Pal’s jobs and skateboarding

[marshalbanana]

Been working as a graphic designer for the last 4 years. Earned a degree in it in 2015. Best. Job. Ever. I’m working for a pretty big med tech company and I like it a lot. I’ve worked primarily in very small companies over the years and thought that that’s what I actually wanted in life, but it sucked. Wore too many hats and everything I did was visible. The big corpo company is a lot better. Fun fact: I’ve interviewed at Deluxe on two occasions. First time, it was me vs. another dude in the very end for the position but they went with the other guy. But visiting deluxe, getting a tour and meeting EVERYONE, especially Frank and Jim T. was a dream come true. Second time interviewing a couple or years later, I lost the position again. They did remember me and how well we got along last time so they sent me a box as a consolation prize. No complaints there. It was probably the most casual and laid back interview processes I’ve ever experienced.

[streetsoup]

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Provide captions on a special telephone for elderly, deaf, and hard of hearing people.

[close]

Can you elaborate on this? I work for a company where we help elderly people transition into retirement communities and I haven't of this before. Is it like subtitles for your phone?

I also bartend and walk my neighbors dogs for beer money.

[close]

It’s called CaptionCall and I worked in the Scottsdale location along with half the Arizona skate scene. It’s a great way to pass the time being crafty and contemplating suicide.

Hell yeah. That's cool there's some skaters at the AZ location.  I think I may be the only skater here. Rad to know im not the only one passing the time on SLAP while dictating elderly convos, lol. 

[Glurmpz]

If you're over 40 and want to get into this, it's your attitude that you need to change first.

Most of the PAs and people just getting into this are going to be much, much younger, and they're going to have a lot of energy, and be down to do whatever it takes to get ahead. If I'm looking at qualifications for an assistant editor, and I have to choose between a young buck who has gone to film school and an older person who has done a couple online courses, and they're both at the same level of passion, then I'm going to choose the young person every time. They're moldable and more likely to be open to my suggestions. But, if that older person tells me that they work harder than everyone else, that they are making a change in their life so that they can do something they are passionate about, and they want to soak up every aspect of how to do the job properly, you can bet your ass that I'm going to go with them. Then if they show on the job that they ask questions so that their skills are constantly improving, and they go above and beyond in terms of the hours and the work, and they can learn, then I will recommend them to anyone that asks me for an assistant editor. I'll introduce them to producers I know, and when that next doc is crewing up, they'll be the first in line. Over time they'll build a positive rep as someone who works hard, has the goods, and makes work a better place. Sounds simple, but that's all you need to do. All the work I get now is a result of my previous work and the people I know.

The goal is to be someone who can handle anything that is thrown at them, and that people enjoy working with. You always want to be a part of the team that brings solutions, not problems. That doesn't mean that you always know how to accomplish what is asked of you, but it means that you never give attitude and do your best to figure out what is asked. Being ignorant of something is an excuse the first time, but not the second. I can't tell you how many AEs I've dealt with that could have moved up if they had been willing to learn more and had a better attitude. You have to bring value. And if all you have in your background is editing skate videos, then your value is limited at the moment. But it doesn't have to stay that way. The amount of information that is available online right now about practically any field is immense.

I can give more specific advice if you know where you want to work (LA, Bay Area, etc.) and in what field (commercials, fiction, nonfiction, etc.).

Thanks for all that, though I'm not sure what you were referring to about my attitude?

I don't know much of anything about professional editing jobs, so I have no idea what field I would be going into - I didn't realize someone who edits commercials wouldn't also edit other things (or maybe that's not what you meant to allude to?) I'm just trying to find something better than low paying warehouse management jobs, and I have basic video editing skills from doing skate stuff, so friends who are professional editors suggested I go into editing.
I don't have the option of going to school, so I have to work with what I have. The online courses are my best bet for sure.

[Fongstarr.]

Work on the creative team as a photographer for a pretty big streetwear/luxury menswear retailer.

A whole lot of skateboarders who I grew up with work in the warehouse, and one of the stylists here skates too, and if we need to shoot some Vans or something me and him just use it as a reason to go skate.

Can you say which brand you work for? Just curious.

[geneparmesan]

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If you're over 40 and want to get into this, it's your attitude that you need to change first.

