Well after nearly 4 months of futile Job search,
I'm thinking I may need to change my skillset.

(...my background is in network infrastructure design and implementation.
ie. low-level stuff like routers and switches, not application stuff like servers and web apps.
I also have 8 years as senior verification and QA engineer ).

However, every job I see seems to want web app designers (.Net, J2EE, etc.. ).

I "was" a programming whiz ...back in the 80's... writing 6502 assembler code on my C-64,
but I haven't keep very current with the latest programming advances...

If I were to re-train in something...  what would give me the best bang for the buck ?

I know quite a few people working from home doing application work,
so that could be an interesting option.

I'm sure the crowd on MAACA offers an interesting cross-section of the high-tech industry.

Any thoughts from the masses...

LMK,
Thanks,
Steph

I vote for you to learn Ai and Ps, and create artwork for CPR.  

D

Quoted from Menace

I vote for you to learn Ai and Ps, and create artwork for CPR.  

D

Probably very rewarding .....hobbywise,  

but I don't think it would pay the mortgage and feed 3 growing boys...  


Steph

I know the feeling.
Lost my job about a month ago.
Thinking of taking EI offer for retraining.
But Trying to figure out what I should do Electrician or Welder maybe Plumbing.
I am fed up with IT

Why not go crazy and just abandon High-Tech? It's a bit hypocritical of me to say, since I have a high-tech job, but if the industry isn't what it used to be, and your skillset no longer meets the demand, then consider EVERYTHING, not just high-tech.

If you weren't a computer engineer, what would you be?

I'd saw follow the government spending and the demographics and what universities are expanding into.

My quick thoughts are:
health - ehealth & electronic health records.   My resume's there, but they are too busy awarding contracts without going to tender to bother calling me  
energy - ?
environment - ?

Steph, get a job and make a position for me, too!   (I'm still @ Nortel, but I kiss each paycheque!)

Within the telcom field - follow the spectrum auctions and the big spenders - globalive/yak is hiring - and I believe had positions in Ottawa last month.  

Quoted from ethous

I know the feeling.
Lost my job about a month ago.
Thinking of taking EI offer for retraining.
But Trying to figure out what I should do Electrician or Welder maybe Plumbing.
I am fed up with IT

What? You mean the huge joke the government calls the "Second Career" program?

Sure, if you can pay your tuition and related costs, AND live off $28k over the ENTIRE duration of your program then go for it.
I wasted months with an idiot career counsellor only to learn "No, that's not $28k per year, it's $28k PERIOD". I can't find a program worth taking that is 1 year or less.

Me.........I just applied to the Military, where they'll give me a real job AND pay me while I'm learning.

Edit: And I didn't bother with OSAP, apparently I made too much money........TWO YEARS AGO! (Wow, I still have that money? Where?)

Quoted from jonny_eh

If you weren't a computer engineer, what would you be?

Sadly, its hard to make a drastic career change right when you have a lot of dependants and financial committments.   Nortel used to give severances which allowed people to re-focus a few friends have opened up their own business in first-aid, fitness using the severance to get them through.   There's also the famous Nortel guy who used his severance to make the #1 sex-toy (he's now a millionaire).    Without a cushion, and the bills keep coming, you can't exactly make a business plan to "do what you want".

I'm still jealous of my buddy who couldn't get a job out of university, so got his mechanical-masters, then his teaching degree, then started work in high-tech.   So, he can work in mechanical, high-tech or teach.

After visiting my mechanic today, I seriously wonder if I am in the right position. He has hands in so many pots that he makes money hand over fist: autobody, car repair and car sales. He makes great money on the car sales. Told me a story of how he sold a car he bought for next to nothing, restored it (obviously he the skills and staff to do it right) and sold it for $70K! Then talked about his summer homes -- one in Florida and one in Portegul -- I don't even have a shed in my backyard .

Seriously, the trades offer amazing opportunities. Of course, they are very dependent on the economy.

My brother in law lost his job last summer and started working as a handy man immediately. He got a decent severance and business has been brisk from day 1. He is very handy -- basically it was his hobby. He was very fortunate and turned his hobby into his career. Seems to be working for him.

As for programming and web work. Not sure this is the right industry to get in right now. Sorry to be a downer, but I'm in the industry and I cann't say "This is the technology you should focus on".  Competition is tough and everyone has lowered their rates to get work.

Perhaps like someone else mentioned focus on the Health industry? Aging population means that sector will be doing well over the coming years.

