General Discussion

vsrazdem

(2,190 posts)

193. Medical transcriptionist/Editor

Sat Nov 23, 2024, 11:49 PM

Nov 23

Used to make a decent living 20 years ago. Now just lost 2 jobs, one to overseas and the other to reduction in force. Ai and cheap labor in India have tanked this career. Big companies bought up all the smaller ones and send everything overseas to make more profit.

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Do you have any job skills that are now obsolete? [View all] Diamond_Dog Nov 23 OP

Dewey decimal system MaryMagdaline Nov 23 #1

Do libraries still use the Dewy decimal system? Or is that obsolete, too? Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #14

Yes. They still use DD. Mostly in public libraries. Iris Nov 23 #15

I live in a large metro county & they do not. RamblingRose Nov 24 #232

I think larger and smaller systems often use their own systems. Iris Nov 24 #241

Typing the cards that went into the library card catalogs using a manual typewriter zeusdogmom Nov 23 #74

I work in libraries now - can't even imagine the time that took! Iris Nov 23 #83

You and me both, Iris. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #94

Librarians are great people to ask questions to. If they don't already kerry-is-my-prez Nov 23 #165

Oh yes I remember manual typewriters. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #93

Oh I love manual typewriters. Can't believe how expensive they've become. nt allegorical oracle Nov 24 #215

Helps with Googling! Dear_Prudence Nov 23 #115

Oh, i think I very briefly watched someone do that IRL, or I even briefly (lunch hour?) filled in for a small board electric_blue68 Nov 24 #321

a very strange set of skills to consider "obsolete" NOT recovering_democrat Nov 23 #86

I agree recovering_democrat. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #96

They pay the counselors well. I just couldn't deal with working in such a drab place. kerry-is-my-prez Nov 23 #168

I too trained in graphic design and printing. k55f5r Nov 23 #2

Blueprint solution and film developer Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #12

Back when I was a clerk and part of my job was in an office, multigraincracker Nov 23 #3

That sounds interesting multigrain cracker. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #16

I loved that job. Had all kinds of task every day, multigraincracker Nov 23 #70

You sure can't find a job that pays for college now. Unless military. Good going, multigraincracker! Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #97

They've all been folded, spindled, or mutilated..... lastlib Nov 23 #176

At one point over several decades when NYC had Ticker Tape Parades amongst the various things they'd tossed out the .... electric_blue68 Nov 24 #323

I did much of what you describe at a medium size print shop but I mostly ran the big graphics camera... wcmagumba Nov 23 #4

So you can relate to how old print shops were run! Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #20

We used to have an old-style printing dept that I used to do my newsletters. And we also had a graphic design dept doing kerry-is-my-prez Nov 23 #180

Commuting? Putting on a tie? unblock Nov 23 #5

Haha unblock Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #21

The reports of the death of the daily commute are greatly exaggerated! nt Shermann Nov 24 #205

Never had to wear a tie to work.... Happy Hoosier Nov 25 #393

The folks at the office used to love my Nixon impersonation. Xavier Breath Nov 23 #6

Oh I'll bet you were pretty entertaining! Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #22

"Let me make this perfectly clear." Xavier Breath Nov 23 #53

Ha ha ha Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #99

I'll second that Prairie_Seagull Nov 24 #235

Well for those of us who remember 😄 electric_blue68 Nov 24 #327

Film processing and printing photos. FuzzyRabbit Nov 23 #7

Same with my job, computers made it obsolete. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #23

I must be one of the last people alive Dale in Laurel MD Nov 23 #8

I'm not familiar with what you described, Dale in Laurel MD Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #24

Cold type came in and replace that and the Linotype machine afterward. brush Nov 23 #47

Yep - for sure, brush. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #98

While I was doing metal type in a typography class in Art College our.... electric_blue68 Nov 24 #332

That was about the time I started my working at Newsday... brush Nov 24 #339

I loved Newsday NYC when it was printed for a few years!... electric_blue68 Nov 24 #346

I'd do my layout, then over to the sports department and hand it over to the editor, then check in the photo... brush Nov 25 #390