Most of the PAs and people just getting into this are going to be much, much younger, and they're going to have a lot of energy, and be down to do whatever it takes to get ahead. If I'm looking at qualifications for an assistant editor, and I have to choose between a young buck who has gone to film school and an older person who has done a couple online courses, and they're both at the same level of passion, then I'm going to choose the young person every time. They're moldable and more likely to be open to my suggestions. But, if that older person tells me that they work harder than everyone else, that they are making a change in their life so that they can do something they are passionate about, and they want to soak up every aspect of how to do the job properly, you can bet your ass that I'm going to go with them. Then if they show on the job that they ask questions so that their skills are constantly improving, and they go above and beyond in terms of the hours and the work, and they can learn, then I will recommend them to anyone that asks me for an assistant editor. I'll introduce them to producers I know, and when that next doc is crewing up, they'll be the first in line. Over time they'll build a positive rep as someone who works hard, has the goods, and makes work a better place. Sounds simple, but that's all you need to do. All the work I get now is a result of my previous work and the people I know.

The goal is to be someone who can handle anything that is thrown at them, and that people enjoy working with. You always want to be a part of the team that brings solutions, not problems. That doesn't mean that you always know how to accomplish what is asked of you, but it means that you never give attitude and do your best to figure out what is asked. Being ignorant of something is an excuse the first time, but not the second. I can't tell you how many AEs I've dealt with that could have moved up if they had been willing to learn more and had a better attitude. You have to bring value. And if all you have in your background is editing skate videos, then your value is limited at the moment. But it doesn't have to stay that way. The amount of information that is available online right now about practically any field is immense.

I can give more specific advice if you know where you want to work (LA, Bay Area, etc.) and in what field (commercials, fiction, nonfiction, etc.).

[close]

Thanks for all that, though I'm not sure what you were referring to about my attitude?

I don't know much of anything about professional editing jobs, so I have no idea what field I would be going into - I didn't realize someone who edits commercials wouldn't also edit other things (or maybe that's not what you meant to allude to?) I'm just trying to find something better than low paying warehouse management jobs, and I have basic video editing skills from doing skate stuff, so friends who are professional editors suggested I go into editing.
I don't have the option of going to school, so I have to work with what I have. The online courses are my best bet for sure.

Sorry Glurmpz, I didn't meant to imply that you had a bad attitude. What I was trying to get at is what mindset would be needed to get where you want to go. To that end, what do you like to watch the most? What would you work on for free? Once you have a clear target of exactly which field and which position within that field you are after, you can start researching and see how others got to that point. Oftentimes there's a track that people follow, or a certain set of skills that is required to hold that particular position. Once you know what that is, you'll be able to get the education to fill in just those gaps. If you go to film school they'll teach you a wide variety of things that may or may not be helpful to you attaining your specific goal. With the internet and online training, you should be able to learn all the skills necessary to start out on the road towards the job you want. If you already know editors, I would recommend asking them if they need help on anything. There's almost always some logging or organization that could use work and the more you show up and put the time in, the more you build up that positive energy and the things you want start coming to you. Shalom.

[straight fucking edge]

cnc machinist

[Glurmpz]

Sorry Glurmpz, I didn't meant to imply that you had a bad attitude. What I was trying to get at is what mindset would be needed to get where you want to go. To that end, what do you like to watch the most? What would you work on for free? Once you have a clear target of exactly which field and which position within that field you are after, you can start researching and see how others got to that point. Oftentimes there's a track that people follow, or a certain set of skills that is required to hold that particular position. Once you know what that is, you'll be able to get the education to fill in just those gaps. If you go to film school they'll teach you a wide variety of things that may or may not be helpful to you attaining your specific goal. With the internet and online training, you should be able to learn all the skills necessary to start out on the road towards the job you want. If you already know editors, I would recommend asking them if they need help on anything. There's almost always some logging or organization that could use work and the more you show up and put the time in, the more you build up that positive energy and the things you want start coming to you. Shalom.

