Finding a job...I was deluded

[Ironbar]

Laid off from a great paying, but incredibly high stress job in November 2009. Decided to go back to school to learn a new career, only to find that the only jobs available in said career path are for people who are already IN said career field, and have umpteen years experience. There are ZERO entry level jobs available.

I used to say to folks that if I ever got laid off, I could find a job doing SOMETHING very quickly. I was deluded. I have oodles of experience, a great attitude, a stellar work ethic, and I can't even get hired on as a part time cashier at Bi-Mart! What the hell is wrong with me? I've made it clear to employers that I'm looking for long term employment! I don't want to work for some place until something better comes along. I want a whole new career. I don't care if I have to start at the very bottom! I'm smart, flexible, and reliable. So why the hell can't I find a job?!

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[MikeE]

Brother, it ain't you, its the system. Can any of your skills be used for self-employment? Will people hire you on a contract basis to get projects done? If so, then figure out how to keep that flow of new projects coming.A simple business plan WILL work. First step, figure out who you customers would be. Next, how do you interest them. Then, how will you get the work done.
I've been self-employed since 1984. Hasn't always been easy, but at least I can't fire myself.

 

[Ironbar]

Not unless you know anyone with a need for an independent eligibility specialist.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

I am out of work with a computer science degree, years of being a technician, and many years of construction experience. I am also a master tile setter. I am about to start a new biz making wood related products including self defense walking sticks and other items. We shall see

I was self employed for 20 + years before both my current businesses failed

 

[Mark W.]

I see ads and wanted signs all over the place for Drivers with a CDL. granted you can't drive what I drive as an entry level position (every year we get Over the road drivers that try) I drive construction dump truck for a paving company. But there appear to be a lot of driving jobs. Might look at that as an option. I make 20.00+ an hour and most weeks are 45+ hours. Delievery drivers can make a lot more hours then I do.

 

[MikeE]

Not unless you know anyone with a need for an independent eligibility specialist.

What does an eligibility specialist do?

 

[Toxic6]

I feel you ironbar-I am having a hell of a time finding work myself.....

 

[samuelm16]

im gainfully employed but young and ready to start my own business while im not struggling instead of waiting until im forced to,now just need to get my contractors license, anybody need any gate operators installed? haha

 

[Glockman19]

Any of you have Commercial Building maintenance experience. HVAC, Electrician, or mechanical knowledge of Air Handlers, Exhaust fans, Scrubber systems, Boilers, involving greasing, belt changes, replacing bearings on fans,motors ect., Welding Machining. If so Pm me my company is hiring.

 

[deen_ad]

I am out of work with a computer science degree, years of being a technician, and many years of construction experience. I am also a master tile setter. I am about to start a new biz making wood related products including self defense walking sticks and other items. We shall see

I was self employed for 20 + years before both my current businesses failed

30 years with the WA DOT, 20 years engineering and 10 years IT manager. Equiv of a Masters in Civil Engineering and a AA in Computer Managed Information Systems. Contract work for US Bank, US Forest Service, Freightliner (set up a 2 SAN's for them), Network manager for a packaging supplier to NIKE.
Now I'm doing evening security work for a retirement center at minimum wage. My unemployment was double what I earn now.

 

[Ironbar]

What does an eligibility specialist do?

For about 15 years I determined eligibility for disability benefits including General Assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid, long term care such as nursing home, adult foster home, and assisted living. For 3½ of those years I determined eligibility for long term disability benefits through a large insurance company.

 

[Ironbar]

I see ads and wanted signs all over the place for Drivers with a CDL. granted you can't drive what I drive as an entry level position (every year we get Over the road drivers that try) I drive construction dump truck for a paving company. But there appear to be a lot of driving jobs. Might look at that as an option. I make 20.00+ an hour and most weeks are 45+ hours. Delievery drivers can make a lot more hours then I do.

I'm actually seriously considering getting some sort of driver training to do delivery driver work. A friend of mine went in to long haul trucking (which I will not do), and is making around $4k a month take-home with JCT Trucking. He started out with CR England Trucking, but they absolutely rape their drivers with all the BS fees that they take out of their pay.

