What Do You Do for a Living?

Updated on July 08, 2011
J.K. asks from Cuyahoga Falls, OH
59 answers

Just a fun question: What do you do for a living? Even for those women out there that are SAHM-what, if anything, did you do for a living before children were in the equation??

I was a PE/Health teacher, now a SAHM!

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Wow, I really enjoy reading about all you AMAZING and DISTINGUISHED women! Thanks for sharing!

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C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

I was a marine scientist. I did whale acoustics research. I did fish mortality rates research after the Exxon Valdez oil spill. I did salmon research. I did ocean bottom research in the Bering Sea. I did toxins research in water, soil and mussels. Now I'm a SAHM and I miss it. In 2-4 years I will go back to work. Hopefully I'll find something good!

5 moms found this helpful
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H.W.

answers from Portland on

Child care, in nearly every facet (daycare, in-home preschool teacher, nanny) and up to my eyeballs in it.

I've recently closed my in-home preschool for good. Am hoping to continue to write a book for parents and to teach Toilet Learning classes for parents of wee ones. Eventually, I'd like to go back to work at a nonprofit; the children and parent populations need more experienced caregivers than they regularly hire, and I like making a positive difference. I'd want to include parent education as part of that work.

@MomtoThreewee: You've just given me an idea to have my tattoo-artist sister do some illustration for me. I'm also hoping to write a guy-friendly parenting guide one day that will be in a graphic format, more like a comic book.

5 moms found this helpful

N.G.

answers from Dallas on

I am a prospect supervisor for a land brokerage firm that contracts for a major oil & gas company.

And, I really do love my job!

5 moms found this helpful

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J.S.

answers from Jacksonville on

I worked in the banking industry for ten long years. But I know the ends and outs of nearly everything that goes on at a bank, so it's been helpful to friends and family members.

I also did photography on the side.

Currently I am in the market to sell my first novel....is my editor ever gets off her butt and finishes editing it for me!

5 moms found this helpful

P.M.

answers from Dallas on

I was an Army medic a while then got out and went back to school to be a civilian Paramedic. I worked at Children's Medical Center Dallas in the ER- then became a SAHM for 8 years soon to end this year! Then- Paramedic again!

4 moms found this helpful
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M.L.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I have been a homemaker for many, many years. Before that, I did various sorts of office work (which, amazingly, I enjoyed, although I'm not a very systematic sort of person), and during the SAHM time I did part-time things off and on over the years, such as assisting in classrooms and cleaning houses.

I always figured I'd get some sort of salaried job after the children all graduated high school; that just seemed to be what women did. But when the time came, I thought, "Why? We aren't desperate for money, we've always lived on one paycheck, and I'd have to start at the bottom, which would be tedious. Why not do things that would be productive but wouldn't require anybody to give me a paycheck?"

So in a sense I'm my own boss now. I still do the SAH part, but I also do non-paycheck work at school and at church, and my husband and I raise pups for Canine Companions for Independence. Another job is, of course, spoiling my grandchildren - work I take very seriously! (Does that make me a SAHG?) I do some writing and some composing, but those sure don't bring in any money. I guess they're for my own education.

4 moms found this helpful

E.B.

answers from Seattle on

Was a retail manager..have done that off and on since kids.

Now I am illustrating for children's book authors.

Future...I want to be a CNMW. And work with in the Public School System...with kids that find themselves starting young families

4 moms found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I worked FT in corporate advertising/marketing for about 18 years prior to having my child. Now I do that PT--same company.
I also do freelance ad design & development .

4 moms found this helpful
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L.C.

answers from Dallas on

I am a Labor & Delivery nurse. I absolutely love my job, and actually look forward to going to work (most days...LOL!)

3 moms found this helpful
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B.C.

answers from Joplin on

I used to work for La Petite Academy...I loved it! I was lead teacher in the One year old room...I have also been a nanny and also baby sat in my home. I went to work for Merry Maids until our franchise was sold and the new owner started changing a lot of things, I got out right before it went under and started cleaning houses on my own without a big company name. I make more cleaning on my own than I did working for a company. At the moment I only have two houses I clean on a weekly basis, I also picked up a job cleaning a laundromat at nights, but I don't see that working out long term...at the moment I end up taking my two youngest with me to the night job and during the summer while it is no big deal it will not work once the summer is over.