I've worked in skateboarding for years, so I guess you could say I'm willing to do a lot for free, haha. I did an internship at The Skateboard Mag(the Berrics). On my very first day shit hit the fan for them in many ways (especially financially), and it was clear that my (unpaid) internship would not lead to a work visa-worthy job (I'm Canadian) because of the new circumstances, but I stuck around for 3 months anyway to help out and make what connections I could. I was overqualified for the position and did a lot of various things for them including video editing, transcribing, content creation, news posts and some writing. I even volunteered to reorganize the whole warehouse for the online shop and help them with shipping a bit when it was a mess, since I have loads of experience in that field. They were stoked. Anyway, that's one example. In that case it was worth it for me to continue even though that particular opportunity went bust from the get-go, since I got to work with legends like Grant Brittain and skate an amazing park every day. Sticking around and becoming more of a familiar face was good since I like to spend as much time as possible in southern California.

I'll be honest, I don't have a passion for movies or anything. I don't even own a TV and haven't for 20 years. I don't go to movies. I watch things like Law & Order online. If it's fiction, I prefer it to be based in/on reality. I don't really watch fantasy stuff like Game of Thrones. I'm not trying to get into editing out of a desire to be involved in films or TV. I just need a better job that's not physical because my body is too worked from skating, and I already have the editing skills started. My own preference is for straight cuts, simple titles, nothing fancy, so I feel like I may have limited knowledge even though I've done a lot (never once even opened After Effects). Who knows?

I'm gonna see if the libraries here do the lynda thing.

 

[lamfordie]

School teacher still working on his masters. I usually skate weekends. Summer is coming up so I'll be able to skate a lot.

[getdatshrimp]

 I'm a Junior pastry Chef at a higher end restaurant; not exactly fine dining but one of the higher end places in my city.  Title sounds better than the actual job; mostly make 3-4 different breads and buns daily for dinner service.   A few different ice creams. [The best part of the job] Then general line cook duties.  I really love it, it kinda feels like skating passion wise. But my life has been split between cooking and skating since I started climbing in the food world and stagnating skating.  Food is winning; but I will always have a board.
  Surprised to not see much cooks or dishwashers?  Maybe they are hiding?  I really love working with food; but this industry kind of sucks for skating.  It's ok for having a short session before your shift.  But actually being a part of your local scene is a little tricky; I can never make it out to video premieres or late night street sessions.
  Everyone knows me because I come sesh early; mostly when the scene is just warming up for the day, or scooter kids and parents with little skaters.

[reverbtank]

I'm working at a shop. Get paid like I work at a shop. I'm 30 now and it's time to move on and get focused on a "career." Should've done this ten years ago, but better late than never I guess. Have a family and need more money.

Problem is, I have no idea wtf I want to do. Don't really have passions or hobbies besides skateboarding. Married and don't make little enough together to get financial aid, so committing to school is a big financial decision and I don't really have time or money to test the waters along the way and prolong school or anything.

I don't know, I'm so confused. How do people just decide what they want to do? haha

[D10S]

Instructional designer and content development lead for a multinational company.

Have a lady and 2 kids under 3.

Started skating in 1989 and I never stopped, no non-skate phases, no addictions, no I-quit-for-my-girlfriend bullshit. Never had any major injuries, blown out ankles aside. Was shop sponsored, had a few mag appearances
 (including 411) but never made it past that. Then my back problems started showing up a year ago. Turns out skating street for 30 years fucks up your back pretty good.   

Nowadays, I have no patience for vids that don't get to the skating in the first 20 seconds. I miss Colin Read type vids.

[Fongstarr.]

I'm working at a shop. Get paid like I work at a shop. I'm 30 now and it's time to move on and get focused on a "career." Should've done this ten years ago, but better late than never I guess. Have a family and need more money.

Problem is, I have no idea wtf I want to do. Don't really have passions or hobbies besides skateboarding. Married and don't make little enough together to get financial aid, so committing to school is a big financial decision and I don't really have time or money to test the waters along the way and prolong school or anything.

I don't know, I'm so confused. How do people just decide what they want to do? haha

I don't think it ever works out how people want it to. Minus the few that I know that have degrees in the medical field or even art field, I don't think anyone is doing what they thought they were going to do in school The idea of getting the job you love at an early age sounds so entertaining but as you get older, those passion jobs just don't make sense and you learn to just take jobs for the experience or even for the money. Of course it all depends on what your priorities are cause I hate to even think money is a priority over all things in life but it sure can help at times.

