being unemployed...goin a lil stir crazy.

I am working for a temp agency, at the moment. I heard horrible things about temp agencies, but since working for one, I have nothing but good things to say. Temping has opened up a world of opportunities for me: I work in a contract position for a terrific company and I am networking with many excellent contacts.

If nothing else, try temping. It's money in your pocket and experience on your resume in the meantime. Best of luck!

This. Temping is awesome. Some people prefer it. And, some companies hire from temp agencies. So, they get to try you out.

I know how you feel I had to move back home in February and its hard. I have a job right now and am a student but lately I havent been getting enough to move out!

Apply to be a server at a restaurant. You'll probably get a ton of shift, and tips are awesome.

If you can drop a little cash, I would take a CNA (nursing assistant) course and get certified, and apply at hospitals/nursing homes. Most nursing homes are always hiring and you can get good hours right away. Plus if you work overnights or evenings there is usually shift differential.

Working with people is very rewarding.

P.s. - this is long

Sweet , so you can pretty much ignore what most people have said, as many clearly don't know what needs these days are or have an understanding of the economy.

Cutting back on expenses, I am a student and am given allowance, with this allowance I must plan on how to best spend it so that it lasts me a month (being aware that I should always have a reserve amount incase of emergency). Get yourself an a5 book, I have 3 for different things such as , gym , money inflow/outflow and online gaming strats. You don't need to be an accountant nor do you need any actual math skill.

First thing first, ensure you know how much food you need to keep you going through the week, this is pretty easy, what I do is buy myself a lot of protein cost efficient meals. Canned tuna, cheap peanut butter, just do your research and you can design your own meal plan for each day/entire week. Remember, protein should fill you up better than arbitrary crap.

Go to the a store that is known for its low prices, you might be trading off quality for a cheaper price but without employment or substantial income, it's better than only affording 1 meal a week (Note, if you want, travel to 2 or 3 stores to compare prices of earlier researched food items). Once you have found the cheapest prices, purchase what you need, in cost efficient priority, if you find something that can provide you 3 meals which cost the same amount as something that can provide 1 meal , it's a done deal, look for good promotions as well but just because something is on promotion , does not mean you should be spending your money on it (as it was not budgeted for in your previous meal research task).

Now reducing lifestyle costs, someone said a vehicle is needed, incorrect, unless you live more than 5 Kilometres away from potential working area, petrol will continue to destroy your budget. Gym membership, this fits in beautifully with not having a car, Cycle (if you can afford or have a bicycle) or jog to work (when obtained), you may arrive sweaty, but if you take it easy and get yourself some anti perspirant deodorant you should be okay to soldier through the day without people having to plug their noses.

Coffee, one of my biggest downfalls and might be applicable to anyone struggling with money control, I love coffee, it makes my life that much better, fortunately I managed to change , but I originally spent 1/10th (using ratios to avoid currency exchange rate discrepancies) of my allowance on coffee a month. I made the sacrifice of quality and am now spending 0.025/10th of my allowance on coffee a month, which saves so much money in the long run.

Smoking, you better cut that **** right now if you smoke. No respect for anyone trying to be healthy or save cash , AND SMOKE.

iPhone, you need something that is functional and cheap, I would also feel guilty if parents bought me an iphone, I have a Nokia 2710, cost about nothing and it does what a phone is meant to do, Makes calls, sends texts, doesnt break when I tap it too hard.

Utilise friends at this point of your life, there is likely to be a friends parent who could help you get an easy lowkey part time job , such as a secretary or something small yet produces an income. Also, consider car pooling, asking friends for lifts, any favours that arnt too pressing, and make sure to not over do the favour asking though.

If there is a chore to do in the house, do it, constantly remind your parents of your day to day ventures of job seeking, as long as you are , and they know of your job seeking, one cannot blame you for not being accepted for employment.

<quick break> I have just re read your query for the 4th time and now only noticed your age, so the above may seem to you or others under the impression that I have no grasp on what you are going through, Incorrect my mother stresses to me that I need to not be demanding on monetary items in terms of my wants, yet she purchases expensive coffee, she shops at more expensive stores (I remind her of this error each time I am visiting home), but my point being, although you should be aware of this, make sure you practice it.

Anyways, now to unemployement. From my readings done, USA has an amazing unemployment rate compared to South Africa (I believe US is at 6-7% , South Africa is around 20-24% , however these figures do not include demotivated job seekers who have given up on finding employement).

The US has not fully recovered from its 2008 recession, and wont be in a boom again until the rest of the world including America stabilise, although Euro is gutted currently. Firms wont be seeking high wage employees, if you desperately want a job, ensure you are not apart of some ****ty trade union, go to a job interview, if it is low skill, and you are desperate, offer to work at a cheaper wage rate than other interviewees. now that is not something I can guarantee will work as in South Africa we have too many government laws that determine wage rates , as well as trade unions that cripple employment, but if you are desperate , surely it's worth a try?

