Lone Star

10 Jobs You Thought Would Pay More By Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer Everyone has a different idea of what's a good or bad salary. Some people are happy just to make ends meet. Others won't settle for less than six figures. A lot of factors go into what makes a salary seem reasonable. Therefore you can't really classify any single salary as high or low without bringing in your own bias. That said, sometimes salaries just don't seem large enough. We put together a list of 10 jobs that have salaries we thought would be bigger. Don't mistake these jobs for having salaries that are impossible to live on; instead, these are salaries that seem too low for the amount of work, time or risk they involve. Here are 10 jobs we thought would pay more: 1. Court reporters transcribe arguments during trials, mediations and other legal proceedings. What they earn: $48,968/year Why it's surprising: Legal matters are important, and having an accurate record of what occurs is vital to almost any proceeding. Court reporters have to be attentive, speedy and accurate. That's not easy. 2. Dry cleaners get those stubborn stains out of our clothing when at-home scrubbing just won't do. Plus, they press our work clothes and formal attire so we look presentable in public and not like we're wearing wrinkled tissue paper. What they earn: $22,641/year Why it's surprising: Have you seen how much laundry your average dry cleaner is dealing with? Not to mention the fact that most people take their garments at the last minute, so the turnaround is usually very quick. 3. Maids and housekeeping cleaners are responsible for cleaning up the messes we make at hotels and homes. They empty the trash, replace the linens and do other chores that make homes and workplaces livable. What they earn: $23,922/year Why it's surprising: It's common knowledge that maids and housekeepers don't earn as much as other occupations, but we'd probably expect someone whose job involves so much labor to be paid more. 4. Middle school teachers instruct children in grades six through eight. They sometimes specialize in one course, but often teach several. Salary: $50,963/year Why it's surprising: Have you spent any time with an adolescent or teenager lately? Could you handle being trapped in a room with dozens of them, much less trying to keep them focused so you can teach them? A Nobel Peace Prize should be included in their compensation. Not to mention the amount of education most teachers are required to have, and they are usually required to take development courses every few years. 5. Paramedics respond to emergencies and provide medical care on-site. They also transport patients to health-care facilities if necessary. What they earn: $46,184/year Why it's surprising: Although putting a price on saving a life seems impossible, you would expect a paramedic's salary to be a bit higher. 6. Police officers protect citizens from criminals and help enforce laws that keep us safe. What they earn: $53,428/year Why it's surprising: Their lives are on the line and they never know what they're getting into. It's hard to imagine many jobs that deserve better pay. 7. Rehabilitation counselors work with patients to treat disabilities, which can range from social to physical ailments. They work closely with the patients' other health-care specialists to ensure they're making progress. What they earn: $27,617/year Why it's surprising: Rehabilitation workers are dealing with important issues that affect patients' lives in a significant way and often have irregular work hours. 8. Security guards keep watch over businesses, merchandise and buildings. They make sure no one steals items or breaks into closed offices. What they earn: $33,195/year Why it's surprising: Security guards have to be on the lookout at all times, and may be standing for their shifts. Their jobs involve little relaxation. 9. Teacher assistants do just what their title says -- they help teachers. They often help students with some basic tasks or grade papers and prepare materials so teachers can focus on more demanding issues. What they earn: $24,448/year Why it's surprising: Although these are assistants and not teachers, and therefore their education and experience requirements are less demanding, they are still highly involved in educating students and not paid as competitively as expected. 10. Veterinary assistants help veterinarians with caring for a variety of animals, which includes helping with examinations and treatments. What they earn: $32,584/year Why it's surprising: Animals aren't the easiest patients to deal with. They're finicky, often dangerous and definitely not something just anyone can handle.

Ruffles, I hope your 'grounding time' helps you get back on an 'even keel', and that things will start looking up for you, because you sure deserve it! Take some time, spend some quality time with the family, and hopefully when you get back, you'll have your head on straight and be able to formulate an outstanding 'battle plan'! Best wishes, LS

You'd be surprized how many times I've had friends/acquaintences that are 'scanner junkies' come up to me and say something along the lines of, "I heard you on the scanner last night, what was going on?" While the FCC says that you can listen to what's being transmitted over the 'free airwaves', there are certain frequencies that are 'off limits', and certain conditions have to be met in order to listen to others (such as not monitoring police channels while mobile). When the move to the 800MHz started, you should have heard all the 'scanner junkies' throwing a fit, because they couldn't get their 'scanner fix'!

