What would you say is the "safest" occupation in the United States today? [View all]

[cherokeeprogressive]

This isn't a poll... just a fishing expedition...

Me? I drive a trash truck. Actually, I drive something called a "front loader" which is basically a huge truck with a box on the back that's open on the top. It looks like a huge forklift because its purpose is to pick up "dumpsters", lift them over the cab of the truck, and empty them in the back. It's probably in the top 5% of pay in the mountaintop valley I live in, and I'll tell you why:

Trash never sleeps, and trash doesn't take holidays. Living in a resort town as I do, trash actually comes from "down the hill" with the people who come here to play, and needs to be taken back "down the hill" after they're gone.

So, when people ask "WHERE ARE THE JOBS?", what would you say to them?

I've taught, sold real estate, machined parts for nuclear reactors on submarines, and worked for the county teaching poll workers to do their jobs on Election Day. I did this on the back of a High School Education and JUST enough credits to get a BA in Vocational Education at Long Beach State.

BA in Voc Ed, and working as a trash man. BUT! Probably going to retire before I turn 60.

So if you were a High School Counselor, what would you tell your students?