What do/did you do for a living?


With the increasingly high priced items people own and are selling, I'm curious about the line of work people do or have done. I thought my $5k integrated was a massive investment, but seeing users searching for $100k speakers or $75k SET amplifiers has me curious about the varying lines of work people do to afford these items. 
128x128j-wall
I was a financial institutions lawyer with an emphasis in troubled loan workouts and liquidations.  I've been retired for six years now, and spend a great deal of time listening to my system and my music.  My system is modest by Agon standards.  I have had an interest in both music (of all kinds) and electronics (an amateur radio operator) for nearly 57 years.  My frustration with the hobby these days is that manufacturers  and designers spend way too much time and effort creating "cost no object" components which the majority of us will never buy or enjoy.  I think the real challenge is designing and squeezing out the maximum performance for the least cost, but that is not the trend.  I choose not to pursue six figure audio systems, but rather cobble together components that give me a pleasing sound.  Thank goodness for the secondary market. 

 My son is a software engineer and formerly a classical violinist.  He has no interest in stereo equipment and questions my sanity when I purchase and upgrade equipment.  He is like many his age, he is satisfied with computer speakers and streaming with Spotify.  I do not see many his age entering this hobby.  Just like ham radio, when I attend a stereo show, all I see is other white haired old guys like myself.  At this point in life, I am trying to make plans for liquidating all of this electronic equipment I have acquired so my wife won't be left adrift.  It's hell getting old.       
I fly satellites.... for 34 years now!  Official job title is Orbital Analyst.  I've been an audio nut since my early teens.  In hindsight, I wish i'd have gone into audio engineering.  

In hindsight, I wish i'd have gone into audio engineering. 

@mirolab

I often think this, but then I realize how truly difficult high end audio sales are, and how rare it is to find a startup that goes on to last more than a couple of years.

I think for me, this was better as a hobby than a craft.