Job seeking advice

[Doomy]

I am a Generation X-er and have had trouble finding a decent job. The job people at the state agency told to get my GED, so I did. it has not helped me in the least. I read the freepers bragging about the unemployment rate being as low as when President Clinton was in office. I think that is bull shit. Just try to find a job and I am a white 32 year old guy. Just think if you were black. I am willing to work but the only jobs are like labor jobs like at construction sites and it is just to hot. No way I am washing dishes or working at the Wendys up the road. I tried waiting tables but I have hand tremors from being a stoner and other drugs a long time back and I can't carry a tray of food. My brother works for the state and he gets good money but they aren't hiring. I'm just kind of lost. I need some ideas. Does the government still have job training programs or did bu$h cut that out to?

[Droopy]

1. Truck driving, brother

I've pointed another DUer in the right direction in that regard and I can do the same for you. Trucking jobs are plentiful and if you are willing to work there are a number of companies that would like to have you.

[Doomy]

3. Hey!

Thanks. I will check it out. I'm a good driver and only one ticket and no DUIs or anything. A couple of guys around my RV camp drive trucks. I will talk to them too. Great idea.

[LastKnight]

2. its a tougher market than

(un)employment stats will tell you these days. my advice would be to start carpetbombing your local employment agencies with resumes for any and every job, worst that can happen is you get turned down, which isnt anything new for a job-seeker these days.

same goes for buisnesses. carpetbomb with resumes, anywhere you might even have the slightest thought of it being worth working... type up a resume and not just a generic one... make it specific to that company, to the person handling new applicants if possible. sure it takes alot of time... but then again... its usuially worth it.

best of luck.

[Doomy]

5. Thank-you

you are so nice. I can write a resume because I have had some jobs. Mostly working at convenience stores but it will show them that I am willing to work.

[Flowerchild73]

4. I don't know about the government and job training

But I'd suggest trying a customer service-like job.

Not high paying but at least there are some benefits and you'll be seated at a desk(no trays to carry or tables to wait on).

Sorry you are so down on your luck!!

[Doomy]

6. It's not so bad

but thank-you. Any kind of decent cash would be good. My expenses are low because I have a free RV at my uncle's RV camp. Hook-ups too but no cable only dial up. I was going to try to work for my uncle but the town now may take over the RV place. I talked about it in another thread.

You are all nice people.

[Deja Q]

7. It's not lack of dignity if you don't want to work at burger slop.

Those are for teenieboppers and are entry level jobs. Again, for teenieboppers as they're entry level workers.

And our elderly should have a decent government-ran plan; they made it this far in this shithole of a society...

I would love to do construction. Hot, yes, but it keeps the body moving and it'd build up a tolerance.

[Lindsey]

8. I work at a very ethical career college/vocational school and

we have classes during the days, nights, and weekends. Almost everyone qualifies for financial loans -what you have to pay back or grants - what you don't have to pay back. If you got some trainig in a field - that could really be your ticket to job security (if you got in the right career). If you have any interest in the medical field at all, the jobs are numerous and are projected to be so probably until we all are on the other side. You might just check into all that's available but if you decide on a school, make sure they're fully accrediated (their literature will give you all of the details plus you can look them up on the internet). There are also schools for mechnanics, electricians, and many other trades. If you have ANY gravitation for the allied health field at all, I HIGHLY suggest it. Good luck! :-)

[Doomy]

9. I had a construction

job for a week digging concrete footings for the new Target they were building last year. It was just to hot and I passed out. Plus the Mexican guys worked much faster than me and the foreman got on my case so I quit. There was this guy Miguel who worked like mad but he had a wife and 6 kids. He was a nice guy. I got no one so I wasn't really mad but I won't shop at Target. Walmart either.

[fleabert]

16. ?

okay...

drink some water next time.

[JimmyJazz]

43. I think you may have missed a stereotype....I'm not sure which one,

but there HAS to be one you missed. :eyes:

Nice racist comment, too.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

44. The Mexican with six kids? check.

Immigrants taking a menial job from a real American? check.

I'm sure there's more...

[JimmyJazz]

45. I have an advanced degree, but when I moved to Pennsylvania

and didn't have a job right away, I worked at Perkin's Pancake House in order to have a paycheck. I guess this means I'm not a liberal :shrug:

[Kathy in Cambridge]

48. I worked 3 jobs when I got out of grad school in the Bush 1 economy

I waitressed, bartended, and worked in retail.

[JimmyJazz]

49. I guess you aren't a liberal either.

:P

[Kathy in Cambridge]

50. No, I'm a red-blooded 'Murikan

I had no health insurance at these jobs either.

