What does everyone do for a living?

[rprzybylo]

I've often thought about why I like this hobby and I think it comes down to the fact that it combines so many things that I enjoy - attention to detail, working with my hands, cars (duh!), graphics/design, actually creating something. I'd even go as far as to say it's an artform.

I've also just been fortunate to land a new dream job at a company I absolutely adore, Subaru (Canada). I'm a huge fan, I own a 2004 STI, which I probably bought directly because of Colin McRae & the SWRT. I even wore STI cufflinks to the interview!

I searched the forum and I hope it's okay to bring up this subject. The last thread I saw was about 10 years ago. I'm curious as to how the skills needed for modeling translate into your day-to-day life. Surely there must be some overlap. I wouldn't be surprised to find people in similar vocations.

So how about it? What do you do for a living? I'm one week in as front-end web designer/developer for Subaru Canada. Been in web design for about 15 years.


Robert

[stevenoble]

Well my current job has nothing to do with models, as I work in a large warehouse with DIY products. But before that I was a panel beater/paint sprayer in the automotive repair industry, so I think my interest in cars, sparked off by that job, started me off making models. My main reason for starting models was Tamiya Model Magazine. I saw a copy in Beatties (local hobby shop in the UK now dead) way back in the early 90's. It had the recently released, at that time, Tamiya Alfa Romeo 155 on the front cover. Once I saw that I bought the magazine and a few kits. After building them I really got the modelling bug and have had it ever since..

[Foxerjr]

Don't think my real job had anything to do with why I build model cars .. since I started building at 8 years old and had no idea what a real job was!

I'm a retired Structural Engineer, BTW.

[modlman17]

Full time job is social worker and part time job is in auto parts. No influence on my modeling other than needing to relax after work.

Rob

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by cinqster

I now work preserving and restoring rare metal objects from 3000BC to 1800AD. Some of the work is very close to model making - brazing, soldering, filling, colour matching, colour washing etc...I love it!

That is truly fascinating!
I don't hang -out in this particular subforum, but I work in antiques restoration. It's very interesting to come across someone who performs museum -calibre work.

[michel1973]

I'm a shopmanager from a supermarket in the netherlands. So i have nothing to do with cars or bikes in my job. Although i drive a motorcycle. But i like to create something, although my models aren't that detailed as some around here.

[nugundam93]

been a vehicle nut since i was a kid (used to have my grandpa bring me to the highway just to watch the trucks passing by, then eventually went to cars). however, my education and current work is in no way related to my love of cars. studied home education in college and even managed to get a license to teach in high school. my current work though is in an outsourcing company.

best i can do with real cars is just minor repairs, mostly mechanical. and i am absolutely terrified with electrics on the car, lol.

[kingkai]

University didn't work out in the end so I am trying to climb the ladder at the part time job I had. Now working there full time becoming a shop assistant manager in a drugstore/pharmacy in the Netherlands. Nothing to do with any passions I have, but it provides a steady income.

[Kaj45rpm]

I'm an Aerospace Design Engineer but my heart is car shaped. My life revolves round cars and I would love to be able to compete in stage rallying but sadly it is so expensive. Building scale model cars (I mainly build rally cars) is a very satisfying hobby as like my job I love the precision and small detail. I have found this forum to be the best and some of the skills and scratch building is truly outstanding.

I built models when I was a young kid and then got the bug many years later when I bought a Tamiya Celica Safari kit. I have now progressed to an airbrush and hopefully taking my models up the scale a bit. I love transkits and being able to build something that is not mass produced. Sadly the high street model shops are all but gone but the internet makes shopping a global experience. It's fantastic to see models from Model Master and guys like Belkits fulfilling the void of new rally car models. Keep it up!

[gionc]

Product designer, freelance.
Lately I design almost only air compressor body shells, in the consumer's target (so those you'll find with a body.....) and I have a past in the graphic design and architecture area: this is the reason becouse I sometimes mix old school modeling techniques with some of my professional skills: 3D modeling and proto, graphic design (PE parts and decals): but sometimes I get also the chance to test my modeling skills on my regular job, doing "solid" presentations (read filling and painting prototypes...) of my projects...

... so in my life job and hobby are married... sometimes the job is the man and sometimes not...

[da_ashman]

Well I'm a Signwriter by trade & do design work also. My job has def helped my modeling career, i use cut vinyl graphics for masks, have printed my own graphics etc at work. Sadly I'm yet to do graphics for an actual race car but have done many vehicle wraps etc (even won national awards for some of them!)

[Tompidom]

My job has absolutaly nothing to do with modeling, I am a shop manager in a Kitchen suply store. I sell Washing machine's refrigerators freezers dishwashers etc etc...

But this is just temporary as i am going to school and studying for a sales manager. hopefully I can start my own business in the future or atleast be the manager in a big store of some kind.

[GirchyGirchy]

Electrical engineer at an engine assembly plant- I deal mostly with automation, barcode scanning, and engine computer programming/testing. At home I do almost all of the car repair work, bunches of bicycle maintenance stuff, and some on the house - electrical, water/gas/drain lines, crown molding, stuff like that.

So lots of hands-on stuff. Problem is that it doesn't leave much other time to spend on models!

[Kjenjak]

My job is actually car related, I work for a tier 1 supplier of the automotive industry, selling things like window regulators, seat adjusters and latch systems to all major OEMs. I design packaging solutions, implement logistic processes, negotiate delivery terms etc.
I use my hobby as a contrast, to to something practical besides all the time in the office in front of a computer screen.
I don't only build car models however, also jets, ships and spacecraft, as I'm generally fascinated by technology. But cars are my main focus though.

[dingguya]

Like the TS, I'm also a web developer (front-end, freelance). I can see a lot of the skills that I need for my job come through in modeling as well, like attention to detail and things like design. I love cars too and those are the main reasons I like modeling I guess..