One third of Phoenix jobs "bad" (Scottsdale, Gilbert: apartments, for rent)

[azriverfan]

Originally Posted by sassieb75

Ok, but take an industry like pharmaceutical sales, where a degree is mandatory. But, experience is not always. Do they really care where you got your degree from?

No, in that sense, it doesn't matter. I know someone who had a lot of experience and promotion was more or less a formality but he lacked a bachelors degree to technically qualify for the position. He remained with the company and got his degree on-line and met that technicality. However, most people are not in this situation.

[sassieb75]

Yeah, I see what you are saying. My husband has alot of management experience, but lacks the degree. He landed his last position despite the "requirement". I, on the other hand am going into nursing and for some positions I may apply for in the future may require the BSN but for most nursing positions, the RN's and BSN's make exactly the same $$$$

[Chrismo]

Not everyone has a degree, maybe some college and 20+ years of work experience. But hell, who can afford to go to college if you have a $1100 a month rent bill, plus high utilities and need to make more than $17 an hour? I haven't made $17 an hour since I was a teenager! MBA and accountants are underpaid in Phoenix anyway. I know a Billing Manager back in NY that makes $120k a year and doesn't even have a degree! An accountant here in Phoenix can't even make half that! You just can't live alone and make in Phoenix unless you get at least $20 an hour! The prices and cost of living here has gone through the roof! Impossible wages!

[Chrismo]

Originally Posted by tasha43055

I have my AA in paralegal and I see plenty of jobs in my field that pay decent wages. Of course the cost of living here in Ohio is cheaper. I know that AZ is higher though. Why is it so hard to get a job there? What is going on that most people are unemployed? This is scary. Has it always been this way?

Well, it could very well be because the "right to work" laws in Arizona. That drives wages down and the pay rates are just awful. It gets worse everyday here in Phoenix. They surely need to do something, but right now, we are in a recession "nationally." I just moved from NY and boy, what a big mistake that was.

[YAZ]

The "Right to Work" law actually promotes employment, bringing in potential employers that don't want to deal with the union BS.

Replying to previous posts:

A degree from ANY university cannot hurt you; it's what you do with it that counts. Work ethics, experience, and a "can do" attitude will get you far in any area. 17 bucks per hour is a damn good wage for someone without a degree, and with 20 years experience in WHAT?

Retail? C'mon.

Office work? Gimme a break!

Bring a certain skill set to ANY employer out here in The Valley of the Sun and you'll command a "good" wage. The key is to find the right employer that's looking for your "skill set", and you can exploit that to your benefit.

[GilbertMom]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

What are you talking about? Phoenix has something like 3.1% unemployment rate. You call that "most people are unemployed"?

I am highly qualified in my field, been looking for a job for over a year. Have had three interviews in nine months - no job. Mostly no response to my resumes. I am over 50 -- maybe that's the problem.

[GilbertMom]

Originally Posted by Chrismo

Not everyone has a degree, maybe some college and 20+ years of work experience. But hell, who can afford to go to college if you have a $1100 a month rent bill, plus high utilities and need to make more than $17 an hour? I haven't made $17 an hour since I was a teenager! MBA and accountants are underpaid in Phoenix anyway. I know a Billing Manager back in NY that makes $120k a year and doesn't even have a degree! An accountant here in Phoenix can't even make half that! You just can't live alone and make in Phoenix unless you get at least $20 an hour! The prices and cost of living here has gone through the roof! Impossible wages!

I agree! I made $17 an hour in the late 70's, working for the telephone company in Phoenix and, later, in Denver. Those were the days! The neocons think that everyone should be paid $10 an hour (in today's weak dollars,) except for the governing class, which should be able to make obscene profits on anything that they touch. It makes me sick.

[Finger Laker]

i find it very hard to find good candidates out here - however, i think the job market is pretty solid - you throw in seniors, students and part time workers the "bad" jobs add up

$17/hr is a decent wage and liveable out here ....... you don't want to be there your whole life, but many people with degrees all over the country start out making less than that

[shiphead]

Originally Posted by Chrismo

Not everyone has a degree, maybe some college and 20+ years of work experience. But hell, who can afford to go to college if you have a $1100 a month rent bill, plus high utilities and need to make more than $17 an hour? I haven't made $17 an hour since I was a teenager! MBA and accountants are underpaid in Phoenix anyway. I know a Billing Manager back in NY that makes $120k a year and doesn't even have a degree! An accountant here in Phoenix can't even make half that! You just can't live alone and make in Phoenix unless you get at least $20 an hour! The prices and cost of living here has gone through the roof! Impossible wages!

Financial aid is a beautiful thing. Working on my BS in biochemistry, will it cost a lot? yes. Will i learn what i need to learn? yes. will i attempt to invent something new with the knowledge i've learned? yes. Will i have 1/2 of my courses done by the time i enter the university, yes. Will i save a tons of money doing this? hell yah.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

I still don't have a job in the Phoenix area. I have been on plenty of interviews though and for some great jobs. Most of the employers I have met aren't looking for people from outside the area because they can pick and choose from within the valley. As much as I want to work in the area, I am considering looking elsewhere for employment. I have a great job at the hospital that I work at now in California and want to maintain the same level of income. What happened to the market for MBA's? last year was a great year for the field. Now because of how the economy is fairing it seems that many prospects have dried up. I still see great jobs listed but can't seem to get into the right people. I have to say one thing though. I can produce a nicely written and good looking resume, cover letter, and career portfolio. You really need to evaluate what you can do and look at the responsibilities that you have had during your career to develop a good employment ad campaign. That is what this is all about, advertising ourselves.