Grateful Dead My Gainful Employment

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What is it that you do, anyway?

Cool stuff!

goddessj - whoa! I had to check your bio to see if you were who I hoped you were. HI!!! lovely to read from you! and chris - how incredibly cool for you. where is your film school?? I'm working from home this week - this living in San Diego and southwestern Colorado at the same time is pretty taxing stuff, but man, I love it. I'm still doing environmental management for the US Navy, which often looks like interpreting environmental policy and regulations.

It's great to see you too!

I had no idea I'd run into you here--but no real surprise I guess, being dead.net and all... I'm still in Idyllwild, not too far from you. I did a just over a year at the newspaper in Palm Springs, then landed this gig which allows me to telecommute--sure beats all that driving and heat! Did you make the Rat Dog show on 6/28? at Fantasy Springs Casino near Palm Springs?

...in the strangest of places if you look at it right

I am a public school principal. My love, nay, adoration, of what the Dead experience gave to me is a full fledged part of my daily interactions with kids, parents, teachers and fellow administrators. I enjoy the ride, never take myself too seriously, look for the best in the worst, make light out iof dark and try to be a prankster whwnever I can. Kids are usually a bit freaked out by my genuine joy that I try to bring every day and they always get a chuckle when they come to my office and I have my i-tunes playing in the background. I love the opportunty to show kids that open mindedness is important and that every body brings a little something to the party and that, my friends, is what makes the gig so much fun!!! Whenever kids ask me to signe their yearbooks I always write the same thing, a quote from Hunter Thompson: "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" Have a wonderful day!

Road Ecology

Taking a break right now! Wildlife research and monitoring for a project that is going to construct wildlife crossing structures across I-90 in the Washington Cascades. A nice mix of office and field work.

looking for the next thing...ideas?

I'm currently out of work...nearly 30 years in retail corp mgt for large regional and national chains...ascending leadership roles in supply chain management, merchandising and analysis. sometimes boring but usually not. always new problems; always challenging. I read someone in this posting refer to their job as a "white collar sweat shop"... I can relate as sometimes I've felt that way but always tried to prevent that or at least refrain from perpetuating that mind-set. One always need to manage people as you'd like to be managed. As I've progressed through my career, there are 4 specific quotes from the Dead that seem to repeatedly resonate... "If you plant ice, you're gonna harvest wind." (life, not just career for this one, for sure) "...want the cup but you're chicken to race" "don't waste your breath to save your face when you have done your best: when even more is asked of you, fate will decide the rest". "Work hard in the daytime, sure get stoned at night". (for the record, "stoned" is more metaphorical than literal... stoned = playing golf, coaching my sons' baseball teams; skiing; enjoying the company of my bride of 29 years all get me stoned these days). Anyway, if anyone has a great idea how to combine my passion for Dead, baseball, golf, skiing, with my 3 successful decades of retail leadership, for a kind, or at least similarly-minded, organization, feel free to comment to this post. Thanks

psych nurse

I work as a psychiatric nurse with geriatric patients in a Virginia community hospital. I've been in psych nursing since 1986, and the Dead's music has been a stress-reducing antidote to the intense emotional and physical interactions I've had with suffering people over the years. But I like my "day job" ... it's helped some patients and is a way for me to "give back" something to a part of our society that is broken and neglected. Jay

Mad Scientist

In my work as a mad scientist, sometimes it's nice to kick of one's shoes and relax to the music of the Grateful Dead or related bands. As you can well imagine, my work can be rather stressful. Making decisions in life and death situations constantly, plotting the destruction of... well, I'm not actually authorised to divulge that, but, I think you get the picture. Anyway, it's stressful. So, the music does help to relax me. One day I hope to understand what the heck they are trying to get at with all of those odd lyrics. Estimated Prophet, now that's one I can relate to in my job. The others, hmm... there must be a book out there somewhere that explains it all. I feel like they're trying to say something to us, but what? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Are you kind?"

Hey Mad Scientist

Sounds a bit like "Deep Thoughts" by Jack Handy A La Pinky & The Brain :) Good luck with all of your Madness! PEACE

arr? arr!

madness is in the eye of the controller

or

the bee holder!

Social Science

I'm an assistant dean for planning and resource management for the division of social sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz. I love my job because there are lots of puzzles to solve, smart people to talk to, weird issues to contemplate, and diverse tasks to organize. It keeps me from being a dirtbag and wandering the beaches, and gives me enough money to buy strings for my electric guitars. UC Santa Cruz is also the proud repository of the Grateful Dead print and memorabalia archives that is part of our permanent library collection, making UC Santa Cruz a major point in the world of Grateful Dead research.....and I think it's so cool.