Duane

Quoted from jonny_eh

Why not go crazy and just abandon High-Tech?

Because the decent money (for white collar work) is in high-tech.

I have 20 years of experience and starting over would put me at the bottom of the pile.

Besides, like Tuborg said, I'm 43 with 3 young kids and a mortgage,
so I can't really afford a long re-training period.

I've got a 6 month window ... tops !

I unfortunately can't start an entire new career in 6 months...
I need to leverage what I have, so that pretty much forces me to stay in high-tech.

The only other option, is a COMPLETELY different approach
such as starting some kind of business ... but then again, this isn't the best time.

I've tried to expand my little eprom business,
but the reality is that I'm pushing 25+ yr old technology to a shrinking market
so there is not much growth there.  At best, if I tried REALLY hard,
I could probably pull-in $10-15K per year , ...which leaves me about $60K short of where I need to be...

Steph

Fair point, I guess I was looking at it from my perspective as a young dude with no dependants.

My uncle got laid off from Newbridge back in the day, and he too had 25+ years experience, but instead of looking for a job (he may have tried, but didn't succeed) he started a R&D tax credit consultation business and he's doing just fine now.

someone open a big arcade?

and let the kiddies trade their tickets in for pills, you'll make a killing?

Quoted from ethous

I know the feeling.
Lost my job about a month ago.
Thinking of taking EI offer for retraining.
But Trying to figure out what I should do Electrician or Welder maybe Plumbing.
I am fed up with IT

Trades PAY... trust me. I deal with trades people all the time. Good money there.

Apparently skilled C++ application and interface programmers are in demand???

I too may be changing careers, from SOHO to a management position in Communications. Nothing firmed yet.  A lucky break I think, but with 2 boys now, we really needed the benefits and a steady income. It may actually give me more time to work on pins and go out to do repairs.  

If you're going to look at trades right now, you have to be careful what you get in to. Some trades have tanked thanks to the implosion of the auto industry. I am a heavy truck mechanic apprentice and I've been laid off since mid-march, and there is very little work right now in my field. That probably won't change until the economy improves again. Construction trades seem to be doing okay still though, and I'm still seeing ads for automotive techs, so those are possibilities.

James

Quoted from ken_cinder

Me.........I just applied to the Military, where they'll give me a real job AND pay me while I'm learning.

and you will also learn to NOT put JTF in your name as you have not earned the right. Even IF you earn the right, you will not be using it for security reasons.

Steph,

Dont give up and keep looking. You'll find something that needs exactly the skills you have. You'll see.

You might need to accept something a bit down to pay the bills while you keep searching but that will be temporary.

Phil

Quoted from Pharoah007

and you will also learn to NOT put JTF in your name as you have not earned the right. Even IF you earn the right, you will not be using it for security reasons.

And this stupid bullshit came out of left field WHY?

Quoted from Pharoah007

and you will also learn to NOT put JTF in your name as you have not earned the right. Even IF you earn the right, you will not be using it for security reasons.

Aw crap... and here I was considering naming myself MAACAdmiral.

Quoted from Pharoah007

and you will also learn to NOT put JTF in your name as you have not earned the right. Even IF you earn the right, you will not be using it for security reasons.

Hey... wait a sec... it says MAACA general under your name...

Sparky was supposed to change my nick over here anyway. *wink wink, prod prod* Think you could make it the same as on CGCC?

Quoted from ethous

I know the feeling.
Lost my job about a month ago.
Thinking of taking EI offer for retraining.
But Trying to figure out what I should do Electrician or Welder maybe Plumbing.
I am fed up with IT

Welder is a bad choice and i know about it . You have to requalify every 2 years , not the case for electricians or plumbers . Also , it ' s not recognised as a construction job , only good as an extra occupation , for plumbers , metal structure workers , ect ...

Many hospitals are switching to an electronic Patient record keeping system. Those systems must be maintained for years. They hook up to a cerner type system. I can't be more specific because I am not an IT guy.

Quoted from ken_cinder

And this stupid bullshit came out of left field WHY?

WOW, relax man.

You will find out yourself.

Good luck in St Jean (CFLRS)!!

what trade?

Quoted from Pharoah007

WOW, relax man.

You will find out yourself.

Good luck in St Jean (CFLRS)!!

what trade?

I already know what the JTF is, nick came about before I even knew what it was (10 years ago).

