$7.50/hour to start, no benefits.

[toddzilla]

Started looking for a job this week. How can people live on these wages? What a fucking joke. I'm looking back on my work history and wondering what the hell i'm supposed to do now. I've had so many jobs, but I just can't seem to find anything remotely interesting in the paper, which is like 5 pages of ads. There used to be probably 20+ pages. I'm sick of the "trades" but it seems like the only option, I owe student loans and am unable to finish my useless degree in order to get my foot in the door anywhere that pays well. My boss really fucked over my plans for the next year by getting rid of me, I was going to be able to pay off my loans and finish school and now I'm stuck back at square one with even worse prospects than 2 years ago.

I generally try not to come here and spout negativity, but it's just so goddamn annoying to realize that you've wasted much of your life doing whatever comes along.

[LynneSin]

1. I waited tables for 3 years trying to figure that one out

I was lucky to find a restaurant that did offer benefits (they were crappy, but better than nothing). I was able to survive on that and a few odd part-time jobs while figuring out what to do with my life. I had lost my first job that I got when I had graduated college thanks to the first Bush recession. After a serious of really bad jobs I felt that waitering would be better than nothing. It did the trick.

Today I have a great job that I feel is somewhat stable (crosses fingers and knocks on wood).

It's worth a shot!

[toddzilla]

2. so did i

i worked banquets for 3 years roughly. the pay was OK, and i sort of had fun. The biggest issue is basically handing your life over-all weekends, all weeknights with nothing but work. I could never work for tips, i'm not good at being nice to rude people, and most people aren't nice to servers where i worked (rich part of town).

i've applied for a few IT jobs, help desk and pc repair entry level. i know they won't pay shit, but maybe i can get my foot in the door.

[1a2b3c]

3. Think of the $7.50 an hour people who live

in states like CA, WA, NY, and the likes. Expensive states and shitty pay dont go well together.

[wysimdnwyg]

40. Hey, $7.50 isn't too great

in places where the CoL is low, either.

[Robb]

4. Come to Colorado, bump chairs

Be a lift operator at a ski resort for $8.50/hr, and get a free ski pass. :shrug:

[toddzilla]

5. don't tempt me.

the fact is, if my family didn't need my help, i'd probably liquidate some of my belongings and move next week. Of course I do need one of them too, but if things don't get better after the new year i may just friggin leave anyway.

[Ernesto]

12. Where do you live?

[toddzilla]

13. St. Louis, the armpit of the midwest.

[Ernesto]

16. A modest proposal

A UNION construction apprentice program..... I achieved a college degree but realized that it was not the answer. 4 mos ago, I retired @ age 57 @ $70k a year for ever. Sure hard work sucks: it's cold, it's hot, it's dangerous, you have to drive long distances and guess what, your boss could be an asshole. But if you are working within UNION conditions, you will always have your dignity. Remember, Skilled Trades will always be in demand.

[toddzilla]

17. I understand.

I just really don't want to do that kind of work for the rest of my life. i've been commercially painting for the past 2 years and making good money. It's taking its toll on my body and i've developed some hand and wrist pains from it over the last year or so. I may have to do some more of it short term, which was my plan-pay off my student loans enough to allow me to return and change my major to something employable and not unsavory. now i'll have to get awfully lucky to get something that pays enough to live and pay down roughly 5 grand in loans to get me back in school.

[Ernesto]

29. Use your head Todd

Painting is low skill, production intensive trade. There are trades that require 5 years or more of apprentice training. And years of journyman training updates.

[scarlet_owl]

20. 'Aint nothin' wrong with St. Louis!

But I understand what you mean, it's slowly dying. I'd move back in a heartbeat, if my husband could find work there.

[Red State Rebel]

25. Try White Castle, they usually pay better and have benefits...

if you can stand smelling like them when you get home...

