Poll - How many here are not surveying?

I actively operate as a surveyor but don't really make any money. :'(

Never employed in the survey industry.

> I actively operate as a surveyor but don't really make any money. :'(

Conversely, I make money but rarely ever do any real surveying anymore :-S

I am not a surveyor. I primarily do other things like drilling and other geo things which require precise locations of where I am at. I currently have one base and three rovers and it is not uncommon for me to spend 50+ hours a week using the GPS equipment but I don't do any "real" surveying.

I have done some contract surveying for other people in my industry but does not amount to anything like what most of you guys do.

> Was thinking about how the bulk of the surveying profession is pretty much retiring.
>
> This website is a great resource for operating surveyors but also a way for retired surveyors to still kinda keep up with the profession and hear some good surveying stories or even chime in on some current surveying questions.
>
> How many are here but don't actively operate as a surveyor for money?

I left a private firm in late 1996 to teach surveying at a Community College and retired from teaching in April 2012. Nearly 18 years since I have "operated as a surveyor."

Working as a surveyor has been my soul source of income for over 35 yrs, 21 of which are self employed. Don't know what else I'd do, but I know it's not likely I'll ever retire.

The problem isn't the surveying, it's the other stuff, especially as a solo. You know - buying & using software, equipment problems, employees, negotiations & ignorant clients, COLLECTIONS, and of course liability. To name a few

Drilldo

I just thought you had mis spelled your name!

N

I earn my living as a surveyor. However, right now I'm posting this reply while I'm waiting for some plat copies to print so I can mail them, with an invoice, to a client.;-)

I've never worked in surveying.

Henry

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary:

c.1400, "to consider, contemplate," from Anglo-French surveier...to take linear measurements of a tract of ground" is recorded from 1540s

So I'd venture to guess that every responder is surveying, just not in the new-fangled post 1540 way.

"a way for retired surveyors to still kinda keep up with the profession and hear some good surveying stories or even chime in on some current surveying questions"

That's me after almost 50 years in the craft. Let two licenses lapse last year but will keep the last one just to have it. Don't plan on doing any more surveys for hire. Surveying has been good to us.

Wife's last day was yesterday so now we can get on with our travel plans. 🙂

"When I survey the wondrous cross..."

Dave

> "When I survey the wondrous cross..."

That sounds pretty traditionally Anglican; may have to learn that one since I'm contemplating swimming the Thames

Dave

Lyrics by: "Isaac Watts (17 July 1674 – 25 November 1748) was an English Christian hymnwriter, theologian and logician. A prolific and popular hymn writer, his work was part of evangelization. He was recognized as the "Father of English Hymnody", credited with some 750 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in use today and have been translated into numerous languages." (Wikipedia)

I have a soft spot for Anglican hymns having grown up with them.

We use Rockingham (tune)

> "a way for retired surveyors to still kinda keep up with the profession and "

I found the "old board" when working for Trimble.

I spent ten years or so doing GIS, Modelling, Simulation and Software. This board and the old one were some of the best ways I had to keep in touch with the profession.

And now I'm back where I prefer, working as a field surveyor 🙂

> Wife's last day was yesterday so now we can get on with our travel plans. 🙂

Congrats to the wife.

Active surveyor for 25 years now for some engineering companies.
Hope to add another 20 active years.

Christof.

I Started working Summers, nights and Weekends for my Dad in 1967. Worked part-time from then until 74, when I started as an instrument man in Petro-chem, pipelines & pumping/compressor stations construction. Made PC in April 75 at the ripe old age of 21. Except for a short sojourn as a LEO in 78-79 Surveying has been almost all I have done in the last 40 years. I currently plan on another 15-20 years of it. B-)

"I actively operate as a surveyor but don't really make any money. :'("

So - you are just incurring liability for no reason?