[Dieselcubmike]

Good evening everyone. Usually this isnt something I would post about but lately ive been feeling kinda down and out. Tomorrow marks my final day at my current job and with not much experience its hard for a young fella like me to get good work anywhere. Only have a background in the food industry and a little bit in heavy equipment. Not much around here its either retail or food and id rather not do that. I looked into a over the road trucking company that offers you a free cdl class to truck with them. Not that I want to be gone for weeks at a time but if it leaves with a cdl to my name then so be it. Just kinda looking for suggestions/opinions. Id love to paint or do metal working but everyone always wants some kind of background experience . Thank you all very much for your time.

 

[Nxt2doc]

Look at school. I was in a similar position at my early twenties. I found a field of interest and went back to school. Has turned into a 25 year career and I still love my job. Financial aid is available. Don't sell yourself short on the I can't go back to school line. I work with a guy that just started school again in his forties to be a physicians assistant. I really admire his dedication and when he's is done he will be in a fine position.

 

[wvbuzzmaster]

Don't feel alone, I have similar woes. I love West Virginia but there isn't much for good work around here for anyone, even with a degree and a little work experience in the field. I find myself constantly fighting depression sometimes, mainly due to having had it so good, and afraid of personal failure in the work environment, on top of my own failures at my own ability to complete projects at home. Did I mention I am 25 years old, live with my parents, spend my evenings at my Grandfather's, work 40 hours a week (can't forget that), and I do nothing the others my age consider to be fun...
Point is... Hang in there, it's a long way to retirement... Which I plan to achieve at age 50... Ready or not, mental hospital or not LOL.

 

[Bill 76]

Is the place where your employed shutting down or moving jobs out of the county ? You may be eligible for job retraining and extended unemployment compensation. If you have a tech collage around they may have some answers , they deal with this all the time and they may have a something your interested in like paint and body work,compleating a class should help you get a foot in the door.

Getting a CDL might not be a bad idea,around here theirs a lot of local day runs semi--straight truck--dump truck--They have a hard time finding anyone around here that can pass a drug test.

 

[HANKG]

Don't lose hope, you are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Have you considered a Union building trade they offer a five year apprentice program while you work in the field and get hands on experience. Those programs also qualify you for an associates degree with a few more credits. There's a lot of work going on right now in the trades and when you become a journeyman you can travel anywhere in the country and work. Just a thought

 

[Cvans]

Have you thought about refrigeration or some other service industry. Treated me well and they are always looking for people. The last employee I hired was fresh out of vocational school and all the students were spoken for. 2 years now might pay you well in the future.

 

[camdigger]

I don't mean to pile on, but now is a tough time to be looking for a job.

My advice would be to be flexible as far as what you will work at, where you will do it, and what it might pay. I've worked in the oil and gas industry for 30 years. The oil patch is notorious for boom and bust cycles. I've done some very menial jobs keeping body and soul together through a bust cycle in spite of having a degree and a decade of experience.

For the short term, think about registering with a temp agency. Working through them may get you some cash, experience, and possibly something more permanent. If nothing else, it can help you cross bad jobs off your list.

Think seriously about training. Try to pick a field that is in demand and is something you can stomach doing. It rarely works out well if you hate your job, no matter how much it pays. The world is full of taxi drivers with advanced degrees in basket weaving, while people with minimal training become millionaires by making successful choices.

Looking back, I wish I'd stayed working through the boom cycle and gone back to school on the next bust with a reason to be there and some cash in my jeans. As it happened, I graduated just before the boom ended and had some interesting life experience through that particular bust...... Long story there.
You have some big decisions ahead of you.
Good luck!