[Cleita]

6. Keep the job but get a part time job

bartending or waiting tables. The reason is for tips. You'd be surprised how much that spare change helps. I know it seems like a lot of time, but I did it for years. If you do two different types of jobs, like one sitting and thinking and the other standing and moving, it's not so bad. You can pull between 60 to 80 hours a week without too much stress. If you work your hours out right, you won't lose too much sleep either except maybe one or two nights a week.

[toddzilla]

8. I don't have a job presently

That's what has screwed me. i've worked two jobs before and it's not worth it to me. i'd rather have one good-paying job than to get two crappy ones. My life is joyless enough without giving up my primary saturday stress reliever. i've got 7 grand in unemployment built up, assuming it goes through since they are contesting it (shocking). I just don't understand life to be honest, it seems so incredibly pointless, and has for a long time.

:shrug:

[Cleita]

10. Well, I hope things look up for you.

This is not a good job market, as a matter of fact, I've lived through many recessions and this is the worst I've seen. If I were you I would take what I can get until you can move on.

I once took a crap job as a "filler" in a bad economy and in the long run it turned out to be a good job. My employer just wouldn't give the salary or benefits until I had proved myself to him, except he didn't bother to tell me that. He even offered me the money and perks regularly without me asking for them. Within a year I was making more money than I had at my previous office manager job that I had been laid off of because the company had gone chapter 11.

Cheer up. Not all is bad forever.

[smirkymonkey]

26. I am sorry you are feeling so down

I have totally been where you are and know the feeling of "what's the point" - I felt like I was just working to keep up my own miserable existence.

However, being so low, and hitting bottom forced me to open my mind wider and start to see other options out of desperation. It was a struggle, but things are really starting to come together. Maybe get a part time job that will pay well so you can pay the bills and then try to start doing something on the side to build up a career or business that would sustain you emotionally and spiritually.

I just did that and I will spend my extra time doing things that really interest me, and hopefully things will take off from there. I won't have a lot of extra $$, but I will finally have the energy to think things through.

If you get unemployment, do some volunteer or under the table work just to get some experience or make some connections - which will hopefully lead to some new opportunities. I wish you the best of luck and don't give up!! Maybe you could even run for office!

[solinvictus]

7. I'm sorry to hear that...

My wife and I were in the same situation two years ago. Here, all the major companies use temporary services before they'll offer you anything permanent. We took jobs at $7/hour and PRAYED that our kid didn't get sick because we had no benefits. Hang in there, because it doesn't last forever. We're doing much better now, but I feel for anyone in your situation because I've been there recently.

[Overkil]

9. I was laid-off 18 months ago from my job of ten years........

went from $50/hr to $15/hr. That's the problem with sales. Starting over means starting at the bottom - again. My only advice is never stop looking, even after you find another job

[TreasonousBastard]

11. I hear you, but...

you haven't wasted that much time. You're pressured from the student loans, but other than that you're going through the same crap 90% of college grads did in the past.

It wasn't easy living on under 10 grand a year back in 1970, either, although not as tough as now, but a lot of us had to settle for that to get in the door. It really pissed me off to see kids I went to high school with making two to three times as much working construction. But, that door would even things out after a while.

And then have the door bump you in the ass 20 years later when you thought you were nicely settled in.

Face it, most jobs suck. The real point is what do YOU want to do? If money wasn't involved, what would you want to do for the rest of your life?

Take all the shit jobs you can find for the time being, but never lose sight of what you really want to do, and keep looking for a way to do it. And jump on it when you find it.

The loans are pressing, but you've still got time. You really do.

[toodles_oduff]

14. I wish you luck Toddzilla!

Don't give up! And don't rely on newspaper want-ads alone. Have you tried any of the job sites on the Web? And not to be nosy, but what exactly is your "useless" major? Anything to do with the kind of tech work that's getting outsourced to India these days?

