Florida isn't bad at all, the problem is the job market is saturated. To the op I'd suggest getting a job serving or bartending which is easy work and you will make a lot plus have plenty of time to figure out things like what to actually do with your life or take some classes. About 4 years ago my girlfriend (who was a server), worked way less than me and made more. Granted I now triple what she makes but I also work my ass off compared to a server and basically my work is my life now. Just in the past couple years have I gotten to the point I can save and invest, but sadly I mostly just spend and blow more money now. Which I need to stop doing. But Florida has so many service industry jobs that is where I would go if I were a female looking to make good money fast. I've not met a server that makes under 30k, and they never seem to work. They think 8 hours is a long shift.
Swallow your pride. Half of life is what you know, the other is who you know. Don't be afraid to take help like that. And about all the talk about jobs and socialism and what not. I became a mechanic right after high school because I enjoyed it. Then I realized wow this is really hard work to do every day, and started going to night classes. 7 years later got a bachelor degree. Student by night, mechanic by day. Couldn't find a good job. So I went back to cars and said alright.. well this is what I'm doing now because of this economy and so I'm gonna go balls out and dominate everyone. Now I'm a foreman and one of the top guys in my company. I was homeless in 08 and 09 while I tried to 'use my degree' and wallowing in self pity about how unfair the world is. Now I own a house, 2 nice cars, and money in the bank. Hard work DOES pay off but it takes extreme sacrifice, dedication and time. It doesn't happen overnight. For example I worked from 8 am to 10pm today, in the rain and wind on a car that was tied up on an outside lift under some ineffective awning. I went in this weekend to get the shop caught up. The only person who is going to pull you out of a hole is ultimately yourself, fuck relying on the gov't that is a copout. And I believe that skilled trades are making a resurgence in that they are now once again highly respected as opposed to looked at as blue collar trash. And they are recession proof for the most part. For example you said you do all the housework and don't seem to mind. Incorporate and start a cleaning business then. Play your cards right you could have several crews working for you 5 years from now while you basically sit back and collect money.
Cleaning houses really isn't a bad suggestion, especially if you live in or near a nice upper middle class area. I have a friend who just started doing that because she can't find work with her degree and she's making decent money.
Sometimes you have to take a crappy job until you can find a good one. I agree with deviate. You need to find some skill set to make yourself marketable to employers or start your own business. What interests you?
Well I got a call today while I was at the supermarket from a medical licensing office for a data entry job. I have an interview this thursday. First call I get in months and it was from one of the craigslist jobs I applied for. Can you believe that? I applied at around 100 places through either the company's websites, careerbuilder, or monster, but nothing. I try craigslist, and get a call within a week. Thanks for suggesting it because at least I'm getting a shot at a job now.
YAY!! I know you can do it. Earn that moolah baby then you can move onto something else that comes along if you wish. At least you will be paying bills & banking some cash
Haha yeah. I'm a nervous wreck when under pressure though. I hope I don't come off as too freaked out and unprofessional. But thanks for the kind words I appreciate it.
Well, know your worth ya know? No one can shake that if you just keep in mind you would be a valuable asset to any team. You're a very nice young woman and would be a great addition to a medical office. Dress professionally!
Dress professionally, practice some general answers to questions you know they're going to ask (why do you feel you would be a good fit here, etc..questions generally asked in every interview) and also I always find it really helpful to come up with 3 or 4 questions to ask about the company, company culture, and your specific job. Interviewers eat that up, it makes you look really interested in the job and it also takes some of the heat off you while they're answering your questions. It makes the interview much more two sided and it makes it feel more like a conversation than an interview.
^ Meliai is right. I ask about their turnover rate (don't want to get in with a revolving door), how long their employees have been with them, their future goals, how soon they are looking to fill the position. Offer up your skill set that doesn't necessarily pertain to the role you're applying for, yet could be helpful in the office (answering phones, filing, assisting the office manager with tasks etc). You could move from data entry to admin assistant. This opens their minds to you for more positions/promotions from the start. Things offices like: timely arrival, accuracy, organization, confidentiality (in a medical office its very important!) and respectful demeanor for patients, efficiency and ability to self start/manage and prioritize well on your own.
and I'm always weary of potential employers asking about good oral skills. Makes me think they have alternative motives.
All very good advice. You don't know how much this helps me. I actually have never had a real in-person interview. My last job was my first real job and it was a recorded phone interview and even that was nerve-wracking. I am eager to ask more questions about the company but I didn't want to come off like I didn't know anything about data entry lol Ahh just so nervous!
I have a soul-sucking job. got no other choice at the moment. repetitive shit and ppl dont really treat us like equals... more like slaves. like... my friend was nearly arrested a few days ago while working...for working... because he is black. WTF
Well, the interview went well. The woman was very nice and she told me about how the job would be, asked me some questions, and told me she'd let me know by tomorrow evening. She also asked if I'd be able to start on Monday if hired. I said yes. It looks good.
Awesome girl!! I'm so happy for you. First "real" in person interview under your belt I will send positive thoughts your way in hopes that you get the job
Thanks guys. Seriously, happilyinlove, you have some mojo lol you told me to try craigslist and days later I'm that much closer to a job. Thanks a lot