[datasuspect]

54. hate to say it

but i saw in the first post . . .

didn't want to say anything though

[northzax]

55. hey, at least he acknowledged

that the immigrant was willing to work harder than he was.

[Old_Fart]

67. Asian American here

Do you want a laundry job :popcorn: What does your heritage have to do with it? There are NO JOBS to be had in the United States of Republicans :think:

[Mr.Green93]

10. Check with Social Security

You may be able to get SSI disability because of your tremors.

[Doomy]

11. I never thought of that

thanks I'll check it out. The best job I thought I was going to get was with a package delivery company but I had something in my blood called TCH in the blood test so I couldn't work and I don't have any
medical plan so I didn't go to the doctor to check it out. I guess I am ok because that was 2 years ago.

[OKNancy]

12. Do you mean THC?

I'm sure given your history you know what that is...or were you joking?

[Doomy]

20. No I was not

joking. Yes, THC and they looked at me real funny and hurried me out of there. I failed the drug test to but the blood thing scared me.

[fleabert]

26. thc is the drug test...it's pot. nt

[Doomy]

57. Oops

I feel real dumb. I didn't know what to say at the time.

[Goldmund]

75. Dude, you can't be for real.

[radwriter0555]

13. Take a bath, change your clothes into something decent and read

craigslist.org and get out there and do something.

How the hell did you manage for the past 15 years?

[Nikia]

14. Really, it isn't so horrible working fast food

I worked part time at a fast food job after I graduated from college when I only could get a temporary job. After the temporary job ended, I worked there close to full time until I could get another job. There were some other adults: several parents with children who worked during school hours, a couple older retirees, people with other jobs, and people who were doing it interim after being laid off or something. There was also a good management team. The general manager was middle aged and had always worked for the company. He made $45,000. The assistant managers were in their early twenties, about half with some kind of unfortunate past. They earned a salary of $20,000-$25,000. During my year there, one was promoted to general manager at another store. Another quit for a job selling cars and became successful at that.
Starting out, it is hard work for little money, but you could advance there if you try. If you want to do something else too like training, they are usually flexible with schedules if you tell them in advance. It is also a good job if you continue to use drugs since they don't test (I don't know if this has changed in some places though) and usually don't care because they have such high turnover anyway.

[Doomy]

21. Wow

that kind of money. I didn't know that. I'd be set with that kind of cash.

[fleabert]

15. I say suck it up and take the construction job...

you will learn some valuable skills, and you will have an income.

The post office is almost always hiring as well, but it can take awhile to get thru the process. take the construction jobs until you get something better. any theme parks in your area? they are usually hiring seasonal labor this time of year, since turnover is quite high. Better to show employment SOMEWHERE on the resume, rather than a blank space.

there's also nothing wrong with washing dishes, or working at Wendy's. Honest work is honest work.

[Doomy]

22. Thank-you

for your post. It was very nice and incouraging.

[fleabert]

34. friendly word of advice...

you mean to say encouraging...make sure and hit spell check when you do those resumes, spelling errors are sure to put yours on the bottom of the pile. We all rely on spell check, no one is immune from mistakes.

[Tsiyu]

17. If you need money - and we all do

You take what's out there. Washing dishes, scrubbing floors, whatever. You don't have to sign up forever - just enough to get you in the job market.

How have you been making it for 14 years?

[SammyWinstonJack]

46. Really!

My husband at 40 was digging ditches for a landscaping company for five buck an hour, and I was working in a convenience store making the same wages, I was 39. Both jobs were temporary thankfully, but at the time, we did what we had to do to survive. NO shame in that!

[salin]

18. GEDs generally are not much help, unless they are used as a stepping

stone to more education. Are there any community colleges or technical schools in your community? Maybe one of those "ick" jobs wouldn't be so bad (they do oft have flexible hours) if you were taking classes at the same time - so that you would be working towards a particular career. Often in those programs are paid internship opportunities that are a great way into entry level positions (which by their nature "entry" often lead to some sort of career track/path within the organization.)

Not sure about jtpa programs (first bush era job training programs) - but there is americorps - low pay - often work in a nonprofic sector- but earn tuition for school, and often get some decent experiences that open doors to jobs.

[Doomy]

19. Thanks for all the advice

I have not been doing much in my life. I hung out to many years doing nothing and living at home. Before I knew it I was a lot older than some of the kids we were hanging out with. That is when I knew I had to do something besides hanging out. Then I got my GED nad moved out and got some jobs like the FastyMart working for Hassan. I am going to get it together and make my life better. The truck driving thing sounds real good and I talked to Willie who lives behind the RV office who drives a truck and has his own rig. I still think it is hard to get decent jobs because of bu$h but you all have incouraged me that I can get it done.