Just started law school last

Just started law school last month, no longer gainfully employed here...I had been in public accounting for 4 years previously as a tax accountant.

Chief cook and bottle washer!

I'm not currently gainfully employed (should I even post?) My first job (while I was still at school) was working on a stall in a market selling dried fruit, muesli and woks (?!!). The job was good - I ate my own weight in dried apricots during that time! Then I went to university and graduated with a first in Classical Studies. However, I was in great danger of making a success of things at this point in my life, so I bummed around for a few years, before... ...getting a job as a support worker with adults with learning disabilities. This was the happiest working time I've ever had. The lads I supported with their day-to-day lives were so cool and we all had so much fun. I miss it bad. Anyway, the job came to an end and I got another one with a private care firm. It was hell, so... ...I packed it in and, since then, my wife and I have moved to the country and I'm in no hurry to seek paid employment: I'm currently in charge of keeping the house, cooking, cleaning, &c. It suits me and I'm satisfied. For now... "Yes and the doctor call me crazy, some says I am some says I ain't"

Long Time Here

I've been a Material Handler (fancy contractural language for a stockkeeper) at Amana Refrigeration Products (currently part of Whirlpool Corp.) since 1975. I warehouse parts for refrigerator assembly lines.

job

I am a sociologist who researches the jamband subculture. I wrote my master's thesis and doctoral dissertation on the scene and am now publishing from them. All we ever wanted was to learn and love and grow

Combat Engineer

I find bombs and blow stuff up. conduct mine counter mine operations. Patrol streets of Iraq, the city may vary, to find bombs and stuff to save lives of US and indigenous persons. Just glad to be alive. Run run run for the roses.

Oh yea

But in my free time I teach Scuba diving. I'm a certified Scuba instructor teach all levels up to Divemaster and five specialties, Deep Diver, Nitrox diving, Wreck Diving, Search and Recovery, and Dry suit. This is really my passion besides Skydiving, the Dead. After the Army plan to teach Scuba or possibly do the wilderness guide thing have alot of experience in mountaineering woodland survival etc. Much safer than current job.

Who, me?

I've done just about everything in my day, and I'm currently a writer, self-employed. That means I get to plug in the earbuds and listen to whatever I want! I am determined to avoid retirement. "The need for mystery is greater than the need for an answer." - Ken Kesey

Registered Nurse

I am a nurse in a nursing home.

guess what?

Hi fellow heads! I have finally landed my dream job....I am a health inspector...I inspect mostly restaurants. Kinda crazy huh? If I could live on tour and somehow create a "normal" life for my son I would......

lefty

sorry about that post

whoops! I pushed the button too quick. My full time gig is counseling at Kenyon College in Ohio and teaching part time at a local Community College. My avocation is working the Wharfrat table at shows,mostly Ohio.My children also keep me pretty busy in a good way.I am happy to 'share the love' in all that I am fortunate enough to do.lefty

kenyon??

i know ive passed it-where is kenyon?we live in mount gilead, ohio!!!

Vocation

I currently do CAD design of composite components for the aerospace industry.My avocation is working with glass; casting, slumping and fusing, but I haven't really had a chance to pursue this enough lately. My soul is getting hungry!

Engaging students in higher order thinkin'

I've got a great gig working with high school students, officially I teach special ed English and Math but really, what i do is try to show them that somebody gives a hoot about them. Then, we can work on more important stuff, like readin' writin' and 'rithmetic. Oh, and trying to sneak in some real education about the Dead. Most of today's kids have no idea who or what the Dead are all about. Today, first day back from break, I was carrying on excitedly about the upcoming tour, and I got comments like "Aren't they British?" "Aren't they a hard core metal band" and "isn't their music depressing" Oh, they have a lot to learn.

Progressive Political Technology

I own a progressive political technology firm. We develop new technologies to assist progressive organizations and candidates fight the good fight. If you are a head and thinking of running for office pm me. I'd be happy to help anyone in the community think through engaging in the public life.

I'm a Stay At-Home Dad a.k.a. MR. MOM!

I was a History High School teacher. We have 2 girls and my wife makes more money than a teacher, so with the high cost of daycare; we didn't want to have strangers raising our kids if we could help it. Being a stay at-home Dad is probably one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs I have ever untaken. By the way, I was in the ARMY for 3 years. I'm applying to Grad School (USC and Univ of Wisconin-Madison), both on-line programs. I would love to do some writing, part-time from home, if anyone is looking for help; please let me know. Thank you so much. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "And if you go no one may follow, That path is for your steps alone..."

