What does every one do for a living?
- Jacked
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon Jul 03, 2017 8:30 am
- Location: Acworth, Georgia, USA
- Motorcycle: 2013 F6B Deluxe
Re: What does every one do for a living?
I grew up twisting wrenches in a dirty old shop because thats what my father did. We worked on anything that had wheels and I hated every minute of it but it did pay the bills. I finally (at 40) decided to go back to school and now hold the title of a "Biomedical Engineer". It sounds great but I'm still just a glorified mechanic, I work on medical equipment for a large health system here in Georgia.
If it plugs in and is used on or for the care of a patient, it comes through our department. The best part is that everything is clean, no nasty dirty grease, I get to work in pajamas (scrubs) every day and now I have time to ride with friends.
If it plugs in and is used on or for the care of a patient, it comes through our department. The best part is that everything is clean, no nasty dirty grease, I get to work in pajamas (scrubs) every day and now I have time to ride with friends.
- GaryRatliff
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2018 4:17 pm
- Location: Newark, DE
- Motorcycle: 2001 Honda Goldwing
Re: What does every one do for a living?
I'm in my 38th year of ministry and have been pastoring a church for over 30 years. That may explain why I need to RIDEEEEE every time I get a chance, lol.
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- Posts: 22
- Joined: Mon Feb 05, 2018 10:01 pm
- Location: West Fargo ND
- Motorcycle: 1975 GL1000 x 2 ,1975 CB400F , 1979 Yamaha XS650SF, 1981 Yamaha XS650SH
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Hats off to you and your profession. Leading a congregation must be extremely trying at times. A friend recently pointed out to me his philosophy when the pressures of life mount. He simply stated he is “ too blessed to be stressed.”. Something I hope to remember and adopt. Meanwhile, life’s a ride so enjoy it to the best of your ability.
- GaryRatliff
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2018 4:17 pm
- Location: Newark, DE
- Motorcycle: 2001 Honda Goldwing
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Thank you Soupcat. "To blessed to be stressed" was also one of my late father's "sayings." Riding is a great opportunity for me to clear my mind
.
Gary

Gary
- truckerpee01
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat Oct 08, 2016 7:32 pm
- Location: Fort Wayne Indiana
- Motorcycle: 1983 GL1100 Interstate
Re: What does every one do for a living?
I'm a US Army veteran right out of high school join the military I've done everything from truck driving to armed security to Manufacturing to die casting and now a waste management specialist I'm a recycler on a residential route yeehaw but I do love it customers are great for some reason the kids love the small kids garbage trucks. I have a 1983 Honda GL 1100 brought it several years ago in excellent condition and trying to keep it that way didn't ride much last year had a back procedure done with getting a neurostimulator implant in my back road in a couple times before the snow hit this year around the block just to test my back out stuff felt good can't wait until riding season starts.
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- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat Dec 08, 2018 11:50 pm
- Location: United States
- Motorcycle: 2010 gl1800
Re: What does every one do for a living?
I Started out as an elementary school teacher, did that for three years before I decided it wasn’t for me. Got a job keeping the books for a small pest control company for several years before my health declined forcing me to quit. I now work for a big box pet store part time. While I miss the quiet days in the office my body just won’t tolerate 40 hours at work and 15 at dialysis. Riding has literally been a lifesaver for me as it keeps me sane, active and makes day trips much more enjoyable and The Goldwing has kept me riding. The vtx1300 and Yamaha stratoliner were great around town but I always felt ready to get off halfway through longer trips. I tried aftermarket seats, ape hangers, highway pegs etc. on other bikes but for me nothing compares to the wing.
- Straydogg
- Posts: 56
- Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2011 5:41 pm
- Location: Western Pennsylvania
- Motorcycle: 1989 Goldwing
Re: What does every one do for a living?
I'm retired. I don't do anything "for a living". Now I'm just living. 



- DenverWinger
- Posts: 1685
- Joined: Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:20 pm
- Location: Denver, CO
- Motorcycle: (s)
1980 GL1100 STD Vetter (2005-)
1993 GL1500 Aspencade (2017-)
1983 Trav-Lite Camper (2010-)
Past rides
1972 CL350 (1980-1988) sold
1978 Suzuki GS550 (1985-2005) sold
1977 GL1000 (2002-2006) sold
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Just saw this thread pop up and realized I've never posted on it.
I've spent my career in the electronics field since '78, mostly in research-development and IT with a 5 year hiatus as a Tavern owner. In my current position I get to "Break" things, for the last 22 years I'm working for a major worldwide "Buildings Automation" company (HVAC / Fire / Security / Video). I'm now Senior Analyst in the "Signal Qualification" Lab, evaluating new alarm receiving and transmitting equipment or firmware to confirm it conforms to company standards before it is released into production for our monitoring centers or for installation in customer locations in the field.
If I am successful in "Breaking" it, I work directly with the equipment manufacturer's engineering depts to make mods or corrections to firmware or hardware until it passes all our tests. I'm planning another 8 years before retirement - Age 61 now.
I've also done all my own wrenching, doing all my own maintenance and repairs ever since iv'e owned a vehicle to to maintenance and repairs on. So with 44 years experience in that area, I'm a pretty good "shade tree" mechanic.
I've never been without at least one motorcycle since 1980, started out on a '72 CL-350 and I owned a '78 Suzuki GS-550 for 20 years until I got a $100 fixer-upper GL1000 in 2002. In '05 added a GL1100 fixer-upper that had been unloved and sat for 15 years and sold the Suzuki, then sold the GL1000 in '06. Two years ago added the 1500 to the stable.

I've spent my career in the electronics field since '78, mostly in research-development and IT with a 5 year hiatus as a Tavern owner. In my current position I get to "Break" things, for the last 22 years I'm working for a major worldwide "Buildings Automation" company (HVAC / Fire / Security / Video). I'm now Senior Analyst in the "Signal Qualification" Lab, evaluating new alarm receiving and transmitting equipment or firmware to confirm it conforms to company standards before it is released into production for our monitoring centers or for installation in customer locations in the field.
If I am successful in "Breaking" it, I work directly with the equipment manufacturer's engineering depts to make mods or corrections to firmware or hardware until it passes all our tests. I'm planning another 8 years before retirement - Age 61 now.
I've also done all my own wrenching, doing all my own maintenance and repairs ever since iv'e owned a vehicle to to maintenance and repairs on. So with 44 years experience in that area, I'm a pretty good "shade tree" mechanic.
I've never been without at least one motorcycle since 1980, started out on a '72 CL-350 and I owned a '78 Suzuki GS-550 for 20 years until I got a $100 fixer-upper GL1000 in 2002. In '05 added a GL1100 fixer-upper that had been unloved and sat for 15 years and sold the Suzuki, then sold the GL1000 in '06. Two years ago added the 1500 to the stable.
♫ 99 Little Bugs in the Code, ♪
♪ 99 Bugs in the Code. ♫
♫ Take one down, Patch it around, ♪
♫ 127 Little Bugs in the Code. ♫ ♪
~Mark
♪ 99 Bugs in the Code. ♫

♫ Take one down, Patch it around, ♪
♫ 127 Little Bugs in the Code. ♫ ♪

~Mark
- Mountain rider
- Posts: 196
- Joined: Sun May 14, 2017 9:03 pm
- Location: Rigby, Idaho
- Motorcycle: 2003 Goldwing 1800
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Probably a good time to update. I retired in March, so I now work at holding this chair down (in the event gravity should fail, wouldn't want it to float away), also included in my work schedule is seeing how much I can increase my waistline. On that count, I can tell you I am quite successful, having to consider a change in pant size. I ride Black Beauty whenever the weather permits, and have been doing some photography classes. It's tuff, but someone's got to do it. 

