I’d like to learn what people in their field think of when they see something good or bad when they’re not working.
I’m a health inspector, so when I am sitting at a table as a customer, I’ll watch people while I’m eating (not purposely staring, but having a look around the place). I recently saw someone swipe their finger under their nose then go to the self serve station to touch about 8 different handles before walking away. Thankfully, I was already done eating.
When I have to walk through the kitchen to the toilets, I take mental notes without meaning to.
As a ex-first responder, unconsciously doing an assessment of someone I’m speaking to (or not) and internally noting how nice and juicy their veins are.
What are some things you come across in your daily life and what do they have you thinking about?
As a life long systems administrator and it-support person, I’ve naturally been tasked with carrying out fire safety inspections, electrical installations and janitorial duties at my places of work. I’m appalled at how often I see dodgy electrical work or cut pipes leading to other floors when sneaking a peak above false ceilings whenever someone has left a tile off. I think it speaks for the state of our society that hiding dangers from view is preferred and thought of as more “efficient” than doing a proper job that will rarely be seen.
That’s like how Australian houses are like… So many cut corners. I used to live in a house that the sealing wasn’t done properly (or at all) behind the shower. I raised it with the owner who got three plumbers to do assessments (they all had different results…). They ended up doing an entire renovation of the bathroom, and there was so much mould. I was sneezing a lot before they took it all out, and it was nearly unliveable until the dust/mould settled.
I used to drag my building surveyors out on inspections with me, and I learned quite a lot from them. Now the knowledge just becomes part of my inspection (even though I have no powers to order them to do anything about building legislation) and I kindly let owners know that _____ is a hazard and I’d recommend they get it sorted soon if not immediately.
Your knowledge would definitely be an asset when inspecting houses before moving in!