Truckin'

I work for an engineering company that designs wastewater treatment equipment. Among other things, I coordinate shipping and delivery of everything to the jobsites. From the tiniest nut & bolt to big honkin' steel pieces. It's almost fun, except my bosses are very, um, straight. I also do some accounting for them, and that's no damn fun at all. I also make and sell beaded jewelry, chain maille jewelry, soldered glass pendants, and rocks at craft shows around PA/MD/VA. (yes rocks. Kids love rocks. I love the kids who love rocks, and the parents who give them money to buy the rocks they love) It's fun selling fun stuff to people. Almost reminds of the grilled cheese days.

Natural gas industry

Natural gas industry drilling in the pristine wilderness and helping to keep it that way despite what you may have read or heard. There are plenty of us in industry who want to keep it nice and neat and clean and you should be glad we are where we are because we don't just talk about it or legislate it or sign petitions. We are on the ground doing it and improving it and it is a fantastic business providing clean and plentiful energy for North America. See you in Denver. We'll power the show and provide the fuel to get you there.

civil engineer

My son's about to graduate w a degree in civil engineering: He'd really like to be involved with a 'green' company: what do you suggest? I'm about to retire from my job, so I want to make sure AJ has a good one lined-up ( so he can support my expensive habits).

If you're asking me, any of

If you're asking me, any of the majors are good companies. Up until a few years ago, my experience was with US based drillers but I went to work for a Canadian producer a few years ago and it's the best company I ever worked for in terms of being a responsible operator and having a great employee focus. Most of the large companies have the technical expertise and resources and are engaged in varying alternative energy sources or improving fossil fuel efficiencies. They have the budgets for these programs that the smaller operators simply don't have. Lots of opportunity in compliance related fields. The technology today is constantly evolving. I work with a lot of the "kids", mentoring them and it's been great fun. Lots of interaction with EPA, BLM, science related fields and the pay and bennies are great. There isn't nearly the level of crap to clean up that was around when I started my career and my experience the last 20 years has been that responsible operators are constantly challenged to reduce our footprint and get more out of less. We have to and we don't mind doing it. I'd recommend he scout some of the Canadian companies out.

Environmental Regulatory Scientist

Hey now I spent 20 years inspecting, regulating, building, remediating and trying to make a buck with landfills. i'VE composted sludge, run a recycling collection and processing center and a household hazardous waste facility. Trash was my life! Lately - the last five, I've been serious about the Gore kool-aid on the front line of regulatory policy development in the climate change war. What's your footprint?

Never Thought...Lets LinkUp (DeadHeads with Ties)

Never thought I would: Post an ISO about a non-Dead Job at Dead.net See The Dead in 2009 Have White Hairs in my Beard Be Up past 12 PM again Mr Charlie told me so... www.AdamJLevine.com

Modern Day Warf Ratt

rich65vwbus... Well After years of parting, on tour, various jobs not amounting to much. I Sobered up got on the water wagon and cleaned up my act. Which was for the best I was the one in the lot who could never get enough (very addictive personality). Im now in Logistics for a major pharmacudical company go figure that out ? They even gave me a Key...! what were they thinking. Lol just kidding It's funning how growing older changes your priorites. I might not get tore up anymore but I didn't go deaf , I still love the Dead . Springtime , Roadtrip to a Deadshow in a Microbus....Priceless Just a little history about this Deadhead, Peace & Love, Rich

A Deadhead from way back

A Deadhead from way back when who is still trying to make a difference. I am a scientist doing environmental toxicology studies, and I run a foundation that is looking to support solar energy research. A shrine to the Dead is in my office, inclusive of a stuffedv Jerry doll. It centers me and helps me think thorough the complexities of what I do. I have had about 150 students work with me im my laboratory over the years, and they all know my passion for music and life. Best products of my life are those students and the careers they will follow. As always, Mutant

WANNA BE A ROCK 4 OTHER SINGLE MOMMAS

gitarjenny- So just want to say........I am here for anyone who is being abused, neglected, or just needs a friend. I am out of my hell.....and looking up,up, and away!!!! If you are going through domestic "imprisonment" and/or abuse......WE SHOULD ALL SPEAK UP!!!!!! LIFE IS TO SHORT.....We can help eachother pick up the pieces.....because they are well worth picking back up-PEACE,HEARTS, and BANDAIDS-gitarjenny

I got a Job!

I got a job trading hits for pieces.We made wrinkles, advertized them as creases Not subject to recession! "The pay was pathetic. It's a shame those boys couldn't be more copascetic!"