[salin]

29. Good luck

and commendations - havingn worked with kids on the verge of dropping out of school, I know that it gets harder and harder as one gets older to go back to school, be it to prepare for the GED - or more - getting more advanced education (be it towards a college degree or towards technical (job skill specific) training. You have done the first step - but let me encourage you to consider - in your longer term planning to consider getting more advanced training or education - it is hard work - especially while working simultaneously - but it opens many, many more doors in you future. Before you know it you will be 40 - wouldn't it be nice to have better job prospects at that point that you do right now?

[Goldmund]

76. "FastyMart working for Hassan"

Is this Hassan guy somebody we should know about?

[Old_Fart]

68. When all else fails

You can use them as toilet paper :rofl:

[AmandaRuth]

23. get some computer skills

either on your own (I taught myself excel using the "dummies" book) or thru a community college. At the very least learn Word, Excel and Power Point. Try to change your appearance so you look professional and business like - try to cover any tattoos, if you have any, and take out any piercings. Go to every temporary agency in your area. They will test your skills, especially the computer programs I mentioned above. The good thing about doing temp work is that you will be in a variety of environments and it will help you get an idea of what industries/type of work you like, and what additional training you may need to succeed in those jobs.

[Catchawave]

24. Go to your local state employment office and see

if they offer career counselling? Or job training programs in federal, state or local communities.

And get rid of that negative attitude !

[AmandaRuth]

25. does anyone think we are being had here?

I didn't notice the THC comment above when i posted my first reply.

[Droopy]

27. It has crossed my mind

But I'm going to give the guy the benefit of the doubt.

[Tsiyu]

28. I was certain from the OP

and I'm more convinced now, that someone is trying to pulls someone's leg, since quite a number of stereotypes seem to be featured.

Time heals all wounds....and Shannon and that other dog ( damn Mr. Scorpio! i must go back and memorize those pups' names) can sniff out stuff we can't so.....I'll reserve judgement...

[fleabert]

33. King...nt

[Tsiyu]

59. Thanks XO n/t

[progmom]

30. uh yup

:hi:

mos' def.

[salin]

31. yes, however because I have suspected that before

and been incorrect - I still try to work from a sincere space - though with a tailored caution.

And yes - I sorta thought (as OKNancy said) you have got to be kidding... but - then again - I have known some folks who really have had some limited information ... (including a student who didn't know for six months that she was pregnant - was heavy, always had irregular periods - and really didn't have access to information... and for whatever (sad) reason - no one had raised the question in conversations with her. She was young - and it was more than just denial... she did get (belated) prenatal care - but I learned from the experience that some folks really don't have access to information - in what we tend to consider as pretty basic info.

That said - I do read such things and deal as such a little more skeptically and keep an eye open - to see how it pans out.

[fleabert]

32. right there with ya...

Shannon and King are at the gate...

[Lilyhoney]

36. I posted before I read your post

and I stated that the post seemed suspect. But that may be becauses of my thc.

[Doomy]

38. Sorry people

but my situation is for real. I'll just say thanks for the advice and today I am going to work on the things you said to do.

[cap]

39. frankly it doesnt matter to me...

if the guy is the world's biggest druggie, he still needs to eat...
Starting to look for meaningful employment is a first step towards sobriety... and we dont even know if this is an issue or not.

He's got a tough road to hoe these days... 32 GED. It aint easy.

Just a side note: if you're looking for a job, stay off drugs for over a month to get it out of your system. THC indicates pot. No dope till you're employed...and then, not even then, if they have periodic drug testing.

[Tsiyu]

58. His "being a druggie" is not in question

There are "other" personality types that MIGHT create a problem.

Fasty Mart and Hassan??????- and Willy behind the RV office ???????kinda tell all, don't they? :wtf:

I mean, we've got every freeper stereotype in this post. God, I wish those goons would get lives and stop thinking of MORE and BETTER ways to look ignorant and waste our time!

DUDE: THE JOB MARKET DOES SUCK!!!!!!!!!! But it ain't CLinton's penis' fault and no. just because there are plenty of shit jobs out there doesn't mean the economy is thriving. It means the opposite!

