What are some of the signs of recession are you seeing in Denver and what are you doing because of it? (condo, credit card)

[DenverAztec]

Originally Posted by denverian

They seem to be selling fairly well in Stapleton. Once of our neighbors has to move for a job, and their house was sold before the agent got the sign in the ground. They told me they priced it "agressively", but still got more than they paid for it 2.5 years ago. One house on our block has been on the market for 6 months, but it's farily beat up inside and smells.

This is good to hear. Stapelton is a hot area for those wanting a suburban feel but easy access to the city. With respect to the poperty that has been on the market for 6 months - it is amazing how some folks can trash out a house in the matter of one party.

Originally Posted by Shuffler

I got panhandled at the Post Office last week. First time that's ever happened there.

I said no, then the bum asked a gal if she had any change, and she said no, and proceeded to get into her shiny black Cadillac SXT rolling on 21" bling bling wheels as I unlocked my bicycle and rode away.

I supressed the urge to make a comment about how she didn't look like she was doing too badly, and how she should give the guy a few bucks, but then I figure she's probably got that all on credit, maybe the wheels were stolen, etc.

You never know. I use to counselor folks in trouble with their mortgages and pre-BK cases and wow, they often showed up looking like a million bucks. Sad that the rest of us in jeans have to pick up for their lifestyle once they file BK.

Originally Posted by cowboyxjon

I'm doing OK right now (luckily) but I rarely carry cash and I hardly ever have change. I use my debit card for most small purchases during the day. Either way, I don't give to panhandlers, generally, because I feel like if I give to one, then I have to give to all of them, and I can't do that.

Anyway, this is my long-winded way of pointing out that she might not have had any change.

I never use to give to panhandlers, especially those with the signs on the corner who are wearing $150.00 sneakers. However, as of late I am seeing a few folks on Broadway who are not begging but just sitting there with blankets and some bags. You know they are homeless due to the sun burned faces, grime and overall sadness on their faces. I still don't give them money but I do ask them if I can buy them their lunch or dinner. I have stated this before on City-Data, but it best to not give them money as they may have an addiction or may just be a grifter who makes more money then I do.

[DenverLawGal]

oh I know, they are all over the city. I was trying to say that the ones far out in the burbs are all new and shiny, and seem to be gigantic compared to the ones in Denver.

Originally Posted by tfox

Actually, there's a "Big Lots" store in Denver too at 1st & Broadway.

[DenverLawGal]

Not only that, but as DenverAztec pointed out, giving out cash is not really the best way to help the homeless. Even the Denver Rescue Mission among others have sent out notices to please not hand out cash. They ask for you to donate to them directly if you really want to help.

Originally Posted by cowboyxjon

I'm doing OK right now (luckily) but I rarely carry cash and I hardly ever have change. I use my debit card for most small purchases during the day. Either way, I don't give to panhandlers, generally, because I feel like if I give to one, then I have to give to all of them, and I can't do that.

Anyway, this is my long-winded way of pointing out that she might not have had any change.

[the3Ds]

Originally Posted by denverian

Yeah, I just don't understand the fed. job application process. It's probably easier to get a very entry level position with low pay, but when you apply for mid-career jobs, they get extremely specific on their requirements. I've applied for many but never even made it to an interview, and the most recent one I applied for, never even could get a response as to whether they recieve my application. I want to get a fed. position because my military years would count toward retirement.

The federal application process is a lot more simple once you figure out how it works. I worked in the civilian personnel office at Ramstein AB and got the 411 on the process. Here's the gist (though I'm sure there are a few exceptions, but this is just the standard info). If you've got a bachelor's degree, you are qualified for a GS-5 job. If you've got a master's, you're qualified for a GS-7. That's getting your foot in the door. Once your foot is in the door, you can move up and around with your actual qualifications, but no matter how qualified you may be for a GS-11, if you don't have previous federal experience, don't get your hopes up.

As for your resume, you've got to redo the wording. Since you were in the military, remember all the acronyms? For someone on the outside, it's like speaking a foreign language. You've got to reword your experience to match what the job requirements are. For the most part, it's all done by scanning your resume into the computer. When the computer is looking for "keyboarding", and you've put "typed", you may not get credit for knowing how to use a computer. I have two different resumes...one for civil service and one for the real world. Both have the exact same experience, but the wording is completely different. For example, my first job after college was an executive assistant to the marketing manager. That doesn't translate in civil service computer language. The closest I could find was "commanders secretary". Guess what? It translated and gave me credit for the year I worked and qualified the job as a GS-7. Once I got in the system, I worked in a GS-8 job and moved up to a step 7. Not bad at all.