Deadhead in Libraryland

I work in the library of Princeton University repairing books in the Preservation Office. Not too many fellow Deadheads here, but there are a few....Any Deadhead librarians or other Deadheads in Libraryland should check out Terry Ballard's page and Dead Librarians blog at: www.terryballard.org/deadlib/index.html !!! Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth. ~Henry David Thoreau

meh

Im a Junior Unix (free bsd, Linux, Irix) sys admin for a webhosting company.

dayjob

chucked my job as an engineering manager at Micron Technology (memory chips and such) and now own apartments and a deli. never been happier. My favorite job...keeping my bus serviceable.

Metal Artist AKA Broad with a Blow Torch !!!

After years of "workin' for the man" managing Lenscrafters with a crew of 20 + people and training others in optics and sales... I said " BITE ME" After moving to Northern Wisconsin " Back to Nature"... I became the artist that I always knew lived in my heart....and being self employed .. you can't get fired !! I now hold the Patent on the "Copper Cattail Wind Chimes" tm found on the web. I work in copper and bronze and attend many Art shows across the US.. ( Guess I'am still just a Dead Head on the Road ) and enjoy my life more than ever. From the many shows and many friends that have come into my life.. I am truley Grateful! Check out my art work if you like on the web ... and don't forget to practice random acts of kindness !

my job

i am the front desk manager at a hotel... not to bad i realy like it.... most of our guest are nice but i could tell you some stories...like the guy who call the cops cause we had to many bikers at the hotel...but not everyone beleives we are just one large community....most days go by smoothley... the cool thing is i get passes to the local mountains so i can snowboard on my days off and of course cheap hotel rooms when i travel my friends like that too... peace and hugs to all

My Job, My Life

Welcome to my world. I am a huge dead head, always have been.(I think my mother listened to The Dead while I was in utero!) I am also a Sedation Nurse for a hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. I get to play with good drugs all day and make my patients "high". I LOVE MY JOB!!! My co-workers call me the bartender and my patients call my their best friend. "May the Four Winds Blow You Safely Home"... I Miss Jerry

i am a platform banker for

i am a platform banker for one of the 5 largest banks in the united states... open new accounts, sell loans, help clients with overdraughts & other banking services...

New Job tending bar

Just got a new job, hopefully short term, (just enough $ for this summers festivies. Working up in Dayton, OH at Kramers Tavern so if any of you folks happen to be in the area, drop on in and have a 40 (on the house, if not too busy). Which is all we serve for you beer lovers out there, no draft beer just bottles and liquior, cool place for a old school tavern feel that has some of the best pizza around these areas. Best of luck with yalls job security, times like these...peace and happy travels Day Glo "I'm unemployed" -The Dude

Sadly I'm Jobless

Yet, I am a golf professional that loves what I do. Have taught over 2000 lessons and lived here for 9 years (in Chitown) but since I was too excited for the Spring Tour, I served for a really nice restaurant around here (didn't Dylan say, "You've got to serve somebody") And I'm currently gainfully unemployed, oh well, I'll just clean the Mom's place for a awhile and see what comes about. Much Lovin! _____________________________________________ Will you come with me? Once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right!

Setting up own company

Is suprisingly coming along better than I had hoped it would. Went this route because was sceptical of finding a regular job. It seems that the idea of offering outsourcing services to game publishers was NOT a stupid idea, in this time of crisis; when everyone seems to be looking for an alternative solution to sell/market their product. Also have two Spanish artists to rep:http://www.metautomata.com/barony/ http://www.metautomata.com/blog/index.html which adds a nice creative touch to the whole package that am offering. ********************************** It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine

my job

I install major appliances in n.y.c . Been doing it for over 30 years.(self employed)

JillWorked almost 20 years

Jill Worked almost 20 years as Registered Nurse becoming a victim of burnout I left the medical field went back to college in 2003. I was jazzed about trying an alternative career for a woman and started in land surveying. I needed a language course took sign language changed my major and decided I am a skilled helper and caregiver. I graduated in 2007 with a degree in Social Work. Currently I work with older folks with dementia, cognitively and developmentally disabled adults during the day and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault as my second job. Keeps me busy while I am waiting to attend a show and helps support my GD and music habit. Peace and love to all.

Making pasta 101

Needles to say I work in a resteraunt. Making pasta sheets, then running the sheets through again to cut angel hair, linguiny and fettachini. then cookin it as well as other dishes, chicken parm, veal marsala, 10 oz. strip steaks and so fourth. BUT, the bartender trade beers for food and were entitles to 1 free shift drink, witch usually turns int 3 or 4. All in all its pretty groovy.The name of its called Jimmys and its an italion resteraunt. Think im gonna make a tye-dye shirt with the slogan on it that says"Put some Jimmys in your mouth" or maybe not, might get fired...... Peace- Moye

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May 27, 2007 - 9:24am

406 replies

izzie

Joined:
May 26, 2007

What is it that you do, anyway?