SFC, U.S. Army Artillery, Retired
Now, fully retired
Now, fully retired
- bigsteveswing
- Posts: 146
- Joined: Mon Jun 11, 2018 4:40 pm
- Location: Erie, PA
- Motorcycle: 1992 GL1500I
Motorvation Formula II sidecar
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Been a welder for 20ish years in various shops. Now a welding instructor at a small trade school, been here for almost 7 yrs.
Big Steve
Keep America Strong: Weld It
Keep America Strong: Weld It

- C-dub
- Posts: 583
- Joined: Thu Aug 24, 2017 8:29 pm
- Location: DFW, Texas
- Motorcycle: 2016 Goldwing Audio/Comfort/Nav ABS
Previous bikes:
2005 Hayabusa
1999 Suzuki Bandit 1200S
1979 Suzuki GS850G
1983 Suzuki GS1100E
1981 Honda XL250
1975 Suzuki GT185M
1970 Suzuki TC90 dirtbike
Re: What does every one do for a living?
I hate to break it to you, but if gravity fails even your increasing waist line won't be able to hold that chair down.Mountain rider wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2019 11:24 amProbably a good time to update. I retired in March, so I now work at holding this chair down (in the event gravity should fail, wouldn't want it to float away), also included in my work schedule is seeing how much I can increase my waistline.![]()

