"Better than that old construction/electrician gig." Wow, Steve-o, that really hurts... being an old electrician myself.
I started my electrical apprenticeship exactly 2 weeks after my last day in high school... This year in fact was my thirtieth anniversary in the trade. For the most part, I specialized in distribution systems (both ''user'' voltage, 600v, and high voltage, 4160v and 27000v) in industrial and heavy commercial environments ie car plants, refineries foundries, airports, automated line manufacturing, distilleries/breweries
power generating installations and the like. Lots of big conduit and conductors, switchgear and generators. For a time, I installed and repaired aircraft warning lights on towers and stacks from 300 to 1440 feet... all free climbing. I even serviced the pretty flashing lights on Toronto's CN Tower, clinging to the side of the antenna just shy of 1840 feet above the dirt... ahh youth
During that time I was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker LU 353, often acting as Shop Stupid... er... Steward and crew, trade project Safety Rep.
This kinda work and questionable recreational activities took a hard physical toll so after 9 knee operations (including 2 replacements), one ruptured and one herniated disc in my lower back, arthritic shoulders and elbows and absolutely ruined hands (not to mention bad attitude and antisocial tendancies) I jumped at an offer to tone it down a bit...
I took a maintenance position at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, largest hospital in Canada and largest Veteran's hospital and residence. The work is not quite as challenging but I'm proud to be part of the team caring for Canada's war veterans, from WWII, Korea and more recent conflicts. Beyond keeping the electrical system of a 5 million square foot facility in working order, I deal with our vets on a day to day basis, with all the joy (it's nice to just shoot the shit with the old boys and get a smile or a laugh from them)... and sadness that goes with it (some rooms are painful to walk by as I pass the room my grandfather passed in, 18 years ago, and the room my best friend (a Canadian Viet Nam vet) passed in, 3 years ago this month). Sunnybrook does good work for our vets as well as being a day to day hospital, a research and teaching facility and a forerunning cancer center... I couldn't be more proud to be a part of it... even in my small way.
Outside of that, I coached youth hockey for 25 years, played competitive hockey right up until I DIDN'T get drafted (hence the apprenticeship), played in a metal band in my misguided youth, draw tattoo flash, do leatherwork and build choppers.
And occasionally I try to splash colour on little soldiers... with varying degrees of success.
Colin the Sparky
PS: Sorry for the ramble, hadn't posted in a while so I had a lot of typing built up