Teh Official "Dude Where's My Forum?" Thread, Brought to you by the minds of Box, and her fiancée, Lorelei Options

[Box]

After how many years I think I've finally figured out what to do with my broken life, since fibro killed the whole mechanic/technician thing or anything else involving manual labour and also ruined the one decently reliable income in music which was playing gigs at bars and shows etc... I've been trying to think of something that'd be worth getting a degree in that'd hopefully not end up unused and would lead to a career I'd remotely enjoy, so many times I thought about something in music like composition or recording that wouldn't have the physical stress of live performing but I've had so many people I know personally get various liberal arts degrees to only end up at some regular job having to pay off that added expense of college. Some were VERY talented and still couldn't get on anywhere in their field, and I'm not one for such risks. Initially long ago I wanted to be a mechanical engineer, but solely in the field of automotive where it's ludicrously difficult to get your foot in the door. Sure there are plenty of M.E. jobs for other applications but I'd hate them and it'd just be a job, at that rate save some money and schooling and become an accountant... Something in the video game industry would be awesome but that falls into the same boat with the music and automotive industry. Then I was thinking astronomer, but then that means a doctorate and many years as a postdoctoral research student...

ANYHOW so it finally hit me, a translator. More specifically an English to Japanese and vice versa translator, jobs should be easy to find with so many companies that're either Japanese marketing to English speaking markets or American/Canadian/British companies marketing in Japan. Plus there're always opportunities in teaching or as a private translator. I figure why not since I want to fully learn Japanese and I've been slowly picking it up anyway, and it'd possibly lead into occupations in the video game, automotive, or music industry. Worst case I become one of those people that translate animes. Seriously though this is the first thing I've thought of that seems feasible physically with good chances of finding employment and would be something I'd enjoy. Anyway I know as usual a somewhat personal post but I think of you guys as my friends which is why I'm still here and it's nice to get thoughts out there. I just know I'm tired of the same old same old and part time jobs won't cut it forever, and I want to do something halfway meaningful and that I can be proud of. Maybe that's my calling, maybe that's why I feel that connection and strong interest in Japanese culture. Or maybe it was my mom ruining me with JRPGs and animes as a young child, but should I digress.

[cheela]

After how many years I think I've finally figured out what to do with my broken life, since fibro killed the whole mechanic/technician thing or anything else involving manual labour and also ruined the one decently reliable income in music which was playing gigs at bars and shows etc... I've been trying to think of something that'd be worth getting a degree in that'd hopefully not end up unused and would lead to a career I'd remotely enjoy, so many times I thought about something in music like composition or recording that wouldn't have the physical stress of live performing but I've had so many people I know personally get various liberal arts degrees to only end up at some regular job having to pay off that added expense of college. Some were VERY talented and still couldn't get on anywhere in their field, and I'm not one for such risks. Initially long ago I wanted to be a mechanical engineer, but solely in the field of automotive where it's ludicrously difficult to get your foot in the door. Sure there are plenty of M.E. jobs for other applications but I'd hate them and it'd just be a job, at that rate save some money and schooling and become an accountant... Something in the video game industry would be awesome but that falls into the same boat with the music and automotive industry. Then I was thinking astronomer, but then that means a doctorate and many years as a postdoctoral research student...

ANYHOW so it finally hit me, a translator. More specifically an English to Japanese and vice versa translator, jobs should be easy to find with so many companies that're either Japanese marketing to English speaking markets or American/Canadian/British companies marketing in Japan. Plus there're always opportunities in teaching or as a private translator. I figure why not since I want to fully learn Japanese and I've been slowly picking it up anyway, and it'd possibly lead into occupations in the video game, automotive, or music industry. Worst case I become one of those people that translate animes. Seriously though this is the first thing I've thought of that seems feasible physically with good chances of finding employment and would be something I'd enjoy. Anyway I know as usual a somewhat personal post but I think of you guys as my friends which is why I'm still here and it's nice to get thoughts out there. I just know I'm tired of the same old same old and part time jobs won't cut it forever, and I want to do something halfway meaningful and that I can be proud of. Maybe that's my calling, maybe that's why I feel that connection and strong interest in Japanese culture. Or maybe it was my mom ruining me with JRPGs and animes as a young child, but should I digress.

