THE Post Peak Employment Thread (merged)

[patience]

oilysnoily,

My first college efforts got me a 2 year degree in commercial illustration. This was in the stone age when we actually used brushes, paint and ink to do it. But I went straight on into Mechanical Engineering, because I found out that was where the money was at the time. (1960's) Never been sorry for either of those backgrounds, that tend to augment each other.

I would expect that the future of an artist is the same as it always has been, dependent on commissions.

[graham]

I've asked a similar question before but haw would an enviromental architect fare?

[MidwesternMom]

I'm considering a return to production sewing and wonder what types of sewn items might come in handy down the road. My experience includes, clothing, washable menstrual pads, home decor and I once sewed a tipi. I made not so great money in the past as a seamstress (sewing has been undervalued for a long time in this country) but I have supported myself doing it at times.
I still have a commercial straight needle machine, a domestic model that does everything important except fancy stitches and a serger. (There are two treadles in the attic our landlord said to feel free to bring down for display. To hell with the display!)
Hope people are still visiting this thread and will brainstorm with me.
cynthia

A few thoughts from someone who doesn't know much about sewing - a lot of these are post peak scarcity scenario ideas...

*Shoulder baby slings, washable menstrual pads, specialized (canvas?) lightweight but strong backpacks/shoulderbags/carry bags (like the old messenger shoulder bags and tapestry or canvas carpet bags with both short and long handles) lightweight down-filled or otherwise insulated sleeping bags that roll/fold up, with sewn-on handles at strategic points for carrying/lashing to a pack, waterproofed undercloths for camping, baby crib, etc., unisex medieval style simple pullover tunics, short and long sleeve, hip or mid thigh length, both lightweight for summer and wool for winter, simple drawstring cotton and wool pants and shorts, short and long insulated vests, warm wool capes and thrift shop blanket/wool ponchos, waterproof ponchos, drawstring maternity pants, old-fashioned long unisex nightshirt/tunics, long cotton broom/granny skirts, sets of cloth baby diapers with pins included, canvas or cotton duck diaper bags, maybe with plastic lining, baby plastic underpants for wearing over diapers, with elasticized waist and leg holes would sell well (remember those? - there won't be any disposable diapers) simple felt, wool or fuzzy slip-on footies for casual wear/slippers, of various child/adult sizes, warmer slip on (medieval style? faux or real sheepskin? leather sole insert?) footie shoes for winter, maybe with droopy 'boot' extra fabric that can be left piled around the ankle for warmth, or tied partway up the calf with strips of cloth or leather, unisex boxer shorts, shoelaces, cloth ties for belts, flour sack or cheesecloth/muslin dishcloths/towels, mosquito netting for camping or inside use, - some kind of simple BRA would be an eventual great seller/barter item, especially if you buy that stretchy stuff currently available to also make 'sport bras'.

-Best wishes from one Cynthia to another.

I am also wondering about sewing,I am not that great, but my husband is from india and he knows how to sew on the old non electric sewing machines, not sure exactly what kind. I have debated looking into getting a machine that he can use or me, but not sure where to look for one.

As far as cloth diapers are concerned, there is a whole movement for them and there are some very advanced designs out. Google 'bumgenius' for instance. They are made by a ST. Louis based company making resuable cloth diapers made out of pul fabric. Also wool is excellent for diaper covers, once it is lanolized, that would also be a great way to go as it is a natural fiber rather than the pul fabric.

[MidwesternMom]

i am not sure if this has been mentioned but I think a midwife would be a good po job, imagine, it is actually illegal in some states to birth at home with a midwife, they have been persecuted for a long while, but when things fall apart they will be well sought after imo. Also lactation consultants or those women who have had experience breastfeeding will be of good help. The breastfeeding rates in the US are rising, but most mothers are still only breastfeeding for at most 3 months, which would not be sufficient in post PO times. Also the wet nurse may make a comeback, I mean there are women now sending their breastmilk to south africa for crying out loud, so this is still going on in a way.

[Ludi]

I think all the "Wise Woman" skills will be needed in the future. Midwifery, herbal medicine, healing, counseling, etc.

[alokin]

I guess now woman will have money for breastfeeding advice. If considered as normal (and it will be) you will just do it.
The amount of midwifes needed will be just the same, if they work in hospital or at home and we will not be in a lakc of doctors because they will not die sooner as the rest of the population. (However for a normal birth you don't need a doctor)

If someone can make something of all these old cars.. this will be the perfect job. Welding.
and all sorts of repairing, shoes, handles for tools,...