Basic Training is also offered at Borden, which I live 2 minutes from, though I'm not sure if it's offered as frequently or if I'll have to go to St Jean. Doesn't matter either way, it's only 13 weeks (And I could use the break from my wife and daughter!)

I've put in for Vehicle Tech, with Weapons Tech and Ammo Tech as my secondary choices. Those will at least keep me in school close to home to start (At Borden) I still have to get out to the recruiter with all my paperwork. Here's hoping, I think it would be cool to have a job doing any of those.

Quoted from Ricker

Many hospitals are switching to an electronic Patient record keeping system. Those systems must be maintained for years. They hook up to a cerner type system. I can't be more specific because I am not an IT guy.

Bingo!  And the Microsoft Health / Health Vault will be an area.   Just my guesses.   ERH is definitely long overdue, plus the patient's rights to see their records.   All too often, doctors are unable to collaborate at the expense of the patient.   To me helping Canada improve its modernization of health is something only Canadians can/should/would do.   This is something I would hope they do not outsource to the lowest bidder overseas.

Quoted from Tuborg

Bingo!  And the Microsoft Health / Health Vault will be an area.   Just my guesses.   ERH is definitely long overdue, plus the patient's rights to see their records.   All too often, doctors are unable to collaborate at the expense of the patient.   To me helping Canada improve its modernization of health is something only Canadians can/should/would do.   This is something I would hope they do not outsource to the lowest bidder overseas.

"Buy Canadian" clause? Ya, nothing will boost the economy like more protectionism.

Quoted from jonny_eh

"Buy Canadian" clause? Ya, nothing will boost the economy like more protectionism.

And $0.50/hr work sourced to people in the Philippines, putting 3 or 4 people here out of work and on EI/Welfare does?

I've looked into several "Freelance" options online, and you simply cannot compete with people from places like that, that will work for pennies on the dollar.

My last job was in a medical center yes they need lots of help.
But they expect the world of you i was doing 5 different tech jobs being paid a mess gallery.
Great benefits package thought but I was ill for 3 months something that's really rare and when i came back my a** was canned 3 days latter.
Well I have a suite pending with labor board because when i was gone they filled my position with 1 a friend of one of the techs and also happens to be cousin of the manager.
They would have had to contract position during period i was gone not hire full time.
Plus I find It to be really unstable in Ottawa trying to get in the Gov thought.

Yeah,I hear you.I lost my job of 23 years last fall when Hershey Chocolate closed and went to Mexico/India/China.All the top spots for food production.I also went to college on the second career program,its a lot of bs.They paid for some ,but I had to support myself,because I made too much the year before.I left after 6 months,I did get all of my credits for the basis of a refrigeration mechanic,but try and find an apprenticeship in anything.If you arent related to the boss or someone in the union,you will be lucky to get in.I had a govt agency looking to get me an apprenticeship since last fall. So here I sit as well, unemployed and out of school,no u.i. till sept.But hey,its summer,Ive got a Harley,lots of free time and good friends,Its gotta get better .

Quoted from ken_cinder

And $0.50/hr work sourced to people in the Philippines, putting 3 or 4 people here out of work and on EI/Welfare does?

I've looked into several "Freelance" options online, and you simply cannot compete with people from places like that, that will work for pennies on the dollar.

Nortel outsourced ALOT of work to India and Beijing because it was "cheaper".

That bit them in the a** BIG time.

The workmanship was CRAP, the product quality went into the toilet,
the 12 hour time-zone difference forced alot of Canadian folks to work
night shift to "hand-hold" the new workforce, and when some engineer finally
got modestly efficient, he jumped ship to another company that offered 50cent an hour more.

Nortel took a beating over this, ...and look at where they are now....

The same is true of Cisco, Alcaltel and all the other greedy CEOs that
wanted cheap labor. It's not working...

Quoted from Steph

Nortel outsourced ALOT of work to India and Beijing because it was "cheaper".

That bit them in the a** BIG time.

The workmanship was CRAP, the product quality went into the toilet,
the 12 hour time-zone difference forced alot of Canadian folks to work
night shift to "hand-hold" the new workforce, and when some engineer finally
got modestly efficient, he jumped ship to another company that offered 50cent an hour more.

Nortel took a beating over this, ...and look at where they are now....

The same is true of Cisco, Alcaltel and all the other greedy CEOs that
wanted cheap labor. It's not working...

My newest Linksys router can attest to Cisco's downhill giant slalom in quality........