You did not state whether you had any qualifications, for all anyone knows, you may not have even finished high school, you may/may not have a higher degree certificate, this makes it difficult to give any pointers in what field of work or state would offer best employment opportunities.

Aftermath, If you land yourself a job, get a loan from your parents, or maybe even a loan from a bank, I highly suggest that 1) you enrol yourself into a trades school/program, tradesmen are always in need and will always have employment , especially in America, due to vast population (and no offence, but a big % of the population are lazy[dont worry, every country has its lazy% , dont hate ]).

If you don't feel like that because it might not support the iPhone lifestyle or such, 2) use that money loaned or saved up, get yourself some form of diploma, degree, this can be done through night school college programs, or home study programs (example Unisa [google if you are not aware, just to get an understanding]).

Don't think you are too old or , infact don't give any reasons, if you want a better life then you have to buckle down and get it, my father got his degree after university which was standard, but about 11 years later at age 34 he went and got another (using up all the savings we had as a family), because bettering human capital, can only provide greater opportunities , thus higher returns for the future.

Although I suggest you read through all of that, Cliffs

Control expenses,
-determine your NEEDS, not luxuries (such as an iphone, opposed to a nokia 3310)
-seek employment every moment you can, no lazy days off.
-try get yourself into a trades program OR some form of diploma or degree
-this can be done through night school programs or other opportunites (do not do online only course things)

finally, BUCKLE UP, it is going to suck , I know we are years apart , our needs are different and such, but it sucked, cutting down to cheap coffee was horrible, not partying every 2nd night with my mates at university is lame, not showing off an iPhone or newsest samsung (doesnt really affect me as depreciating objects don't interest me much) but you might not be the coolest new gadget person on the block, you may get sick of eating tuna twice a day at least (which I still enjoy even though at university I eat two cans a day). Life is tough for people of all ages, it may seem more difficult for you to get employment than a kid learning how to ride a bike, but everything requires effort and the amount of effort required and/or put in , determines the level of reward, you getting an income , that child learning how to ride a bike.

I wish you best of luck , just like keeping to a diet, you need to stay positive and make sure to take opportunities (not ones such as drug muling though lol) Sacrifice the good lifestyle now in hope of having a greater lifestyle in the future :]

Apply to be a server at a restaurant. You'll probably get a ton of shift, and tips are awesome.

If you can drop a little cash, I would take a CNA (nursing assistant) course and get certified, and apply at hospitals/nursing homes. Most nursing homes are always hiring and you can get good hours right away. Plus if you work overnights or evenings there is usually shift differential.

Working with people is very rewarding.

^this as well very solid idea, high demand for it.

I'm waiting to hear back from a few places.. sent resumes/ applied online places..
alot of retail places are kinda done hiring for the holiday season so thats kinda out.
I guess because I only have hair salon experience/ retail not many of the csr/data entry jobs I feel like its not worth applying because I'm not familiar with Excel/Programs like it.. and typing is about 30 words a minute esp if I'm reading from something.. not from my head.

I think that was your problem, "waiting to hear back" I know it's a lil late, but you really really should have applied for retail anything in the beginning of Nov. Many places don't hire professional job at the end of the year. Your parents might be annoyed because you didn't suck it up and take "anything" and instead waited to hear back.

Start applying to -everyone. A lot of people in retail quite after black friday because of the crap they got dealt. Christmas is still busy and then they have inventory in January. I would suggest working evenings and weekends so that you're still available for office hour interviews. While waiting, many communities offer free courses for things like csr and you can take the time to improve your typing skills.

If you have knowledge of sports or enjoy a sport or two get your high school license. I use it as a second income and have made a couple grand in my yop months for minimal hours of work....It does not solve the problem but does provide some relief. Good luck!

I disagree with folks saying you don't need a car or phone. Cell phones are great for being reached by perspective employers. Not to mention, cheap. Keep it.

If your town doesn't have public transportation, you will need a car to get to jobs and interviews. People don't stop and think sometimes.

And in this day and age, internet is almost a necessity. Sure you can go to the library, but it is much easier (and again, cheap) to maintain a $20/month internet package and have constant contact with perspective employers (who most likely use internet for advertising jobs and applications). Keep it.

Have you tried temp agencies? They are good at getting your foot in the door at some places. Maybe even an internship. Also, look into attending college. Tech colleges have perspective job options shortly after completion. And they are cheap/free. Especially if you are not working.

If you are in a bigger city, look into becoming a bicycle courier. It's a job AND exercise!

learn cpr and become a nanny. So many people are hiring "parents" these days to raise their kids. In the small town where I went to school, many classmates had that job.

Good luck in your search.

ETA, I see you are near Philly. I still stand behind my car business. Unless you are in the city, public transportation is difficult. Philly is also not the friendliest cycling city.

STAY POSITIVE!! Take any job. You never know what you will learn from that job or someone you meet at that job!

Cut back on expenses! Do you really need a car & nobody NEEDs a mobile phone!!

If u don't care why comment. This is dear to her heart and all u can do is being sarcastic and judgmental. I think u have issues.

P.s. - this is long

Sweet , so you can pretty much ignore what most people have said, as many clearly don't know what needs these days are or have an understanding of the economy.

...

Before you go on acting like you know everything, please realize that you are still a student and have much to learn. Even at 40, you will have much to learn. I graduated college in 2008, when the US economy tanked. Four years later, I'm still struggling to find full time work. Many others my age *and older* are in the same position. If OP should receive any advice, it should be to value and respect the opinions of ALL who posted in this forum. It is easy to budget when you are in school and receive an allowance. However, many of us out in the real world (yes, even with college degrees) do not have money coming to us simply because we exist. Please reconsider that arrogant attitude of yours. Frankly, you have no idea how bad the economy is, either, dear.

OP, network in any way you can - temp, volunteer, or take a part-time position. Many people obtain work through networking. Don't get discouraged. :flowerforyou:

Another few things I tried when unemployed that made me a bit of cash while I was looking for work....

*Selling things on Ebay-I love vintage clothes so I'd scour second hand shops and car boot sales, find something nice and stick it on Ebay, often making 5 times what I paid for it. You can do this with collectables, records, vases etc or even your old clothes / unwanted items

*Become a mystery shopper..In the UK there's Market Force and Retail Eyes, not sure about US but a quick Google should turn something up. It was fun, I got paid to shop and eat out, a lot of restaurant jobs also enabled me to take a friend too. It's not a full time job but it's fine for the freebies and a little cash.

*Writing short online articles..I wrote for Helium, you get $1-4 per article and you also get revenue from people reading them, you don't need any special skills except good writing and spellchecker. I write about things I know about so it's pretty fun. It soon adds up and then it pays into a paypal account.

*Work for Avon..really easy to get started and give the catalogues to all your friends and family

*Ann Summers-I don't know if this is in the US but over here it's a fun job, you organise parties for your friends / strangers or make it an event in a local centre. They give you a kit of goodies and I don't think you have to pay anything up front. If you are good at organising events this would be brilliant for you. You can arrange a ladies night in your local bar or something.

*Finally...babysitting, it's that time of year when people are going to work parties and nights out and babysitters are often in need

I am also unemployed. I was told by a company that they were going to hire me. They told me to come back in a week to start my training. When i went back the lady said she never hired me and pretty much called me a liar.

P.s. - this is long

Sweet , so you can pretty much ignore what most people have said, as many clearly don't know what needs these days are or have an understanding of the economy.

...

Before you go on acting like you know everything, please realize that you are still a student and have much to learn. Even at 40, you will have much to learn. I graduated college in 2008, when the US economy tanked. Four years later, I'm still struggling to find full time work. Many others my age *and older* are in the same position. If OP should receive any advice, it should be to value and respect the opinions of ALL who posted in this forum. It is easy to budget when you are in school and receive an allowance. However, many of us out in the real world (yes, even with college degrees) do not have money coming to us simply because we exist. Please reconsider that arrogant attitude of yours. Frankly, you have no idea how bad the economy is, either, dear.

OP, network in any way you can - temp, volunteer, or take a part-time position. Many people obtain work through networking. Don't get discouraged. :flowerforyou:

^^^^

The suggestion on looking for work on craigslist is right on. My husband found his current job there that pays a lot of money with wonderful benefits. Look high and low and put out as many aps as you can. I found a few of my jobs simply by walking in and filling out aps. Many times I was hired on the spot. You can also put up on craigs list for services offered such as dog walking/sitting. this time of year when people stay out for extended periods of time and sometimes days, it can get you money. A friend of mine, that's what she did for a living (we live in H'burg, not sure how big your area is, though) **If you have a pet, ask your vet if he has any recommendations. There are also papers you get in the mail for local jobs, search that as well. If you can get certified in CPR, you could also do some babysitting. Volunteering during church services for babies can get your name out there, and you out of the house.

i got a full time job working monday-friday 6am-2pm. I start monday. YAYY.


ill be like a zombie though working that early.. but that's ok.
just wanted to share.

Congrats, take a nap after work then go for a run/walk. Your cat is adorable.