does everybody work?? ...

[wuffles]

I work full-time for a government department. The type of work is hard to describe, it involves new policies and making sure they will integrate with the organisation <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
I did three years of university full-time before getting this job and have a Bachelor of Multimedia - I'd love to get a job in web design.
I moved interstate with my boyfriend for this job, and we currently rent. Saving for a house deposit is very difficult but we'll do it one day!

 

[wuffles]

I work full-time for a government department. The type of work is hard to describe, it involves new policies and making sure they will integrate with the organisation <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
I did three years of university full-time before getting this job and have a Bachelor of Multimedia - I'd love to get a job in web design.
I moved interstate with my boyfriend for this job, and we currently rent. Saving for a house deposit is very difficult but we'll do it one day!

 

[cdale613]

Hi Dani,

I work full time as a health policy analyst for a public policy research firm - most of our work is done under contracts with the federal government.
If I decide to stay in the Boston area, it will be a challenge to purchase a home, but that's because this area has ridiculously high housing prices right now. Right now I'm just saving for the down payment that might be... and trying to pay off my school loans!

I went to college for 6 years - 4 for undergrad, 2 for grad school, and have a masters degree in public policy. Its a goal of mine to get a law degree.

I am very fortunate to have a very understanding employer who has been very accomodating of my CF, and very supportive of me personally.

Do not let CF keep you from pursuing your dreams.

Chris

25 w/ CF

 

[cdale613]

Hi Dani,

I work full time as a health policy analyst for a public policy research firm - most of our work is done under contracts with the federal government.
If I decide to stay in the Boston area, it will be a challenge to purchase a home, but that's because this area has ridiculously high housing prices right now. Right now I'm just saving for the down payment that might be... and trying to pay off my school loans!

I went to college for 6 years - 4 for undergrad, 2 for grad school, and have a masters degree in public policy. Its a goal of mine to get a law degree.

I am very fortunate to have a very understanding employer who has been very accomodating of my CF, and very supportive of me personally.

Do not let CF keep you from pursuing your dreams.

Chris

25 w/ CF

 

[anonymous]

I am in the midst of finding full time work. I am graduating from college in may (uncontrollable sobbing) so I plan to work in the city (New York City that is) and move into the city with friends by next January. It will be nice to be able to live on my own and work, but I have extremely accomodating parents. They have already told me that all medical expenses will be covered by them until I am making sufficient income to be comfortable. (let's be honest, living in the city on an entry-level income is going to be difficult, but it can be done). So that helps me out a lot. I guess this isn't too big of a deal for me though since I worked part time during the school year and worked full time in the summers for as long as I can remember. I just knew that full time work out of college was the next step.

Margaret
Double Lung TX 11.11.04

 

[anonymous]

I am in the midst of finding full time work. I am graduating from college in may (uncontrollable sobbing) so I plan to work in the city (New York City that is) and move into the city with friends by next January. It will be nice to be able to live on my own and work, but I have extremely accomodating parents. They have already told me that all medical expenses will be covered by them until I am making sufficient income to be comfortable. (let's be honest, living in the city on an entry-level income is going to be difficult, but it can be done). So that helps me out a lot. I guess this isn't too big of a deal for me though since I worked part time during the school year and worked full time in the summers for as long as I can remember. I just knew that full time work out of college was the next step.

Margaret
Double Lung TX 11.11.04

 

[anonymous]

Hi,

I went to university for 4 years, got my degree in Food Science and Nutrition. I had a job as soon as I graduated in Product Development for a food company and have been working there full time ever since (which was May of last year). No health issues so far have caused any problems for me in regards to my schooling or working.

Rose - 23 with CF

 

[anonymous]

Hi,

I went to university for 4 years, got my degree in Food Science and Nutrition. I had a job as soon as I graduated in Product Development for a food company and have been working there full time ever since (which was May of last year). No health issues so far have caused any problems for me in regards to my schooling or working.

Rose - 23 with CF

 

[JBUCCA]

after high school i went to college 1 year, hated it then got lucky and landed a job w/ verizon, i worked tere full time for 9 years, i got pregnant and never went back, so now im home w/ my son and love it.. i can take better care of myself and be w/ him all day... im married and live in a house.. its hard but every day is a blessing and miracle...

 

[JBUCCA]

after high school i went to college 1 year, hated it then got lucky and landed a job w/ verizon, i worked tere full time for 9 years, i got pregnant and never went back, so now im home w/ my son and love it.. i can take better care of myself and be w/ him all day... im married and live in a house.. its hard but every day is a blessing and miracle...