Why do you hate America?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

63. Bravo!

:applause:

[Tsiyu]

66. Same to Ya' Kathy!

:headbang:

Amazing, aren't they?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

42. Absolutely

:eyes:

[ScreamingMeemie]

52. I think this is the typical freeper 'acting like what he thinks a liberal

is' post. Let this be removed, but I hate to see people being sucked in. Now, I'd say more, but I have to get to work at my gainful, good paying job. And me a liberal even. :hi:

[Goldmund]

78. Some of us are LOL

[Lilyhoney]

35. I bet walmart would hire you.

But seriously grocery store is a great place to work. I grew up poor so I always worked where the food was. Work in the meat department and you could make decent money. You could do night time stock work if you work better by your self.

But I must say your post looks suspect to me.

[RebelOne]

37. Go to a temp agency.

I worked for one and they can keep you quite busy. Sometimes temporary jobs can become permanent.

[JimmyJazz]

41. I think you need to read his entire post. He thinks liberals

are all government supported, uneducated stoners :eyes: Did he miss any stereotypes? Oh yeah - maybe if he cut his hair, he could get a job. :eyes:

[ScreamingMeemie]

53. He forgot to put his conversation with the nice lady at welfare in there

too. :hi:

[Doomy]

56. Hey

wait a minute. I didn't say anything like that. I am really taking in what you guys say. If you grew up around here there isn't that much to do and I am going to get a job and change things starting tomorrow.

Again thank you for the advice.

[JimmyJazz]

60. Certain aspects of your story don't exactly ring true - IMHO.

Hand tremors are a result of DT's from alcohol and certain other drugs, but I've never heard of hand tremors from needing to smoke pot. Nice try though.

[datasuspect]

61. yep

and yep.

i've smoked pot on and off for 20 years.

no hand tremors.

sounds like some dragnet or health film-inspired propaganda.

i'm surprised he didn't call it "grass."

[Kathy in Cambridge]

64. Or reefer madness

:o

[Lilith Velkor]

80. He did mention other drugs

I think he might be bullshitting, but I have met people who are that burnt from acid and/or speed. He does seem sincere in trying to correct his ignorance, so I give him the benefit of the doubt.

[Old_Fart]

69. We are all lazy

:rofl:

[JimmyJazz]

40. Oh fer fux sake - you have a GED. What kind of job are you seeking?

You are 32 years old - go get a construction job. Too fuckin' bad if it's hot outside.

Nice try. BTW - we aren't all stoned slackers.

:eyes:

[Tsiyu]

62. Nice!

:thumbsup:

[JimmyJazz]

65. Back at ya on your post!

:)

[DS1]

47. Hey peeps, sorry it's been so long since I rapped at ya

/The Cruise
//The Onion

[ScreamingMeemie]

51. A job is a job. Is a job. Go get one.

:hi:

[Old_Fart]

70. He got one

Digging graves :rofl:

[Tsiyu]

71. Good job, all!

Another one bites the dust, and another one gone and another one gone..... :headbang:

[drencrom]

72. work is work

Looking for a full-time job *is* a full-time job. Get out there and pound the pavement. It's all part of our lovely society with no safety net. Enjoy!

[NawlinsNed]

73. Don't take this personally

But you need to step WAY to the back of the line if you're looking for any decent job opportunities. You have no high school diploma, you haven't gone to college, and for all I know you have no tangible skills whatsoever. There are tens of thousands of college graduates out there who don't have jobs.

You may want to get some votech training or take a job at a supermarket or big box if you don't want to be involved in heavy labor. Those stores love people who never went to college and they pay well too if you can stick it out for the year or two it'll require before you get bumped up to a department management position.

if your diction is fine and you've shown in the past that you can be fairly responsible, perhaps you could find a position as a recruiter for an employment agency. You'll be on the phone all day, but you'll make what you earn, which can be pretty significant.

As either a store manager or a recruiter with 5 years of experience, you'll earn near or over 6 figures, but you're probably never going to find a great paying 40 hour a week job because there are too many people with your skillset out there. Supply and demand.

Other than that, I don't know what to tell you. If you haven't learned by now, if you want to earn a good living, you have to put in the effort. There's no quick fix.

[Misunderestimator]

74. Isn't that cute... coming here to portray your RW image of a liberal...

Hope you're enjoying your rest in peace.

[Goldmund]

77. No shit

:eyes:

"Doomy" -- what he meant to say was "DUmmie".

[LoZoccolo]

79. Doomy has been tombstoned.

I started thinking "why 'Doomy'?" Then it hit me that it's very close to DUmmy, as FReepers and CUckoos like to call us.

[kikiek]

81. I had to come back and see if he was tombstoned. He thought he was

so slick. Good job.