[skyemoor]

I've asked a similar question before but haw would an enviromental architect fare?

One would think that any new building would have to be very energy efficient, and take advantage of any solar or wind resources, so the next question is "how much new building will there be?"

Buildings will also have to be renovated, and any renovations will also need to meet the same criteria, though they would be less of a blank slate.

So a building energy engineer would likely fare better than an architect, but that's just my 2 cents as a degreed engineer with HVAC training whose designed their own passive solar, PV-powered home.

[graham]

I've asked a similar question before but haw would an enviromental architect fare?

One would think that any new building would have to be very energy efficient, and take advantage of any solar or wind resources, so the next question is "how much new building will there be?"

Buildings will also have to be renovated, and any renovations will also need to meet the same criteria, though they would be less of a blank slate.

So a building energy engineer would likely fare better than an architect, but that's just my 2 cents as a degreed engineer with HVAC training whose designed their own passive solar, PV-powered home.

Yes i've been thinking that as well, but have only been peak oil aware for the last 5 months. I would have prefered to sit a combined honours degree in architecture/structural engineering/enviromental engineering, but there are only 2 universities in the u.k. that provide these degrees and both are almost impossible to get into. The seperation of the architectural and engineering professions is ridiculous and wish more universities combined the two, as its lead to an attitude that architects are irrelevant and the architectural results when the architect is cut out of the loop are usually dire.

Just a second question- how difficult do you think it is to convert existing buildings? The only historical buildings in western countries that have passive design qualites that I can think of, are solid stone folk buildings in the mediterainian and scandanavian (and Canadian?) houses.

[girlscout]

I'm an archaeologist by profession, though I suppose in a PO world I can always be employed if anyone needs a ditch or hole dug in the ground.

[skyemoor]

Just a second question- how difficult do you think it is to convert existing buildings? The only historical buildings in western countries that have passive design qualites that I can think of, are solid stone folk buildings in the mediterainian and scandanavian (and Canadian?) houses.

The conversion of existing building can be thought of in two ways;
- changes in building HVAC, add-ons or minor changes in structure
- major renovations

Changes in building HVAC can mean high SEER heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, active solar thermal, solar chimneys, etc.

Add-ons or minor changes in structure can mean more insulation in the attic, exterior insulation cladding (not always minor), external passive solar collectors (solar window boxes), etc.

Renovations allow a full change in the exterior walls, additions of windows and overhangs on the south side (north for southern hemisphere) and extensive changes in HVAC to include completely different heat delivery mechanisms (radiant floor, split systems, etc).

Solid stone buildings could become quite efficient with new windows and an external insulation cladding, assuming ceiling insulation and infiltration reduction are covered. They might not look the same on the outside, but they'd have a great thermal store to even out diurnal temperature shifts.

[bromius]

I'm a semester away from having my degree in forestry. Being able to effectively manage forest land will be paramount in the future. As fossil fuels become more expensive, many people will turn to wood as a fuel for heating and cooking, as well as a source of raw material for many products.

Another indirect benefit of studying this subject has been an improved understanding of how to care for plants. Learning how to grow healthy trees has definitely helped me to grow a better garden.

I think being peak oil aware will help me be competitive in the field. Like pretty much everything else in modern society, modern forest management practices use their fair share of petroleum derived inputs. Believe that trying to figure out how to get around this problem keeps me awake some nights. I'll post some of my recent thoughts in the timber thread.

[HEADER_RACK]

I'm a semester away from having my degree in forestry. Being able to effectively manage forest land will be paramount in the future. As fossil fuels become more expensive, many people will turn to wood as a fuel for heating and cooking, as well as a source of raw material for many products.

That's what some of us are affraid of.

[bromius]

You can be afraid if you want, but its going to happen. What is uncertain is whether the forests will be used responsibly. I think responsible use should include some definition of sustainability, say for example no net loss in forested area across the landscape over time. There should also be an effort to maintain high levels of biodiversity and habitat quality. Maintaining the quality of the soil will also be paramount. The research I've read has shown that this is both possible and economically viable. In fact in the long run it gives the best financial returns. Then again, if most people made decisions based on the long term, we wouldn't have a world population pushing 7 billion and a dwindling resource base to support it, so I understand your cynicism.

