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Post by Emperor on May 5, 2019 20:27:57 GMT
🤯, I had no idea "controller" had any kind of financial/business meaning. When you said rail and controller I figured you were a guy communicating with trains to prevent them from crashing into each other, or controlling the signalling lights to control rail traffic :lol: nazzer, I have so many follow up questions. Do you test literally every rock the miners dig up, or only certain rocks? How did you get into that field? Chemistry degree? What is your previous experience in minerology? iron maiden, that makes sense. I do dig deeply into the music genres I love. Maybe in another life I would have DJ'd a metal show airing at 2am with a single figure audience, or become some kind of music critic :lol: My job title is Business Intelligence Developer. I like the job title. To those who don't know what it means, it sounds complex and, well, intelligent. But the reality is somewhat less glamorous. Essentially I am a database programmer. I work for a financial services company, in the mortgage sector. Organisations that provide mortgages hire my company to provide resources for them. It could be personnel to deal with customers over the phone, personnel to perform data entry, risk analysis, software, servers, databases, and so on. My team deals with the reporting side of things. We maintain the huge databases that store all kinds of data about our clients (mortgage lenders) and their customers. I am only a few months into the job, so I've only been assigned the most basic tasks, namely to write code that pulls some data from our data warehouse to produce basic reports. The coding isn't the hard bit: it's understanding the business area and how to get various bits of information from our databases. Recently I've progressed to investigating issues that users point out with the data, which is the database equivalent of debugging software. It's tedious and often painful. When I get more experience I'll start constructing more advanced reports and performing database maintenance. It's not the area I expected to be working in, but it's quite similar to my desired career of software development. It presents the same mental challenges. The company is great as well. They are active in supporting charities and the environment. They promote a working culture of strong teamwork, where nobody is afraid to ask for help at any time, and the training and development is top notch.
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2019 22:39:08 GMT
Really thought C had 5 or 6 doctorates at this point. Seemed like he was studying even before PW was a thing. Every time a random topic came up he was always writing a paper on it. Did you ever publish your video game violence one you were always talking about?
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Post by iNCY on May 6, 2019 0:26:00 GMT
. iNCY I believe manufactures chop sticks. Close enough :suspic: Many years ago I started out as an Electrician in a factory repairing and maintaining machinery, I found out I has the "knack" for fixing things. Running the electrical maintenance of a plant as a third year trainee. Then I got poached by another company to install machines. Within 4 years, I went from their Electrician to installer, to software and machinery demonstrator and trainer, to sales, business development. Went from earning 75k per year to over 200k and never asked for the job, they asked me.... That company went bust after I had spent about 10 years in sales and project management. So I started my own company the day after they closed and picked up all the customers (who were mine) Now we are a company of 3 (will be 4 shortly). My job is sales sometimes, support other times as well as consulting and also had some articles published in trade magazines. My company has been going 7 years and now people overseas approach me asking to represent them, which is a nice sign that you have sort of made it.
