(Pat)Rick Beatty:  

Life 1971-1972 MTU, a "proper" school year spent growing my hair out, staying out late in "interesting" places, and, generally, not taking life seriously enough... 1972-1974 Ran out of college money. So, I worked all kinds of jobs. From gas stations to machine shops. Though, I sometimes wore a shirt with my name on it, I don't recall asking anybody if "you want fries with that" (?&!*?) ... 1974-1978 USAF. Discovered electronics, and loved it. If I hadn't grown weary of having my hair cut when I didn't need it, and shining (sufficiently shiny) boots, I probably would have stayed in. 1978-1982 FAA. And, NO, I wasn't one of the Controllers that got fired! I was a tech. Eventually working with the Central Computer Complex system. Then, "retiring" as a GS-12. 1982-1984 Due to the "Reagan Austerity Plan" ('83/'84), I decided it was time to move on and opted to contract myself. First stop, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a 2-year deal with Bendix Field Engineering Corp. 1984-1985 Due to a "fluke" (long story), I ended up in the Satellite Communications industry (still contracting). Started in the construction niche. Building the dishes for the "Satellite Link", assisting with the towers for the line-of-sight stuff, digging the occasional trench (Oh, yea. My FAVORITE job !), etc.. 1985-Present Progressed into the integration and test of the antennas & systems (poco mas dinero...). And, eventually got involved in training, site surveys, engineering of the systems, etc. (MUCHO mas dinero). Not to mention meeting my (MUCH BETTER) half on a job overseas, then (eventually) getting married in '92. Regarding the future - then... Now that my (Tech-Heavy) portfolio has collapsed into a laughable sum, I'm working on my SECOND million (I've given up on the FIRST million - har, guffaw...) So much for retiring at 55! Regarding the future - NOW... Since "9-11" I've been heavily involved in the "War on Terrorism". So busy, in fact, that it kept me in those nasty places I co...Expand for more