The reasonably intelligent person would presume that "For Trained Responders Only" means "Don't mess with this if you don't know what you're doing". Obviously, if you're trained and certified in the use of the AED, you're more than welcome to get into this case if you need what's in it. "For Trained Responders Only" doesn't mean "If you're not in EMS, keep your hands off!". The general public's mentality seems to be along the lines of, "I saw this on TV, so it can't be that hard to use.", and unfortunately, the AED is a lifesaving tool, not a toy. Improper placement/use, will lead to disasterous results. Hell, even those 'trained responders' can't be counted on to use it properly! Just look at that EMT in Virginia who was convicted on involuntary manslaughter charges because he was 'playing' with a manual defibrillator! ( http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-01-24-emt-killing_x.htm ) He ended up killing his partner. If the "Trained Responders Only" can't be counted on not to play with a defibrillator, how in the hell can we expect the general public not to play with them?

What I've seen in my years in the Fire service and EMS (27 years combined service), I've noted a peculiar 'trend' with those 'bitten by the scanner bug). They start off out of 'curiosity'; (I hear a siren, I wonder what's going on! I hear a chopper nearby, I wonder if it's the police air unit.) From there it progresses to "Hey! That's near by, let's go see what we can see!" "I know I'm off duty, but maybe I can help!" The typical 'scanner junkie' starts off by being a curious citizen and becomes, more often than not, a 'light chaser'. Those of us that have been 'in the field' for any serious length of time realize that 'scanner junkies' are nothing more than a major pain in the ass. Giving a good 'radio report' comes from repetition, and being comfortable in their education and their assessement skills (in order to 'paint a complete picture' to the recieving facility). By going out and buying some monster scanner that can monitor 100 or more channels only shows that you're on the path to become a 'Ricky Rescue, Junior Coder' type person. Yes, there ARE 'bona fide reasons' for having them, but for the most part, having them in the car is illegal, as in most states it's illegal to monitor police frequencies while mobile. What I'm finding interesting is that the OP asked for input, and when they didn't get the responses to support their decision to go out and buy that 'monster scanner', they resorted to giving demerits to each poster that spoke out against scanners and supporting the 'scanner junkie' mentality.

Leave it to Richard to cause an 'international incident' all by him self.....klutz!

Happy Birthday, Mateo! Now quit slackin off and get back to work posting!!

There are at least 5 volumes to the "Essentials of Paramedic Care" (each with a corresponding workbook). Which volume(s) do you need? I recently had to replace a borrowed book from that series, and was able to locate a new copy on amazon.com for around $10.00. The most current edition of that book is the 3rd edition (I think).

When I took the EMT-B the first time (13 years ago), this is what I did: Take notes in class Re-read the chapter, and create an outline. This helped with 'solidifying' the notes, and putting it all into perspective. As far as the stuff for practicals, your first mistake is trying to remember every little detail on the skills sheets. You should of course, pay attention to what the 'critical failures' are. A study group will also be of great help. Don't be afraid to take control, so that the group stays focused on the subject matter. EMT-B isn't as complicated as it initially seems to be! Another thing that I actually find 'humerous' is that the new student is afraid to 'lay hands on' their 'patients'. You're not going to be able to do a proper assessment by 'poking' your patient, or only touching them with your fingertips. There's a difference between putting your hands on your patient to assess them, and groping them. Another thing, ALWAYS use PPE! I've seen too many EMT's (various license levels) that have numerous 'excuses' for not using PPE. BSI is there for your protection, and the protection of your patients! When it comes to 'test anxiety', the main thing to do is relax! If you're confident in the retention of your material, you'll do fine.

Yoda talking like you are now! My name is Fred, and I work as a Tour Guide at the Hoover Dam. That's right, I am your Dam Guide. I'm here to answer your dam questions. I'm the only one that works for the Hoover Dam that rides a motorcycle, so that makes me 'that dam biker'. While at work, when 'nature calls', I have to use the Dam restroom. About midday, I leave my Dam office, and eat my Dam lunch. Since I started working at the Hoover Dam, I've saved up and finally bought a home. Since my Dam paycheck makes the payments, I guess this is my Dam house. I met my Dam wife while we worked together at the Hoover Dam. I've thought about getting a Dam dog, and I think I'll name him Herbert.