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Post by nazzer on May 6, 2019 1:23:41 GMT
Emperor I have a chemistry degree. Which was not a pre requisite for either my job in mineralogy or my current job, but that piece of paper will open doors for my in this job and I was limited in my last job by having the wrong piece of paper. I had maxed out my earnings in that field, although the skills I have from there are a niche skill and I will probably work in that field again before I retire My mineralogy was at a company called ALS Metallurgy, in kamloops, British Columbia. We provided services for mines around the world with mineralogy data. We would provide overall composition of what minerals and what percent are in the sample, and when requested would provide data about what minerals were attached to each other. We used both scanning electron microscopes as well as optical microscopes. When I started I primarily used optical microscopes, I can distinguish the majority of the sulphide minerals (these are typically the monetary minerals which get mined). I ended up becoming quite proficient at using the electron microscope and was often assigned new and/or complex projects. O have a habit of saying o can do something and them figuring it out later, also I am unafraid to try new things. I also became the person responsible for all trace mineral projects, gold,silver ,uranium,mercury, and rare earth elements. I very much enjoy developing new methods and they still follow the procedures I set in place for that type of work. What we assay at the mine are several different things. There are blast hole samples. These are samples that come from the pit (the whole they dig the rock that may go to the mill for processing). How much copper we say is in each blast hole determines whether it is considered ore and mined, or waste and goes to the junk pile. Also, three times per shift we run a set of samples from the mill which we call grabs, these are from various points in the mill ranging from start, middle, and end product, this provides a way for engineers and mill ops to see if the mill is running well or if adjustments need 5o be made. These are seed orientated and are less accurate. We also do shift composites which need to be more accurate and are used for reporting and for tracking. Also sometimes (and not often enough) there are special test samples from engineers which help them determine how to improve processing. For the out samples we read for copper first, and then if it's high grade we do a bunch more tests, we usually do about 40 to 120 per day of these. Including high grades on pits my day can involve anywhere from 150 to 500 samples, 200 or less is an easy day, and over 400 I don't get to stop moving for about 11.5 hours. There's probably about 15 people out of 600 on site who have any idea what happens I the lab. The mill shifters and the safety officers are supposed to do daily check ins with us but no one does, my bosses work in a different building and never visit. We have YouTube music blaring all day non s6op and complete privacy, as long as the numbers are being reported no one talks to us, its great Sometimes the old man that does the shipment samples is away and we have to do the shipment analysis as well, a busy with those too is a rough day.
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Post by bodyslam on May 6, 2019 2:03:51 GMT
Job title is welder and been at my job for 24+ years. The first 12 and a half years we did a lot of welding and a little bit of other things. The past 12 and a half we moved more into trailer repair and maintenance. 18 wheeler down to lawn mower trailers. We still do welding just not as much.
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Post by iNCY on May 6, 2019 22:54:00 GMT
Perhaps a more interesting question for everyone is whether if you had your time again, you would make all the same decisions and pursue the same goals?
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Post by KJ on May 6, 2019 23:33:06 GMT
Perhaps a more interesting question for everyone is whether if you had your time again, you would make all the same decisions and pursue the same goals? I waiver on this. I make an amazing living now (I won’t get into base salary, but my bonus this year was $36K) and live extremely comfortable. My job isn’t hard and I’m able to spend a ton of time with my wife and kids. But it’s also not the most interesting thing in the world. Some of that is my company, others are just part of the CPG industry. If I had the chance to do anything, I would’ve pursued screenwriting full time in college as opposed to minoring in creative writing. But that would likely be a far less lucrative career and I would’ve have the work-life balance I have now.
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God
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Post by mikec on May 7, 2019 0:03:21 GMT
Perhaps a more interesting question for everyone is whether if you had your time again, you would make all the same decisions and pursue the same goals? Probably not. I know my education would’ve went differently, and I think I would’ve aimed towards a career that better suited my skill set. I mean I’m doing fine outside my comfort zone, but I feel like it’s taken longer to get where I am because I’m not a natural at it.
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Post by 🤯 on May 7, 2019 0:06:52 GMT
Perhaps a more interesting question for everyone is whether if you had your time again, you would make all the same decisions and pursue the same goals? Fuck no. Assuming I was guaranteed to still somehow find and end up with Wife, here's what I should've done in hindsight: Enlist after high school and shoot for being Air Force Pararescue. Or, if not cut out to make that cut, go Navy Corpsman or Army combat medic. Serve until I've had enough of serving, or am too debilitated to continue on. Use GI Bill to help fund medical school to some degree. Depending on how hard that shit is, track as either some sort of surgeon (probably ideally hand or plastic), an orthopedist maybe, or physical therapist. Depending on that track, set up my own practice accordingly unless I'm recruited by some larger organization. If the PT route, couple it with fitness training and maybe start some boutique gym or training thing. Worst case, offer personal training and supplement that income with first aid training. Long story short, I've neglected a calling since 17 years old toward medicine, anatomy, fitness, service, patriotism, and teaching/training others. Even if the money wasn't great, I think the passion and pleasure would help supplement. That's partly where the original calling to be a firefighter was rooted. That and the glory of shift work, high-paying details, and pensions. Then that somehow got conflated with being a police. Then when I finally had an academy start date, by that point, I was making enough money that I wasn't sure how much sense the fiscal stepback made anymore. And I didn't want to shave my beard. And all my previously supportive friends and family suddenly turned their backs on the notion. So I gave up on that bastardized dream.