Linksys products were good, until Cisco got their hands on em. Let's subsidize the high-end commercial gear, by making the end user gear we just bought out, cheap Chinese garbage. Yeah that'll work!

Quoted from ken_cinder

I already know what the JTF is, nick came about before I even knew what it was (10 years ago).

Basic Training is also offered at Borden, which I live 2 minutes from, though I'm not sure if it's offered as frequently or if I'll have to go to St Jean. Doesn't matter either way, it's only 13 weeks (And I could use the break from my wife and daughter!)

I've put in for Vehicle Tech, with Weapons Tech and Ammo Tech as my secondary choices. Those will at least keep me in school close to home to start (At Borden) I still have to get out to the recruiter with all my paperwork. Here's hoping, I think it would be cool to have a job doing any of those.

my .02 is that you want w tech/ a tech over v tech. V techs are a dime a dozen and the other trades are a bit more thin. You will have a better life if you are in demand and not a dime a dozen.

As for basic @ Borden...you want to go to St jean. I say this because it is WAY more strict and you will learn the RIGHT way. I have seen many sh!t pumps come out of Borden.  St Jean will also help you get used to being way from the family, which is going to be a BIG part of your life.

Hope the Family is prepared to move, because you are prob going to Petawawa or Edmonton after your QL3's. No guarantees but you will prob get sent to one of the Brigades for your 1st posting.

Quoted from ken_cinder

Doesn't matter either way, it's only 13 weeks (And I could use the break from my wife and daughter!)

Ha ha. You think? BOTC was the worst three months of my life! Not really but I love telling guys that. It was nasty though. I still think Mayonnaise got off easy and trust me there was no time for chicks so that movie was just plain fantasy.

Quoted from necro_nemesis

Ha ha. You think? BOTC was the worst three months of my life! Not really but I love telling guys that. It was nasty though. I still think Mayonnaise got off easy and trust me there was no time for chicks so that movie was just plain fantasy.

I spent months over each 4 years when I was younger at boot camp each year. 13 weeks of something I'm 110% prepared for, will be a damn vacation for me.

Quoted from ken_cinder

I spent months over each 4 years when I was younger at boot camp each year. 13 weeks of something I'm 110% prepared for, will be a damn vacation for me.

Time to be the "grey man". If your WO figures out your having it too easy I can guarantee in heartbeat he will change that.

Quoted from necro_nemesis

Time to be the "grey man". If your WO figures out your having it too easy I can guarantee in heartbeat he will change that.

2nd that BIG TIME. and once you get done BMQ...its time for SQ.

SQ makes basic like like kiddy camp!

Quoted from Steph

Nortel outsourced ALOT of work to India and Beijing because it was "cheaper".

That bit them in the a** BIG time.

The workmanship was CRAP, the product quality went into the toilet,
the 12 hour time-zone difference forced alot of Canadian folks to work
night shift to "hand-hold" the new workforce, and when some engineer finally
got modestly efficient, he jumped ship to another company that offered 50cent an hour more.

Nortel took a beating over this, ...and look at where they are now....

The same is true of Cisco, Alcaltel and all the other greedy CEOs that
wanted cheap labor. It's not working...

Exactly, the smart businesses don't just look for the cheapest labour, they hire the best, and hopefully that means us! Plus the 12 hour timeshift is a real productivity killer, I know from first hand experience.

The problem with passing laws that force businesses  to 'Buy Canadian' is that they then force (yes, force) other countries to pass similar laws for their own country. Before you know it, no one's trading and the economy is REALLY in trouble!! This exact thing happened in the early thirties (they passed protectionism laws). It may not have 'caused' the great depression but it supposedly made it a lot worse, and last longer.

May not be going CF, I got a call from my "unimpressed" little brother last night to the tune of "What are you, retarded?". Seems my mother told him my plans.

He hooked his work up with my info, and they promptly called me this morning wanting a resume. They pay as well if not better than my previous job.
At least if I take that I don't have to deal with my family on my back about joining the forces. They all seem to fear the idea like grim death.......girls privates.

Here's my two cents..take it with a grain of salt

Option 1 start a business from your home, consulting, stuff like that. little to no start up costs, you must have a skill set that is in demand though, even if it is one you are newly trained in. I could get more into detail, but you are smart enough to do that on your own. Check merx, which is the government website for contracts, tons of consulting stuff on there, high paying as well, once you're in, you're in

Option 2 Seminars/ training, a take on option 1 , little to no investment, you go to your target audience ( Usually a company), and bore them to death with something they probably already know, but they want a " day off". Again, must be something sort of appealing. Sales and networking are the key here

Option 2A Open a biz in a  retail store or physical location. be prepared to stay there all day everyday, forever. You may end up being a slave to customers, but income can be good. Heavy regulation, taxes, monthly costs, etc. Somewhat rewarding if you are in a field you enjoy. Propensity to raise cash quickly, unlike salaried work.