By the way, since it sounds like you're working towards your master's degree, don't forget the possibility of becoming a teacher. You don't just have to limit yourself to elementary, junior or high school either. There are plenty of community colleges (my father-in-law taught Spanish for more than 25 years at a CC in Phoenix. By the time he retired, he was rich, rich, rich (both financially AND in job satisfaction)). Plus, there will always be a need for teachers.

[bhouston77386]

[quote=the3Ds;7661619]It's interesting because fortunately for my family, we've done everything we're supposed to do: No credit card debt, bought a house that was WAY lower (more than $100,000 less) than we were qualified for, eat out only once a week (and then usually only for lunch as it's the same food but cheaper), and have cut back on clothes and "extras" unless we really need them.

We have noticed a smaller crowd out at restaurants and have occassionally asked our server about it. Every one of them have said they've noticed a downturn. However, I went to my hairdresser's last week (which is fairly upscale...I pay $140 for a cut, color and highlights) in LoDo and I asked her about any sign of the down economy. She said she has been surprised because they haven't felt any downturn at all. I guess you can't put a price on looking good.

140 dollars for a HAIRCUT!!!!!!!! You've done everything your suppose to? Yeah right, thats way too much for a hair cut.

[bhouston77386]

Originally Posted by D-town 720

I came here a few months ago and have yet to find employment. I recently graduated with a BA in Sacramento and saw the dire economic circumstances unfolding so I headed out east. Not only did Denver offer a vibrant urban core but had natural beauty and a low unemployment rate. however, I worry that many other people like me made the same decision and came to seek employment, making Denver's unemployment rate are misleading. Possibly there exist a large migrating workforce from other states that are not counted in the regions unemployment stats? I recently went to a job interview for a 9/hr job only to find 30 people sitting in the lobby in suits. I have also meet quote a few folks here that are from Michigan, Florida, and California, who are looking for work. Employers must be having a field day by using their discretion in such an overly abundant workforce. I'd be happy washing dishes right now but I don't have the five years of dish washing experience. What is a part time graduate student to do?

On another note, my relatives in the SF bay area say that it is common to see closed business. Here in Denver this is not too common. Although, I saw a few on Broadway in Cap hill that seemed to be closing down. Also, almost all projects in Sacramento have been cancelled or put on hold. I was sad to see a city that had great potential and a lot on its books dwindle in construction during last fall. - Denver is still going forth with a sizable amount of projects. When I graduated in May I sought out temp agencies to help start a flow of income. After several agencies staff recommend that I apply everywhere and hope for the best it dawned on me how bad California's economy was. I have not seen the despair, job layoff, sad stories(people committing suicide after losing a job with a new born baby on the way, walking in front of the light rail) in Denver that existed in Sacramento.

I have no idea what the font is doing...

You said you are willing to wash dishes for a living. I can get you a job that pays better than that TODAY.

[D-town 720]

Originally Posted by bhouston77386

You said you are willing to wash dishes for a living. I can get you a job that pays better than that TODAY.

Go ahead and send me a direct message as to what you had in mind.

Thanks

[steveindenver]

You said you are willing to wash dishes for a living. I can get you a job that pays better than that TODAY.

I buy ugly homes for CASH!

[WolfBoy914]

I read about someone in town hiring crews to clean up homes they've bought from foreclosure or from sellers in trouble. Is that you Steve? That would be a good news story.

As for The Orchard... WOW. That place is nice. I was up there on Monday and was very impressed. Traffic just needs to pick up a little. That should happen when REI opens on the 20th. I thought about dropping off a resume there just for some part time work... they are completely staffed already.

It's a nice shopping center if you are on the north side of town.

[DenverLawGal]

WolfBoy: For those of us who live around the Orchard, we are really hoping that they keep filling up, which they have done so far. The edition of the IMAX is super cool, along with major retailers. I had no idea about REI, that'll be really nice.

For work....I just heard on the news that w/the recent gambling law changes, they are hiring 90 new dealers, no experience required. They put you thru dealing school for free. I know you have to pay for a gambling license, no matter what you are doing in a casino. Years ago it was around $100. Some casinos pay for that too. I guess their business is great!