Looking for a new job

Well, after 10 years of the Marine Corps and 6 months of blissful unemployment, I've got to get off my arse and start looking for a job. Trying for a waiter/bartender job as it pays well while I'm finishing off my last couple quaters of college...

..but fuck me, everyone looked at me in shock as I walked through the door asking to meet the manager, as I guess applications are done online nowadays and no one walks in inperson anymore...

Anything else I need to know that's changed in the last 10 years I'm not aware of in the job-finding business???

Why the looks of shock?

Please say,you left yer AK-47 at home.

did you spit out the chewy first?

did you polish your shoes?

very important.

Shellshocked??? Did you bring that vehicle in your avatar? Now think...

Indeed*!*

The Sub-Cultured Perfect Kisser*!* wrote: Shellshocked??? Did you bring that vehicle in your avatar? Now think...Indeed*!*

Thers always flipping burgers at mcdonalds lad!

don't give up yet John....keep on trying, i'm sure you'll find a good job

Well I'm in a little bit similar situation. After relocating to Corpus Christi last week I have to start looking for a job, too. The problem is I don't have the faintest idea what to do next in my life.

Go to Africa? Or start some manager career and save up for a house and a boat?

EdelBrock wrote: Well, after 10 years of the Marine Corps and 6 months of blissful unemployment, I've got to get off my arse and start looking for a job. Trying for a waiter/bartender job as it pays well while I'm finishing off my last couple quaters of college...

..but fuck me, everyone looked at me in shock as I walked through the door asking to meet the manager, as I guess applications are done online nowadays and no one walks in inperson anymore...

Anything else I need to know that's changed in the last 10 years I'm not aware of in the job-finding business???

I was in your situation until about a month ago, because, since July, there were signs that my employer, a brokerage firm, was going to end his business (he was getting sued for $80,000 by one client and $30,000 by another for embezzlement) and I had to look for another job.

First, don't go for waiter/bartender jobs. Why? Waiter's pay, without tips, is below minimum wage. Second, it appears that, unless you have a lot of experience, that most bars and clubs don't want to hire you as a bartender.

Other decent-paying jobs I've had while finishing school are office work (that's what I did at the brokerage firm) and working in a call center. They both pay better than being a waiter. If you know how to use Microsoft Office, you can work in an office. Jobs like that pay between $10 to $15 per hour, depending on what kind of position you have.

A call center is just a place where you're answering phones and get a base pay that is above minimum wage plus commission. Telemarketing, telefundraising, telephone operator, and a collections agent for an insurance company are all call center positions.

Also, did you make a resume?

So lets see,

• leave my heavy weaponary at home (how about just a .38 revolver, or is that just understating my presence?)

• get rid of the Copenhagen (is it take it all the way out, or just not spit on the floor?)

• Don't ride a peice of crap car

Who do you think I am anyways, a Texan like Jeff?

Jesse, I was a waiter before I went in the Marines. Luckily California law requires to be paid minimum wage (which will be $8 in Jan) plus tips. I was clearing $1800-2300 a month, for 20 hours a week, before I went in (and minimum wage was $6.25 then)... also when you get cash tips, not everyone claims it all on their taxes. The bartender will be hard as I have only a little experience there, but I plan on getting hired as a waiter, then moving over to a bartender within that restaurant.

So did you find a new job?

Chris, as for door security, I'm not that big of a guy. I have that stringy strength and I can take care of myself in a fight, but outward apperance intimidation by body build is something I just don't have. Actually most of the fights I've won were because people underestimate my ability by my looks... so it does have it's pluses...

Ian, when you said you didn't have the faintest clue, I know what you mean. When I was getting out I could figure out which direction exactly to go. However I remembered what my teachers always said: "think of what you love and do that"... So I thought really hard and realized I loved NOT working... I looked at my buddy who's a high school teacher and noticed he never works, and has all sorts of time off... and I thought, HEY! I could do that!:D

You should have no problems getting a job as a civilian at Defense. You know where you guys are located in CA. Take it from there. You must have some mates who've done it. Approach them. In my experience there's a bit of a jobs for the boys thing going on in Defence, so it should be relatively easy for you.

Or you could ask Jenn who she got her job. ;)

NOOLigan wrote: You should have no problems getting a job as a civilian at Defense. You know where you guys are located in CA. Approach them.

