# What do you do... really? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 16, 2006, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750 "2006-02-16T04:02:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![scotandrsn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a4c791/32.png) [@scotandrsn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scotandrsn)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/81 "2006-02-16T18:06:45Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > Scotandrsn, you don’t happen to teach at USC do you? > > Because I was going there until recently and that sounds rather familiar. (and I see you’re in L.A. too) No, I teach at a private High School in Anaheim. ---
**Author:** ![RancidYakButterTeaParty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/53a042/32.png) [@RancidYakButterTeaParty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RancidYakButterTeaParty)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/82 "2006-02-16T18:10:36Z")
I attempt to make numbers and their properties interesting to pre-teens. Often this requires me to give them practice work to do on their own time (which they hate). I also am in the business of counseling these same people from time to time, resolving their disputes, and making sure they are in generally good mental states. Sometimes their parents hate me for doing this, and I have to attempt to convince them that I have thier child’s best interest at heart. I also try to teach these same children to use proper manners and grammar. Many times I spend a majority of my day teaching them how to work together peacefully, or to respect others regardless of their looks, economic status, or particular personality. On countless occasions I find myself teaching lessons on the horrors of racism and ignorance of other cultures. Did I mention the teaching of personal hygiene? Most importantly, it seems, is that I listen to students when they are going through some of the worst times of thier lives at home with family members. I listen to them tell me about their parent’s fighting, or their parent’s fighting with them. I hear their stories of depression and self-abuse. I hear about the times they were abused by someone they loved. I listen to them tell me that sometimes they don’t want to live anymore–or that they hate themselves. I hear the painful retelling of the times when they were insulted by their peers, or made fun of for what they were wearing. Did I mention that all of this is supposed to revolve around numbers? ---
**Author:** ![Governor\_Quinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@Governor\_Quinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Governor_Quinn)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/83 "2006-02-16T18:13:24Z")
I type property listings into a computer database. ---
**Author:** ![Future\_Londonite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9dc877/32.png) [@Future\_Londonite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Future_Londonite)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/84 "2006-02-16T18:18:41Z")
I extract data from one financial system, unleash a slew of SQL scripts and keep my fingers crossed that they properly convert certain values of said extracted data. Then I run a shitload of queries and reports and begin the fun task of validating and reconciling the converted data. Making sure that Revenue , Cost and Profit after conversing still matches Revenue, Cost and Profit before conversion. I’ve been doing that for 16months now ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/85 "2006-02-16T18:28:45Z")
I teach over-privileged young children how to cut and paste (literally), how to count to ten, which one is red and which one is blue, how to print their name, and how to sing silly songs. Some days I get sneezed on and some days I get paint splattered on me. Today was a ‘paint-splattered’ day. On my days off, I ride an ambulance and save people. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/86 "2006-02-16T18:30:33Z")
> [@Mouse\_Maven](#): > > I work in Transplant Immunology Research. Which means I do surgery on mice. > > Other than that, I read a lot and go to school part time. (I’m a _back door_ researcher. Started in animal care and worked my way up; a strong back and stronger stomach can take you unexpected places.) Researchers like you don’t get the praise, bling and Nike ads you deserve. So, Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Syntropy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/65b543/32.png) [@Syntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Syntropy)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/87 "2006-02-16T18:39:01Z")
> [@swampbear](#): > > I’m the SOB who writes policy, makes sure (HAH!) everybody follows all the rules and regulations, and attempt to help people get jobs. I also get to go around the country several times a year to tell people how to do their jobs. Those people hate to see me coming but the people in my home office love to see me going. _grumbles_ hardass HR guy… 😛 I argue with insurance companies, review patient charts to make sure they’re receiving the correct care, set up health fairs, work blood drives, scrape and bow to my boss’ every whim, and in my spare time, hook patients up to blood filtering machines. I also occasionally hire and fire people. ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/88 "2006-02-16T18:42:03Z")
I try to convince people to buy books I like, put stuff on shelves, enter data into a computer, and read magazines and cookbooks. I also chat a lot. ---