Option 3 UXO technician. Unexploded ordnance technician. Pays well, hard to get into unless you have a military engineer or ammo tech background, but I know persons who have. There is a training program in Texas for civilians that is recognized in Canada. Internationally, pays extremely well, but commensurate with risk, domestic is pretty safe and you can make around what you are looking for. Downside is you have to travel, and the work itself is montonous , dirty, and always outside ( winter too)

Option 4 180 degree turn, retraining in a field that you are completely oblivious to, but pays well. Example financial planner, correspondence courses for licensing, and plenty of jobs around for it, including the bank. If you do well, great money. Downside is 100% commission and the work is quite stale, apart from, meeting people.

Option 5 Army.. Go combat engineer, don't bother with any of the rest of them,it is the best trade in the Army hands down skill set for higher ranks has civilian applications, in well paying engineer related fields. Can get something that is sort of on par with a p eng, called a CET certificataion. Downside, a bagdrive if you are older, physically demanding, probably the most physically demanding trade in the army ( Yes more than infantry).

Related trades , or ones who love to have you:
Cop
Fireman
Road construction
Water supply / infrastructure
Explosive ordnance disposal, civi
surveyor
heavy equipment operator
project manager
analyst
etc...

My two cents

Quoted from ken_cinder

May not be going CF, I got a call from my "unimpressed" little brother last night to the tune of "What are you, retarded?". Seems my mother told him my plans.

He hooked his work up with my info, and they promptly called me this morning wanting a resume. They pay as well if not better than my previous job.
At least if I take that I don't have to deal with my family on my back about joining the forces. They all seem to fear the idea like grim death.......girls privates.

Live YOUR life man. If they love you they will support you PERIOD.

I have no such problems as my dad was a Navy man and my step dad is retired Reg force (PPCLI) and is now a reservist WO.

Quoted from gjd

Go combat engineer, don't bother with any of the rest of them,it is the best trade in the Army

He is not a young man my friend, CE is NOT a good choice. As for best trade in the Army, I think not.

Lineman is a WICKED trade with MUCHO civi world jobs. Photo Tech is as "cush" as it gets.

Honestly, who wants to be playing with land mines and defusing bombs(CE)? not me for sure!

There are also a BUNCH of "the trades" trades in the CF that are a real good go. Inf, Artillery, armor and Combat Engineer are for young men who are not "broken" yet. Sig Op is as well to some extent, as a Sig you can be humpin it in a Inf Pl or chillin in a CP or message center drinking coffee, all the same pay. It just depends on the posting you get, however, you are almost GUARENTEED to go to one of the Brigades for you first posting to get "experience"

Have you always been a reservist or have you ever been in the Reg Force?

Yes I have been, but I have done multiple stretches at 2CER ( 6 mos), been invited to teach at the school in Borden( only res ever), instructing on reg force crses since 98( Not many get to do this), so I believe I'm qualified to comment. I also let you know personally my quals, which lets you know something about the calibre of soldier I am, whether reg or reserve( not to say that im a keener, but im not a bag either). It is not my fault I have always had something going on in civi life, and I don't appreciate your inference that I am somehow unqualified to comment.Bottom line is I know guys in their 40's who are corporals in engineering, on the initial engagment and they love it, and can handle it, although i agree it is not for everyone. As far as the trade of engineer not being the one that affords the most opportunity, I am qualified to comment on that, as I have either worked in, or been offered employment in everyone of the categories i mentioned, except cop and fireman, which a lot of guy s  I know with an engineer background, have went to. There is no trade, hands down, in the Army, that affords as much opportunity and different streams as engineering, for example you can be a heavy equipment operator, a bomb tech, a road construction guy ( HE) , a project manager, an int guy, an analyst, a consultant, a door kicker, an armoured guy, a construction guy, and many others. Changing from the CP to the field does not qualify in my opinion as a variance in work or skill sets, just location, and the bottom line is you will always be a specialist in one field, rather than many.

Oh yeah, could have been worse, you could have called me an officer!

Ex coelis

You should look into ACS tech.