I actually have jobs I could get into right now at the base I live near, but the issue is I can't stand governement civilian employees. They are all so damn lazy, they lay around acting important but do little to nothing during the day.

Right now trying to find a part-time job so I can cover the rest not covered by the GI Bill, and finish my last two quarters of college for my bachelors.... plans are to become a high school teacher, and also a cross country/track coach. Pays well, great benefits, lots of time off, and I really love making a difference in people's lives, so I think I'll really enjoy it...

But if that doesn't work, govt civilian work might be the way to go, but crossing my fingers it doesn't come to that.

EdelBrock wrote:

plans are to become a high school teacher, and also a cross country/track coach.

That's what I attempted to do. I've got my Master's and I decided to be a HS teacher: all I had to do was to get a state certificate, which you are eligible to obtain after having a 2-semester postgraduate course in a college.

I did it, but in the very end of my first semester I fucked it up after having had pretty decent grades (I was moving out, some people lived in my study room at the time, etc.). I was told to re-take some courses in order to continue. And here I stopped. I didn't feel like going to the same classes with the same professors again. That semester already cost me $ 7.000 (of course, loaned). Plus we had that mentor program when you go to school and spend time with a kid. The boy didn't give a damn about the entire thing, for him it was a way to skip a class or two and play football in the field.

Anyway, I'm kinda in the limbo right now: should I quit or should I go for that... I don't know. To be acutely honest, I wanted a job that pays well and has all federal days off (and summer, too, mind you). It seemed easy (especially when all you have to do is just spend a year in the college). But now I'm not sure if I'd like a teacher's job.

|| | ||| 6217|| 8 || 3 wrote:

EdelBrock wrote:

plans are to become a high school teacher, and also a cross country/track coach.

That's what I attempted to do. I've got my Master's and I decided to be a HS teacher: all I had to do was to get a state certificate, which you are eligible to obtain after having a 2-semester postgraduate course in a college.

I did it, but in the very end of my first semester I fucked it up after having had pretty decent grades (I was moving out, some people lived in my study room at the time, etc.). I was told to re-take some courses in order to continue. And here I stopped. I didn't feel like going to the same classes with the same professors again. That semester already cost me $ 7.000 (of course, loaned). Plus we had that mentor program when you go to school and spend time with a kid. The boy didn't give a damn about the entire thing, for him it was a way to skip a class or two and play football in the field.

Anyway, I'm kinda in the limbo right now: should I quit or should I go for that... I don't know. To be acutely honest, I wanted a job that pays well and has all federal days off (and summer, too, mind you). It seemed easy (especially when all you have to do is just spend a year in the college). But now I'm not sure if I'd like a teacher's job.

I've taken a couple of the credential courses, man are they boooooring! Don't blame you for not wanting to take them again.

As for the kids, they can be difficult. For me, at least, its kinda like slipping into the same work as before... or atleast the reason I loved the Marine Corps. I know people have these Hollywood dramatizations of the military, but really all I did on a daily basis was be a teacher, and a second father. I'm used to all the drama in an 18-20 year olds life... plus used to motivating the ones that just don't give a damn. Actually those are the students I want to teach. The ones everyone else thinks are lost causes. Granted many will be 'time-suckers' but to get that one you do turn around is all worth the stress.

There is one thing I am worried about though. I look very young for my age, I'm 32 but everyone says I look 24. Younger girls are always following me around. I really don't need the drama of high school girls and worried, not that I'll do anything, but of what high school girls are capable of.... just the perception/rumor of something happening could ruin a career...

Think this is a thread for Kath.

Alf wrote: Think this is a thread for Kath.

Agreed

John, have you considerated the possibility to work outside California ?? i mean…..i was working in the States in 2001 and 2002 in Yellowstone and i saw too many people with your profile as a park ranger, security stuff, visitor center…..etc.

Check out the National Park Service website….just in case !!

Andrès wrote: John, have you considerated the possibility to work outside California ?? i mean…..i was working in the States in 2001 and 2002 in Yellowstone and i saw too many people with your profile as a park ranger, security stuff, visitor center…..etc.

Check out the National Park Service website….just in case !!

