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I'm giving up. Help.
So, I'm giving up on the job hunt I think. I have applied to a ridiculous amount of positions and NO ONE is calling me. No one. Not one interview. Are you kidding me? This is so discouraging...
So, I think I'm going to just try to get a job either waitressing or working somewhere like Target or Costco. I really didn't want to do this, but DH and I are literally at no money. I feel like crying. Oh wait, no, I AM crying.
Have any of you worked somewhere around here at a job like this...like costco, etc? If so, where and did you like it? Does anyone know of places that are hiring? What types of places should I apply? What are the better industries to be in?
When I waitressed years ago I always told myself I would NEVER do it again no matter what because of the stress factor. But, I'm officially desperate.
I figure I'm 99% sure I'm going back to school come June or August of next year (depending on where/if I get into a program), so working for my career isn't as important right now. It's more important that I just make money. DH does NOT want me to do this at all, but I don't really have any other choice.
So, what do you recommend?
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Re: I'm giving up. Help.
I'm sorry you are going through this--aren't we getting together soon? First drink is on my, lady!
Remember it's the economy, it's not you, so try not to take it personally. It is so hard out there right now, and the OR unemployment rate is awful. Lots of people are out of work, people with children, people with mortgages and car payments. It is so hard for many right now.
I would totally apply for positions waitressing, tending bar, or at Costco. Many if not most of these positions are part time, so you can still be pounding the pavement for full-time gigs. There is absolutely no shame in working these jobs. I waited tables through high school, college, etc. If I was in a pinch, I would absolutely go back, because coming home at the end of the night with $100-$150 in my pocket would support myself and my family.
Quite honestly, I think working at Costco would be sort of fun. Those folks always seems to be chatting it up with the customers and each other, and the pay is great (plus benefits, too!).
Remember with graduate school, you get loans, which are not discharged in bankruptcy. Isn't your DH in law school at L & C? If so, I'm guessing he's taking his 20K Federal Student loans, then privately financing the rest? Lots of people from my law school graduated with $100K+ in student loans (I'm close to that myself). The payments are brutal, and I can only imagine they'd be more brutal if both of you had to pay them a few years from now. (Of course, if I'm totally mistaking you about DH in grad school--I apologize!)
Sorry this is so long. Let's talk about it at the GTG. We can certainly do an early happy hour instead of lunch too, to save $$! In fact, I think I'll post about that.
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Thank you guys so much, I really mean it. I've been pretty much applying for anything and everything I'm qualified for (sometimes under and sometimes overqualified). I have a Zoology degree, but have only worked in Administrative positions, mostly for nonprofits. So, I've been applying for anything under the sun related to administrative stuff and science stuff as well. Also things like animal shelters, etc. Many of the positions I've been applying for have been as low as $9/hour. I said I'd only take a position like that if it was something I was truly passionate about (like an animal shelter), however, even those aren't calling me back. (And I do dumb down my cover letter for those a bit).
I am now about 99% sure that the reason I am getting NO phone calls is because I am not from Oregon. I went out with some of DH's law school friends last week and one told me that it took him 6 months to find a job when he first moved out here, and it was answering calls for Fred Meyer. He said that it's because he wasn't from Oregon...he recommended that i get an Oregon number.
So, yesterday I went out and bought a pay as you go phone with 80 minutes so that I could put an Oregon number on my resume, etc. I just applied to a bunch more positions today with that new number...so here's to crossing my fingers that it works. I also added to my resume that I've been volunteering at Tryon Creek. Maybe that will help.
Sigh...
At this point I've way lost count at the number of positions I've applied for, but on my laptop I have over 100 folders saved for the positions I've applied for. (I wasn't documenting each position at first, but I have been for a while now)...so I know it's a lot. I have been calling the companies about positions I really want (as long as they dont specifically say no phone calls) and I tend to get the same response...there were over 80 applicants and my qualifications didn't fit what they were looking for (it's usually over 80 or 90, but i've even gotten a response that said over 120 applicants).