3 moms found this helpful

A.G.

answers from Dallas on

I teach AP Language (AP English III) to juniors and British Literature (English IV) to seniors in high school.

3 moms found this helpful

T.L.

answers from St. Louis on

I am an admin/receptionist/bookeeper/hr person. I wear all the hats, but the bosses hat.

3 moms found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Detroit on

I was a Receptionist/Secretary, Office Manager/ Eye Surgery Assistant/Insurance Biller/Cash Billing/ Payroll and Collections for the office complex, I did Billing for Insurance and Cash for a Chiropractor, Pick-Packer-Checker at a Christian Book Distributor, Molding Machine Operator, Telephone Survey and Data Entery Clerk, Direct Date Entry Clerk/operator/ER receptionist @ Saline Hospital, ____@____.com, Shoe Clerk @ K-Mart, Music store cashier, Receptionist then an Optician @ Nu-Vision, Pizza Maker/Driver @ Hungry Howies when the ex lost his license, Domestic Engineer, Baby Sitter and Caregiver for my Sister after she had a stroke, and now I am an Arbonne Consultant which I absolutely love because I get to help people feel and look younger and healthier and also make money (if you want to earn some extra money or learn more about this great business opportunity send me a PM I am not pushy and won't hound you) and Domestic Engineer. I guess I am a Jane of all trades LOL.

3 moms found this helpful
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J.S.

answers from Boston on

I am a scientist by training - an immunologist - and now work as an administrative job in research at a hospital.

3 moms found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from Memphis on

I am the Marketing Director for a Performing Arts Center. I love it and am very happy to have a stable job in the arts.

3 moms found this helpful
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A.G.

answers from Albuquerque on

I am an admin/receptionist/ noone else wants to do it so I guess I will do it, for a small electrical contractor.

3 moms found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I work as a consultant for a Management Consulting and Outplacement company. I facilitate classroom training on job search skills and management skills. I also write resumes and work with private clients on job search skills and strategy. Previous to this I've had many jobs - staffing/recruiting/ HR manager / employee development / project manager/ computer programmer.

I also am a graduate student, working to complete my dissertation for a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

3 moms found this helpful

K.L.

answers from Redding on

I had an inhome child care for 27 years, and did sewing for people. I did a lot of crafts so I ended up doing craft fairs for a few years. Quit that a couple years ago and now watch my nearly 4 yr old grand daughter and sew.

3 moms found this helpful
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B.W.

answers from Dayton on

I was a SAHM. Now that the kids are older, I work at the library in the outreach department. A.K.A., I get to drive a Bookmobile.

2 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

Currently SAHM - work on contracts for recruiting sometimes...prior to that I was an Office Manager and a Project Manager....wore two hats...

2 moms found this helpful

K.J.

answers from Chicago on

I worked in customer service for a Korean steamship company until my 2nd child was born, but that is not what I set out to do.

I am trained as a high school Social Studies teacher, but haven't done so since 2005. For now I am a SAHM, until my kiddos all go to school full time, at which time I hope to resume my teaching career.

2 moms found this helpful
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A.F.

answers from Fargo on

I'm a SAHM and a piano teacher. Before I had kids I was a piano teacher and also had a job caring for adults with developemental disabilities. I loved my previous job and I love my current ones as well!

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D.C.

answers from Fresno on

I am a speech pathologist. For the last 15 years I have worked primarily in an adult outpatient therapy clinic for a large nonprofit hospital. I work about 4 days a week and love my job most of the time.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.T.

answers from New York on

I am a special ed teaching assistant

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K.W.

answers from Youngstown on

I taught 1st and 3rd grade before becoming a SAHM.

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S.R.

answers from Detroit on

I was a SAHM for 3 years after my first was born then went back into a retail store as a manager. When my secxond was three I had to go back to work, my husband was laid off. I trained and recieved my CDL and started driving school bus for my local school district. After 6 years I became a custodian full time for them, until they privatized custodial and busing. Now I am a High school Security guard. I do like being with the kids even the older ones, but I wish I had finished college so I wasn't forced to move every time the school board gets a "great" idea to save money.

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N.P.

answers from Mobile on

I was a Certified Nursing Assistant for 6 years, then I was a Physical Therapy Technician(which I LOVED) Now I am a stay at home mom.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.G.

answers from Springfield on

I used to teach high school math. Love math ... hated teaching high school. I was no good at discipline :-) I went back to school and got my masters in theology. Then I worked for the Catholic Church for 7 years: 4 in college campus ministry, which I LOVED, and 3 as a parish DRE, which was ok.

For the past couple of years I have taught a math class or two as an adjunct at the local university and volunteered at our church. It is so great to be able to interact with college students again! I think that's my real passion. It's also nice to have a part time job, as I don't know that I'm SAHM material. I'm doing it for the summer and I love spending time with my kids, but it's exhausting and I miss having adult time, too.

I'm actually looking forward to working a few more hours than a currently do. Might be able to do that next fall semester :-)

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E.H.

answers from Atlanta on

I started working as a dental hygienist seven years ago. After my first child was born I cut down to two days a week. Then, once our second came along, I now work two days a month. My boss has been great and I schedule "my" patients with me on the days I work. However, number three will be here in March and I'll walk away, reluctantly, for a while. I LOVE my job and my co-workers, but it has become more of a hassle to go to work than a necessity. One of those things you do for your family, I guess :)

2 moms found this helpful

S.G.

answers from Dallas on

I was an IT Executive Secretary and part-time Shakespeare/English Tutor for 12 years. Now a SAHM and loving it.

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J.C.

answers from Indianapolis on

I'm currently a medical assistant for IU Health and am in the process of getting my bachelor degree for healthcare management. I'm also mama to 2 at home and 1 grown child, and wife of an over the road trucker so almost a single mama. In past lives I've been a manager at several Burger King stores.

2 moms found this helpful

T.B.

answers from Bloomington on

I was a middle school teacher at a Catholic school. Now I am a SAHM!

2 moms found this helpful

H.B.

answers from Dallas on

I was a Division Order Analyst for a local oil and gas company. Loved it. Looking to get back to it!

2 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I have been in outside sales and marketing at Frito Lay (fun developing new products!)

Currently I am business owner with hubby in the plastics, raw material industry.
I've been a substitute teacher 10 years.

Volunteer. I've just finished a term as President of the cheer boosters, high school level and now at the Sr. High level, I am Secretary for the cheer boosters.

LOTS of fundraising, LOTS of variety around here!! SAHM to.... daughter is 16. I never worked outside the home after she was born.

2 moms found this helpful

M.M.

answers from Chicago on

I manage a customer facing team.
We're a weird combination of strategic sales, logistics and operations.

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C.V.

answers from Miami on

I'm a web/graphic designer.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I head up a passenger transport organisation. I love it. My staff are fantastic, committed, interested individuals. Our clients love them, and us! It's a very fulfilling job. Before that while i was completing my masters degree, I was a part-time receptionist at a law firm who ruled their staff with fear. No wonder they had such a high turnover rate. Plonkers.

2 moms found this helpful

M.P.

answers from Sacramento on

Right now I am an Administrative Assistant.....low stress! Previously, I have been the assistant Office Manager and the Office Manager, a waitress, which I sometimes consider going back to, then I could stay home with my kids during the day and work a couple nights a week after hubby gets home......If I ever get laid off again, that is probably what I will do.

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M.N.

answers from Bloomington on

I am a A/R specialist for a printing company and I am also a independent consultant for Scentsy. I am TOTALLY loving Scentsy and would recommend it to anyone who is looking to make a little extra $$ on their own schedule. :o)

2 moms found this helpful
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J.J.

answers from Dallas on

i'm a social worker for the elderly & disabled population

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A.H.

answers from Omaha on

I taught elementary for 13 years. Now I am a SAHM too! Lovin' every minute of it!!
A.