Well, with geology as my major that would make sense, however Park Rangers are becoming less and less and the postion has become more of a police force, as there are alot of illegal activities in the parks. and well, seeing the worst of society on a daily basis would drive me nuts... deifately don't want to be a police officer...

EdelBrock wrote:

There is one thing I am worried about though. I look very young for my age, I'm 32 but everyone says I look 24. Younger girls are always following me around. I really don't need the drama of high school girls and worried, not that I'll do anything, but of what high school girls are capable of.... just the perception/rumor of something happening could ruin a career...

Yep they're all cookoo at that age. They taught us to never befriend a student and always keep a distance, although with benevolence.

Pontiac. Can't somehow see you at Data entry or any Office job.

If you can handle shiftwork or nights. Lots of warehouse work generally available in the Local Businesses- Larger Firms. Well Decent pay and the options of promotions if you get teirs of site First Aid Cert. etc.s.

Alt. is to Work the area. Is a thinking job and Dead :dead: wrong Time of year but Eco- Friendly yard work- Odd Jobs. Even if kept casual $Surprising Good pay. Advertise not using Gas- Deisel mowers to be the 'Silent Gardner..

Who do you model for? Texan halfwit albino freaks?

Jeffari-al-Texani wrote: or you could just do what I do...

GAY PORN!!!

He's after a paying job. Not something you surf for on the net.

EdelBrock wrote:

Jesse, I was a waiter before I went in the Marines. Luckily California law requires to be paid minimum wage (which will be $8 in Jan) plus tips. I was clearing $1800-2300 a month, for 20 hours a week, before I went in (and minimum wage was $6.25 then)... also when you get cash tips, not everyone claims it all on their taxes. The bartender will be hard as I have only a little experience there, but I plan on getting hired as a waiter, then moving over to a bartender within that restaurant.

So did you find a new job?

I never knew that about waiters in CA. On the east coast, it seems that waitstaff get $2-$3 per hour and the rest you need to makeup in tips.

I did a few jobs. I work part-time as a collections agent for an insurance company -- I do live in the Insurance Capital of the World -- and I do freelance writing for an entertainment/music/nightlife website, which pays me $150 per article.

This blue-eyed boy that wants to be wrote:

EdelBrock wrote:

Jesse, I was a waiter before I went in the Marines. Luckily California law requires to be paid minimum wage (which will be $8 in Jan) plus tips. I was clearing $1800-2300 a month, for 20 hours a week, before I went in (and minimum wage was $6.25 then)... also when you get cash tips, not everyone claims it all on their taxes. The bartender will be hard as I have only a little experience there, but I plan on getting hired as a waiter, then moving over to a bartender within that restaurant.

So did you find a new job?

I never knew that about waiters in CA. On the east coast, it seems that waitstaff get $2-$3 per hour and the rest you need to makeup in tips.

I did a few jobs. I work part-time as a collections agent for an insurance company -- I do live in the Insurance Capital of the World -- and I do freelance writing for an entertainment/music/nightlife website, which pays me $150 per article.

Yeah East coast screws over the waiters. I was going to do a second job once when I was stationed out there to make extra money, but when I found ut about the wages, I backed out.

How many articles are you able to do in a month? That's a good job, how did you find that?

14 K wrote: Pontiac. Can't somehow see you at Data entry or any Office job.

If you can handle shiftwork or nights. Lots of warehouse work generally available in the Local Businesses- Larger Firms. Well Decent pay and the options of promotions if you get teirs of site First Aid Cert. etc.s.

Alt. is to Work the area. Is a thinking job and Dead :dead: wrong Time of year but Eco- Friendly yard work- Odd Jobs. Even if kept casual $Surprising Good pay. Advertise not using Gas- Deisel mowers to be the 'Silent Gardner..

Warehouses do pay well, forgot about them. Not my firt line of work I'd like to do part-time, but something I'll put on the backburner just in case

What mower isn't gas operated? Electric?

(Suprised anyone remembers that name, I only had that for a month or so.... when I stirred up the board a bit)

EdelBrock wrote:

This blue-eyed boy that wants to be wrote:

EdelBrock wrote:

Jesse, I was a waiter before I went in the Marines. Luckily California law requires to be paid minimum wage (which will be $8 in Jan) plus tips. I was clearing $1800-2300 a month, for 20 hours a week, before I went in (and minimum wage was $6.25 then)... also when you get cash tips, not everyone claims it all on their taxes. The bartender will be hard as I have only a little experience there, but I plan on getting hired as a waiter, then moving over to a bartender within that restaurant.