Yeah, i get it. It's not quite but similar to my work in the art dept except I didn't do layouts... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #414

Ahhhh...those were the days. And that '86 World Series was one of the best ever. brush Nov 25 #435

Got it 👍 Had a typography class in Art College... electric_blue68 Nov 24 #331

Also illustration and graphic design. Put together many a mechanical. Kept up with allegorical oracle Nov 23 #9

I can relate, allegorical oracle Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #25

{hug} for you. I remember looking at computer graphics books at the store. Debated about saving for a class etc... electric_blue68 Nov 24 #333

Telephone operator using cord switchboard. Ocelot II Nov 23 #10

Like in the old movies, Ocelot? Did you have to say "Number, Please?" Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #28

We just took incoming calls and transferred them to the right extension. Ocelot II Nov 23 #75

Well described. cachukis Nov 23 #79

You had to be very knowledgeable Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #101

I used to run the cord switchboard at a bank leftyladyfrommo Nov 23 #124

I did that wryter2000 Nov 23 #139

Flight instructor! Very cool. Saw your post obviously some tricky times. electric_blue68 Nov 24 #334

I was a long distance operator, sitting on a tall stool at a long huge board cksmithy Nov 25 #398

I'm a mapper OnionPatch Nov 23 #11

Very interesting skill, OnionPatch. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #33

It really was. OnionPatch Nov 24 #292

What's GIS? nt LAS14 Nov 23 #46

GIS Geospatial Information Systems Metaphorical Nov 23 #72

Uses satilites for this? electric_blue68 Nov 24 #338

Same here, OnionPatch Borogove Nov 24 #228

I spent the last twenty years working with ArcGIS. OnionPatch Nov 24 #293

I like contour maps interesting to look at. The cross section drawing sound interesting, too. I'm sure I've seen some.. electric_blue68 Nov 24 #347

Interesting! Maps are cool. How did did the ink do on the mylar?.. electric_blue68 Nov 24 #337

"Blueprint reading" in several systems Mopar151 Nov 23 #13

Blueprints are obsolete? Sorry for dumb question. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #102

True blueprints ForgedCrank Nov 23 #172

One of my early office jobs included walking literal blueprints produced by our drawing office to a photo service Emrys Nov 24 #336

My dad waaaay back had real blue prints to look at where lights were placed (electrical engineer got into lightning) I.. electric_blue68 Nov 24 #343

Yeah, I'm sure that's the same type of pencil Emrys Nov 24 #345

Soubds like pretty good timing. Too bad the office wasn't so goid either, but...you did get fit... electric_blue68 Nov 24 #348

Well, working in that office and the graphic coverage of the Falklands on TV Emrys Nov 24 #351

Wow! Funny how things sometimes work out 👍.. electric_blue68 Nov 24 #353

I think... my dad had about a 3' x 3' foot table next to his desk, and... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #372

Dictaphone Iris Nov 23 #17

And WordPerfert Scottie Mom Nov 23 #60

I don't have much experience with those but I do remember those old word processors. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #104

I love WordPerfect, been using it since the 90s. fargone Nov 24 #202

Exactly Scottie Mom Nov 24 #254

Reveal codes has gotten me out a mess and frustration many times. That alone is worth it fargone Nov 24 #260

AMEM! Scottie Mom Nov 24 #340

I was a crack transcriber back in the day musette_sf Nov 23 #76

I'm afraid to ask what body taps are ..... Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #109

Wires musette_sf Nov 23 #178

Thank you musette_sf Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #186

You mean like in wiretaps?! (a "der" question? 😄 ) electric_blue68 Nov 24 #349

Ha, I remember my sister hated that dictaphone when she worked in a law office. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #103

I have a rolleiflex twin lens reflex and a minolta slr Tadpole Raisin Nov 23 #18

Yep, all the big camera manufacturers switched to digital long ago, early 2000s. I'd keep your cameras though. brush Nov 23 #42

I had a wonderful Mamiya Sekor SLR w duo light meters... electric_blue68 Nov 24 #350

I got a Minolta X-700 in 1983 BOSSHOG Nov 23 #78

Drafting and "Industrial design" Mike 03 Nov 23 #19

I learned that old way of film editing you described when in college. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #107