I wonder if real estate (like how some ex pro skaters are) is sort of the way out for even Slap Pals. Of course you'd have to be into sales but hopefully that is something that was sort of learned even working at a skate shop. The thing is I don't think you really need schooling for it and just need to pass the real estate exam. Depending on where you live, selling homes sort of just sell themselves nowadays. You just have to be "that networking" guy to get clients but I figure if pro skaters can do it, anyone can.

[arrbee]

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I'm working at a shop. Get paid like I work at a shop. I'm 30 now and it's time to move on and get focused on a "career." Should've done this ten years ago, but better late than never I guess. Have a family and need more money.

Problem is, I have no idea wtf I want to do. Don't really have passions or hobbies besides skateboarding. Married and don't make little enough together to get financial aid, so committing to school is a big financial decision and I don't really have time or money to test the waters along the way and prolong school or anything.

I don't know, I'm so confused. How do people just decide what they want to do? haha

[close]

I don't think it ever works out how people want it to. Minus the few that I know that have degrees in the medical field or even art field, I don't think anyone is doing what they thought they were going to do in school The idea of getting the job you love at an early age sounds so entertaining but as you get older, those passion jobs just don't make sense and you learn to just take jobs for the experience or even for the money. Of course it all depends on what your priorities are cause I hate to even think money is a priority over all things in life but it sure can help at times.

I wonder if real estate (like how some ex pro skaters are) is sort of the way out for even Slap Pals. Of course you'd have to be into sales but hopefully that is something that was sort of learned even working at a skate shop. The thing is I don't think you really need schooling for it and just need to pass the real estate exam. Depending on where you live, selling homes sort of just sell themselves nowadays. You just have to be "that networking" guy to get clients but I figure if pro skaters can do it, anyone can.

I work in distribution/supply chain whatever you want to call it. Started before I graduated high school. Didn’t go to college, by 27/28 I was on the fast track to management. Now I’m 32 make just under $100k a year. No student debt, I may have taken longer to get my role but in the long run I’ll net more without paying any loans.

My wife hates that I’m the poster child for “the American dream” you know “working hard, climbing the ladder” she is getting her doctorate next month so she all academia.

My advice get an “entry level” thing somewhere and bomb that fucking hill into a career.

[nesta.]

I manage all of the finances for my university's study abroad office: creating faculty-led program budgets, invoice management, drafting contracts, account reconciliation, payroll prep prior to sending it over to HR, there's a lot of different stuff that I do. It's alright, very cyclical depending on the time of year so right now I'm insanely busy preparing for summer programs whereas two months ago I was browsing the internet all day. I get to leave at 430 every day, though, and I like being on a university campus.

But I'm going back to school in the fall for a master's in curriculum and instruction concurrent with a teaching cert for high school English. I'm pretty confident in this future path but if it doesn't work out then I'd like the get back into higher ed as an advisor of some sort, either still in international education or within a liberal arts college or something. I just really like working with students and not being isolated behind a desk all day.

[CHONGO]

Carpenter. Realized I will most likely be doing construction for the rest of my life.

[reverbtank]

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I'm working at a shop. Get paid like I work at a shop. I'm 30 now and it's time to move on and get focused on a "career." Should've done this ten years ago, but better late than never I guess. Have a family and need more money.

Problem is, I have no idea wtf I want to do. Don't really have passions or hobbies besides skateboarding. Married and don't make little enough together to get financial aid, so committing to school is a big financial decision and I don't really have time or money to test the waters along the way and prolong school or anything.

I don't know, I'm so confused. How do people just decide what they want to do? haha

[close]

I don't think it ever works out how people want it to. Minus the few that I know that have degrees in the medical field or even art field, I don't think anyone is doing what they thought they were going to do in school The idea of getting the job you love at an early age sounds so entertaining but as you get older, those passion jobs just don't make sense and you learn to just take jobs for the experience or even for the money. Of course it all depends on what your priorities are cause I hate to even think money is a priority over all things in life but it sure can help at times.

I wonder if real estate (like how some ex pro skaters are) is sort of the way out for even Slap Pals. Of course you'd have to be into sales but hopefully that is something that was sort of learned even working at a skate shop. The thing is I don't think you really need schooling for it and just need to pass the real estate exam. Depending on where you live, selling homes sort of just sell themselves nowadays. You just have to be "that networking" guy to get clients but I figure if pro skaters can do it, anyone can.

Money is a consideration for me, but it’s more like I need $25k-30k a year vs what little I make now. 😂 So, I am trying to find something I’m passionate about or can at least tolerate while providing a bit more for the fam.

[birdplops]

I'm a postdoctoral fellow in evolutionary genomics- I'm into nature and am excited to learn new stuff every day.

Scottish weather permitting, I normally only have time to skate on the weekends. I've moved around loads and although making friends gets harder every time, I'm fine about not having friends who skate.

[MaS]

My advice get an “entry level” thing somewhere and bomb that fucking hill into a career.

This. 

[Krooked antihero]

I print stickers 

[Dirty Douggie]

Head of a public media library.

And no, i don't have time to read at work 

[xandeo]

Work in aviation handling very large sums of money on daily basis (7 figures). Got a business degree and married with 2 kids under 3, turning 35 this summer and never worked in skate industry but never stopped skating since I started as a kid.

Despite long work hours, I try to skate 1-2 times a week. Requires planning and thankful for a great wife that gives me the freedom to disappear for an evening or two each week to feel like a youngster again. My first kid is small but loves to spend time skating with me so that helps as well.

In terms of progression in skating, I almost completely stopped progressing many years ago in skating but I'm fighting the regression and keeping up with my tricks - might sound boring but it's enough to get my mind on other things than work so I still enjoy it.

[rawr1922]

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I'm working at a shop. Get paid like I work at a shop. I'm 30 now and it's time to move on and get focused on a "career." Should've done this ten years ago, but better late than never I guess. Have a family and need more money.

Problem is, I have no idea wtf I want to do. Don't really have passions or hobbies besides skateboarding. Married and don't make little enough together to get financial aid, so committing to school is a big financial decision and I don't really have time or money to test the waters along the way and prolong school or anything.

I don't know, I'm so confused. How do people just decide what they want to do? haha

[close]

I don't think it ever works out how people want it to. Minus the few that I know that have degrees in the medical field or even art field, I don't think anyone is doing what they thought they were going to do in school The idea of getting the job you love at an early age sounds so entertaining but as you get older, those passion jobs just don't make sense and you learn to just take jobs for the experience or even for the money. Of course it all depends on what your priorities are cause I hate to even think money is a priority over all things in life but it sure can help at times.

I wonder if real estate (like how some ex pro skaters are) is sort of the way out for even Slap Pals. Of course you'd have to be into sales but hopefully that is something that was sort of learned even working at a skate shop. The thing is I don't think you really need schooling for it and just need to pass the real estate exam. Depending on where you live, selling homes sort of just sell themselves nowadays. You just have to be "that networking" guy to get clients but I figure if pro skaters can do it, anyone can.

[close]

Money is a consideration for me, but it’s more like I need $25k-30k a year vs what little I make now. 😂 So, I am trying to find something I’m passionate about or can at least tolerate while providing a bit more for the fam.

Throw passion out the window. Chased that dream job so many times. In the end , gets old & not earning enough. Stability & potential of advancement need to be top priorities. Especially nowadays! Job industry crazy now compared to previous generations. Work sucks no matter what you do , you spend majority of time working. Might as well make as much paper as possible

[Heather Chandler]

I'm a 911 dispatcher going on 8 years. It's shift work, so quarter 2 and 3 are graves for me (seniority bids), keeps the days open so I can skate, watch my kids' sporting events, hang out with the family, etc.  Some people really don't care, for cops, but has never bothered me as I don't like anyone. JK.

[CurbyPuckit]

I’m a camera operator and DP for a television production company.  We get hired by HGTV, Discovery, History Channel, Nat Geo , ETC  to go film a bunch of Tv shows .  Mountain Men is probably the biggest show that we film. 

It’s a weird job.

[DanTheDoucher]

I'm working at a shop. Get paid like I work at a shop. I'm 30 now and it's time to move on and get focused on a "career." Should've done this ten years ago, but better late than never I guess. Have a family and need more money.

Problem is, I have no idea wtf I want to do. Don't really have passions or hobbies besides skateboarding. Married and don't make little enough together to get financial aid, so committing to school is a big financial decision and I don't really have time or money to test the waters along the way and prolong school or anything.

I don't know, I'm so confused. How do people just decide what they want to do? haha

Dude, it's better to not know what you want to do than to be stuck doing something you don't want to do, like I am.

I graduated from college in May of 2008 with a B.A. in Business/Marketing. I was hoping I could get a job in a creative field that I would enjoy. I was engaged to be married in September of 2008. I was basically rushing to find a job so that we could afford to rent a place when we got married. So I ended up landing a job at one of the biggest financial institutions in the world. 2 years later my first child was born, and 4 years after that my 2nd child was born. Now, 11 years after graduating and getting that job, I am still there and am now in a management position.

I fucking hate it. I have no interest in finance whatsoever and hate going to work everyday. I can't start over now because I could never afford to pay for a house/bills/kids unless I'm making the same amount (or more) money than I'm making now. I'm stuck and it sucks.

Dude, honestly the only way to be truly satisfied with your job is if you start your own business and do exactly what you want to do. I have had thoughts of opening a skate shop or starting a small t-shirt company or something. Just doing something that I enjoy....

[arrbee]

Work in aviation handling very large sums of money on daily basis (7 figures). Got a business degree and married with 2 kids under 3, turning 35 this summer and never worked in skate industry but never stopped skating since I started as a kid.

Despite long work hours, I try to skate 1-2 times a week. Requires planning and thankful for a great wife that gives me the freedom to disappear for an evening or two each week to feel like a youngster again. My first kid is small but loves to spend time skating with me so that helps as well.

In terms of progression in skating, I almost completely stopped progressing many years ago in skating but I'm fighting the regression and keeping up with my tricks - might sound boring but it's enough to get my mind on other things than work so I still enjoy it.

I occasionally learn something new, but most of the time I'm skating I'm rolling around the park doing the same lines and tricks over and over to to keep them. It also feels good rolling away from things which is probably what keeps me doing the things I know I have and not trying something new. That and the small amount of time I get between work and getting home to the wife and kids.

[MonsPubis]

I've been selling cars at Toyota just over a year now but I'm pretty over it. I work about 50 hours a week and make around $50k a year. I'm 27, not married, no kids and still live home with my mom. I need to make some big life changes this year.

[arrbee]

I've been selling cars at Toyota just over a year now but I'm pretty over it. I work about 50 hours a week and make around $50k a year. I'm 27, not married, no kids and still live home with my mom. I need to make some big life changes this year.

Try and find a spot in health care sales. I used to work for a company that rented surgery tool kits to hospitals for spinal surgery and the sales reps all made $800k a year. And all they did was establish relationships with hospitals and answer their phones when surgeons call to get kits.

[DanTheDoucher]

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I've been selling cars at Toyota just over a year now but I'm pretty over it. I work about 50 hours a week and make around $50k a year. I'm 27, not married, no kids and still live home with my mom. I need to make some big life changes this year.

[close]

Try and find a spot in health care sales. I used to work for a company that rented surgery tool kits to hospitals for spinal surgery and the sales reps all made $800k a year. And all they did was establish relationships with hospitals and answer their phones when surgeons call to get kits.

Those jobs are ridiculously hard to get unless you know someone.

[arrbee]

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I've been selling cars at Toyota just over a year now but I'm pretty over it. I work about 50 hours a week and make around $50k a year. I'm 27, not married, no kids and still live home with my mom. I need to make some big life changes this year.

[close]

Try and find a spot in health care sales. I used to work for a company that rented surgery tool kits to hospitals for spinal surgery and the sales reps all made $800k a year. And all they did was establish relationships with hospitals and answer their phones when surgeons call to get kits.

[close]

Those jobs are ridiculously hard to get unless you know someone.

Yeah, the part that was crazy to me is that they had no prior medical education. They all just had sales experience. The one sales rep that replaced a dude that retired said the guy he replaced told him "never quit this job, you'll never make easier money than this shit right here"