Beachcombing – Challenging Jobs

The job of “helping people on the worst day of their lives” is one way that LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell described police work. He was part of a Rotary Club dinner panel discussion consisting of LA County Sheriff Robert Luna and LBPD Chief Wally Hebeish two weeks ago.

Considering that these police leaders will most probably oversee security for the 2028 Olympic Games, it was an impressive display of solidarity, knowledge and professionalism. What I learned that evening was that the Secret Service will serve as the coordinating agency between all three during the summer event.

They spoke about the challenge of getting new officers at a time when their staffing levels are at record lows, due to recruitment, attrition and budget constraints. Police officers are challenged daily with being recorded by cell phones and their own body cameras. They often must make split-second decisions that may alter their careers.

Given the disastrous Palisades and Altadena fires, followed by the week-long demonstrations over ICE activities, it’s hard to imagine having McDonnell’s job. Since he lives in our neighborhood, I know that it’s not a 9-to-5 activity. It’s a rare day when he is not featured on local TV newscasts.

My daughter, Mindy, used to babysit for another neighbor, Jim Cox, and I’m not so sure that I’d like to have his job either. A Long Beach State graduate, Jim is an American keyboard player, composer, arranger, music director, producer and performer. Mindy says that he is currently working with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band.

The part that I wouldn’t like is the band’s extensive travel schedule, which this past week included Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Delaware and Virginia.

On the other hand, it’s impressive to learn that Jim gets to rub shoulders with superstars like Elton John, Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Aerosmith, PINK, Henry Mancini, Neil Diamond, Ringo Starr, George Strait, Linda Ronstadt and many more.

Likewise, being a professional baseball player can be taxing with injuries and 162 games per season. The good part is that players get to rest half of each year.

One job that I’d never want is that of a politician. You get elected with more than 50% of the vote and your popularity goes down from there. Kissing babies is okay; kissing behinds is not.

During my career I’ve sampled more than 30 different jobs, ranging from a fast-food worker to a disk jockey to an electronics technician. The most enjoyable part was in marketing communications, which involved worldwide travel and having my own company for almost 50 years.

One of my favorite employees once gave me a coffee mug as a gift that read “I’m the boss. People think that I know what I’m talking about.” That pretty much sums it up. Most importantly my career has always been fun.

Speaking of fun, here’s a sampling of things to chuckle over:

• Whatever you do, always give 100% unless you’re donating blood.
• What do you call a sleepwalking nun? Roamin’ Catholic.
• What did Snow White say when she came out of the photo booth? Someday my prints will come.
• A girl said she recognized me from her vegetarian club, but I’d never met herbivore.
• I’ve finally told my suitcases there will be no holiday this year. Now I’m dealing with the emotional baggage.
• If you’re not supposed to eat at night, why is there a light bulb in the refrigerator?

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