Map making and lettering. pfitz59 Nov 23 #26

My dad learned drafting to become an engineer Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #110

I remember paste-up people. I wrote the copy you pasted up. Demobrat Nov 23 #27

Yes, AI is invading everything now and not always for the better. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #111

Loved the IBM Selectrics! You could change the typeface on those, and the sound of the keystrokes! mucholderthandirt Nov 24 #214

I saw my first IBM Selectric at Art College. I had to do some kind of text for a project, or maasybe something for... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #425

At the small magazine publisher I worked for the editor would come in to fit articles that ran too long... electric_blue68 Nov 24 #354

I used to do mechanicals olso on illustration board with overlays of amber or ruby lith. Also keylines. Then computers.. brush Nov 23 #29

That's awesome, brush. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #112

Amber, and rubylith! I remember those. Esp amberlith at Scholastic Magazines... electric_blue68 Nov 24 #355

Yeah, I'd put all the illustrator's cards on the wall for when I needed a certain style of illustration. brush Nov 25 #389

Nice! My friend just put them in a drawer next to him. I like your idea better! 😄👍 electric_blue68 Nov 25 #417

Computer programming in PL/1 hauckeye Nov 23 #30

Computer programming in RPG/400 DBoon Nov 23 #58

That's beyond my ability to understand but it sounds awesome, DBoon. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #114

That was my husband's era too. Good going, hauckeye! Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #113

Same here and also COBOL n/t Shrek Nov 24 #212

Fortran also? hauckeye Nov 24 #217

Yes, forgot about that one! Shrek Nov 24 #224

Drafting, old school without computers La Coliniere Nov 23 #31

That's a skill that not many people can acquire successfully-good on you La Coliniere. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #116

How many kids have T-squares from both parents? I did. My dad must have used his before he got married... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #424

I have that skill as well Lithos Nov 23 #160

Don't get me started on office supplies. Prairie_Seagull Nov 24 #248

Music calligraphy PJMcK Nov 23 #32

That's awesome, PJ. I never heard of music calligraphy. Very interesting! Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #118

It looked like this PJMcK Nov 24 #211

Thank you PJ! Diamond_Dog Nov 25 #431

Wow. May or maynot have known this . How many yrs did you do this? electric_blue68 Nov 24 #357

About 20-25 years PJMcK Nov 25 #383

Sounds like a "tennis match" back and forth! I think I saw a... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #405

There were several different machines PJMcK Nov 25 #411

Woah, not good for them! I love the Musical Notation keyboard!... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #416

Mental Arithmetic Daigan Nov 23 #34

You have a very impressive skill - not necessarily obsolete, either! Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #120

Lord, we were at a McD's window last year Maeve Nov 23 #174

Isaac Asimov wrote a short story about that. Jeebo Nov 24 #267

Um, 46? electric_blue68 Nov 24 #358

AAA Tow Truck Dispatcher MizLibby Nov 23 #35

That sounds like a very helpful job, to say the least. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #122

We used to love the TripTix map and info packets AAA would send on request happybird Nov 23 #149

We still carry a road atlas exboyfil Nov 24 #209

Double entry accounting and bank reconciliations before computers. LakeArenal Nov 23 #36

Me too Freddie Nov 23 #57

Oddly enough here in Costa Rica they still keep paper files. LakeArenal Nov 23 #63

That sounds very interesting, Lake. Was it something you liked? Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #123

I liked it very much. But banks are notoriously misogynistic. LakeArenal Nov 24 #233

Wow, boo on them Maybe some are better, now electric_blue68 Nov 24 #360

I took accounting 101 & 102? As a fres small business course for POC & Women small business that ?NYU gave... electric_blue68 Nov 24 #359

Not necessarily a job skill, but I know Morse Code. Sneederbunk Nov 23 #37

Very impressive, Sneederbunk. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #125

Repairing CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors and televisions. hunter Nov 23 #38

That sounds very interesting, hunter. Did you like the job? Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #127

I enjoyed repairing monitors and television... hunter Nov 24 #252

Transcribing dictation from KitFox Nov 23 #39

Did you actually take X-rays, KitFox? as a college student? Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #129