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T.C.

answers from Dallas on

Worked at a credit union and LOVED it. I'm a SAHM now and love it too:-) I also do some digital designing in my free time, and I've worked at doing that...but it was very low key and mostly a hobby (only made about $300-500 a month...so it was very low key!).

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M.H.

answers from Dallas on

I negotiate contracts with hospitals for a large health insurer.

2 moms found this helpful

V.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

I worked as a paralegal/secretary/bookkeeper for a single attorney practice for 10 years. Now I am a SAHM who does all the management and bookkeeping for our household, lol.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Boston on

I'm a business data analyst for a global consulting and benefits outsourcing firm and an SAT/ACT prep classroom instructor and private tutor. I'm very lucky and enjoy both of my jobs.

2 moms found this helpful
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B.R.

answers from Columbus on

I am a public elementary school teacher. My kids are grown. My second grandchild is on its way.

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L.J.

answers from Cincinnati on

I work with high school students with disabilities as an advocate, mentor, teacher whatever the job calls for. I am pregnant with my first child. I would love to work part time (even through I love my job) and be home with the baby more but I have mortgage and bills and that's just not gonna happen.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.1.

answers from Cincinnati on

I test software to pay my bills. It's my geeky paradise of a dream job! :-)

1 mom found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Indianapolis on

I'm lucky enought to be able to work part-time. I'm a Mechanical Engineer for a utility company.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.R.

answers from Dallas on

Business Analyst specializing in environmental and export compliance and product life cycle issues for an electronics firm. Been there 11 years, work from home with flexible hours, and I wouldn't trade my job for anything! Before that I was a productivity consultant for hospitals and spent many years in the workers comp insurance industry.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.R.

answers from Seattle on

I raise a 3 year old and a husband... Oh, I mean, I raise a 3 year old and HAVE a husband. Heehee. :-) I teach elementary school. I've taught 3rd grade for seven years and will be teaching 4th grade this coming school year. I've taught a college course here and there and eventually might move more into that direction once my daughter is older and I'm looking for a change.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.I.

answers from Muncie on

computer education teacher for 4 year olds through the 5th grade, no a SAHM that rarely SAH

1 mom found this helpful
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A.C.

answers from Raleigh on

Im a personal chef in Raleigh NC. I love my job because I can make my own schedule. I am currently taking new clients if any of you busy moms are interested. I cook a weeks worth of meals and put them in the freezer or fridge for you. Check out my website culinarydelightsnc.com.

1 mom found this helpful

H.G.

answers from Dallas on

For the past 4 yrs I've been a sahm but before I worked in the corporate world and I loved it and I was good at it! Next year when my baby starts school maybe ill get a part time job somewhere? I love to bake and work at a small bakery or something. Anyone know of a local (dfw) baker who needs a hand??!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.D.

answers from Cincinnati on

Data processor at a mail house

1 mom found this helpful
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S.D.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

Currently a SAHM that educates our kiddos @ home. Starting many moons ago I have been: ice cream scooper @ Braum's, stablehand @ a quarter horse breeding farm, worked @ a show horse farm, worked @ horse sales, clerk @ a convenience store, waitress, barmaid, soldier in the U.S. Army, assistant manager @ a foundation repair company, and a graphic designer. I'm also currently working on my bachelors degree in business -we want to open a B&B after my husband retires. Love having a varied background! Fun question :-)

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M.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Was in reatail management.
Was a Manager of a health club
Was in insurance for 10+ years
Now a SAHM. Loved it all!
Loving it currently! Fun life/ happy life!

1 mom found this helpful
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T.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

During the day I am a Budget Analyst for a University. During the evening I am a Mommy. Both jobs are rewarding and stressful but I love it.

1 mom found this helpful

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

I own an insurance agency. Luckily since I don't have a boss, I can make my own hours. Because of a terrible daycare mishap 2 summers ago, I now work from home in the summers so the kids don't have to be in daycare.

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