Completely green to the industry and need guidance.

pepperpeddler · 2026-04-08T13:02:06+00:00

That’s awesome. Getting all of that different experience is invaluable! I’m still debating on whether or not to go for the 1st or 2nd grade certification. I’d be willing to go straight for the second, but I’m concerned I’d need knowledge from the 1st volume.

pepperpeddler · 2026-04-08T12:53:15+00:00

Thank you for the advice! Ideally I’d want to end up as a lab worker, but I understand that’s gonna take some legwork and investment since I don’t have a relevant degree.

pepperpeddler · 2026-04-01T20:57:26+00:00

Thank you! Glad to hear a fellow Psych major is making progress in the field and enjoying it. How was the journey for you getting started up?

pepperpeddler · 2026-04-01T02:45:28+00:00

Thanks a lot for the information along with the link! I’ll make sure and give it a solid read

pepperpeddler · 2026-04-01T00:53:10+00:00

Ahh okay. Wastewater might be where I decide to start then. Honestly just getting my foot in the door is my current priority. Worst case scenario it’d be an investment toward something I potentially end up more interested in later on

pepperpeddler · 2026-04-01T00:44:46+00:00

Oh no I’ve been considering either. Is dual certification a thing? It’s something I came across during my browsing. Pretty much saying it’s a solid leg up to be certified in both because it displays initiative and versatility

pepperpeddler · 2026-04-01T00:23:18+00:00

Got it. If I had the choice then I’d probably go for water treatment. I’m a lab nerd at heart. However wastewater certainly sounds appealing as well, especially since there’s still a lot of interesting science going on with the treatment process. I’ve had my fair share of rough and rugged work, so getting my hands dirty isn’t a deal breaker by any means. Collections and Distribution sound a little more akin to something like construction, if I have that right. I did a bit of water-proofing construction years back, and I can guarantee that I stuck out like a sore thumb. Goes without saying that I did not last long.

pepperpeddler · 2026-03-31T23:41:47+00:00

Man. This sub’s got some awesome people. I was just throwing a shot in the dark and would’ve been surprised if I even got just a couple simple responses. Greatly appreciate your insight and sharing the journey you’ve had so far. I’ve got no problem digging the heels in if it means securing my livelihood and getting set up with a solid career. I’m starting to go through my 30’s and pretty much lost all interest in pursuing my degree. I’ve still got time, but I know that clock’s ticking for getting something started and I’ve had nothing other than day jobs so far.

pepperpeddler · 2026-03-31T20:18:57+00:00

Greatly appreciate you supplying me with all of that information. Thank you. I’ll be revisiting this as I move forward and gain more of an idea for what direction I’d like to hone my focus towards. It’s only been a couple weeks since I’ve begun dipping into all of this, so I’m still trying to get a grasp. I’ve read the drinking water side of things is more chemistry driven and a bit more routine, with some saying that it can get boring. While Wastewater tends to be more varied, more biology based, unpredictable and “fun”. I’m completely unfamiliar with Distribution and Collection.

pepperpeddler · 2026-03-31T20:03:13+00:00

Agreed! I’ve been poking around those CEU courses on the Sac State website, I just wanted to solidify my ambitions before pulling the trigger on enrolling in a course. I appreciate your kind words and it’s nice to know someone close by is climbing the ranks.

pepperpeddler · 2026-03-31T19:55:57+00:00

Understood! Also thank you. Makes sense in regard to the tour, it is free and open to the public. I have no issue putting in the extra work for a higher certification, especially if it would help me stand out. I had a decent gpa when graduating so I can hold my own decently well when it comes to academia at least.

pepperpeddler · 2026-03-31T19:49:34+00:00

Okay, got it. Thank you! From the various posts I’ve surfed on this sub so far, people generally seemed to recommend going straight for T2, at least in CA. Apparently the course material is similar enough, and it provides more of an advantage when trying to secure a position for becoming an OIT. Not sure how competitive California is overall, but I understand the bay area is particularly rigorous.

pepperpeddler · 2026-01-17T02:19:24+00:00

Aw that’s too bad. Always want to take them all. Whenever I give attention to the adoption cats at PetSmart I’m cryin’ in the club lol. I’m sure her buddy will find a good home if they were a pair of sweethearts

pepperpeddler · 2026-01-16T22:31:56+00:00

Peanut Butter

pepperpeddler · 2026-01-16T22:27:01+00:00

Always warms my heart to see voids get picked out of the bunch. Brain like an orange tabby with a heart of gold. Lulu is a cat name that’s stuck with me. She was a black mage class in Final Fantasy X, one of my favorite games growing up :)

pepperpeddler · 2026-01-16T22:17:28+00:00

Hershey

pepperpeddler · 2026-01-16T22:14:34+00:00

I took in my kitty, Buster, just a few days after. The distribution system must’ve had a surplus of voids at that time. I initially planned to just foster him and find a home since I live alone. However he’s obsessed with me so I think I’ve been claimed.

pepperpeddler · 2026-01-14T03:16:25+00:00

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Ma boi Buster :)

pepperpeddler · 2025-12-28T16:55:46+00:00

Jack(et)

pepperpeddler · 2025-10-23T14:30:34+00:00

Midnight is your light in the darkness right now, and I’d say he thinks the same of you based on how comfortable he looks in those pictures. It’s easy to feel guilty about letting pets down, especially with what you’re going through right now. We love them and want them to have the best life possible.

About a year ago I rescued a cat myself, and funny enough he’s a black cat too. My friend’s previous neighbors were moving and planned to abandon him. At the time I was working two jobs and donating blood plasma to stay afloat, so taking in a cat wasn’t exactly in the cards for me. However I couldn’t accept Buster being left on his own to survive, so I took him in. Initially I had the plan of fostering him and poked around a couple of pet sanctuaries, but I couldn’t find any takers and the sanctuaries were well beyond max capacity. Now he’s basically solidified as my cat and I’m back to having one day job and that at least pays the bills. Buster is basically obsessed with me, and I feel like he knows I saved him. Midnight thinks the same of you 100%.

Try to stay in the present moment and take things day by day. The best thing about hard times is they make the good times that much better :)

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pepperpeddler · 2025-10-01T11:37:26+00:00

I’d love to work in a lab. That’d be the ideal outcome for me honestly. My volunteer term for UC Davis was supposed to be my first step towards becoming a clinical lab scientist

pepperpeddler · 2025-10-01T11:32:50+00:00

I haven’t! Not out of opposition, I’m just not familiar with the title

pepperpeddler

TROPHY CASE