I did, Diamond Dog. KitFox Nov 24 #201

I used to send and receive telexes. LisaM Nov 23 #40

That sounds interesting and fun, LisaM. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #131

It actually was. LisaM Nov 24 #258

Like the unreadble holes turning back into text. As far as ticker tape goes... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #361

I did, too! Lulu KC Nov 25 #395

That can't be right Lulu KC Nov 25 #396

The Army said I was an expert with the M16 and the hand grenade surfered Nov 23 #41

😆 have you ever thrown a live hand grenade (or two)? underpants Nov 23 #62

I've thrown two live ones. Interesting story; during Basic Training surfered Nov 23 #87

Jesus. underpants Nov 23 #108

i thought the same thing. I did not want that job surfered Nov 23 #128

Woah electric_blue68 Nov 25 #362

I don't blame you surfered. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #132

Analog disc jockey and audio production. Some of the skills would still transfer: rsdsharp Nov 23 #43

Our studio equipment was all reel-to-reel AverageOldGuy Nov 23 #106

I got in just after that. A station I worked at (3 times) had reel decks for commercials, rsdsharp Nov 23 #126

That sounds very interesting, rsdsharp Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #133

I liked being a jock. I also worked as a music director, program director, and did a lot of production, rsdsharp Nov 23 #145

In another Parallel Earth I'm a Rock but also free form DJ , so I can add any genre in; here, and there electric_blue68 Nov 25 #363

I coded million+ lines in FORTRAN at140 Nov 23 #44

It's still available on many systems, particularly Unix/Linux... keep_left Nov 23 #51

Fortran is still alive and well...used in a variety of Scientific applications. patphil Nov 23 #52

FORTRAN code still runs at the heart of NASTRAN dwayneb Nov 25 #421

Still heavily used... Lithos Nov 23 #163

It is still used in climate reseach Shermann Nov 24 #206

Shorthand not sure if anyone uses it anymore. redstatebluegirl Nov 23 #45

Me too! I don't really know if they still use it or not. I even studied court stenography, a whole different ballgame. SheilaAnn Nov 23 #61

Don't courts still use stenographers? That would be way beyond my ability, any of it! Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #140

I still use it for note taking. nt DURHAM D Nov 23 #80

My mom knew shorthand. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #134

When I was in high school girls were put in typing and redstatebluegirl Nov 24 #299

Me too. But I can't do it fast now. raccoon Nov 24 #313

Unfortunately, I forgot it very quickly LeftInTX Nov 24 #342

Printed circuit layout using tape and permanent ink on Mylar film. keep_left Nov 23 #48

Sounds fascinating and beyond my ability, keep_left. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #138

No, not beyond anyone's abilities, really. Just heroically dull, but a necessary... keep_left Nov 23 #152

Yep I did that a few times dwayneb Nov 25 #423

Need computer skills upgrades bucolic_frolic Nov 23 #49

Yes, all skills of illustrators BigmanPigman Nov 23 #50

BigmanPigman I bet your cards are beautiful Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #92

B-P I hope you decide to share photos of some of your creations FakeNoose Nov 24 #255

I've tried to post them but it never BigmanPigman Nov 24 #312

Good on you. I wanted to be a f/t freelance illustratior, but it never worked out....Did some.... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #364

I think what I did for years was make Christmas, or mostly New Year cards by making one master card, then xerox them... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #373

It's very time consuming, no matter BigmanPigman Nov 25 #400

Oooo, 3-D card designs; sounds great! electric_blue68 Nov 25 #407

Love this thread, Diamond Dog. It's a great walk down memory lane. ☺️ Hekate Nov 23 #54

Thank you, Hekate! Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #141

Mine is snowybirdie Nov 23 #55

Very difficult to master. My mom used it when she was a secretary. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #147

Making fries at McDonalds. usonian Nov 23 #56

Ha ha ha Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #148

Those were the days. usonian Nov 23 #150

My husband worked one summer at a box factory while in college Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #153

I remember when those McDonald's hamburgers were 15 cents! FakeNoose Nov 23 #187

I seem to remember these prices. usonian Nov 24 #197

Now you pay several bucks just for the milkshake. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #218

Great -- I'd peg these prices for the late 60s or early 70s FakeNoose Nov 24 #257

Fifteen cents puts it 63-65 ish LeftInTX Nov 24 #344

Stone tool manufacture. Climate Crusader Nov 23 #59

I will make a note to remember to call you first, Climate Crusader. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #154

Cool. So you mean (called); flint napping? electric_blue68 Nov 25 #365

I can still make metal parts on a manual mill or lathe. House of Roberts Nov 23 #64

Sounds very impressive, House of Roberts. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #155

Yes. Straw Man Nov 23 #65

I know exactly what you mean, Straw Man. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #156

Thanks. Straw Man Nov 24 #203

Listening, apparently. Comprehending emails or reading to the end. underpants Nov 23 #66

Do you think we all have developed short attention spans, underpants? Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #158

I think some attention goes inward. underpants Nov 24 #230

What you said sounds familiar. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #245

I used to be good at redlining which is where you mark changes in documents LetMyPeopleVote Nov 23 #67

Computers have taken over so many jobs. Some for the better and some times not. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #161

I perfected those same skills, Diamond Dog, but managed to roll with the times . . . Journeyman Nov 23 #68

That's very discouraging, Journeyman Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #164

I was a beast with a slide rule...... lastlib Nov 23 #69

Me too! Dear_Prudence Nov 23 #119

I'll bet they were gobsmacked with your slide rule demonstration, lastlib. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #166

Proportion wheels for sizing photos or graphics up or down work much like them. brush Nov 23 #169

That proportion wheel was like an extension of my right arm some days! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #246

Yep, indispensable. brush Nov 24 #249

Ha, I was just going to make a post about the Proportion Wheel before I saw this! 😄 electric_blue68 Nov 25 #367

Waaaaaay back my dad had one. I tought they were pretty cool.... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #366

Hand written notes in patient records. 3catwoman3 Nov 23 #71

I totally understand, 3catwoman3. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #167

Counting back change madamesilverspurs Nov 23 #73

Back when I worked retail, my partner Dick and I were older than the other workers. FuzzyRabbit Nov 23 #100

Counting back change is a lost art! Or skill. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #170

How to count back change was one of the first things I learned ... Jeebo Nov 24 #274

Oh! I was really good at this way back when! mindfulNJ Nov 24 #316

I worked at microfilm company for my first job nini Nov 23 #77

Is microfilm still used for anything nowadays? Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #219

According to google it is nini Nov 24 #229

no one was faster than me at a cash register before scanners came along. The Wandering Harper Nov 23 #81

I worked at a department store in the summer a few times between high school and college Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #144

10 finger typing. Laptops ruined it as I now only use around 7 or 8 to type. sinkingfeeling Nov 23 #82

I hear you, sinkingfeeling. It's the same with me and my IPad. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #220

10-key by touch and run a perfect tape pnwest Nov 23 #84

I'm on that list, too. nt Ilsa Nov 23 #190

There are still employers that want that TexasBushwhacker Nov 24 #317

Hmmm, I was close to 10 key by touch...I did it w my.... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #370

Dang! That's impressive pnwest Nov 28 #440

The vasectomy obsoleted one particular skill. I love those five kids who don't look like me, anyway. keithbvadu2 Nov 23 #85

So you're saying you're totally obsolete now? Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #238

OK! A wee bit of joke and keithbvadu2 Nov 24 #253

Oh, you! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #259

Strange reply. LilElf70 Nov 23 #88

Your story is quite compelling, LilElf70! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #221

In law school, I spent hours learning to use the Shepard's Citations, TomSlick Nov 23 #89

Sounds like it ended up being a win for you, TomSlick. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #236

Indeed. TomSlick Nov 24 #320

Drafting Rigpa108 Nov 23 #90

I remember ink on vellum. Those really took some skill! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #237

Yep did lots of rapidograph ink on vellum dwayneb Nov 25 #420

I could line up typed text on IBM Selectric and lift it off LSparkle Nov 23 #91

I can use tens complement to subtract with a mechanical adding machine! struggle4progress Nov 23 #95

Very impressive, struggle4progress! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #261

Interesting thread JustAnotherGen Nov 23 #105

PL/1 programming LeftInTX Nov 23 #117

Not sure what that is, LeftIn TX but if it's computers, I am sorta dumb. It sounds impressive, though. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #263

I don't have any job skills that aren't obsolete. (n/t) DJ Synikus Makisimus Nov 23 #121

Haha thanks DJ Synikus Makismus Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #273

PAYING WITH CASH! BOSSHOG Nov 23 #130

You and me both, BOSSHOG! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #278

I hit the ATM and I'm off BOSSHOG Nov 24 #310

I know exactly what a paste-up artist is ... I did the same work for about 15 years FakeNoose Nov 23 #135

I worked in a small printshop too back in the day as a paste-up artist. Also learned... brush Nov 23 #171

Nowadays the art school students don't get any of that practical training FakeNoose Nov 23 #185

I briefly taught graphic design at one of thos for-profit colleges when me and my wife... brush Nov 23 #195

Good for you, brush. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #265

We didn't have any training like that in art school, either Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #279

See my post #368 we were lucky to get a great course in early 70's electric_blue68 Nov 25 #374

That was my story,too, brush. My first job out of art school (art major) at Kent State. Diamond_Dog Nov 23 #191

Those union journeymen make good money. Guess they're called journeywomen now too? brush Nov 23 #194

No, we were called a "journeyman" even back in the 70s. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #240

Heehee. That would raise an eyebrow or two. brush Nov 24 #243

Another story Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #262

Well now, at least he was pleased to see women doing the job. All the jobs I've had I've worked with and... brush Nov 24 #269

I also had more than one of the old-timers tell me Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #275

Cool! electric_blue68 Nov 25 #375

Hmmm...golden rod paper thst sounds vaugely familliar. Kind of (duh) yellow orange?... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #369

Yeah, it is, or was then at least, the yellow-orang paper that you taped down on a lightbox over the neg... brush Nov 26 #438

Ah, I didn't use on a plate...but I used it for something once or twice electric_blue68 Nov 26 #439

Yes, FakeNoose! A little bit of everything. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #239

I took a class at Art College to learn how a printing house worked... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #368

Your teacher did a nice job, you received a great background in offset printing FakeNoose Nov 25 #382

It was a fabulous class! Yeah, obsolete now...Another cool thing he taught us... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #429

Typewriters wryter2000 Nov 23 #136

They make good weapons! LeftInTX Nov 23 #184

Yikes wryter2000 Nov 24 #251

Yuck! We in a specialized art & music HS were marched off one semester... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #371

I was a pasteup person for a newspaper. Jeebo Nov 23 #137

Reading upside down and backwards, now there's a skill not too many people have! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #264

Keypunch operator LogDog75 Nov 23 #142

Sounds like you were both fast and accurate, LogDog75. That's a real skill there! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #296

After having read the newspaper I work for the last fourteen years... jmowreader Nov 23 #143

Counting back change properly happybird Nov 23 #146

I used to do Seatch Engine Optimization I'm sure that will be taken over by AI. kerry-is-my-prez Nov 23 #151

How did you do Seatch Engine Optimization? After google came in, it change web design amatuers... brush Nov 23 #173

I had web position gold and then hired a webmaster who had a bunch of linking sites. kerry-is-my-prez Nov 23 #188

You definitely need empathy and problem solving skills to be a good counselor, Kerry-is-my-prez. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #223

TCAM and VTAM Gore1FL Nov 23 #157

Sounds very technical, Gore1FL. Good job! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #276

Mechanical Draftsman RainCaster Nov 23 #159

I was once a designer on a newpaper art staff that had designers, cartographers, air brush artists... brush Nov 23 #175

Oh my yes I had a whole set of Rapidograph pens. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #266

DD it seems we had very similar careers. It's a pleasure conversing with you on these experiences. brush Nov 24 #268

I feel the same way, brush! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #271

Ruined quite a few shirts with those Rapidograph pens lol dwayneb Nov 25 #422

I was lucky. Most of the time mine didn't clog up often but... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #434

Rapidiographs! Loved them! It was my dad's neighbor who introduced them to him, then me. I never did ask what he did... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #419

My Dad did all that too when he was an engineer Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #277

I was a bookstore savant. Aristus Nov 23 #162

I certainly would have patronized any bookstore where you worked, Aristus. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #244

Great place to meet the love of your life! Aristus Nov 24 #250

One of the most fun jobs I've ever had Lulu KC Nov 25 #397

I was a sheet metal layout-man for years. Laying out patterns for ship ventilation duct. maveric Nov 23 #177

Computers have made us all more efficient but maybe they make things too easy! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #272

Oh, let's see. OldBaldy1701E Nov 23 #179

But the world still needs actors, writers, singers, musicians, etc. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #280

The definitions have changed. OldBaldy1701E Nov 24 #314

Well, we value your insights and stories here at DU Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #318

HOPE NOT! I'm a LAWYER. I do remember how to ARGUE! elleng Nov 23 #181

Good legal arguments are never obsolete! I'm very impressed with your career, elleng Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #281

Patents IMPORTANT, and 'unusual' specialty. elleng Nov 24 #287

I'll bet you had some interesting holidays around the dinner table! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #290

We were spread out, geographically, and age-wise, so 'limited' holidays together, elleng Nov 24 #294

TY elleng. Your family all must be very smart! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #295

Really enjoyed so many of the responses. NoMoreRepugs Nov 23 #182

How to work on selsyn transmitter and receivers duncang Nov 23 #183

Has AI made editing obsolete? greatauntoftriplets Nov 23 #189

Had a paper route when I was 13.. Permanut Nov 23 #192

Same here! Abolishinist Nov 24 #198

Neat story and, yes, how times have changed. We had a 'paperboy' when I was young, too. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #282

Loved hitting the porch just right! Dr. Shepper Nov 24 #227

And ya rolled 'em too, right? Permanut Nov 24 #270

Medical transcriptionist/Editor vsrazdem Nov 23 #193

That's sad, vsrazdem. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #283

I operated a telex when I was in school dlk Nov 24 #196

I'm afraid I don't remember what a Telex machine is either, although I've heard of them. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #284

Here you go dlk Nov 25 #391

So, kind of like sending a text! Thanks! Diamond_Dog Nov 25 #392

I ran one in an office. Just like text, somewhat. Srkdqltr Nov 24 #289

Xerox repair and maintenance Zambero Nov 24 #199

I'll bet you had a big dry cleaning bill, Zambezi! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #285

Transcription samplegirl Nov 24 #200

Was it medical transcription, samplegirl? Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #286

I started my career in banking and finance, keeping track of balances using a calculator, spreadsheet paper and a pen BlueWaveNeverEnd Nov 24 #204

I remember when calculators first came out, remember how expensive they were? Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #297

first they were very expensive and kinda big. then they got small and banks were giving them away free BlueWaveNeverEnd Nov 24 #311

No, but I'm beginning to wish I did. DFW Nov 24 #207

Well, it's great to be in demand, DFW! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #291

After ten years, it was great DFW Nov 24 #306

UI development with PowerBuilder Shermann Nov 24 #208

That would go totally over my head, Sherman. Good going 👍 Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #298

Reasoning John Shaft Nov 24 #210

Sadly there a huge lack of that around today. You should hire yourself out, John Shaft. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #301

A couple come to mind TexLaProgressive Nov 24 #213

Well done, TexLaProgressive! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #302

One of my uncles had an oscilloscope in his basement. I was fascinated by it! electric_blue68 Nov 25 #376

Ha! I went to school mindfulNJ Nov 24 #216

I'm afraid I can't answer that question, mimdfulNJ! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #303

Don't worry mindfulNJ Nov 24 #315

Journalism Kid Berwyn Nov 24 #222

Very true, Kid Berwyn. Diamond_Dog Nov 25 #386

Same as you. Paste-ups & mechanicals kskiska Nov 24 #225

For my PhD studies Dr. Shepper Nov 24 #226

Gregg Stenography transcription after taking direct dictation... Jrose Nov 24 #231

Gregg Shorthand GreatAuntK Nov 25 #379

That was my first thought! Mossfern Nov 24 #234

I am good at customer service on the phone moniss Nov 24 #242

moniss, you are so correct. Customer service is a lost art! Good for you! Diamond_Dog Nov 25 #385

I'm so old I know a time moniss Nov 25 #394

Film Handling and Processing neeksgeek Nov 24 #247

Some skills really stay with you! Thanks neeksgeek! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #300

Pour and fit bearings. Turbineguy Nov 24 #256

Those are two widely differing professions, Turbineguy. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #305

Shorthand. mimeograph machines. Non-computerized cash registers. niyad Nov 24 #288

Those are all disciplines that take brains and patience, niyad! Good for you. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #307

Data entry. valleyrogue Nov 24 #304

Yes, technology changes so fast. Good for you seeing the writing on the wall and pursuing another field. Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #308

FORTRAN programming The Madcap Nov 24 #309

Hey Diamond Dog. I also did paste ups & mechanicals the old... electric_blue68 Nov 24 #319

It looks like there are several of us graphic arts professionals here, electric _blue! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #325

Yay, for us! But what are these "keys" you're refering to. Never heard the term used in your context. electric_blue68 Nov 24 #326

Keylines. Mechanicals. Paste ups. All the same thing! Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #328

Ohhhh.. "keylines"...maaaaybe an echo of a memory for that term vs the others! Ty electric_blue68 Nov 24 #335

Master Baiter at lake Ganby, Granby, Colorado during the summers. Hotler Nov 24 #322

Ha ha ha Diamond_Dog Nov 24 #324

Ethics Freethinker65 Nov 24 #329

I was trained to copy-edit and proofread on hard copy Emrys Nov 24 #330

Thank you for that detailed description, Emrys Diamond_Dog Nov 25 #432

Shell script programming MurrayDelph Nov 24 #341

I can fix a television. gay texan Nov 24 #352

One skill that has already declined before ai and which now Meowmee Nov 24 #356

Idk, i think I disagree. While it may be a smaller market (so, yeah, more competition) i believe there'll always be a... electric_blue68 Nov 25 #378

I hope so Meowmee Nov 25 #381

Letting students ai? I don't think that's a good idea either. electric_blue68 Nov 25 #402

Yep Meowmee Nov 25 #412

Some "artists"! 🙄 electric_blue68 Nov 25 #415

VHS tapes albert992 Nov 25 #377

And just when you've finally mastered a new technology Diamond_Dog Nov 25 #387

I hate DVD BigmanPigman Nov 25 #399

I am retired now but I showed up for work doc03 Nov 25 #380

That's always an impressive skill, doc03. Or a lost art. Diamond_Dog Nov 25 #388

Graphics work is the first thing I thought of, too. Ursus Rex Nov 25 #384

I was on the high school yearbook staff too Diamond_Dog Nov 25 #426

Yup shanti Nov 25 #401

Typing on a manual (or electric) typewriter -- Grammy23 Nov 25 #403

I would Rebl2 Nov 25 #404

Truck driver. Emile Nov 25 #406

I had to memorize all sorts of word-processing codes- viva la Nov 25 #408

Flying first generation jet aircraft .. Bo Zarts Nov 25 #409

Skill, nerves of steel, and quick to learn, Diamond_Dog Nov 25 #427

Cut and turn brake rotors and drums DetroitLegalBeagle Nov 25 #410

Hmmm...bc they're so thin do they break more often? Or is the metal stronger somehow? electric_blue68 Nov 25 #418

Materials are better DetroitLegalBeagle Nov 25 #428

Ty got it electric_blue68 Nov 25 #430

Running the powerplant on a steamship. cloudbase Nov 25 #413

Were you in the military, cloudbase? Diamond_Dog Nov 25 #433

Yes, but made my career as a civilian mariner in the merchant marine. cloudbase Nov 26 #436

More than one. Does anyone use Gregg Shorthand anymore? I was also, briefly, a telephone operator back Vinca Nov 26 #437