These guys have all the tools in the world and are building all sorts of things out of every conceivable material all day long. If you like to build and refinish things, from what I have seen it seems like the ideal job.

If you like working with electronics AVS. Aircraft mechanics then AVN.

Might go over better with Mom.

Electricians and plumbers make lots of money. Auto mechanics are also never too far between jobs.

Any skill where you can market to people who own things they either don't know how to fix, or don't have the time to do so will always make you money.

Not really concerned with that necro, it's the about-face my wife has done. She wasn't against it.......until this job opportunity came along. I know my daughter is going to be pissed if I'm away from home more than a day. She was mad when I had to work nights for a month last summer.

Weighing my options right now, can't do much more.

Quoted from sentinelking

Electricians and plumbers make lots of money. Auto mechanics are also never too far between jobs.

Any skill where you can market to people who own things they either don't know how to fix, or don't have the time to do so will always make you money.

Auto mechanics don't pay all that much, unless specialized. Heavy machinery mechanic pays well. But that is a 2-year program. But our rental division pays less and hires auto mechanics. They do well...

Quoted from Sparky

Auto mechanics don't pay all that much, unless specialized. Heavy machinery mechanic pays well. But that is a 2-year program. But our rental division pays less and hires auto mechanics. They do well...

Absolutely right.

and, totally true of almost any trade. People pay more for specialists. Just about everybody in my family (except me) is or was in a trade. The more specializations you have, the higher you can set your price tag. My dad worked 36 years in a nickel mine as an electrician, and the few times he was laid off or on strike, he picked up work in his trade with almost no hassle. Everybody wants electricity, clean water, and the mess to go away when they flush.

As a plumber, I'll chime in with my opinion.  BE AN ELECTRICIAN !

Lighter work.
No emergency calls.
You can lick your fingers when you're done eating your chicken.
You're afforded a little more leeway with mistakes.
Everyone calls you Sparky.

Actually, a millwright is also a great trade as you get to mess with a little of everything.

Not knocking plumbing, but it's not a cakewalk, and some jobs can get real tough on the body as it ages.......

Quoted from MarkToo

As a plumber, I'll chime in with my opinion.  BE AN ELECTRICIAN !

Lighter work.
No emergency calls.
You can lick your fingers when you're done eating your chicken.
You're afforded a little more leeway with mistakes.
Everyone calls you Sparky.

Actually, a millwright is also a great trade as you get to mess with a little of everything.

Not knocking plumbing, but it's not a cakewalk, and some jobs can get real tough on the body as it ages.......

I worked alongside a plumber when I was 16, during the summer. I was doing demolition and putting in new storefronts in commercial buildings.
This was an old Italian guy, and the only thing I remember him saying to me was "Don't you ever become a plumber! Stupid choice I made!"

Quoted from 958I

don't appreciate your inference that I am somehow unqualified to comment.

WOW, slow down. I NEVER said that nor did I mean to imply it. Of course you are entitled to your opinion and comments.

How did you come to that conclusion? Trust me, I do not mean that in the LEAST.

Quoted from necro_nemesis

You should look into ACS tech.

These guys have all the tools in the world and are building all sorts of things out of every conceivable material all day long. If you like to build and refinish things, from what I have seen it seems like the ideal job.

If you like working with electronics AVS. Aircraft mechanics then AVN.

Might go over better with Mom.

Good call.  I myself have said to myself MANY MANY times "why did you not be a Mat Tech?"

Mat Tech's do cool stuff, lots of real world skills there. Kinda like Orange county choppers, lol

Have you always been a reservist or have you ever been in the Reg Force?

That is where I got the inference. In any case, just trying to help a guy out, sorry it made you so mad, bottom line is though, that engineer is still the best Army trade, hands down. You should try a remuster, ha ha

Quoted from gjd

Have you always been a reservist or have you ever been in the Reg Force?

It was just a honest question. You read into it WAYYYY too much.

Did not make me mad in the least.

Its only right you love your trade. That or you would remuster.

I HATE my trade, it is finally not "red flagged" any more. The wife is not to hot on me going away for another 3's as we JUST started living together again due to the army having us apart for the last 2 years. That and a new trade means a new posting and we are both in Ottawa and she needs to finish university here. Maybe when she is done school.

Quoted from ken_cinder

This was an old Italian guy, and the only thing I remember him saying to me was "Don't you ever become a plumber! Stupid choice I made!"

Yup, that's Mario.