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May 31, 2025 - 5:04pm

#1

JungleGhost

Joined:
May 31, 2025

wash dishes

kitchen utility @ KFC but its not paying the bills...
November 23, 2024 - 1:55am

#2

yaffstone

Joined:
July 27, 2014

After 25 years as Chief of…

After 25 years as Chief of Clinical Physics (treating cancer) I took early "retirement". I'm now a professor of engineering and medicine. Recently I resumed work at the hospital to start a medical physics residency program. So - failure to retire syndrome...
September 7, 2023 - 11:42am

#3

abmterrapin

Joined:
November 8, 2014

Looking for Work

Previously a Billing Program Manager with Quality Improvement & Mgmt. training from both Xerox & GE. Looking for a new gig that is DeadHead Friendly!
August 31, 2023 - 4:33pm

#4

rreich_69

Joined:
August 18, 2023

Engineering. First five…

Engineering. First five years out of college was civil/construction in Eugene, OR. Since 1997 it's been software/internet/web in Boulder, CO. What a long strange trip it's been.
August 4, 2023 - 6:59am

#5

iGrateful

Joined:
June 5, 2007

Trader Joe's

So I just started my post-retirement gig with Trader Joe's
I love this place! The people, the employees, the food... all good!
If you have not been to a Trader Joe's in your area, go check it out and tell me what you think. Either way, I feel good about myself helping people find and prepare quality foods they'll enjoy at a reasonable price.
July 31, 2023 - 12:07pm

#6

GratefulTreadHead

Joined:
July 31, 2023

Hello from a Sydney House Painter!

Hey everyone in this awesome forum! 👋 I thought I'd introduce myself and share a bit about my day job. I'm a house painter based right here in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia! 🇦🇺

I absolutely love what I do – transforming homes both inside and out with a splash of color and a touch of magic. From giving exteriors a fresh new look to adding personality to interiors, it's all about creating spaces that truly feel like home. 🌈🖌️

Currently, I'm part of a fantastic team at "Australian Painting and Maintenance Services Pty. Ltd." 🏢 Our crew is a bunch of skilled painters who take great pride in our work. We're all about delivering top-notch results, using high-quality materials to make sure our clients' visions come to life! 💪

If you're curious about our work or just love to see some impressive before-and-after shots, you can check out our website at australianpainting.com.au. We're always excited to showcase our projects and inspire others with our passion for painting! 🎉
Oh, and before I wrap up, I have to mention that besides my passion for house painting, I'm an avid Grateful Dead fan too! 🌹🎶 Their music has been the soundtrack to many of my painting sessions, creating a groovy and inspiring atmosphere. Some of my all-time favorite Grateful Dead songs are "Ripple," "Sugar Magnolia," and "Touch of Grey" - they never fail to lift my spirits! 🎵✨

Speaking of Australia, the Grateful Dead did have a memorable live show here! 🇦🇺🎤 In 1981, they graced the stage at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, which was broadcasted live on the radio, reaching Deadheads worldwide, including us fans in Australia. Although they never performed a live show down under, their music and influence have certainly traveled far and wide, touching the hearts of many grateful fans across the globe. 🌏🌈 Keep on truckin', fellow Deadheads! 🚚💀🌹
July 29, 2022 - 1:44pm

#7

jwheku

Joined:
April 17, 2019

Short Personal Comment

Hello, my name is Josef from Stuttgart, Germany. I'm working at an publishing house and I have to say, that my english is not very good, so excuse me, but I'm proud to join the community.
Stay safe!
July 12, 2022 - 8:11am

#8

Heilpraktiker

Joined:
July 12, 2022

Homeopath

Im self-employed as a homeopath in Berlin. Glad to be here, great community. I love my job and it's amazing to treat patients from all around the world!

More about me and my job:
naturheilpraxis-homoeopathie-berlin.de
May 26, 2022 - 12:24pm

#9

elenahaper

Joined:
May 26, 2022

The best tutors to complete the task on time.

Get online homework help, assignment help, essay writing services, and many more from anywhere in the world. With the live 24/7 support chat available. Tutor Champs offers an expert tutor for your help in your coursework.
May 24, 2022 - 11:04am

#10

Forensicdoceleven

Joined:
June 17, 2008

I'm an ordinary guy with an extraordinary job......

Forensic pathologist............

Growing up, never would have imagined that......................

Rock on,

Doc
A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better........