What's employment availablility like in the industry?

[Anonymous]

I overheard two of my superiors this morning discussing my possible medical separation from the Navy. They have yet to tell me about it, and the doctors seem unsure, so I'm not positive whether or not I'm getting sep'd out. So, anyway . . .

I've got a BS in biology, with a wide variety of experience in and out of that field. I'm thinking I might like a change of pace, and you can tell what I do in all of my spare time. What kinds of employment prospects exist? Relocation isn't an issue for me. Labor intensity isn't really critical either; heck collecting in Fiji might not be so bad. Any response would be greatly apreciated.

Cheers.

 

[MaryHM]

Depends on what you want to do. Are you more interested in retail or wholesale? Either way, you'll have to start at the bottom and gain experience and knowledge. Don't expect to get rich. But if you're motivated and love what you do, there's no telling how far you'll go! I started out with a 10 gallon freshwater tank 13 years ago and now own my own wholesale facility. Funny how life works

 

[Anonymous]

Depends on what you want to do. Are you more interested in retail or wholesale? Either way, you'll have to start at the bottom and gain experience and knowledge.

I'd never really even considered the retail side of things. I've never been in a LFS that required much by way of staffing, but then maybe I'm not seeing what you're pointing at.

 

[MaryHM]

Many LFS need good workers. Some are small operations with 1-2 employees, but many are larger with 10+ employees.

If you're interested in wholesale, you'll need to move to Los Angeles because this is where the action is.

Figure out what direction you want to go in and I'll try to lead you down the right path to get there.

 

[Anonymous]

Many LFS need good workers. Some are small operations with 1-2 employees, but many are larger with 10+ employees.

If you're interested in wholesale, you'll need to move to Los Angeles because this is where the action is.

Figure out what direction you want to go in and I'll try to lead you down the right path to get there.

I grew up in SoCal and wouldn't mind going back. Can't be any crazier now than it was 10 years ago. 8)

I expect that changing careers paths means I'm going to have to pay my dues if I expect to get anywhere. Whether that's walking the floor selling additives and cleaning skimmers, rotating curing rock, or getting dive certified and collecting, it's all cool. Five years down the line however, I'd like to have a bit more responsability and a bit more involvement. Needswise, I should be able to support my family, which fortunately my wife is also willing to put the kids in daycare and work, and also to have something that's mentally engaging and provides atleast some sense of job satisfaction.

Somehow when I think of retail I picture high school kids with an afternoon job. That's not what I'm after. I'm a little too self motivated for that. But, again, being part of a much larger staff would be a different thing. I like to be hands on, but I've got good management skills also. I think I might enjoy being involved in mariculture also at some point.

I hope I'm not muddling the issue.

 

[MaryHM]

Let me share 2 examples with you:

Myself:
I starting working in retail, then managed a store, then opened my own. That that took about 6 years. Then I came to LA, worked for other wholesalers, then opened my own. That took about 4 years. I've had this business for almost 4 years.

My new employee:
I just hired my first salesperson. He was a manager for a retail pet shop for many years. I would never have hired someone to sell to retailers that had no retail experience. He will also be in charge of running our coral aquaculture division.

There are two stories of how people moved up and made a career out of this. Maybe some other people on here could share their stories and give you a good idea of what it takes to get going!

 

[Anonymous]

That's very encouraging. I think that retail is going to end up the way to start off.

 

[Anonymous]

Sticky mouse button.