Better bolt it to the floor and get yourself a seat belt. Just in case.
I am not and have never been a LEO. My avatar is in honor of my friend, Dallas Police Sargeant Michael Smith, who was murdered along with four other officers in Dallas on 7.7.2016.
Patriot Guard Rider
Patriot Guard Rider
- roadwanderer2
- Posts: 4483
- Joined: Thu Aug 08, 2013 4:03 am
- Location: Tucson Arizona
- Motorcycle: previously owned 83 GL1100A aspencade traded for a motorhome, 1981 honda GL500i silverwing interstate, 1974 yamaha xs400, 1974 Honda cb450 twin cam, 1983 honda vt30, 1982 honda 700 shadow, 1972 cb750four, and my first bike, a brand new 1982 honda CM400e. now own-1986 GL1200 aspencade SEi
- Contact:
Re: What does every one do for a living?
C-dub wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2019 9:51 pmI hate to break it to you, but if gravity fails even your increasing waist line won't be able to hold that chair down.Mountain rider wrote: ↑Mon Jun 03, 2019 11:24 amProbably a good time to update. I retired in March, so I now work at holding this chair down (in the event gravity should fail, wouldn't want it to float away), also included in my work schedule is seeing how much I can increase my waistline.![]()
![]()
Better bolt it to the floor and get yourself a seat belt. Just in case.
ROFL, thats funny right there. As of Sunday, I officially become a senior citizen. Hitting the big 65.
Stuart.
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- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2018 7:48 am
- Location: Catawissa, Pa. 17820
- Motorcycle: 1997 gl1500a aspencade
Re: What does every one do for a living?
retired truck driver now I work part time delivering meds to nursing centers
- 754
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Fri Sep 08, 2017 9:08 am
- Location: Clermont Ga
- Motorcycle: 1992 GL1500 Interstate
1978 CB750 Supersport
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Started out pulling wrenches on over the road heavy trucks (including fire trucks and ambulances), did that for 12 years. Then decided on career number 2, been a full time paid firefighter/paramedic for 5 and a half years now.
1992 Goldwing Gl1500 Interstate
1978 CB750 Supersport
1978 CB750 Supersport
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- Posts: 168
- Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2019 11:45 am
- Location: Oak Grove Or
- Motorcycle: 1986 Suzuki Cavalcade GD
1998 1500 SE
Re: What does every one do for a living?
I have turned wrenches professionally for years. My wife and I started a mobile repair and maintenance company. Had it for 10 years, she got hurt, I closed the business to help her. I have a CDL and drove for the last 15 years. Now, I'm retired, do to a crash when a SUV hit me on our bike while going to work. Can't pass my CDL medical now.
Ed
Ed
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- Posts: 1
- Joined: Thu Mar 26, 2020 12:56 pm
- Location: Linden, MI 48451
- Motorcycle: 1985 GL1200 Interstate
Re: What does every one do for a living?
I work for funeral homes. I mostly handle and track cremations, but do initial transfers of decedents from place of death, dress and casket, etc.
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- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2012 3:25 pm
- Location: United States
- Motorcycle: Goldwing/Roadsmith Trike
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Other than part time stuff during my teen/school years, I worked for the local gas/electric utility for more than 41 yrs. I held a few different jobs over the years within the company including custodian, meter reader, pipe fitter, back hoe operator, coal handler, high pressure gas regulator maintenance tech, and the last 10 yrs, I was a station operator at one of their electric generating stations. In June of 2018 they closed the gen station where I worked and offered a nice severance package to those choosing to retire. The timing was right and I retired.
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- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:40 pm
- Location: Arlington, Texas
- Motorcycle: 2016 Goldwing
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon since completing residency 32 years ago. Contemplating retirement in 18 years. I was seeing almost no patients in person for about 3 weeks due to COVID19, and hated it. Maybe my attitude changes in 18 years. My grandfather raced motorcycles, then had a Harley dealership in Baton Rouge, then manufactured Simplex Servicycles in New Orleans. It was a difficult decision to switch from BMW to Goldwing since Honda was the competition which more or less killed Simplex.
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- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:40 pm
- Location: Arlington, Texas
- Motorcycle: 2016 Goldwing
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Also Extra class Ham radio, call sign W1UGA (big Georgia football fan!).
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- Posts: 8
- Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2015 12:55 am
- Location: Dallas Tx
- Motorcycle: 1981 gl1100 standard, 1982 cb900f, 2006 gl1800
Re: What does every one do for a living?
High Risk Security Contractor.
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- Posts: 44
- Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2017 9:22 am
- Location: Bellmawr, New Jersey
- Motorcycle: 2018 Honda GoldWing Tour DCT Air Bag
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Retired Military with 38 years of service.
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- Posts: 8
- Joined: Fri Mar 13, 2015 12:55 am
- Location: Dallas Tx
- Motorcycle: 1981 gl1100 standard, 1982 cb900f, 2006 gl1800
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Did my 10 year commitment and got out. Had enough.
- LONSTER73
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Sun Sep 12, 2010 9:06 pm
- Location: ROSCOE, IL
- Motorcycle: 2003 GL1800 Durango Red Metallic
1988 GL1500 Phantom Gray (old ride) - Contact:
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Currently I have the title of Chief Engineer designing workholding fixtures for the last 21+ years for the same employer. I have been designing workholding fixtures, gages and special machines for over 45+ years. My full time and most favorite job is being a husband, father and grandfather. I enjoy spending time my family, riding my 2003 Goldwing GL1800, antiquing and talking on my HAM radio. I have been a licensed Ham radio operator since 1987 and currently have an Extra Class License KE9M (ex KA9WON) and have a #1 Honor Roll plaque. I have been riding motorcycles since 1973. I’ve owned a 1971 Honda CL350, 1955 Harley 1-cylinder, 1978 Honda CB750K (bought new), 1979 Honda CB750K (bought new), 1988 Honda GL1500 and now 2003 Honda GL1800.
Lonster73
Riding on a Wing and a Prayer
Riding on a Wing and a Prayer
- GeoffR
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed Jul 17, 2013 2:49 pm
- Location: Inverurie, Scotland
- Motorcycle: 1977 GL1000 K2
Re: What does every one do for a living?
Hi retired 3 April this year after working as a mechanical/ electrical fitter, first with British Railways on mainline Diesel Electric locomotives at a Rail workshop just outside of Nottingham, England. Did that for 25 years. Then left and moved to Scotland to work as technical support for a company selling Electro-Motve Diesel locomotive parts all over Europe and the mMiddle East. This job gave me lots of travel but little opportunity to ride the bike. Eventually worked for the last 9 years for Sulzer Pumps repairing pumps for oil rigs in the North Sea. I've always been a hands on guy and recently put my GL1000k2 back on the road. I've owned it for 42 years now and enjoy it as much now, if not more, than when I first bought it when I was 23 years old.
Re: What does every one do for a living?
I'm a retired aircraft mechanic; 10 years active duty (USAF), 33 years civil service (DOD/USAF). Originally from Florida, except for a year in Thailand, a year in Delaware, and many short trips to SEA, Pacific islands, Europe, and western Asia, and all over the USA, I've been in Georgia since 1971.