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2019 0:19:06 GMT
In 10th grade home ec we had to do a presentation on a future career. Least I think it was that class. We cooked and did dishes, so I can't think of anything else. Know what my topic was? The friggin' Post Office! Sometimes I think it would have been better served joining them right after high school rather than waste away in college. Biggest mistake I made was going to college "just because". I really felt pressured into doing it because I bought into the idea that without a degree I'd be flipping burgers in McDonalds. I didn't join the USPS until 2015, and I graduated in 03. That's a good decade of work experience and funds into TSP/retirement. But I also don't think I'd be where I'm at had I done that. If I sought employment with the postal service I likely would've tried my luck as a mail carrier and probably would've quit in a few years. If I could go back in time and be in the position I'm at without wasting a good chunk of my life time in college, oh yeah!
Definitely would've changed my mind about enlisting. Though the navy did teach me to swim, so I guess that worked out.
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Post by iron maiden on May 7, 2019 0:49:42 GMT
I wouldn't have been such an idiot in school. I would have better applied myself and done secondary education. Likely something to do with business or creative writing. Maybe anthropology though hell if I know what I'd do with that.
I've done okay for myself simply by being a hard worker and reasonably intelligent, but employers are now asking for Bachelor degrees for entrty level jobs so I often feel 'stuck'. I think about going back to school but I'm 42 and honestly I don't know what I truly want to be when I grow up.
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Post by iNCY on May 7, 2019 1:13:39 GMT
Perhaps a more interesting question for everyone is whether if you had your time again, you would make all the same decisions and pursue the same goals? I waiver on this. I make an amazing living now (I won’t get into base salary, but my bonus this year was $36K) and live extremely comfortable. My job isn’t hard and I’m able to spend a ton of time with my wife and kids. But it’s also not the most interesting thing in the world. Some of that is my company, others are just part of the CPG industry. If I had the chance to do anything, I would’ve pursued screenwriting full time in college as opposed to minoring in creative writing. But that would likely be a far less lucrative career and I would’ve have the work-life balance I have now. Isn't Screen writing one of those areas where the degree means nothing and it is all about talent and ability? You are a smart guy, you could probably still do a screen play right? I think there are many degrees that are a waste of time if the person doesn't have the talent. And the degree isn't exactly necessary if you do... If I had a degree I would have more options for what I do after my business, but it is unlikely any of them would make me more money than I earn now. 36k is a decent bonus KJ, my record bonus (commissions) for one year was 145k :ugh:
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Post by iron maiden on May 7, 2019 1:17:39 GMT
I waiver on this. I make an amazing living now (I won’t get into base salary, but my bonus this year was $36K) and live extremely comfortable. My job isn’t hard and I’m able to spend a ton of time with my wife and kids. But it’s also not the most interesting thing in the world. Some of that is my company, others are just part of the CPG industry. If I had the chance to do anything, I would’ve pursued screenwriting full time in college as opposed to minoring in creative writing. But that would likely be a far less lucrative career and I would’ve have the work-life balance I have now. Isn't Screen writing one of those areas where the degree means nothing and it is all about talent and ability? You are a smart guy, you could probably still do a screen play right? I think there are many degrees that are a waste of time if the person doesn't have the talent. And the degree isn't exactly necessary if you do... If I had a degree I would have more options for what I do after my business, but it is unlikely any of them would make me more money than I earn now. 36k is a decent bonus KJ, my record bonus (commissions) for one year was 145k How much did the government keep? I once got a 10K bonus and ended up with just shy of 6K.