 

[Rokiss12]

dani- i was just thinking about the same questions the other day, so im glad you posted this!

barb and myNewfy- its so funny you both mentioned being graphic designers! im really into design, and although im young, i know i want to pursue graphic, interior, fashion, architecture, or landscaping design (i really like design!). do you two have any specific advice?

thanks!
Kate

 

[Rokiss12]

dani- i was just thinking about the same questions the other day, so im glad you posted this!

barb and myNewfy- its so funny you both mentioned being graphic designers! im really into design, and although im young, i know i want to pursue graphic, interior, fashion, architecture, or landscaping design (i really like design!). do you two have any specific advice?

thanks!
Kate

 

[luke]

Dani,

I have been out on my own since I was 17(My brother and I were kicked out). I went to college three different times over 10 years. During my first degree for respiratory therapy I was on disability and lived off the state, student loans and hope for a couple years. I began working full time when I was 20. Since then I finished 2 other degrees while working, that was pretty hard. During my second round in college I took full time college hours and worked at the same time....which was very exhausting. My graduate degree (MBA) was 2 evenings and a few Saturdays, much easier. I now work full time (as full time as a salary employee can get by with) and am the area manager of a home equipment company (7 locations). I have a very strict regimen that I keep that helps me keep my health in order. If you plan on going to college, which I encourage everyone to do, I suggest you begin your "regimen" now. For example, I get up at 5am do my xopenex and hypertonic saline treatments, go to the gym, come home do my pulmozyme and tobi. I go to work, get home a little after 5PM take another xopenex treatment/HS treatment normally get CPT, do evening stuff and then do another round xopenex, pulmozyme, tobi and CPT right before bed time. Life is tough, a little tougher when living with CF but that is one thing that makes us special...we are fighters and the world can not hold us back! Good luck with your career search.


Luke

 

[luke]

Dani,

I have been out on my own since I was 17(My brother and I were kicked out). I went to college three different times over 10 years. During my first degree for respiratory therapy I was on disability and lived off the state, student loans and hope for a couple years. I began working full time when I was 20. Since then I finished 2 other degrees while working, that was pretty hard. During my second round in college I took full time college hours and worked at the same time....which was very exhausting. My graduate degree (MBA) was 2 evenings and a few Saturdays, much easier. I now work full time (as full time as a salary employee can get by with) and am the area manager of a home equipment company (7 locations). I have a very strict regimen that I keep that helps me keep my health in order. If you plan on going to college, which I encourage everyone to do, I suggest you begin your "regimen" now. For example, I get up at 5am do my xopenex and hypertonic saline treatments, go to the gym, come home do my pulmozyme and tobi. I go to work, get home a little after 5PM take another xopenex treatment/HS treatment normally get CPT, do evening stuff and then do another round xopenex, pulmozyme, tobi and CPT right before bed time. Life is tough, a little tougher when living with CF but that is one thing that makes us special...we are fighters and the world can not hold us back! Good luck with your career search.


Luke

 

[letsrockcfem]

I was just thinking about this the other day too...I work full time at Pure Detroit, a retail company in Downtown Detroit. I am also the wholesale manager for the store. I went to college for 2.5 years at Wayne State for Theatre management...couldn't ever really get into school. I also play Drums in my band Hellen and started the Rock CF Foundation...check it out www.letsrockcf.org..I put a lot of time in putting on rock shows for CF and also put together a cd called Detroit Rocks CF with 100% profits to CF. Friday the 24 is my HUGE rock show for CF..we're expecting around 1,000 people so I have cut back work hours to 25-30 hours..I am too busy sometimes and my friends yell at me but it keeps me going!!

I might want to use some of you designers to redo the Helle website...hellenofdetroit.com..needs a makeover!!
Rock CF,
em

 

[letsrockcfem]

I was just thinking about this the other day too...I work full time at Pure Detroit, a retail company in Downtown Detroit. I am also the wholesale manager for the store. I went to college for 2.5 years at Wayne State for Theatre management...couldn't ever really get into school. I also play Drums in my band Hellen and started the Rock CF Foundation...check it out www.letsrockcf.org..I put a lot of time in putting on rock shows for CF and also put together a cd called Detroit Rocks CF with 100% profits to CF. Friday the 24 is my HUGE rock show for CF..we're expecting around 1,000 people so I have cut back work hours to 25-30 hours..I am too busy sometimes and my friends yell at me but it keeps me going!!

I might want to use some of you designers to redo the Helle website...hellenofdetroit.com..needs a makeover!!
Rock CF,
em

 

[CowTown]

barb and myNewfy- its so funny you both mentioned being graphic designers! im really into design, and although im young, i know i want to pursue graphic, interior, fashion, architecture, or landscaping design (i really like design!). do you two have any specific advice?


