If I'm passionate about building models what careers would I enjoy?

ruddratt wrote:

There was (and with modeling still is) nothing quite like the rush of looking at something you've created with your own two hands and saying "Yeah, I did that!"

I would check with a large museum and see what kind of jobs they have.

There might be some need in the prop rental business, like for parties or conventions.

The movie business is pretty much going to computer created graphics.

Like others here have mentioned turning a hobby into a business may have unintended consequences.

At one time I built computers systems until my clients began expecting me to be their software expert/support person even though all I sold them was the hardware. Of course they also considered the lifetime software support to be included the original price.

Ideally a job that pays well, provides lots of time off, gives you a chance to travel (car, plane, tank museums, model shows etc) and an excuse to buy lots of little tools.

If you find that job, please let me know what it is. Mine only provides the travel and that is a when and where I'm told to go and not much time to stop and check stuff out (except for the fire engines, airtankers and helicopters).

Other considerations might be jobs that provide you access to the 1-1 subject you like to model. If you like civil aviation a job at an airport might be good, if its ships a job at a large port, cars a job at a dealership or as a mechanic. Similarly jobs that provide you with tools and knowledge that carry over into modelling can be good as long as it doesn't make modelling a drag for you. I'm thinking something like computer drafting which you might be able to use to design scratchbuilt parts, metal plating or etching which you could use to chrome plate parts or make your own photo etch parts etc.

Of course it helps if you like the job too, we spend too much of our lives at work so it helps if it at least isn't something you hate, if its something you like then even better.

Personally I'm thinking some sort of royalty would be nice, nothing fancy, low enough that they are not dragging you around for the crowds too much, but important enough that you could easily swing a ride in the latest tank, maybe squeeze off a few rounds at the range. I've looked and Monster dot com doesn't have any listings. Its almost like you have to be born into the job or something.  

i would say first if you could find a job that would let you check out the forum  like on a luch or coffee break,like many of the guys here

second, stay out of retard i mean retail   believe me if i could do better i would not be in it . i was thinking that a requirment for a (you want fries with that job) is going to a tatoo shop for a big L on your forehead

I second what Hawkeyehobbies says. If you're modeling as a job, then it's work and not a hobby. I'm an amateur woodworker and love it. But the few times I have taken on commission pieces, it has been a real chore to get through them.

The best advice I could give someone getting ready to enter the workforce is to find out what you're good at and what you enjoy doing. Then throw yourself into it and learn all you can about it. Spare no time, money or effort in learning to master your craft. And if you happen to become one of those lucky people that love what they are doing for a living, then you will have no job. Just a passion.

Good luck.  

That's what I'm talking about. I think another example is a dentist who also gets to work with "models".

 With two airbrushes at my bench, all kinds of hoses hanging, all kinds of tools, etc. I'm surprised how much my modeling shop looks like a dentists office.

I'm a goldsmith by profession, and a lot of the tools I use at work are the same as the ones I use on the model bench.  Small drills and burs, files, rotary tool (though the one I have at work is MUCH nicer!) and scribers.  It seems that my job makes me better on the bench, and models make me better at work.  AND, I get to wear a visor ALL day!

Well, except when I am driving...

Seriously, the best choice is something unrelated to modeling. A job that allows you to use it as a means of relaxation and enjoyment...not one that makes it turn into WORK. Many of those who have taken their hobby into a business have discovered modeling has lost its appeal.

If you are good with math, computer and want to remain working with models, then I suggest learning how to do 3-D modeling. With the increasing popularity of the 3-D printers the demand will increase for people who know how to get the most from them. 3-D modeling has many applications, all of which will allow you to pay the bills.

Without money, we all know what limitations that imposes...no cable, no car, no stash, no women, no food, no computer etc

It may be a "grass is greener on the other side" thinking on my part, but...

My wife is a school counselor, and I'm in the newspaper business. While she certainly works hard, the fact that she has summers off and Christmas and spring break really makes me wish I'd taken a different career path. More time to model, less time in the office.

Now- I make more than she does, so there is a trade-off.

But I've kicked around the thought of going back to school so I could be a history teacher.

Anyway....

Something with a flexible schedule, and good time off, certainly. I am able to work a consistent, 9-5(ish), M-F schedule, so that helps.

Of course, the schedule I'm really digging is my dentist. His office is open 9-5 M-W, and 9-12 Thu, and they're off Friday through Sunday. Plus he has all sorts of little drills and tools that could work well as modeling tools!  

Sociopathic Axe Murderer?

Sorry! It's late, I'm punchy, and I couldn't pass up a straight line like that!

Seriously: any career that allows you sufficient time for your passion.