What society does, I have almost no control over. What I do with my land, my family's land and the land of the people who hire me is a different story. There at least I plan on leaving things in a condition equal to or better than I found them. I know several foresters who feel the same way. Hopefully I can help change the attitude of those who feel otherwise as well.

[skyemoor]

I'm a semester away from having my degree in forestry. Being able to effectively manage forest land will be paramount in the future.

Could this degree also prepare you for some aspects of permaculture, such as planning, establishing, and managing stands of nut trees, and/or forest gardens?

[davep]

I'm a semester away from having my degree in forestry. Being able to effectively manage forest land will be paramount in the future.

Could this degree also prepare you for some aspects of permaculture, such as planning, establishing, and managing stands of nut trees, and/or forest gardens?

I can recommend those books as well. Go for just Volume Two if you want the practicalities and are on a budget.

[bromius]

I have not studied the topic of permaculture at school. Some of that might be covered in the urban forestry classes they offer, but I have not taken any of those. I don't want to be an arborist, I want to be a true forester. That was my attitude for a long time at least. Now I'm not quite as sure of that stance.

I'm sure in many ways using trees to produce food is similar to growing a forest for wood production. I'm sure great attention still needs to be paid to factors such as soil type, fertility, depth, drainage etc. Climate is important. So are pest issues. I'm sure there are some unique aspects as well. I will soon know what I don't know, and hopefully relate some of that here as well, because I'm going to buy the book that Skyemoor and DaveP mentioned. I found the set used for about 45 plus shipping on amazon.

This got me thinking about a business a person could offer. Call it Edible Landscapes or something like that. Offer a landscaping service to homeowners that focuses on the planting of species that would work as landscape plants, but also produce edible food. Seems like this wouldn't be a hard sell since a lot of fruit bearing plants seem to produce flowers at some point in the season as well. I think the time might be right for such a thing. People may not be fully on board with PO and transitioning into a totally different lifestyle. However, this could be a good way to make some money personally as well as help build some food producing capacity into the community.

[Ludi]

Call it Edible Landscapes or something like that. Offer a landscaping service to homeowners that focuses on the planting of species that would work as landscape plants, but also produce edible food..

I think that's a really great idea!

Google "edible landscaping"

[Bytesmiths]

You don't want a PO job. You want PO jobs.

A career is the fiscal equivalent of monoculture. Previously, you studied for a career, got a job that if you didn't foul up too badly or too often, you could count on until retirement, at which point, your company or your savings would pay for the rest of your life.

I submit that not only are jobs no longer secure, but neither are careers. You can learn and plan all you want, but if the supporting infrastructure for your career goes away, where does that leave you?

Become a generalist, a jack-of-all-trades. If you have a specialized career, broaden your field to include similar opportunities in unrelated fields.

A career is fiscal monocropping. Diversify!

[ReverseEngineer]

There are only a few identifiable categories of jobs for the post Peak Oil scenario. Being able to fulfill multiple roles better insures your value to the society.


Food Producer- Food producers are involved in farming or fishing and hunting.

Protector- Protectors are military or police

Child Raiser/Domestic- Nurturing the youngest children and taking care of the domestic chores of living from cleaning to cooking

Teacher- Passing on the knowlede necessary for survival from one generation to the next, from the age around 5 to around 15

Medicine Man- Spiritual and Physical health advisors.

Toolmaker/Builder- Producer of hardware for all the other Professions

Entertainer- Musician/Actor/Writer/Artist

Prostitute: The Oldest Profession

Scientist: Investigator of the Unknown

Chief- Arbitrator of disputes, Pathfinder for society


I personally can fill about 6 of these roles pretty well. I'd like to be of value as long as possible. When I can't fill any of them and become a burden to the community, I will give my guns and my bow and my books and my tools and my writings to my heir, and then I will walk out into the woods and give myself up to the Bear. I will not live as a burden to my community.

Reverse Engineer

[Loki]

I think it's important to diversify our incomes, at least for us wage slaves. I don't want to put all my eggs in my employer's basket. I'd like to be self-employed, at least for part of my week.

The idea of a home-based microenterprise appeals to me. Market gardening, and possibly value-added food products, is what I've been thinking the most about, but I'd like to hear what other folks think about the microenterprise idea. Could be anything from home gunsmithing to knitting.

Do you have a microenterprise / small home-based business? What have been the challenges you've faced?