My husband has had a passion for a zillion things (stock car racing, car mechanics, military jet flying, weather forecasting, sign lettering, firefighting/rescue work, submarines, wood working). He worked as a car mechanic for a short time, was a volunteer firefighter/EMT for many years which led to a full-time job as a 911 dispatcher (h…
My husband has had a passion for a zillion things (stock car racing, car mechanics, military jet flying, weather forecasting, sign lettering, firefighting/rescue work, submarines, wood working). He worked as a car mechanic for a short time, was a volunteer firefighter/EMT for many years which led to a full-time job as a 911 dispatcher (he started before 911 and adapted to the new technology which led to a love of many things computer), meanwhile developing his love for graphic lettering and his customer base of emergency services vehicles which he has now as his only full time job at the age of 72. He specializes in hand lettered gold leaf but does mostly vinyl reflective since that's what is "cool". He and another young man have developed a particular method of hand lettered engine turned leaf on vinyl that looks like it's been done by hand on the truck.
He loved his job as a dispatcher most of the time because he understood its value to the community but had begun to detest the attitude of administration and government management which led to him taking early retirement in 2007. I know he'd not be able to deal with the type of people they hire today.
He really likes lettering vehicles, is absolutely proud of his work when he's done with a job and the firefighters are pleased or he sees a truck he's lettered on the news or drive by on the street. The pressure of work that needs to be done, the amount of work waiting (although people are willing to wait months for him to get to them), is what bothers him mostly. I'm glad he's found something that he does love, has a passion for, and does support us financially. We're not rich but we're happy and have great customers and lifelong friends.
My husband has had a passion for a zillion things (stock car racing, car mechanics, military jet flying, weather forecasting, sign lettering, firefighting/rescue work, submarines, wood working). He worked as a car mechanic for a short time, was a volunteer firefighter/EMT for many years which led to a full-time job as a 911 dispatcher (he started before 911 and adapted to the new technology which led to a love of many things computer), meanwhile developing his love for graphic lettering and his customer base of emergency services vehicles which he has now as his only full time job at the age of 72. He specializes in hand lettered gold leaf but does mostly vinyl reflective since that's what is "cool". He and another young man have developed a particular method of hand lettered engine turned leaf on vinyl that looks like it's been done by hand on the truck.
He loved his job as a dispatcher most of the time because he understood its value to the community but had begun to detest the attitude of administration and government management which led to him taking early retirement in 2007. I know he'd not be able to deal with the type of people they hire today.
He really likes lettering vehicles, is absolutely proud of his work when he's done with a job and the firefighters are pleased or he sees a truck he's lettered on the news or drive by on the street. The pressure of work that needs to be done, the amount of work waiting (although people are willing to wait months for him to get to them), is what bothers him mostly. I'm glad he's found something that he does love, has a passion for, and does support us financially. We're not rich but we're happy and have great customers and lifelong friends.
Deborah, Sounds like a wonderful life built by hard work, dedication and lifelong learning!
It has been, challenging at times, but fulfilling for us both.