So, I'm looking for a job ...

[Calamity Jane]

and I realized that I'm not really qualified to do anything.

I've got 3 years of college under my belt, but nothing specific enough to be useful, and no degree. I'd love to go back to school, but that's not really an option right now, if ever.

I've worked in food service, in print shops, clothing retail, office supply retail, I've been a graphic designer, a government contractor, a dog trainer, a horse trainer, and a child care provider.

I'm an intelligent woman, a hard worker, independent enough not to require much supervision at all, and I learn very quickly. My resume is beautiful, my references are impeccable, and my attendance record is pretty damn good.

You'd think I'd be able to find a job that I would enjoy, and that would pay me enough money to make it worth it.

No, a low paying job isn't better than no job at all. I have to get a job, there's no option here, but I also have to be able to pay for daycare for my youngest ($400/month), and after-school care for the oldest (about $200/month) I need benefits (we've gone more than 2 years with no insurance at all), and I need to work a day shift so I'm home with the kids in the evenings.

I've never had a hard time finding a job, so it's a little daunting to find out that there just might not be one out there for me. I've even thought about looking into all those 'work at home' schemes I see advertised everywhere, even though I'm positive that they're bunk.

Any ideas?

 

[KillerMuffin]

Do you like kids? Get an in home daycare, MO will subsidize you big time. Your own kids don't count for the total you can watch (5) and don't have to pay to get them watched.

The downside, lots of kids.

The mother-in-law does it 24/7 and she's bringing in over 2k a month from the state alone.

 

[Calamity Jane]

Do you like kids? Get an in home daycare, MO will subsidize you big time. Your own kids don't count for the total you can watch (5) and don't have to pay to get them watched.

The downside, lots of kids.

The mother-in-law does it 24/7 and she's bringing in over 2k a month from the state alone.

I know, I've thought about that a lot. At this point, it was shot down big time by Mr PCG. We'll see if his mind changes when we can't make the house payment on what he's not making.

Edited to say that I really don't like other people's children all that much, and I don't know how fair it would be to watch kids strictly for the money.

 

[KillerMuffin]

Beyond that, I have no ideas for you.

I'm sorry.

I do wish you the very best of luck. And some lovely times at
www.writersmarket.com

What have you got to lose but time and some postage?

 

[Harbinger]

That could be a good choice, even if it'sjust for a year or two. Do you know another person with kids in the same situation? You could both do it together, and help save each other's sanity by covering for each other. Plus, your kids get to be with you, and you save the $600/ month. The state can give you the guidelines for adult/ child ratios, and what facilties you have to have for different numbers of kids.

 

[Guest]

PCG,
If you enjoy kids, you could try day cares or find a list of your non-profit agencies, in the area. I worked for the Boys and Girls club prior to finishing my degree. Libraries are also good places for jobs. If you haven't looked already, try your state's employment commission office- online. There are also social services jobs that are available to those who want to work hard but may not have a degree.
I'm sure with your work ethic, if you get your foot in the door, you'll be hired.
Good luck!

 

[cymbidia]

I can't help you, pcg. I'm in a similar boat.

I'm a teacher.
I have experience.
I have *great* local refs, two of which are school principals.
I am certified to teach a bunch of distinct subjects (all the bio and earth sciences, any history you could name, and geography) to any kid in any grade between 6th and 12th.

Unfortunately, there are no jobs for teachers in my area. I live in an area where the public schools are undergoing a period of "declining enrollment". It's due to the major kick in the nuts the high tech industry has taken in these parts. "Declining enrollment" equals less kids in school (cuz thier parents got fired and had to move the family someplace ele to find work). Less kids in school equals less need for the teachers they already have. Less need for the teachers they already have equals no real hope of landing a teaching job for next year by new hires - even very qualified new hires like me.

I can't move; that's out.
It's too far to get out of my county and go look elsewhere. The commute would kill me - and i have to consider dropping my kids off at school in the morning and picking them up again, too. I do that part of the week, every week.

However, for the first time in over five years, i have to work.

I'm trying hard to wrap my head around the thought that i might not get a teaching job for next year. I'll have to do something, though, some kinda work, who knows what.

Should i work in clothes store?
A deli?
Where?
What else can i do?
And i have to be here for my kids, too; i cannot work at night or on the weekends.

I have a BA, a BS, and a fucking Master's degree!
I should be able to get a job, don't you think?




In my life, pcg, in my situation, that phone sex call girl gig is looking better and better.