 

[petrj6]

If you aren't afraid of sweat and show a little incentive you shouldn't have any troubles at all staying employed, I started rite out of high school without any experience and worked my way up. now I am a lead fabricator in a locale fab shop and am very happy and comfortable, as others have said if the place you are working for is closing down then there are lots of training programs out there just remember just because you went to school for something doesn't make you an expert. Good luck

pete

 

[MH81]

I cant say anything any better than everyone else has.
I would second the motion to go back to school if its possible. Not necessarily a 4 year, but even night courses on welding, body work, etc.
If that's a field you are interested in, there's your training and some experience.

 

[chieffan]

When you go for an interview for a job and guy says something about no experience, offer to work for him for 3 days. At the end of 3 days he decides if he pays you and keeps you on, or sends you down the road. Prove yourself and you will get the job. To many lairs out there that want a paycheck and don't want to work for it. Your offer catches them off guard and they think "this guys really wants this job". Dig your heals in and go for it. Good luck.

 

[TAHOE]

Good advice from all above.

Be careful with those "free training" place, especially with the CDL's. Yea, you will end up with your license for the future, but most of the time, you have to sign a contract to work with them for a year or two so the can give it to you free.

Sorry to hear of your plight with the job, hope you find a new career you will enjoy.

 

[NUTNDUN]

Sorry to hear about work. My wife is going through the same with looking for employment.

Try to not do the free CDL thing with a trucking outfit. You will be required to sign on for a minimum of a year to two years. Guaranteed to be away for 3 to 4 weeks at a time. Are there any millwright or rigging positions in your area? I know more and more employers are using the temp agencies to get employees so you may want to get signed up with a couple of them.

I wish you nothing but the best in your search.

 

[LilysDad]

Good evening everyone. Usually this isnt something I would post about but lately ive been feeling kinda down and out.

If, after going through all of the obvious options, you find that your are giving up looking; be aware that it is possible for people in your position to develop depression.

 

[boyscout862]

I am just about to turn 64 and started working in 1965. I have seen many boom and bust cycles and gone through a bunch of jobs. The first and most important thing is not to let it get you down. It is just going to be a tough time(hopefully short) and you will get through it. Have an activity that you do each day that is atleast mildly physical and enjoyable. Walks are great.

Check into the training that is available but be carefull. There is alot of schools and training that isn't worth anything. Many schools are not properly accredited so, their degrees and certificates aren't accepted by most employers. State run schools are usually the best deal and should be properly accredited. Many of the people that have the big student loan debts went to "for profit" schools that were not accredited. They borrowed $50,000 to get a piece of paper that isn't worth anything. Don't let anyone take advantage of you.

You should be eligible for 26 weeks of unemployment. Take advantage of the counseling and free training, in job searching, that your unemployment office offers. They may offer testing that will help match careers to your strengths.

I and many of the "old timers" believe that the 40 hour job keeps you alive but what you do with the rest of your time is what gets you ahead. I worked as a Civil Engineer, was an Army Reserve Officer, repaired vehicles, and built a new house during my working years. Find a "hobby" that you enjoy and can make or save you some money. I've seen the hobbies turn into careers for a few people.

Whenever your situation seems to be a downer, take a sanity pause and do something you like. It will work out in awhile. Good Luck, Rick

 

[olcowhand]

I can certainly identify with the "being lost lately". I have no history in the public work arena so have little advice other than keep the faith. The guys have offered up some great advice. Being you're young that is a huge plus. You'll come out better than you were with patience.

 

[tiretrx]