So did you find a new job?

I never knew that about waiters in CA. On the east coast, it seems that waitstaff get $2-$3 per hour and the rest you need to makeup in tips.

I did a few jobs. I work part-time as a collections agent for an insurance company -- I do live in the Insurance Capital of the World -- and I do freelance writing for an entertainment/music/nightlife website, which pays me $150 per article.

Yeah East coast screws over the waiters. I was going to do a second job once when I was stationed out there to make extra money, but when I found ut about the wages, I backed out.

How many articles are you able to do in a month? That's a good job, how did you find that?

I can do about 5 articles per month, but I get paid when they're published. The website -- which is part of the Metromix chain of regional websites -- was launched at the end of October, and, for the month of November, I was paid $400 for three articles. For so far in December, I've been paid for one article, but I have a backlog of 3 articles and am working on three right now.

I found the job posting on Craig's list, I think, or JournalismJobs.com.

EdelBrock wrote:

(Suprised anyone remembers that name, I only had that for a month or so.... when I stirred up the board a bit)

Would have helped if you'd changed your Avatar you nutter!

EdelBrock wrote:

14 K wrote: Advertise not using Gas- Deisel mowers to be the 'Silent Gardner..

of work I'd like to do part-time, but something I'll put on the backburner just in case

What mower isn't gas operated? Electric?

(Suprised anyone remembers that name, I only had that for a month or so.... when I stirred up the board a bit)

Noticed the The Pontiac Tag as have always Liked Cars. As far back as I can remember.

2. Just looking for Pocket change and to do something casual as you're Finishing off the Courses. Right.

Moving Co.s- Packers and Real Estate usually are open for recruits. Real Estate uses people skills and is more of a commitment. 3. Quiet Yard work. Push Mower, sheet of Canvas, set of shears..

MIMX wrote:

EdelBrock wrote:

(Suprised anyone remembers that name, I only had that for a month or so.... when I stirred up the board a bit)

Would have helped if you'd changed your Avatar you nutter!

Haven't always had that picture, and I'm not sure what car it is... just a car on the side of the road on the way to Sisters, Oregon...

14 K wrote:

EdelBrock wrote:

14 K wrote: Advertise not using Gas- Deisel mowers to be the 'Silent Gardner..

of work I'd like to do part-time, but something I'll put on the backburner just in case

What mower isn't gas operated? Electric?

(Suprised anyone remembers that name, I only had that for a month or so.... when I stirred up the board a bit)

Noticed the The Pontiac Tag as have always Liked Cars. As far back as I can remember.

2. Just looking for Pocket change and to do something casual as you're Finishing off the Courses. Right.

Moving Co.s- Packers and Real Estate usually are open for recruits. Real Estate uses people skills and is more of a commitment. 3. Quiet Yard work. Push Mower, sheet of Canvas, set of shears..

What isn't there to like about cars

Looking for a bit more than pocket change, but enough to cover bills after the GI Bill, so around $1800 a month.

On the quiet yard work truely a Californian when you don't think of a push mower, didn't even come to mind... that's good idea...

This blue-eyed boy that wants to be wrote:

EdelBrock wrote:

This blue-eyed boy that wants to be wrote:

EdelBrock wrote:

Jesse, I was a waiter before I went in the Marines. Luckily California law requires to be paid minimum wage (which will be $8 in Jan) plus tips. I was clearing $1800-2300 a month, for 20 hours a week, before I went in (and minimum wage was $6.25 then)... also when you get cash tips, not everyone claims it all on their taxes. The bartender will be hard as I have only a little experience there, but I plan on getting hired as a waiter, then moving over to a bartender within that restaurant.

So did you find a new job?

I never knew that about waiters in CA. On the east coast, it seems that waitstaff get $2-$3 per hour and the rest you need to makeup in tips.

I did a few jobs. I work part-time as a collections agent for an insurance company -- I do live in the Insurance Capital of the World -- and I do freelance writing for an entertainment/music/nightlife website, which pays me $150 per article.

Yeah East coast screws over the waiters. I was going to do a second job once when I was stationed out there to make extra money, but when I found ut about the wages, I backed out.

