1. What is your current occupation? Is this what you chose to be doing at this point in your life? Why or why not?
I really have 2 occupations right now, I'm a full-time stay at home Dad and part-time UPS International Training Lead. I definitely chose to be a stay-at-home Dad, it's something I have known I wanted to do since I was young. The UPS job in someways is an extension of being a Dad, my job is to train all new hires in the policies and procedures of international shipping. There is definitely a part of me that loves to teach and help people succeed. That said I would really rather be a stay-at-home dad and student right now.
2. If time/talent/money were no object, what would your dream occupation be?
I'd love to have my own recording studio/label where I could not only record and release my own music, but also work with other musicians as well. At this point in my life though I don't particularly want "rock star" type success. The sacrifices I would have to make aren't worth the gain.
3. What did/do your parents do for a living? Has this had any influence on your career choices?
My father had so many jobs I don't know what they all are. Most revolved around fixing things, cars, water pumps, cannery machinery and now he is an almond farmer. My mom primarily was a forklift driver for Del Monte. I guess the only influence they had on me is to show me that I definitely am not cut-out for physical labour.
4. Have you ever had to choose between having a career and having a family?
Not really, since I knew at an early age I was going to be the stay-at-home caregiver of my children when Brie and I decided to have our first child it wasn't anything we really had to decide. Recently when Brie got a new job that requires her to commute 2.5 hours a day, plus travel to Arizona and Texas I was ready to leave UPS, but they were kind enough to find a way to work around my new family schedule. I'll be forever grateful for my bosses doing that. I really love my job, but I would never put anything in front of my family.
5. In your opinion, what is the easiest job in the world? What is the hardest? Why?
That's such an unfair question. The easiest thing in the world is to be critical of what other people do. The hardest thing is to be supportive of everyone regardless of what position they hold.
Posted by John at August 23, 2002 10:48 AM