Hi Kate,
If I were to give any advice at all that would be to start taking extracuricular design classes now so you can start to define what area of design you like most. Design is very broad like you mentioned being interested in so many areas. That's actually the awesome part of it, is that when you develop the skills and talent for the concepts there are soooo many things you can do with it! It's never ending and always evolving. I was always told to follow your heart, your passion and money will follow. I think that's true, especially in the arts! If I were not designing and creating, I would be one unhappy camper. You're young so you have a long time to really decide what area you prefer. I would recommend diving into it all with summer classes or weekend classes. That's how it was for me, I couldn't get enough of it. Good luck to you. That can be the hardest part for people, finding what it is in life you're passionate about. Go for it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[CowTown]

barb and myNewfy- its so funny you both mentioned being graphic designers! im really into design, and although im young, i know i want to pursue graphic, interior, fashion, architecture, or landscaping design (i really like design!). do you two have any specific advice?


Hi Kate,
If I were to give any advice at all that would be to start taking extracuricular design classes now so you can start to define what area of design you like most. Design is very broad like you mentioned being interested in so many areas. That's actually the awesome part of it, is that when you develop the skills and talent for the concepts there are soooo many things you can do with it! It's never ending and always evolving. I was always told to follow your heart, your passion and money will follow. I think that's true, especially in the arts! If I were not designing and creating, I would be one unhappy camper. You're young so you have a long time to really decide what area you prefer. I would recommend diving into it all with summer classes or weekend classes. That's how it was for me, I couldn't get enough of it. Good luck to you. That can be the hardest part for people, finding what it is in life you're passionate about. Go for it. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[wallflower]

Hey Kate,

Because there are so many variables in design work, the best advice I can give you is to try to talk to as many people as you can in each area of each field.

Your going to find that even if you decide on one design field, there are going to be a lot of different work industries that you'll have to choose from. For example, with graphic design: marketing/ad agency, freelance, publication, POP (point of purchase, such as product packaging design), web.

I took the first job I applied for at a small printing company. The pay was below the avg for a graphic designer, but I really learned a lot about how my design work translated to the printing end of it - having files prepared correctly, sizing issues... It was a great learning environment, and it was cool to see my work go from the computer to the finished product (plus a great way to get samples of my work). When I was laid off, I decided I wanted to try something a little more "chic" and applied at some marketing/ad agencies. I found that despite the experience and portfolio, those are hard nitches to get into, unless you are young (and moldable), or from a similar background. I now work for an association and make good money. Associatoins are a nitch that I had never even thought to explore (heard about it through a friend), and wished I had done more researching at the beginning of my career to find the "hidden" treasures.

So my advice is to find a couple of business close to you and ask to job shadow or for an informative interview. Ask questions like: what kind of education do I need, what kind of programs/equipment do you use, are there slow periods in work, whats the best part of working in this field, what are the different levels of advancement, what makes your company stand out from the competition.... and always end with asking if they can recommend anyone else to speak with (another company or someone in the same line of work, or even an organization or local club).

Once your in college, ALWAYS bring a portfolio and business card. It is ok to ask for your interviewer or person your shadowing to look at your portfolio and offer advice. Plus it gives them a chance to see what you do, and maybe they'll give you a call if they get an opening they think your qualified for.

Let me know if you have any other questions (BTW, Macs rule! but PC's will do if thats all thats available <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[wallflower]

Hey Kate,

Because there are so many variables in design work, the best advice I can give you is to try to talk to as many people as you can in each area of each field.

Your going to find that even if you decide on one design field, there are going to be a lot of different work industries that you'll have to choose from. For example, with graphic design: marketing/ad agency, freelance, publication, POP (point of purchase, such as product packaging design), web.

I took the first job I applied for at a small printing company. The pay was below the avg for a graphic designer, but I really learned a lot about how my design work translated to the printing end of it - having files prepared correctly, sizing issues... It was a great learning environment, and it was cool to see my work go from the computer to the finished product (plus a great way to get samples of my work). When I was laid off, I decided I wanted to try something a little more "chic" and applied at some marketing/ad agencies. I found that despite the experience and portfolio, those are hard nitches to get into, unless you are young (and moldable), or from a similar background. I now work for an association and make good money. Associatoins are a nitch that I had never even thought to explore (heard about it through a friend), and wished I had done more researching at the beginning of my career to find the "hidden" treasures.

So my advice is to find a couple of business close to you and ask to job shadow or for an informative interview. Ask questions like: what kind of education do I need, what kind of programs/equipment do you use, are there slow periods in work, whats the best part of working in this field, what are the different levels of advancement, what makes your company stand out from the competition.... and always end with asking if they can recommend anyone else to speak with (another company or someone in the same line of work, or even an organization or local club).

Once your in college, ALWAYS bring a portfolio and business card. It is ok to ask for your interviewer or person your shadowing to look at your portfolio and offer advice. Plus it gives them a chance to see what you do, and maybe they'll give you a call if they get an opening they think your qualified for.

Let me know if you have any other questions (BTW, Macs rule! but PC's will do if thats all thats available <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">