, also relocating businesses from the
'old to the new'.

We work across the UK, with the majority of our work being in the South and have helped
both start up business of few people, through to companies with over 300 staff.

Being the owners of the business was key for us, we are IT based, which has allowed us
to work in a semi-remote area, projects are always varied, often fun and can be challenging,
but we have developed a process ensuring delivery, on time and on budget.

Almost all our work is for long standing clients, but we add a few new ones each year.

Nearly every Business Meeting or Site Visit is made in a Defender.


Click image to enlarge
 SKIP
https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic83242.html
Post #447964 21st Aug 2015 9:13am
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Clemmo



Member Since: 03 Aug 2012
Location: Mile Oak
Posts: 1217

England 2010 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Stornoway Grey
Me..?
I work for BMW.
First reaction is normally " can you get me a discount?" Embarassed

I dont work for a dealer I work for BMW AG based here in the UK. Not too many folks know this but BMW are on their way to producing nearly 600000 Engine a year here in the UK. All engine types... 3&4 cylinder, petrol and diesel.

I am a Tooling Enginneer and manage a team of people covering 4 shift operations 24/7.
As Tooling Enginneers we decide how to take engine parts from raw castings into finished parts. What opertions we should do, in which order and what cutting tools we should use. ( Drilling, Milling, Tapping etc..)
After this we problem solve on a daily basis looking for cost and efficiency improvements

Its a very challenging job for a very demanding company..but I really enjoy it.
BMW invest in people and invest in equipment to give the best quality product.
I am proud to work for them and promote the products.

I often question myself as do "why I own a Landrover?"..But thats another thread Whistle

Clemmo Thumbs Up

Click image to enlarge
 Make today a little better than yesterday but not so good as tomorrow....
Defender 90 HT............Pangea Green
BMW X3 Msport............Carbon Black
Mini Electric................Grey. (wow!)
MGB Roadster……..........Vermillion 17k miles
Honda Benly CD200....Maroon --------McLouis Fusio........7.4m of fun
Post #447967 21st Aug 2015 9:30am
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Likeomg



Member Since: 29 Jun 2012
Location: Lake District / Newcastle
Posts: 2640

2010 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Stornoway Grey
this is where i spend most of my time when at work...




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rest of the time I'm inspecting life saving and firefighting equipment and training other crew members..



like here, lifeboat commander course



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this was the park down the middle of the one i signed off about 2 weeks ago..



Click image to enlarge


Last edited by Likeomg on 21st Aug 2015 9:37am. Edited 1 time in total
Post #447968 21st Aug 2015 9:33am
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Lorryman100



Member Since: 01 Oct 2010
Location: Here
Posts: 2686

When I left school I was lucky to get an apprenticeship with a heavy plant company as a diesel fitter / mechanic / fabricator working on 360 excavators, HGV and Cat tracked machinery. Loved this job as at the time you diagnosed and fixed problems unlike today were you replace the faulty part. Did not take long to realise you got paid more to drive the equipment rather than fix it so got my class 1 and did that for the next 15 years though have never been far from the tools what with the farm and defender ownership. For the past 12 years I have been working for a train company in Scotland, starting of as a mainline train driver then becoming a driver instructor and then a driver assessor after completing a SVQ. Now I am more office based managing a team of train drivers assessing and maintaining their competence / safety to operate passenger trains on the mainline. The job has its good points and bad points like any other but on the whole I don't hate my job and I enjoy getting back onto the foot plate for assessments and my mandatory monthly 4 hours driving to maintain my competence.
Post #447970 21st Aug 2015 9:35am
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jomara



Member Since: 26 Oct 2009
Location: Lanarkshire
Posts: 1790

Scotland 2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
I'm in office interiors too Skip Thumbs Up

I started the business 12 years ago and it's been a bit of a roller coaster ride over the past few years!! My background is in space planning, move management, project management and major account management.

We have a wide variety of of private, public sector & blue chip clients and have carried out works in a variety of European locations on their behalf. The aspect of this business I enjoy most is taking a project from paper concept to completion, it's a lot a worry & hard work but it's great feeling when you hand the finished project back to the client Very Happy

Solicitors in Aberdeen - refurbishment & furniture

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Private home - project management for client

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 2014 110 2.2TDCi XS Station wagon
1971 Bowler Tomcat 88 4.2 V8 Auto
2022 110 D250 XS Edition - Gone
2024 110 D250 X-Dynamic HSE
Post #447973 21st Aug 2015 9:54am
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