Where are all the jobs?
I need some advice from some of you more experienced people. I've been looking and applying for jobs since I got layed off while on medical leave. The problem is, I live in a small town that doesn't have alot of employment to offer. I have applied for positions in the bigger, nearby cities. I am now running into the problem of not living in the "commuting area" for some of these positions. Can't move until I have a job, can't seem to get a job unless I move. Big catch 22!! Anyone have any suggestions?
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I know you've probably heard a butt load of "advice" here, but I can relate to trying to find a job in small towns.
If you apply for manufacturing, I believe it helps to be a woman. Turnover is much higher for men. Women know they NEED the job to provide. Men are generally much more arrogant and lazy. Sad, but I think it's true.
Next, think big. There are a surprising number of Fortune 1000 businesses located in small Podunk little towns. These companies provide better health insurance and benefits, plus better pay. Most of these companies prefer to keep a low profile. They see it as a liability to have a big public image. It says "Hey, work here! We have deep workman's comp pockets!" Some of these are divisions of big corporations but do business under a brand name. For instance, ITW (Illinois Tool Works) has a factory in town under the ZIPLOC name.
Finally, think creatively. Each small town has a bunch of businesses you normally don't think about. Once you extend your range, in directions you normally, don't travel, there are many more businesses. Five years ago I found a job in a town I always avoid. I had no idea there was such a business down there until I met the former plant manager at church.0 -
Interviewing for a job is an ancient form or torture. 0 -
"(One of)My ex(es) got a court order that required that I support her and care for the Kids, until she graduated from college and got employment in her field.
You could probably do the same.
Do all the Children have the same father?? "
Doug0 -
try www.indeed.com good job engine 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Dave W.
quote:spanielsells
Advanced Member
New Zealand
8663 Posts
Posted - 08/03/2007 : 9:15:15 PM
Honestly, I've been looking for a job for about six weeks now, and I'll have an MBA in three weeks. You'd think that it wouldn't be difficult, but it is. There's a lot of people looking for the same jobs as everyone else, and everyone wants gobs and gobs of experience.
BTW, I live in a metropolitan area.
An MBA is interesting, but it's 2007. An MBA doesn't really tell an employer anything more than a degree in general studies did ten or twenty years ago. I would think at this point or very soon in the future an MBA would be less employable than a high school graduate.
Outragous you think?
Well here's why:
A high school grad will do any unskilled job and be more than happy with 8-10 dollars an hour working 50 or 60 hours a week.
An MBA grad will EXPECT 80-100K+ and on thier own terms as far as work week, benefits, and location are concerned.
When you started your MBA in 2005 (BEST GUESS) did you ask yourself what value it would hold in 2015? Or how many schools would be offering totally meaningless MBA's by 2010, or even by your graduation date?
I'm not being rude, but man, I like her odds as a mother of three children and perhaps no formal education or notable skills in a small town, then the odds of an extensive, but perhaps undfined formal education in a major metropolitian area looking for near or above six figure salary.
It is also interesting to note that you list your GB forum membership with New Zealand as the place you call home, but you reference the Denver area in many previous posts referencing the blog that you write. As I am quite familiar with New Zealand, if you do in fact live there, it's not a giant suprise that nobody gives a poop that you now have an MBA. Nobody in Tasmania is likely to care either.
Who peed in your Cheerios?0 -
You paid into the MGIB...use it! By being a single parent of 3 you would also qualify for PELL grants out the wazoo, in addition to state aid. You would be able to go to college full time and have daycare paid for your kids, have money to put a roof over their heads and food on the table and clothes on their backs. The extras and "indulgences" can come after you earn your degree and find suitable employment.
As mentioned, you live in a hot bed for government and defense contractors. Most are looking for technical skills, but they are also hiring for pretty much all positions. Depending on the severity of your alcohol related incident, you may still be able to attain a Secret clearance. I have known a few people with DUIs that were able get a secret.
I was in your boat 9 years ago as a single father of 1 and this was the advice offered to me. I was too proud and too stubborn to take advantage of the opportunities that were available to me back then. It took me 6 years and 5 jobs to finally get my feet back under me and settle back into a "career" after coming out of the AF. Had I taken advantage of the help that was available, I would have had my Masters by now and be much better off!
Good luck to you and yours, it can be trying, but it does get better. There are alot of helpful programs out there if you are willing to reach out and help yourself.0 -
quote:Originally posted by scrumpyjack
You paid into the MGIB...use it! By being a single parent of 3 you would also qualify for PELL grants out the wazoo, in addition to state aid. You would be able to go to college full time and have daycare paid for your kids, have money to put a roof over their heads and food on the table and clothes on their backs. The extras and "indulgences" can come after you earn your degree and find suitable employment.
As mentioned, you live in a hot bed for government and defense contractors. Most are looking for technical skills, but they are also hiring for pretty much all positions. Depending on the severity of your alcohol related incident, you may still be able to attain a Secret clearance. I have known a few people with DUIs that were able get a secret.
I was in your boat 9 years ago as a single father of 1 and this was the advice offered to me. I was too proud and too stubborn to take advantage of the opportunities that were available to me back then. It took me 6 years and 5 jobs to finally get my feet back under me and settle back into a "career" after coming out of the AF. Had I taken advantage of the help that was available, I would have had my Masters by now and be much better off!
Good luck to you and yours, it can be trying, but it does get better. There are alot of helpful programs out there if you are willing to reach out and help yourself.
Good point... Pell Grants up the wazoo.0
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