[toddzilla]

15. Exercise Science

I was working towards a degree in exercise science (physiology) I can remember picking it while sitting in an advisor's room and thinking "yeah, that sounds interesting". Only later did i get completely bored with it. I actually worked in that field for a short period of time and found it to be generally pointless and boring to the point of tears. I compare it to my short-lived career as a guitar teacher-nobody really wants to do the work it takes to get results. All I need is like 60 grand to rebuild a few houses and sell em for a profit and nobody would have to bother with me again. I've worked every phase of construction barring plumbing and electrical, worked in restaurants, car dealerships. I was a courier for a week, i've worked at UPS breaking packages, i've done floor stripping and waxing. I'd like a job where i use my freaking brain for a change, but they don't seem to be available to someone with my background.

[notobush04]

18. great economy!

My first post! I feel for you. I am in the same boat. This economy stinks, and what's SAD is that they are bragging about the economy coming back, UMMMMM, one problem, it's so far DOWN that any small gains back that HE has lost it, are a JOKE because to brag like they do, would be something I could see IF they were builiding UPON the jobs created from pre-2000!!!!!!!! There is no reason to brag over an upturn in the economy when you are way below where it should be! HA. God bless us in our searches, trust in Christ to right the wrongs of this administration, GOD will not be light on them for their evil behavior and war mongering... I hope you find a job you enjoy soon. Me too. :)

IHS,
notobush04

[toddzilla]

19. welcome to DU!

:party:

since you're new, i wont go off on "god" and how he'll "help" me.

:puke:

no offense.

[Hypoxis]

21. Two books can change your life. They made me a millionaire

"The 100 Absolutely Unbreakable Laws of Business Success" by Brian Tracy and the 80-year-old classic that is responsible for more millionaires than any other book, "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.
The bottom line is this: In America, success is there for the asking. You can thank me later! Cheers.

[toddzilla]

23. your definition of "success" is vastly different from mine

I am in no way looking to become a millionaire. i'm looking to not dread my day at work, and have enough money to get a modest house with 5 acres outside the city limits with enough money for a few toys now and then. find someone attractive and mentally stimulating and live in relative harmony for the rest of my days. success to me is just having enough time to enjoy the few things that make me happy, and it has very, very little to do with financial rewards. i'd be perfectly happy to make 35k a year forever as long as i didn't hate my job.

[Hypoxis]

32. I'm sorry.....I thought you were bellyaching about your low-paying job

with no benefits. I was offering you some inspiration on bettering your lot. So don't be a millionaire. You can get where you want, then put the brakes on. And Jesus, why you do assume you would hate your job. I'm wondering if you have a negative attitude in complete need of overhauling.

[toddzilla]

33. because i've had 25+ jobs maybe?

most work sucks, plain and simple. and i don't think it's negative to not be all that interested in devoting myself to accumulating vast sums of money. If money was my #1 priority in life i'd probably have much more than i currently do. I know it isn't that hard to make money, but the times in my life when i had lots of extra money weren't any more fulfilling than the times when i was scraping by. i'll probably check out those books, but i doubt they are going to fit in with what i'm looking for out of life. I know just as many unhappy wealthy people as i do unhappy poor people.

[Loonman]

22. It's a tough ol' life

Lived on $7.50 per hour for almost a year.

Ate more Ramen Pride than I like to mention.

[Zero Gravitas]

24. Welcome to Bush's America

Brought to you by Cheap Labor Conservatives.

[Aristus]

27. Have you tried delivering pizzas?

My step-kids both do that and make some really good money. My stepdaughter is able to support herself and her son on her hourly and tips. On a good night, you can make close to $75 in tips alone. Some places offer a 'per run' sum, usually a dollar, so that little bit can add up when combined with your paycheck and tips. Depending on where you work, you may have to take phone orders, make pizzas or salads when you're not on the road, but generally, you're left alone. Your job is to drive your car, and you can listen to the radio or the stereo while you do it. No bitchy boss looking over your shoulder the whole time.

Give it a try, my brother. You never know what will happen. And hang in there. :thumbsup:

[toddzilla]

30. i delivered pizzas for over a year

tore up my car, got two speeding tickets and worked every night and weekend. the money is alright, but no thanks.


a little known fact about delivering pizza- if you have an accident on the clock your insurance won't cover it because you are using your vehicle for commercial purposes without telling them.