The Fire Service does NOT set the standards for EMS training, never has, never will; nor has the IAFF, IAFC or any other fire service labor union you want to try to blame. What detracts from the 'professional progression of paramdeicine' is EMS itself, along with the help of the Department of Transportation, NHSTA, and the NREMT! The Department of Transportation is the 'governing body' of EMS in the United States, they're the ones that have set the 'training standards' for the NREMT programs. Until EMS gets out of the Department of Transportation's shadow, and begins to be associated with the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, or just plain Department of Health, (or even the American Medical Association); it's progression as a true profession will be permanently retarded. Fire Medics must meet the same 'minimalistic standards' that apply to ANY other EMS provider. As long as this minimalistic approach to education is adhered to, EMS will NOT progress as a true profession. What I find completely disheartning about the threads where the Fire Service gets blamed for the lack of progression of EMS; is that EMS as a whole tends to blame everyone but themselves for this relatively young profession's lack of advancement.

No wonder immigrants have a hard time learning English.....in what other language do people play at a recital and recite at a play? *Edited for typo*

I could have sworn tha there was a federal law that protected whistleblowers from 'retribution'...

Why is something transported by car/truck called a 'shipment', but when sent by ship, is called 'cargo'?

Even if you're NOT working, you may qualify for financial aid at your local college. If you're serious about you taking a 'real medic class', then go for your degree in paramedicine. As has been said before, the best approach is to put your butt in a seat in a classroom.

The focus shouldn't be on 'how long will it take?', but more on 'How much education versus training is involved?' EMS in general is based on the 'minimalist approach', or 'How can we get these people out on the streets as quickly as possible?'. Education is the key. It's been said so many times in this forum alone, anyone can be TRAINED to go through the motions, but what makes one more than a 'cookbook provider' is knowing WHY we do what we do, and when to do it. With comments like that, it gives the impression that your mind is already made up, and we cannot confuse you with the FACTS. Surely you had to plan on getting responses that weren't going to coincide with your plans BEFORE you came to us for advice. It appears that you already set your plans in concrete, so it begs the question, "Why even ask for advice if you didn't plan on taking it?"

I would have to agree with Dust on this one.... Let's be completely and bluntly honest here. You've expressed a desire to get into the medical profession above the Paramedic level, so do it. If you're not going to stay at the Paramedic level, why waste your time and put your goals of a 'higher calling' on hold for the year it's going to take getting your Paramedic license? As far as working while going to school, there's no mandatory ruling that says you have to work in a medical related field while you're attending school. You won't be the first person to do that, and you sure won't be the last to do it. Ultimately, if you want to go further in the medical field than EMS, focus on the 'end result' and skip over all the other 'extras' along the way! Good luck and congratulations on the new addition. LS

Avast! Pie Rates would more likely be how much the pies are.... Now bakery vermin (Pie Rats) ...well, that might be a different story. I chest hope that I'm not walking the plank on this one! Maybe I should just load my booty, and sail away from this before the Jolly Roger holds my tankard of grog!

Oh my cod! I've offended Richard. My life has no porpoise now! I couldn't kelp myself. I guess I'll just have to drive off in my carp before cause him to clam up!

Frankly my dear, I don't give a clam!

For those of you that know Canadianmedic... I just found out tonight (06FEB10) that he's been in the hospital for about a week for 'observation'. I'm not going to go into why he's in there, but I will say that he sounds upbeat and positive. If he wants to go into why he's there, I'll leave that to him. Here's hoping that he's up and out of there soon, and back under his wife's feet!

He was reportedly observed throwing shoes and butter off the balcony of his apartment. I guess he wanted to see a butterfly and shoefly (shoo, fly!)

As tempting as it is, I can't rest on my laurels. I'm currently working on getting registered for next quarter(starting on the core classes). I've got 15 months to work toward my degree, and I'll try to use the time as wisely as I can. By going this route, I can attempt to 'clear my plate', so that when the next medic class begins, I can concentrate soley on the material at hand.

Medic One raises some valid points... First off, you're not saving all that much time by driving 'balls to the wall' to get on scene. Second of all, the more prudent driving saves wear and tear on the vehicles as well as the more important LESS ACCIDENTS. It doesn't matter how much time you've 'saved' getting close to the call, when you've ended up wrapped around a tree, sign post or have just 't-boned' a station wagon with 4 kids in the back seat. Most urban area streets are marked 35-45 mph for a reason. Residential areas are posted at even lower speeds. This is done FOR A REASON! That 'reason' isn't to slow down emergency response crews, it's not just a 'good idea'....it's for public safety. Here's something else to think about while you're contemplating using the floor board as your foot rest (putting the pedal to the metal)...braking distances: