General Discussion

shanti

(21,720 posts)

401. Yup

Mon Nov 25, 2024, 04:59 PM

Nov 25

Late 70's, I worked for a pension services company, in the file department, microfilming records received. We had to know how to change the microfilm etc. under a black cover, doing it blind. (AND we all had to wear "career apparel", i.e. polyester suits, even though we never saw the public as it was swing shift.)

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electric_blue68

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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