[alwynsw]

28. A simple solution

Take any job that you can. Look for a better one during your off time. I've found that if you can get 2nd shift, you have most of the day to job hunt. It's an old saw, but true nonetheless: you gotta crawl before you walk.

Fast food? I, too, laughed at fast food. A HS classmate of mine stared at McD's in the early 70's doing the usual entry stuff. He went to school during his off time and got his degree, then his masters. Damn! He still works for McD's! Only thing, he's now a VP with a 6 figure income. He definitely was NOT the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he did understand that it takes effort to move ahead.

Many employers, myself included, value a strong work ethic and dependability as much or more than brains and innovation. Regardless of one's abilities, dependability is more valued. It's simple enough: get to work on time, ready to work, do your work, do a little extra that isn't in your job description and you'll find that advancement happens quickly.

There are exceptions to this. If you choose a unionized trade, your upward path may be blocked by seniority rules. You can still beat the seniority issue by doing the right things to get yourself noticed by management. You can find yourself promoted right out of the collective bargaining unit in a hurry if you show promise (I did). If you choose to work for a small family business you will likely never be promoted very far up the ladder because there's always a "Junior" waiting for the job.

Before anyone howls that I'm anti-union - just check with Teamsters local 104. I used to be a steward there, withdrawn in good standing.

on edit: I finally got tired of working for the other guy, did the entrepenurial thing and am now retired.

[toddzilla]

31. I'm sending out resumes and trying to keep an upbeat attitude

I guess the biggest problem is my whole family situation is a disaster, sister is on permanent medical leave for bipolar/depression. mom is on disability for emotional issues and obesity and my brother is actively trying to do everything to screw up his life. at the end of the day most of us are worn out from trying to help everyone else get through. at least i have very little living expenses even if i hate my living arrangement (at home after operation 2 yrs ago.. still stuck here)

while i'm not really worried about making enough to live on since i have a broad range of skills, i worry that it's just going to be an existence and not anything fulfilling.

[onebigbadwulf]

34. That really sucks

I get paid 12 bux and hour to be a TA in college. If I ever have to make less than that ...I pull out the gun.

[AlienGirl]

35. I'm making $7.75

Pass the ammunition...

Tucker

[codebled]

36. 9 bux an hour

thats what i make as a cook in a relatively modest town in Kentucky. started at 8. trying to work my way into management where ill make 5ok and up.

[GalleryGod]

37. Sounds like My P/T "Addendum Job"

Woo-Hoo!

[sasquatch]

38. I used to work for that in Heating and Air Conditioning

This was after I graduated Trade School(high school type trade school BTW) and my boss would tell people that I didn't graduate school. Which of course isn't true he just wanted make himself seem more superior than me. He then turned right around and told people the only reason he hired me was because he knew my Grandpa, that made my fellow co-workers feel like I was incompetent. He later on fired me and I was so pisssed I didn't take any severence pay. I later found out that it comes from the taxes and not from him so I felt kind of stupid for doing that. I got a job later on with Dayton Daily News as a mail room worker, I just stuffed ads is all. I then got my job with Delphi and I've held it for four years. This week will be my last week working with them though because I'll be laid off like everyone else.

[geniph]

39. My husband went through that, and he was 50

He was totally disillusioned with the jobs and career he'd had up to that point. So he started his own home remodeling carpentry and repair business. He's been doing great - working his butt off, but really enjoying the work, and he is very fond of his boss!

You have to be able to afford the business insurance and the bond, but it's not that much money, and the Small Business Association is still able to help some folks out with loans and advice. Selling the business is hard at this time of year, but he had more work than he knew what to do with during summer and fall. And as to not wanting to do that kind of work forever - well, you don't have to when you own your own business; you work to get in a position where you hire help, and you sell the jobs, write up the contracts, order the material, do the measuring, stuff like that, and other people do the labor.

It's worth considering. You sound pretty disillusioned with the business of working for others.