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Post by iNCY on May 7, 2019 1:37:30 GMT
Isn't Screen writing one of those areas where the degree means nothing and it is all about talent and ability? You are a smart guy, you could probably still do a screen play right? I think there are many degrees that are a waste of time if the person doesn't have the talent. And the degree isn't exactly necessary if you do... If I had a degree I would have more options for what I do after my business, but it is unlikely any of them would make me more money than I earn now. 36k is a decent bonus KJ, my record bonus (commissions) for one year was 145k How much did the government keep? I once got a 10K bonus and ended up with just shy of 6K. That year I grossed about 260k and probably kept around 165k
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Post by KJ on May 7, 2019 1:37:48 GMT
I waiver on this. I make an amazing living now (I won’t get into base salary, but my bonus this year was $36K) and live extremely comfortable. My job isn’t hard and I’m able to spend a ton of time with my wife and kids. But it’s also not the most interesting thing in the world. Some of that is my company, others are just part of the CPG industry. If I had the chance to do anything, I would’ve pursued screenwriting full time in college as opposed to minoring in creative writing. But that would likely be a far less lucrative career and I would’ve have the work-life balance I have now. Isn't Screen writing one of those areas where the degree means nothing and it is all about talent and ability? You are a smart guy, you could probably still do a screen play right? I think there are many degrees that are a waste of time if the person doesn't have the talent. And the degree isn't exactly necessary if you do... If I had a degree I would have more options for what I do after my business, but it is unlikely any of them would make me more money than I earn now. 36k is a decent bonus KJ, my record bonus (commissions) for one year was 145k :ugh: Eh, maybe. I guess committing to it would’ve driven me to follow the career. I’m not walking away from where I am now. That’s crushing it, too. Even if it is Australian “money.” :suspic:
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Post by iron maiden on May 7, 2019 1:38:32 GMT
They don't tax you over and above on your bonuses? OT and bonuses I lose 38-40% on top of my wage.
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Post by iNCY on May 7, 2019 1:40:58 GMT
Isn't Screen writing one of those areas where the degree means nothing and it is all about talent and ability? You are a smart guy, you could probably still do a screen play right? I think there are many degrees that are a waste of time if the person doesn't have the talent. And the degree isn't exactly necessary if you do... If I had a degree I would have more options for what I do after my business, but it is unlikely any of them would make me more money than I earn now. 36k is a decent bonus KJ, my record bonus (commissions) for one year was 145k Eh, maybe. I guess committing to it would’ve driven me to follow the career. I’m not walking away from where I am now. That’s crushing it, too. Even if it is Australian “money.” Working in capital sales, in the right role the sky is the limit for earning. Now I make much less... On paper Now I can pay my wife and divert funds to a holding company paying a maximum of 30% tax, that way I can draw on the funds in a year where we are really tight. Or like I have now, loan those funds to myself to buy my house and repay it.
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Post by iNCY on May 7, 2019 1:43:29 GMT
They don't tax you over and above on your bonuses? OT and bonuses I lose 38-40% on top of my wage. We have a sliding scale for tax, this is our current tax scale: $0 – $18,200 Nil $18,201– $37,000 19c for each $1 over $18,200 $37,001 - $90,000 $3,572 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $37,000 $90,001 - $180,000 $20,797 plus 37c for each $1 over $90,000 $180,001 and over $54,097 plus 45c for every $1 over $180,000 Plus any capital gains are taxed at your normal rate of income, In addition we have to pay a 1 to 2% levy on our wage for public health care
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Post by KJ on May 7, 2019 1:43:52 GMT
I love that, Incy. I really do.
I honestly never took personal finance very seriously until about 18 months ago. I’m way behind where I should be for a man my age and an income of my level, so I’m focused on knocking out any and all debt (minus mortgage) over the next 18 months, and then a 10-12 year spring to save up enough to “retire” early (meaning a lower income job with all the flexibility and freedom I seek ... plus benefits).