 

[hatchetjack]

I think age is a factor as well though you can't be told that. I'm 57 and have had a tough go at finding work. I was a circuit board designer till my job got outsourced to Bangalore and the toll of travelling for work took a toll on my family. I was making upwards of $65/hr. Now I'm doing a 3 week temp production job in a distribution center for $11/hr.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

im gainfully employed but young and ready to start my own business while im not struggling instead of waiting until im forced to,now just need to get my contractors license, anybody need any gate operators installed? haha

You install electric gate systems? I will need one in the future if yoiu will work in the Shelton area

 

[Zepoll]

Dude... go to a temp agency.

I lost my job a few years ago... I went to temp agency. They didn't have anything, but graveyard, weekend, part time work. Which sucked because I'm a husband and a father so to be gone when my family was at home sucked. Plus the first work I was offered didn't cover the bills. Not even close and no benefits, overtime, or insurance. But I took it because I knew others were getting full time and benefits and I knew I could out perform them. Every day I was clean shaven, my clothes ironed, and I was early to work every day. I told the schedule supervisor that I "wanted" more hours, but that I didn't expect to get them simply because I asked for them. I knew that everyone was asking for them. I told him to pay attention to me and if he felt that I was best suited to represent the department throughout the rest of the company then to give me more hours.

It wasn't long before I got a better shift, more hours and was offered a full time position with a raise and full benefits.

I turned it down because during that whole time I was working there I was putting in applications and resumes at other places. And when they called my current employer to ask about me, they would sing my praises and tell them about how they were trying to get me on full time there.

Many companies hire their full time staff from temp agencies because it gives them an opportunity to "filter" people without actually hiring them. Most temp agencies have a handful of really good accounts and a whole bunch of crappy ones. Also a lot of people that work for temp agencies are pieces of crap workers. So if you have any self discipline and professionalism then you should out shine them pretty easy. So when the good account calls the temp agency and they need another person they will send you... because you will make them look good. Then you can get hired on permanent.

Also.. if you are putting in papers elsewhere and get hired, then there is no obligation to put in two weeks notice with the temp agency. You just call them and tell them you're no longer available for work.

 

[RVTECH]

30 years with the WA DOT

Just wondering - are you not receiving a pension from the WA DOT?

 

[mjbskwim]

I see ads and wanted signs all over the place for Drivers with a CDL. granted you can't drive what I drive as an entry level position (every year we get Over the road drivers that try) I drive construction dump truck for a paving company. But there appear to be a lot of driving jobs. Might look at that as an option. I make 20.00+ an hour and most weeks are 45+ hours. Delievery drivers can make a lot more hours then I do.

Funny I've never had but a handfull of dump truck drivers that didn't drive at entry level skill
That's in more than 30 years of being in construction.

Back up where? hahahaha.

 

[deen_ad]

Just wondering - are you not receiving a pension from the WA DOT?

Yep, never said I wasn't getting a retirement from them, I said all I could find was minimum wage work.

So, what's your point?

 

[RVTECH]

So, what's your point?

My point is if you ARE receiving a retirement then you obviously are not in the same position as someone who is not. Any argument here?

 

[mjbskwim]

I'm actually seriously considering getting some sort of driver training to do delivery driver work. A friend of mine went in to long haul trucking (which I will not do), and is making around $4k a month take-home with JCT Trucking. He started out with CR England Trucking, but they absolutely rape their drivers with all the BS fees that they take out of their pay.

North Dakota oil fields will hire drives right away. Sure say what holds you back,but there is work for you younger guys(or guys with no pension) and a CDL

I can put down a few excuses here for you
Wife won't let me
Don't want to live in the man camps
It's cold in the winters there
How good is the equipment?

Can't think of more right now but sure you can come up with some.....or just go there and get work to feed your family.
They need carpenters to build housing also
Wally world greeters are making close to $20hr
Mikky Dees is paying about the same since there is more to be made at the fields.

MY son in SoCal (should have him give me some excuses for here) can tell you why he won't go there,but there is good paying jobs there right now. He is a carpenter in the studios down there.No side work at all.No houses being built.Well not many.
Governments(local municipalities) have to cut budgets now.They have to finally cut some jobs that were excess anyway.
Sorry to say it but a lot of the jobs we had were excess.Heck,I put in miles of roads and acres of building lots that aren't being built on. All the utilities are there,waiting for houses.

America was built on the people traveling and pioneering new areas where the jobs were.

Good luck guys

Pension recipient
Mike