How do people live?

[samrhett2]

I have been job hunting lately and can't figure out how people are supposed to live.  First of all there aren't any jobs.  In our local newspaper there are usually only 1-2 legit jobs per day.  If you don't qualify or want those you have to dig deeper.  It seems that all jobs that pay a living wage are for people who already have that job and have been in that job for five years or more.  In other words, they don't want to train anyone to do anything.  Even if you have experience they want you to already be trained on their software, computer systems, etc. 

I guess it is what happens when there are so many people needing jobs.  The employers can cherry pick to get exactly what they want.  Great for them, but sucks for us.  They can also pay $9 per hour or less.  Around here it is rare for a job to pay for than that even with a degree.

[Clandestine1]

I live in a big city so there are way more jobs available but most of them are menial jobs that pay a little above minimum wage. Now that would be okay in a small town but rent here is about $900 for a decent one bedroom apartment. If it wasn't for this I would of moved out as soon as I turned 18.

Another major problem at least for people my age is not having any or little job experience so no one wants to hire us. I couldn't even get any jobs till I did this retail/customer service training program.

[samrhett2]

Yes, I know the experience thing is true.  I just finished a degree in Health Information Technology, but no one will hire me even as a coder or transcriptionist because they want me to have 3+ years experience.  I understand that they don't want to bother with someone who needs to learn the ropes, but where to beginners go to get a shot?  I guess you have to get a lower job than that and earn your way into the entry level job to get into the field you want.  lol

I could earn more being a waitress around here because it is a tourist area and I would probably have a lot more fun. 

[dreamyxo]

Start your own business.

[dwiley11]

I had to change states and now have 2 jobs

[lynnc35]

Health care is probably going to eat more jobs up as well, because employers are not going to hire as many people so they can avoid paying for insurance, if you have under so many employees you fall below the line of having to provide insurance. Good job Obama on that one.

[samrhett2]

Start your own business.

That is an idea I have thought about but what do I live on in the meantime?  Most businesses take 1-2 years before they turn a profit.  I could get a job and start a business on the side, but once again, the job would not pay my bills, let alone provide money to invest into a business. 

[msmoneybags48]

I know that jobs are scarce. I am in that boat now.  I lived in Chicago for 28 years and was laid off my job in 2003.  I am having a hard time finding another one.  I even resorted to doing work from home.  I will find a job since I am almost a senior (55 years young in September).  At least I can make some money from my laptop doing surveys.

[dmitchn1]

I've been working at the same job for 9 years and make barely over the current minim wage it's depressing 

[adg35]

Sounds like my area in PA as well.

[alina6]

I think the market is starting to pick up depending on what you do, I wouldn't look in the newspaper but I would search on the internet.

[LuckyDeutch]

I have just found out last week that depending on your state were you live, anyone can apply for a job at your town schools as a sub teacher, janitor, etc with no experience needed and no certificates. The only thing is that you have to be fingerprinted with the school board(no matter if you have fingerprinted any where else) and you have to pay for that which in my state it is $50. I think that is a good deal BUT I DO think they should do a background check just in case if you know what I mean. Hope this helps you out.

[ghunter]

Barley, but God will supply all your needs so keep the faith!

[samrhett2]

There are a lot of jobs posted every day on Craigslist, but they are usually in Myrtle Beach which is a 30 minute drive.  That would not be too bad but during tourist season you can easily double that.  I get an update every few days from a site that posts legit work at home jobs and I have applied for a bunch of them that I have been qualified for but have not heard a word.  I think there are just so many people applying that it is like winning the lottery to get a call back.

I have a friend that will give me a job but it is also quite a drive for me.  But it is really good to know that I can always work for her if I need to.  It really helps to know people.

[plennis]

I know what you mean  , I was laid off from a job I had for 27 years.  Since then I can get good jobs, that want me to train the employees that they plan to keep and then let me go.  That has happened about 4 times now.  Mostly I have been told, I cannot pay what you want because I can hire 2 or 3 people with less experience to do the job. I have also taken a couple of jobs that pay really low, and because I am the newest when problems arise last hired first fired (or laid off).   I do secret/mystery shopping and lately on all the restaurants I do, I noticed that they are starting to seem a lot busier.  I can only assume that the economy is picking up, or so many people would not be out eating.  I do from fast foods to very expensive restaurants.