Japanese is a fun language to learn. and it's even more fun to use. You could definitely do it. My university offered it as a minor so I took it and it wasn't until my last semester (which I spent in Korea) that they made it into a major. I might've liked to have that under my belt as well but I was broke going on 6+ years of college. Couldn't handle one more semester but thinking back, I shouldve. lol

better start memorizing hirigana and katakana now. It's only gonna get harder haha

[SwissFerdi]

Language is always a useful tool. I'm doing International Relations toward interpretation.

[Box]

I was going to start with hiragana and katakana since I figured reading, writing, and speaking competently is always a good start even if I don't understand all of it just yet. Then it's just a matter of making sense of it all, but it's not like learning English happened overnight either. I'll start looking around the local schools to see if any offer it as a minor or major.

This post has been edited by Box: Jan 6, 2017 - 2:00 PM

[cheela]

I was going to start with hiragana and katakana since I figured reading, writing, and speaking competently is always a good start even if I don't understand all of it just yet. Then it's just a matter of making sense of it all, but it's not like learning English happened overnight either. I'll start looking around the local schools to see if any offer it as a minor or major.

there's pretty good apps for your phone out there now too. not sure if that's your way to study but it's there. I'm old school and prefer books and flashcards. haha

[Box]

I was thinking charts and flashcards. I'll have to look into the modern options though.

Because I'm nice I helped my brother line the decklid of the Genesis since due to the possibility of 1-3" of snow he was let off work early. Funny just the decklid made a notable improvement, once the trunk is finished should really help. He was wanting to go from the 1200W RMS sub to a 2000-2400W RMS one and I was like that's only a 3 db gain at most and it'll cost at least $500, you'll get that and then some once you get the dampener down and will probably change your mind. I was right.

[Bitter]

baka gaijin.

[Box]

So supportive, even after I was nice and got pictures for you. Actually I think I'd fit in better there than I do here personality wise. Besides if I did move there I'd be fluent and try to mesh to the best of my ability, it's not like I'd be the usual military grunt or random weeaboo.

This post has been edited by Box: Jan 6, 2017 - 9:36 PM

[Bitter]

Japan is super xenophobic, no matter what you do you'll always be an outsider in their society. Like a Honda at a Ford plant parking lot.

[Box]

I've heard that before but I figured maybe with newer generations and with how it is with anything that not everyone feels that way, or at least by making greater effort one would be more accepted. Then again I'm used to not being accepted so it'd be nothing new. Meh it was just an idea and not like I had decided definitively. You'd think by now I'd have come up with more ideas of what to do with my life, I suck at this whole living program.

[Box]

Because I'm nice I guess I'll be going on a 12 hour round trip so my brother can get a 2006 Audi A4 he doesn't particularly need.

[Bitter]

You'd get along better and be more accepted in Zaire than Japan.

The newer generation is more accepting but they're not the ones that are going to be dealing with you for work visas, housing, employment, vehicles, transit, taxes, etc, those are old people or people working for old people who are super xenophobic.

But it's not like you're moving to Japan, buying an AE86, and drifting mountains with your anime girlfriend.

[Box]

I guess I could always ask the one I bought the Firebird from since he lives and teaches there now.

Pssh you know me, I'd try and get a new Camaro SS over there. Speaking of that reminds me of an ad I found, I could only wonder who they were marketing to:



Anyhow the devastating aftermath of the winter storm that swept through mid-north Alabama:

[Bitter]

You gonna be OK? I mean you might be stuck in the house for 2 or 3 weeks with a snowfall like that!

[Box]

I know right, good thing there's bread and milk.

[Bitter]

As long as Waffle House is open there is hope!

[Box]

We have a Waffle House, can't say I'm a fan.

[Bitter]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waffle_House_Index is what I was referencing.

[Box]

Omg that's fantastic.

[Bitter]

What's amazing is the picture of a Waffle House they showed was still open.