It's just frustrating and I'm getting really really discouraged/depressed about it. I don't really know what else to do.
Yes, Legal, that was me you are thinking of! He has taken out all of the possible loans and will definitely have over 100K in loans when he graduates. We're really lucky with that though (if you want to look at it that way)...as his mother's trust will be able to pay them back as soon as he graduates, hence why I'm not as worried about taking out the loans for myself. (DH's mom passed away last year..and obviously we'd rather her still be alive) Regardless, we're still left with no money, but at least we know that when DH graduates, as long as he gets a job, we'll be okay. But for now, we're really hurting. I'll probably DD this part of the comment after I know you've read it since it's super personal.
Costco does seem to pay well and I have heard they have good benefits..but they don't kick in right away. I don't even know if they are hiring, as they won't tell you...you just have to fill out an app on their website and go from there.
As far as waitressing, it just really stressed me out when I did it in highschool/college. I think it might be easier though now that I don't take everything so personally. It just sucks because I would NEVER see DH as my schedule would most likely be the opposite of his.
And thanks about making it an early happy hour..that would be fun if everyone else is up for it! Just saw your other post though and I can't do the 13th as we're going to a picnic for DH's law school.
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Oh, Friend! I am so sorry! (huuuuuuuuuugs!!!). This really is a craptastic economy, Legal is right. It really isn't you. If people just meet you, they will fall in love with you-I'm sure of it.
I would call you but I'm sure you dont want to talk about it again (call me if you do!). Lets go hiking again soon-this weekend maybe? We'll figure something out. I know you will have a fabulos position soon.
And remember-OR waitresses make min wage AND tips, so maybe that will make it a little more worth it? Plus, you can tell yourself not to sweat any stress, bc in the end, people will get their food and go home. I would SO do that if I wasnt KU right now-thats pretty good $$. Plus, you will be charming and wonderful like you always are, and you will start to have 'regulars' that you can network with. I have a couple friends who have gotten jobs that way.
This is PDX-i'd be willing to bet there were more than a few masters level and up peeps working at powels and local restaraunts. There is absolutely no shame in that. Sending you tons and tons of good vibes! Just think, you and your Hubs (who will be a rockstar lawyer by then) will look back on this fondly when you guys are making bank.
My H and I have a couple of friends that work for Costco. Both talk about what a great place it is to work...great benefits, good pay, good people.
I loved working in restaurants and working as a server can earn you pretty good money with not a lot of time put into working. In fact, sometimes I dream about going back to a non-career job like that where I could make a good amount of cash in a 4-5 hour shift.
What about New Seasons? I also have a friend who works for them and she says they're fantastic to work for.
I actually think Nordstrom might be hiring if that's your deal. Again, commissions so that could be pretty decent money.
Good luck! Hang in there..
I loved doing catering at McMenamins, super fun and the money was pretty good once my "training" period was over.
Also again, I'll recommend some staffing agencies, Kelly Services, Action Employment, Employment Trends and both Volt and Adecco. Apply, do their little tests, if there is something they want you to know and you don't, ask if they have a tutorial and if so, do it. Then call them every few days and bug, bug, bug them!
Good Luck and hang in there, the right position will come!
My company uses contractors from Adecco. I've see some Adecco contractors who are around for 12 months or more.
I've been in your boat. Get a part time job to get you through. It will be so good for your sanity! I got laid off in April 2008 and it took me 5 months befire I found another full time job! It sucked. In the meantime, I worked at The Body Shop (makeup and skincare) and Coach part time, and loved it. Got to interact with people, had FUN working, and was still able to interview for full time jobs.
I also know several people that work at Costco and LOVE it. Good luck!!
We have a receptionist position open in my company. I think pay is about $10/hour? Let me know if you would like more information.
my email is
yellowfreesia.harm at yahoo.com
Hope that helps
kp.org
KP CARES Program Assistant( Job Number: 004374)
Visit my blog about my family's experiments in eco-living