I too am sorry to hear of your situation. Been in a similar situation myself. I worked doing real estate examinations after HS all through my 20's. In the late 80's the RE market bottom dropped out and I became unemployed. I had grown up in a mechanical enviroment, but had no formal training, no college degrees. There was a period, a fair one, of angst, despair and self pity. But, after a bit I got proactive. I went to the unemployment office EVERY day and checked for jobs available. I checked for training courses available. I went to interviews, a good number. This went on for a good spell. Then a free machining course became available. Full-time, 16 weeks, federally funded. And if your attendance and grades met the marks, you kept your benefits. That was enough to keep my truck on the road and I gave the rest to my Mom for the house expenses. Graduated NMTS the Fall of '92, started at a smallish manufacturing company in Feb '93 for $7.50 hr. Swept floors, cleaned the bathroom, and learned every chance I got. Got an opportunity to work in the CNC dep't. Eventually became CNC supervisor. After 10 years there I became a partner and owner. I'm sure some will thinking I'm bragging. I'm not. The point I'm trying to make is......it can be done. I've got two young guys at my company now, 19 and 22. They have skipped over every other worker I have. Some have been there 20 years. Why? Not because of a degree. Or shear intelligence. But because of their hunger to learn, to excel. Because the strength of their will to succeed exceeds the strength of their backs. Positive, team attitudes. Jobs may be hard to find, I'll grant you. But, as a business owner I can tell you, a dedicated, hard working, hungry worker doesn't grow on trees, either. When I find one, I do all I can to keep them. Learn everything you can, every day. Don't let anyone else out work you. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life. I wish you all the luck in the world, but you can't mope. Get after it!

 

[toomanytoys84]

I have been having the same feeling. I made a post about my company laying off nearly a 1000 employees. Going from 8400 down to 7400. We have since closed 1 mine and are going to close another. So that will cut another 1000 people. We have had our paid vacation cut from 24 days(max which I've earned) down to 15 days. We also now have to pay 350 a month for our health insurance.

As I said in my big post about this, I am looking for other work if possible. Basically there is NOTHING out there that pays decent, offers decent benefits, and is close to my home.

I wish you the best.

 

[camdigger]

I can certainly identify with the "being lost lately". I have no history in the public work arena so have little advice other than keep the faith. The guys have offered up some great advice. Being you're young that is a huge plus. You'll come out better than you were with patience.

As far as you getting a "day job, if you are working with friends, around a product or service you know, it should be a simple matter of keeping busy, communicating issues, and learning the side of things you don't know. And whatever you do try to steer clear of workplace politics.

 

[boyscout862]

After 10 years there I became a partner and owner. I'm sure some will thinking I'm bragging. I'm not. The point I'm trying to make is......it can be done. I've got two young guys at my company now, 19 and 22. They have skipped over every other worker I have. Some have been there 20 years. Why? Not because of a degree. Or shear intelligence. But because of their hunger to learn, to excel. Because the strength of their will to succeed exceeds the strength of their backs. Positive, team attitudes. Jobs may be hard to find, I'll grant you. But, as a business owner I can tell you, a dedicated, hard working, hungry worker doesn't grow on trees, either. When I find one, I do all I can to keep them. Learn everything you can, every day. Don't let anyone else out work you. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life. I wish you all the luck in the world, but you can't mope. Get after it!

You have earned the right to brag and have shown a good example.

In 1970, I worked in a factory for the summer. They were behind on a government order for trailers so, I was hired to build a few. The three old guys there were working together and producing one trailer per day. The foreman told me to watch them and then try to build 2 trailers per week by myself in my own bay. After one week of figuring it out I realized that there was a much better way to do the job. After two weeks there, I was producing 3 trailers every two days by myself. The order ended up finished on time. After 7 weeks there I had to quit because I was coughing up black crud and couldn't get out of bed for a day. I had made the boss look good and he wanted me to stay but I was scared by the black crud. No job is worth dying for. Good Luck, Rick

 

[HDWildBill]

I agree with trying to go back to school. My son was in a no where job and decided to do something about it. He is now back in school learning to weld. His instructor also recommended him to a friend that needed some help in his shop so my son has a part time job working in his new field. He has also gotten to be friends with some guy who own a custom Bike shop so he has been learning to fab custom Motorcycle parts.

My daughter is back in college at age 40 to finish getting her degree. She wants to teach. My Son has VA but also has picked up several scholarships and my daughter is going on grants and scholarships. So there are ways to pay for schooling, especially tech type training. So don't be discouraged, visit your local tech school and see what they have to offer. Good Luck.