How many articles are you able to do in a month? That's a good job, how did you find that?

I can do about 5 articles per month, but I get paid when they're published. The website -- which is part of the Metromix chain of regional websites -- was launched at the end of October, and, for the month of November, I was paid $400 for three articles. For so far in December, I've been paid for one article, but I have a backlog of 3 articles and am working on three right now.

I found the job posting on Craig's list, I think, or JournalismJobs.com.

I'll check out that website... thanks dude!

Burt Reynolds wrote:

Jeffari-al-Texani wrote: or you could just do what I do...

GAY PORN!!!

He's after a paying job. Not something you surf for on the net.

Or just something you do for the sheer love of it...

Snorri xxx

EdelBrock wrote: I was a waiter before I went in the Marines. Luckily California law requires to be paid minimum wage (which will be $8 in Jan) plus tips. I was clearing $1800-2300 a month, for 20 hours a week, before I went in (and minimum wage was $6.25 then)...

Kidding ? Blimey ! I live in an under-developped country !

Now, I've applied plenty of jobs and,recently, freelance gigs for the month so far, and I haven't heard any of them back yet. Some of the jobs I'm waiting for are a pastry seller, a paid publishing internship, and three library jobs for the University. Is it common to wait over a month for a notification of hire?

[magenta]cozmonite61[/magenta] wrote: Now, I've applied plenty of jobs and,recently, freelance gigs for the month so far, and I haven't heard any of them back yet. Some of the jobs I'm waiting for are a pastry seller, a paid publishing internship, and three library jobs for the University. Is it common to wait over a month for a notification of hire?

Depends on the season and the job yer going for. I remember once when I was 20 (after I got laid off from Macy's), I was unemployed for 3 months and every day I put in at LEAST 5 applications. It got to the point that I was applying to places as long as they had an open door.
Finally got an interveiw and hired by the very FIRST application I ever put in after I was laid off... the Red Lobster across from Macy's... I kick myself as I could have sat on my arse for those three months

You know, come to think of it, I never heard back from ANY of the other applications I put in during that time frame

EdelBrock wrote:

[magenta]cozmonite61[/magenta] wrote: Now, I've applied plenty of jobs and,recently, freelance gigs for the month so far, and I haven't heard any of them back yet. Some of the jobs I'm waiting for are a pastry seller, a paid publishing internship, and three library jobs for the University. Is it common to wait over a month for a notification of hire?

Depends on the season and the job yer going for. I remember once when I was 20 (after I got laid off from Macy's), I was unemployed for 3 months and every day I put in at LEAST 5 applications. It got to the point that I was applying to places as long as they had an open door.
Finally got an interveiw and hired by the very FIRST application I ever put in after I was laid off... the Red Lobster across from Macy's... I kick myself as I could have sat on my arse for those three months

You know, come to think of it, I never heard back from ANY of the other applications I put in during that time frame

Here's my story. I've never been hired (and I had over 20 something jobs in my life so far) via application. Yes, some jobs required an application filled out and I did it only as proform, being secured for the position anyway. I mean, I was never hired just by filling out an application. It was always thru friends, friend's friends, parents, etc., but applications never worked for me. In this light it's quite remarcable how I was hired for my last job where I worked for 3 years. I just called the number in the ad and talked to a guy who at the time was in California. Just a little of talking and he sugggested to meet in Texas in 3 weeks. And that's where I got my job.

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EdelBrock wrote:

[magenta]cozmonite61[/magenta] wrote: Now, I've applied plenty of jobs and,recently, freelance gigs for the month so far, and I haven't heard any of them back yet. Some of the jobs I'm waiting for are a pastry seller, a paid publishing internship, and three library jobs for the University. Is it common to wait over a month for a notification of hire?