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Post by iNCY on May 7, 2019 2:00:58 GMT
I love that, Incy. I really do. I honestly never took personal finance very seriously until about 18 months ago. I’m way behind where I should be for a man my age and an income of my level, so I’m focused on knocking out any and all debt (minus mortgage) over the next 18 months, and then a 10-12 year spring to save up enough to “retire” early (meaning a lower income job with all the flexibility and freedom I seek ... plus benefits). Honestly, if there is one book you should read more than any other even though a lot of it is wank: \ Completely changed my thinking on money. It is because of that I bought the premises that my business runs out of with my 401k and rent it off myself, tax free appreciating income. The other part is to try and control money without holding it in your name as you have to pay tax and it is susceptible to litigation. We should make a financial advice thread. Debt isn't a problem on an appreciating asset, only a depreciating one.
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Post by 🤯 on May 7, 2019 2:27:01 GMT
Holy shit, @ness, look how many numbers started popping up in this thread. You did it. iNCY, what is capital sales? Like actually selling capital (i.e., money)?
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Post by KJ on May 7, 2019 2:48:31 GMT
I’ve read that and his original book. It’s oky. He’s a bit of a snake oil salesman in my opinion.
I much prefer “the richest man in Babylon” and “Your Money or Your Life.”
“The Index Card” is a great entry book as well.
My debt is primarily student loan debt. Was over six figures at one point.
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Legend
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Post by RT on May 7, 2019 2:54:20 GMT
Fire alarm and fire alarm accessories.
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Legend
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Post by 🤯 on May 7, 2019 2:56:22 GMT
Fire alarm and fire alarm accessories. The Canadian Hank Hill.
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Post by iNCY on May 7, 2019 3:30:55 GMT
Holy shit, @ness , look how many numbers started popping up in this thread. You did it. iNCY , what is capital sales? Like actually selling capital (i.e., money)? Capital sales is selling Capital items, meaning goods not used every day in the business. It could be cars, equipment etc. I’ve read that and his original book. It’s oky. He’s a bit of a snake oil salesman in my opinion. I much prefer “the richest man in Babylon” and “Your Money or Your Life.” “The Index Card” is a great entry book as well. My debt is primarily student loan debt. Was over six figures at one point. Yes, he is 100% an snake-oil merchant. The first book is the lightest of all on detail... The cashflow quadrant is less story and more detail. Richest man in babylon is okay, but a little basic. The pay yourself first rule is one I always practice, less since I bought our new place :suspic:
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Post by KJ on May 7, 2019 12:53:39 GMT
I’ve read that and his original book. It’s oky. He’s a bit of a snake oil salesman in my opinion. I much prefer “the richest man in Babylon” and “Your Money or Your Life.” “The Index Card” is a great entry book as well. My debt is primarily student loan debt. Was over six figures at one point. Yes, he is 100% an snake-oil merchant. The first book is the lightest of all on detail... The cashflow quadrant is less story and more detail. Richest man in babylon is okay, but a little basic. The pay yourself first rule is one I always practice, less since I bought our new place The Richest Man in Babylon is so good to me because it's great for anyone. It's relevant to more experienced investors, and it's an excellent tool for new personal finance entrants. The narrative structure makes it a tad less dry than most books on this topic too. The next thing I'm looking into is some income properties. We live in a super cheap townhome now ($174K; $1.1K mortgage) that accounts for single digit percentage of gross income. I may make the move to a duplex and rent the other side next, but unfortunately small multi-family units are rare to find in Charlotte.
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2019 13:42:51 GMT
Book looks familiar. Is that the one all the mlms (ie amway) have their followers use to lure their victims in?
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Post by KJ on May 7, 2019 15:18:06 GMT
Book looks familiar. Is that the one all the mlms (ie amway) have their followers use to lure their victims in? I wouldn't be shocked if they used it that way. :lol:
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Post by theend on May 7, 2019 15:52:28 GMT
My year end bonus is rounded up for taxes. So, if my bonus is supposed to be $10,000 they pay in the $18,000 or whatever so my take home pay is the as promised bonus.
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Post by System on May 7, 2019 16:04:49 GMT
Damn PW has grown up, 10 years ago I got the impression the vast majority of PW were college or unemployed kids that lived at home and smoked weed all day 😂
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