What is something that is secretly cool about your job?

[Rain Man]

I'm not talking about salary or vacation benefits. I'm talking about stuff that's not obvious to an outsider and will never be mentioned as a benefit, but nonetheless it's kind of cool and brings you a little enjoyment in your workday.

For me, a secret cool thing is that I get to go behind the scenes at tons of jobs. I've gotten to tour the back operations at everything from jails to caulk factories to college presidents' offices, and I get to hear about their industries and challenges and how they view the world. I really like doing this.

Another secret cool thing is that when we do focus groups we often get to take home pizza and brownies.

The third cool thing is that I get to know all sorts of great internet places for data. I'm always hunting around and finding odd data sets. Granted, not everyone may think that's cool, but I do.


What about y'all?

[Radar Chief]

Originally Posted by vailpass

Good on you. I can't imagine not working from home though I respect those who don't.

I don't know if I could do that, I have to be able to get out and move around.
I like the fact that my work is seperate from my home.

[cdcox]

My work is incredibly diverse. In the last year:

Building projects
We just moved in to a new 110,000-sq foot building. I didn't do much on the programming or design of the building, but have been deeply involved in the finishes, office assignments, moving logistics, and shakedown cruise.

I oversaw a $500,000 lab renovation, from conception through final construction

I have just been appointed to lead a committee of four faculty members to provide user input for 40,000 square feet of labs.

Supervision

I supervise about 25 people. Many of them are accounting and office staff types, but a few of them do things that increase the variety of my work experience. One guy runs a world wide computer network to transmit scientific data with high speed links to Russia, India, Africa. Another guy I supervise runs a nonprofit that promotes alternative transportation fuels.

Project direction

Projects I oversee include a multidecade, watershed database; a project to convert renewable feedstocks into chemical feedstocks; and global scale air pollution modeling.

Personal research

Gene regulatory networks that control conversion of biomass into simple sugars. Basically I set the research direction, supervise the students that do the lab and computer work, and edit their papers.

Student advising

I'm the main advisor for our department. I get to work with students on a daily basis to help them graduate sooner, overcome scheduling conflicts, or other problems.

Administrative stuff

I do all the course/instructor/room/TA scheduling for our department; handle curriculum issues; lead assessment efforts; approve programs of study for graduate students

Meet lots of interesting people

Former senate majority leader, a US representative, a best-selling author, business owners, ex-NFL QB etc.

I'm tired.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Sorter

We should schedule a bike ride with Dimitroff in a few years.

Sounds like a plan

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Sounds like a plan

I'm probably going to have to upgrade mine or buy a road bike. Dimitroff sounds like an absolute savage on the road.

Personally, I'm not very trusting of people in cars.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Sorter

I'm probably going to have to upgrade mine or buy a road bike. Dimitroff sounds like an absolute savage on the road.

Personally, I'm not very trusting of people in cars.

That's why Lake Hollywood, which is just behind my house, it's awesome.

It's a four mile, fully enclosed, track. It circles the lake and there are no cars allowed inside. It's gated so the only vehicles are LA DWP vehicles and they are not allowed on the road during park hours.

Plus, you get a great view of the Hollywood sign, Moby's house, Bugsy Seigel's home and tons more. Plus, there are always hotties jogging, including actresses and models.

[Eleazar]

One word: Nurses.

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

That's why Lake Hollywood, which is just behind my house, it's awesome.

It's a four mile, fully enclosed, track. It circles the lake and there are no cars allowed inside. It's gated so the only vehicles are LA DWP vehicles and they are not allowed on the road during park hours.

Plus, you get a great view of the Hollywood sign, Moby's house, Bugsy Seigel's home and tons more. Plus, there are always hotties jogging, including actresses and models.

That sounds most excellent.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Sorter

That sounds most excellent.

I was riding up there a few summers ago and a 10 point buck came up and ran next to me for about a minute. He was on the other side of the fence but it was just amazing.

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by Bwana

Congressman my ass. Vail is living the life of Bill!

Hah! I actually admire him.

[threebag]

I build aircraft in a freaking factory. My boss is the village idiot.

[tredadda]

Originally Posted by Cochise

One word: Nurses.

There seem to be more and more male nurses out there. I think it might be appropriate to use two words "female nurses".

[stevieray]

...spray paint is cheap.

[rockymtnchief]

I get to go onto ranches owned by celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs. Check out their houses and walk the property.

I don't own a shovel. I have a choice of 5 different size back-hoes to bring home along with a dump truck and an auger big enough to set telephone poles.

A fully stocked building for working on my pickup or atv. I haven't had to buy any tools for nine years. Plus, a bucket truck for saving kitties out of trees.

If I feel the need to stalk you, I can listen to your phone calls!!! (Never done it, probably never want to)

[MagicHef]

My cube has a window with some trees outside. Also, I have access to hot water which I can use to make coffee.

[Al Bundy]

Getting deep discounts on very expensive and high quality furniture, and housewares stuff.