Jobs in Huntsville (Birmingham, Troy: attorney, student loan, transplants)

[adelaveleye]

I moved to Huntsville to be near friends, came from Iowa, was told better job opportunities and that was a lie. I am working on my degree and have been doing the temp thing and my job ended because the company overstaffed (overhired) I am looking for a recruiter and the only ones I can find is four either rocket scientists or Engineers, that is what you have to be to get a job in this town or know someone who is in the BRAC. I had to leave two jobs just to continue my education, the nothing jobs do not want you to get your degree. I isn't their a regular recruiter here for the regular people.

My three years in Alabama I was a victim of a burglaryand then came the identity theft which has financially hurt me bad...In the state of Alabama their is no recourse for the victims of identity theft, I am thinking of moving to Tampa.

I am tired and so so very discouraged, I have never had it so bad, unless you know someone here, it is hard to get situated.

[Keeper]

Hate to tell you this but jobs and crime are even worse in Tampa. I moved from there 2 years ago. Pay in Tampa is low for most jobs in comparision to the cost of living. If you get $10.00 an hour you will be lucky. Many employers hire contract workers only.

What type of job are you looking for? Places like Verizon call center would be a good place to look or a bank, they are usually willing to work with you if you are gong to school to get a degree.

[zenjenn]

I dunno, while we did move here specifically for the defense and aerospace industries, the unemployment rate is impressively low here overall.

In regards to getting situated, you have to make your own magic when it comes to connecting with people. I have found people to be very friendly and helpful as a newcomer, but I have made the effort to extend myself, to make phone calls, to join groups and show up at events. There are a LOT of transplants in this city, so there are plenty of people in the same boat, which I think makes it easier to connect. Networking is important too.

Even non-technical recruiters in general are for professionals, at least people with degrees. You're not going to find many recruiters anywhere who work with people who don't have degrees. I also have to say, my husband, who IS an engineer, found recruiters to be pretty useless. He signed up with recruiters and got laughable job listings thrown at him. All his good leads came from a job fair and cold-calling.

How much longer do you have to earn your degree? You can also consider taking out a student loan to help pay your expenses until you are done. Then just get a part-time job in food service or retail or something to supplement. It seems I've seen a lot of "Now Hiring" signs at establishments. I worked retail as a student. There's nothing wrong with it and jobs like that are usually available in any city if you are willing to do the work.

[Southlander]

Why not approach your college's counseling department? They could help you explore job possibilities within the school, which would work with your class schedule, or even in the community. The Christmas season is here, so local retailers may be hiring, at least temporarily. And it seems like most of the cell phone places are constantly looking for people. Even fast food would offer some flexible hours. Good luck, dear, plenty of people have done this before and you can do it too!

[Reactionary]

Attorney General Troy King's Guide to Protecting Your Good Name from Identity Thieves AND Restoring Your Good Name if You are a Victim of Identity Theft

Family Protection Unit - Consumer Protection - Identity Theft

The website is a one-stop resource for State and Federal Identity Theft services.

You're working for a 'temp' - you shouldn't be surprised that it was temporary. You're right that it's tough to get started - focus on getting a degree. FWIW, change your attitude, "job opportunities" in HSV was not a "lie". Recruiters try to make money - they are simply not interested in someone at your level of education and experience.

While I was at UAH: I flipped lots of burgers, worked bookstores, worked lots of retail, landscaped (we used to call it mowing), and a bunch of crappy jobs (like toxic waste handler)... It took longer to graduate, I was tired, I was broke, it sucked. Just keep driving toward your goals.

Why would you think Tampa would be better - do you have family there? You say you moved here for friends - learn from that... A support structure is important - perhaps you should reconsider Iowa.

[Bravo35223]

We try to help people as much as we can here, but (like so many others), you've got to give us a little more info before we can give you concrete suggestions.

1) What degree are you pursuing and which college/university are you attending?

2) Related question: What kind of job are you targeting?

I don't mean to be tough with you, but researching the area you are moving to before moving is the way to go...

Huntsville's economy is built on a bedrock of aerospace, engineering and defense.

Birmingham's is built on healthcare, civil/construction engineering, banking, communications (AT&T) automotive and iron/steel.

These are just two examples. But the illustration is this: both cities have very very low unemployment rates but their economies have very little in common. The makeup of the workforces is very different.

Let us know what you are looking for and studying and maybe we can make some suggestions on where to start...

[deesonic]

Maybe you could be a blues song writer. Sorry, just thought I'd lighten the mood.

[Threestep]

Recruiters do work with "regular people". Those with very specific skill sets. No company will pay a fee for an employee without degree, limited experience and probably limited availability.

I am sorry to hear that you were a victim of burglary and identity theft. These crimes are unfortunately being committed throughout the US and ahve nothing to do with AL.

You say you are alone. What happened to the friends near Huntsville?

You offer to perform tasks for economic gain. If your school schedule interferes with your job duties that is not an employer's issue.

Most banks in Huntsville pay between 10-15$/hr for new-hire tellers plus benefits including tuition reimbursement.

From a professional standpoint - your somewhat negative attitude will reflect during an interview or even a conversation and make it harder for you to get where you want to go.

Assess your situation from an outsider's point of view - where are you, where do you want to be financially, in your education, in your job prospects, in your relationships? Where do you want to be? What steps can you take? How long will it take you to reach your goal?

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by adelaveleye

...unless you know someone here, it is hard to get situated.

This is true no matter where you go, no matter the size of the city.

[financelife]

No offense, but you should probably move. Iowa was probably not as bad as you thought. Tampa will not solve your problems. They will actually get worse. Do you have "friends" there too and that's why you chose that location? The midwest is probably the best for you.