desparate for work! any ideas? (employees, apply, interviews, degree)

[smoky_topaz]

Well I am big time frustrated about how this economy is. Do you know I have been out of work almost a whole year? It is so embarassing that I don' thang around people much, I am afraid I am going to be known as the jobless wonder very soon! I get by in the check (SSI, SSDI) and live in a low rent apartment sponsored by the HOME program-if you don't know what that is, google HOME program) I am sooooooooooo depressed about this it is not funny, I feel like I am going to be 80 practically before something happens (and by then, would it matter? LOL) Yet I have stayed busy whenever possible: I have been on interviews and in programs trying to get some help...probably 14 interviews, with nothing ot show for it) I've looked into the Internet-I am not into "start your own business" programs or these joke of a websites promising a ton of money for stuffing envelopes and data entry. The only legit websites that would help my talents are Ebay and AssociatedContent. This year I have sold three painings and I onsider that to be damn luck. This year it has been the only thing I've done well! I don't know if anybody knows about VoRehab on this board, but I am in their system and already in a program which is like a contract in which I have to work 90 days by the last day of April '09. So basically if I can;t get a job by February, I am totally ****ed!! Is anyone else in this bad a shape as I am in? Help please!

[renee_cal]

I see you are in GA. Have you tried 911 dispatch? go on all the county websites such as cobbcounty.gov and apply. All you need to do is type 25wpm with no mistakes. Also the schools are hiring for assistants and subs. Also have you tried healthcare? They are always looking for aides and the senior citizen homes will train you and pay you during training. Good luck!

[movingon2vegas]

If you have a degree apply to be a substitute teacher. Also try craigslist,monster,hotjobs,careerbuilder,local newspaper, job fairs.

I don't know your faith but prayer works too.

[twinmma]

What about going to a temp agency? Those can turn into Perm positions. Plus it gives you money. Plus it gives you something to put on your resume.
If not temping, how about retail? A lot of retailers are gettting ready to hire their seasonal employees. I did this through college. I started as a seasonal employee, after a month they asked me to stay on, and after three months I was promoted to part time manager. Higher end places pay pretty decent for retail: Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn...I worked at WS and it was great.
I don't know your full position, but maybe lower the standard for a bit until you find what you really want to do.
Good luck!

[smoky_topaz]

Just for everyone's info here....

I have a two year degree in Fine Art. I feel like it is just "a piece of paper" I have sold art to people before and will continue to do so. It is the only thing I feel optimistic about right now. My pieces of work are pretty cheap. An 11" by 14" painting-unframed: $35.

My scope of experience does not go outside the retail/food biz. Sorry to report that. Although I'm hearing that people with experience are having problems too.

I have been with an agency and had no luck. Also Im trying volunteer work and not having no luck no how. WHY?? Do I have some kind of character flaw that I can't see?

[CA central coast]

You say you sold paintings on e-bay?

[smoky_topaz]

I'm an amateur however. haven't sold anything yet but haven't been pursuing them long enough. I think it's the best way to go for a struggling artist.

[NJ Chutzpah]

join the navy

get money for college

learn some job skills

can now get another degree

[Movie Lover]

Work for my enterprise. You can be my American boss.

[smoky_topaz]

Another thing that is frustrating...every classifed ad you pick up in the paper or read on the net says "must have experience in..." I am so sick of that! Even blue clooar jobs are like this! To be a janitor, a waitress, or a cook you must have ****ing EXPERIENCE....sheesh. The dreaded "e word" is now a part of my repatoire...what it all boils down to is that people don't want or don't have the time to train or take on apprecntices like they did in the old days...