Depends on the season and the job yer going for. I remember once when I was 20 (after I got laid off from Macy's), I was unemployed for 3 months and every day I put in at LEAST 5 applications. It got to the point that I was applying to places as long as they had an open door.
Finally got an interveiw and hired by the very FIRST application I ever put in after I was laid off... the Red Lobster across from Macy's... I kick myself as I could have sat on my arse for those three months

You know, come to think of it, I never heard back from ANY of the other applications I put in during that time frame

Here's my story. I've never been hired (and I had over 20 something jobs in my life so far) via application. Yes, some jobs required an application filled out and I did it only as proform, being secured for the position anyway. I mean, I was never hired just by filling out an application. It was always thru friends, friend's friends, parents, etc., but applications never worked for me. In this light it's quite remarcable how I was hired for my last job where I worked for 3 years. I just called the number in the ad and talked to a guy who at the time was in California. Just a little of talking and he sugggested to meet in Texas in 3 weeks. And that's where I got my job.

Easiest one I was hired for by application was this Italian resturant 2 years later. I put the application in, walked home about 7 minutes away, and as I walked through the door my phone rang. Sure enough it was the Italian resturant, he merely asked if I was me, then said "Wear a white button shirt, a nice tie, and black trousers, be here on time at 5:30 pm"

I actually thought it was an interview, imagine my surprise when I walked through the door and found out it was my first day on the job as their head waiter... no interveiw, no bs, didn't have any connections to get the job

EdelBrock wrote:

I actually thought it was an interview, imagine my surprise when I walked through the door and found out it was my first day on the job as their head waiter... no interveiw, no bs, didn't have any connections to get the job

Nice story! Geez, am I tired of those endless applications and those balloney tests on psychological compatability, etc. You use up to 25 mins just to never hear from them. I know it's the inevitable evil of jobseeking, but I just detest that bullshit you have to go thru each time you apply even for crappy jobs.

I know it sounds stupid and unprofessional, but I believe in personal connection, a spark, bilateral sympathy. Of course HR managers have don't time for that and in the end you work not for them anyway, it's understandable.

|| | ||| 6217|| 8 || 3 wrote:

EdelBrock wrote:

I actually thought it was an interview, imagine my surprise when I walked through the door and found out it was my first day on the job as their head waiter... no interveiw, no bs, didn't have any connections to get the job

Nice story! Geez, am I tired of those endless applications and those balloney tests on psychological compatability, etc. You use up to 25 mins just to never hear from them. I know it's the inevitable evil of jobseeking, but I just detest that bullshit you have to go thru each time you apply even for crappy jobs.

I know it sounds stupid and unprofessional, but I believe in personal connection, a spark, bilateral sympathy. Of course HR managers have don't time for that and in the end you work not for them anyway, it's understandable.

Yeah, I'm finding alot of those crappy tests lately... I don't ever remember taking one of these before... one thing I do find funny is that its obviously one company making these tests for everyone, as I have taken the same test three times (with some slight variations due to different company mottos/menu), its making it easy for me to blow through these things...

...personally I find it insulting that corporate thinks they can sum you up by some stupid test... I mean really these things are idiotic, like the question:

-Are you easily angered and believe violence solves problems?

ummm,,, yeah DEFINATELY! but I'll be damned if I put THAT as an answer

Was hired today... but I start Febuary

Accepted, but hell I'll still be shopping around... anyone else had such a long wait????

EdelBrock wrote: Was hired today... but I start Febuary

Accepted, but hell I'll still be shopping around... anyone else had such a long wait????

Another sweet month of vacation then

EdelBrock wrote: Was hired today... but I start Febuary

Accepted, but hell I'll still be shopping around... anyone else had such a long wait????

Congrats!

But then, if you really want to work now, and if you are quailified to be a Santa Claus, you could still be one before the Season ends.

Indeed!

EdelBrock wrote: Was hired today... but I start Febuary

Accepted, but hell I'll still be shopping around... anyone else had such a long wait????

Dear ! When I think that there will be no more the Voice of the US Republicans on this site... well less, at best... I already miss it !...

Congratulations.

I'm just starting a part time job Jiphy... not leaving for the Peace Corps... I'm not going anywhere... good to know I'd be missed though

Jiphy wrote:

Dear ! When I think that there will be no more the Voice of the US Republicans on this site... well less, at best... I already miss it !...

Congratulations.

EdelBrock wrote: I'm just starting a part time job Jiphy... not leaving for the Peace Corps... I'm not going anywhere... good to know I'd be missed though

'Course you'd be missed mate, I enjoy a good scrap as much as the next chap, and there's too few who can wind me up like you do!

Awe ra best way ra new joab, yeah damn Ca.. Ka.. Ca.. Californian!