 

[freakygirl]

PCG and Cym

Sorry to hear about the problems you two are having. I wish there was some advice I could offer.

All I can offer is *hugs*

 

[Fly_On_Wall]

my advice no matter how hard it seems don't give up

and good luck

 

[Calamity Jane]

In my life, pcg, in my situation, that phone sex call girl gig is looking better and better.

Another thing I've thought about. It'd do one thing... guarantee my single-ness if Mr PCG found out!

Unfortunately, I need a 'real job' just in case my fitness as a mother becomes an issue, ya know?

 

[erosman]

I am with FG, and offer both PCG and cym hugs. Fly is right, too, don't give up. I know that sounds trite, but none of us knows enough to be a pessimist. I have no doubts that both of you will find meaningful employment, because you both can make that happen. When we are down, patience can be hard to come by.

I heard recently, that each "No" brings us closer to our "Yes". I can't say I live it, but it is an aspiration worth considering.


hugs to you ladies

 

[scrymettet]

I've been there some years ago.
Here are some facts that I learned :
in my area 70% of the job are unpublished. Must be the same where you are living.
You best tool to be hired is the phone. Find the number and try to have interview.
The down side is that you have to be focused.
You can't go digging if you don't know what you are looking for.
So my advice is to seek advice of professionnal councelor if available. So that you can match you abilities and expriences with your aspirations to find Your job.

Good luck to you two.

 

[Calamity Jane]

WOO HOO!

This is basically the same job I had at the Navy Recruiting Headquarters before I quit to have baby #2. AND it pays almost $10,000 more a year than I was making at the Navy!

Duties: Utilizes the full range of functions, including advanced processes, of one or more word processing software and/or desktop publishing applications to produce a variety of documents. Utilizes the knowledge of the capabilities,
operating characteristics and advanced functions of a variety of different software types to improve the efficiency and/or effectiveness of office operations. Performs systems maintenance functions for electronic mail systems, following
established procedures. Provides clerical support to ensure efficient office operations. Performs a variety of receptionist and other clerical and administrative functions, using judgment
to answer recurring questions and resolve problems.Maintains technical publications, manuals, and t echnical order files. Ensures publications are current and correctly posted.

Wish me luck!

 

[Guest]

Good luck!!!

 

[cymbidia]

Anyone know the hiring line number associated with 1-900-Dial-A-Slut?

 

[Mischka]

cym, my mother-in-law grades standardized test essays for high schools and colleges. It's kinda school-related, the hours are really flexible (they can mail you the packets to your home), and it could help tide you over until you find a teaching position in your area.

 

[morninggirl5]

cym, have you checked with any junior colleges or technical schools? I know it's not your preferred age group, but it's a possibliity.

 

[Mischka]

Re: WOO HOO!

Wish me luck!

Mounds and heaps of luck, pcg. I'll keep my fingers tightly crossed.

 

[Harbinger]

PCG

anchors aweigh!

 

[joolushko]

You are over qualified to be a director at a day care. Not only that, you get half price day care for the kids. Depending on your area, you can also apply to EOB to cover the remaining cost.

 

[dreamer]

My problem isn't lack of qualifications...at least I don't think so. I've got 8 years of management experience under my belt and a LOT of computer experience, and BS in Mathematics.

I just can't figure out WHAT jobs are out there for someone like me. All I know is the stupid retail life and I can't stand the thought of that any more.

I'm not even far enough along in the process to worry about a lousy job market yet. I still don't know what I want to do.

PCG hang in there, and good luck.

Cym, move to Ohio...plenty of positions open here for teachers, and hell, maybe you could broaden my horizons while you're here?

hehe

 

[patient1]

I have a BA, a BS, and a fucking Master's degree!

Masters need loving, too, but I didn't know you could get degree in it!

 

[jamjunior]

Get out of my way!

Sorry to hear about your troubles, gals. Wish I could say I wasn't in the same boat, BUT I AM.

At least we aren't in the same field. Just my luck to get an MBA in Investment Management when the market goes south. Now all any firms want are salespeople - commission only. Baaaaahhh. I have student loans to pay, I'm not risking default on my ability to move people from learning to buying.

I do have one advantage, I am currently (under-)employed. Anyone need a checking account? How about a Home Equity Loan. I have some good rates on Fixed Annuities.

...Not even an ATM card?

Keep it up. Worst case is that you can have my job if I ever find one more fitting to my education.

JAM