**Author:** ![NailBunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ecae2f/32.png) [@NailBunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NailBunny)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/89 "2006-02-16T18:45:13Z")
I work for the dev…er, uh, I mean, Microsoft. 2 things: I approve giving people their money back when they order things they didn’t mean to order, and I read through changes to existing contracts and tell the people who make the changes how to do it right so they don’t screw it up. Yes, it’s every bit as exiting as it sounds. Wooooo. ---
**Author:** ![SSG\_Schwartz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@SSG\_Schwartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSG_Schwartz)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/90 "2006-02-16T19:04:59Z")
Thank you BiblioCatand RancidYakButterTeaParty for doing what you do. I think teaching has to be the most rewarding job a person can have. Sgt Schwartz ---
**Author:** ![myskepticsight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@myskepticsight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/myskepticsight)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/91 "2006-02-16T19:09:57Z")
I go to class and try to get A’s. I serve my peers food at dinnertime. Slop food on plates, make sandwiches, make sure there are muffins and desserts out for everyone. Check you out when you use your meal plan ‘points’ to buy junk food and cold pizza slices in the alterntaive dining area. In the summer, I answer your calls and put your order through when you want Imo’s. Then I make your salads, garlic bread, your hot wings, toasted ravioli, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Mouse\_Maven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac91a4/32.png) [@Mouse\_Maven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mouse_Maven)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/92 "2006-02-16T19:22:24Z")
> [@Shirley Ujest](#): > > Researchers like you don’t get the praise, bling and Nike ads you deserve. > > So, Thanks. Thank you very much. 😃 Most times, people tend to think I’m some sort of monster. ---
**Author:** ![krisolov](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/krisolov/32/3724_2.png) [@krisolov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/krisolov)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/93 "2006-02-16T19:27:01Z")
I make sure that the systems our state uses to communicate data get built and maintained. I make sure the fiber optic cable runs are where they are supposed to be, and the radio towers get built where they are supposed to be. I also make sure there’s enough power for all the gear that will eventually be installed. I make sure the contracts to build and maintain these things are technically and legally accurate, which usually involves talking to lots of specialists. I also make sure the vendors get paid for their work when we’re satisfied with the job. I help plan where all these things will be in the future, which usually involves lots of meetings, maps and arguments. ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/94 "2006-02-16T19:38:39Z")
I inspect, test, and fix patient care equipment in a hospital. Next time you’re in a hospital, look for a sticker on any device with a date indicating either when it was serviced, or when it is due for service. Guys like me put those stickers there to ensure that what gets hooked up to you works as designed, and won’t hurt or kill you. In my spare time I volunteer to put out fires, pull people out of cars, and bring people to the very same hospital I work at when they’re hurt or sick. ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/95 "2006-02-16T19:39:32Z")
> [@Sgt Schwartz](#): > > Thank you BiblioCatand RancidYakButterTeaParty for doing what you do. > > I think teaching has to be the most rewarding job a person can have. > > Sgt Schwartz Aw, shucks. Thanks. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Adoptamom\_II](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7ba0ec/32.png) [@Adoptamom\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Adoptamom_II)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/96 "2006-02-16T19:45:00Z")
I got bored staying at home, so now I go somewhere that I can play with kids, talk to their parents, make nifty stuff on the computer and get PAID for it 😃 ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/97 "2006-02-16T19:44:59Z")
I turn normal teenagers into insubordinant, smart-mouthed, duplicitous revolutionaries (I hope). ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/98 "2006-02-16T19:45:18Z")
I oversee, delegate and participate in the care of acutely ill adults on the south side of Chicago. I wear pajamas at work. I walk alot, and move alot of furniture so that I can provide that care. I discuss and determine care with the medical staff, as well as all ancillary departments and personnel. I talk on the phone alot-so much, I have my own phone at work that I carry with me. I make care assignments and listen to staff complain about same. I occasionally get to dress like a grown-up and attend very long and boring meetings about all manner of things. I am now Pavlovianly(is too a word) averse to bells, blinking lights, beeps, sirens and ring tones. I tend to twitch alot. ---
**Author:** ![Fringe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b5a626/32.png) [@Fringe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fringe)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/99 "2006-02-16T19:45:47Z")
You know that internet thing people use? I keep that going. If there is a problem with it, I fix it, without even touching the pc. Using my voice alone I maintain the the spread of information (read: porn and e-mail) for at least 600 people a month. ---
**Author:** ![toadspittle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c0e974/32.png) [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2006, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750/100 "2006-02-16T19:53:59Z")
I sit at my kitchen table and draw pictures of mice. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-really/344750.md?page=6)