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Looking For Some Advice on Employment

I

in-too-deep

Well-known Member
Takin' a break from splitting firewood so I thought I'd bother you guys.

After working for Miss MN's mother here on the farm, I'm starting to realize that I need to start making some real money. What I'm making now just won't do if I want to move ahead in life.

I know this is a bad time of year and bad time altogether to be looking for work, but I hope you can give me some ideas.

I graduated high school, but have no post-secondary education, and I'm 21 years of age. In high school I took a Building Trades course and learned how to build a house from the hole up...our class actually built the house over 2 years.

Here's my work experience:

Town cemetery maintenance- 2 summers

Local state park - 2 months seasonal

Fruit warehouse- 1 month seasonal

Pepsi warehouse- 1 month temp.

Christian camp and retreat center- 4 years, 2 years in the kitchen, 2 years as maintenance manager (fix buildings & equipment, mow the grass, plow snow, organize building projects and volunteers etc.)

Large grain farm- 4 years, chisel plow, grain cart, combine, planter, field cultivator, equip. maintenance and some repair

Beef cattle and hay farm- since April

I might be forgetting something, but that's the main idea. I'm not afraid of hard work or problem solving, and I love anything with an engine. I do pretty well wrenching on vehicles and tractors and equipment, and I'm not afraid to jump in and tackle stuff (especially old stuff). I can weld with stick and mig, but I'm not very experienced.

I live in Shevlin, MN. Which is in northern MN near Bemidji. 2 hours east of Fargo and 3 hours west of Duluth.

A lot of money can be made working on pipelines up here, but that's a lot of traveling and I don't want to do that.

I really am a Jack (Chris) of all trades, so in my mind, I'm pretty valuable and versatile.

Any ideas on what kind of work I could look into up here? I've thought about going to the local farm machinery dealers, but I bet they've dried up for the winter. I guess I'm looking for a career, even though I've done a lot of seasonal work. My intention was to be a residential electrician, but that outlook isn't so great now I don't think.

I know this is all pretty vague, and I'm sorry, but a little inspiration is all I need.

Thank you, folks!
 
buddy of mine has a pretty successful handyman service. calls himself "rent a son" does all kinds of odd jobs, a lot of his work is with senior citizens, general fix up around their house, snow plowing, sidewalk shoveling, minor plumbing, electrical work, gutter cleaning, ect. fills the niche just below a general contractor.
 
If you really like electrician work, go talk to one of your local contractors. He might hire you to be a "gopher" or maybe to help with the clean up, and slowly work you into being an electrician.
 
I can't believe how busy my son is in the construction business. Especially since we live in one of the highest enemployment counties in Michigan. We're somewhere around 12%. He'd been driving over 50 miles each way to a sales job that hardly paid for his gas for about a year and a half.He quit about the first of the year and went to the county clerks office and got a DBA (Doing Business As). With that,whatever he does,an employer can pay him cash and he's responsible for his own taxes. He's working seven days a week right now. He has one building contractor that he works for quite regularly,an insulation contractor that puts him to work if and when he has the time,an a guy who puts up awnings who uses his services now and then. I'd think if you had a DBA and maybe a CDL drivers license,you could write your own ticket.
 
I'm just afraid that'll be spotty work...might get laid off a bunch because there isn't much new construction going on.
 
The main choice people have to make in life is...
A. Move to follow a chosen career path.
B. Live where you want to live and make what career you can there.
Sounds like you may have chosen B in which case you have to look around and see what income generating activities are near where you live and position yourself by education and or experience for the area you live in. If it is all farms around you then you need to either farm or support farms or farm families. All areas need to educate their young people. Can you acquire the eduction and certification to teach or support education in your handyman role? Support the local infrastructure like highways?
I think you may need to get some more training like in welding or some technical/mechanical skills (HVAC?). One thing that goes a long way to day is being an employee that shows up on time every day.
 
It"s tough in that area, I would go with HVAC tech, plumber, or electrician. That stuff will always be in demand, plus you can make good money. It may take a little bit more school/training but it"s worth it.

I had a friend in college that used to work weekends delivering propane/fuel oil. He said it paid well for a part time gig.
 
I've definitely got the last one in the bag. I don't have any bad references. You raise alot of good points...you mentioned highways...I bet I could plow snow this winter and end up sticking around the highway department. Thanks for writing.
 
Pick a good company in the field you like,get hired,do ANYTHING they ask no matter how dirty,hot,cold or tough it is,even volunteer for grunt jobs,do them with a good attitude and do an excellent job no matter how trivial you think it might seem to you.You will stand out among the other young folks of today's world and in no time you be an invaluable asset they can't do without or a competitor will notice and offer you a job.
 
I would suggest something in geo-thermal heating and cooling systems. With the price of energy down a little now, but probably going to take another spurt, renewable ground-source heating and cooling would look to have a good future to me. Our contractor is VERY busy!
 
Do as you want, just realise that you really need additional training in something more than what you have for skills now. Everything that your skilled in is getting replaced by Mexican labor. Even trucking is getting taken over by Mexican drivers.

If being an electrican interests you, then call them up and talk today. Life waits for nobody, but just make sure it is what you want.

Applying to my local Community College was the smartest thing I've done. They helped me obtain financial aid, got me in a degree program, and even gave me a part time job on Saturdays after my first semester.

The biggest thing is you got to want it. Getting that degree or training is a big commitment on your part.
 
Industry is hurting real bad for welders. I had our neighbor ask me just the other day if I could go to work for their outfit doing pipeline welding, as I just quit my last job working for a heavy equipment outfit.

Get practiced up stick welding and then go down to your local welding supplier and ask about becoming a certified welder. Do the tests and get your certification, then go to the construction outfit (Snelson Industries, in my case) and apply as a welder. There is dang good money to be made as a profesional welder, industry needs welders.
 
The first one was just kind of dumb luck. My 15 year old nephew had worked for this contractor over the summer as a gopher. My son just got tired enough of driving to a job for nothing,so he called the guy. He said yes,he'd find something for him to do if he would go to the court house and get a DBA. Once he got his foot in the door and was showing up on the job site,other sub contractors were impressed with his work etic and attitude,as well as his ability to hide any fear of heights. The offers just kept coming. The DBA makes all the difference. He can work for just a few days if somebody needs him and doesn't have to be put on payroll. He just bills the contractor at the end of the job or the end of the week,or whatever. Bills it under his "Company Name". That way they have the bill for their bookeeper so they can write it off. I was mistaken after I thought about it. It wasn't the first of the year that he started it,it's been over a year ago. But yea,this a rural community with 12% unemployment and he's busy as a one armed paper hanger. When he started,I told him he should at least get a CDL B so he could drive dump truck or something if he had to,but it all took off so fast,he hasn't had to.
 
I would think about security technician.(burglar alarms)This is a growth industry.It's sorta like an electrician,too.
 
I started a fence company when I was 20.It doesn't take a lot of money to start up,if you use older equipment.If you can find a couple friends to help you out and you all get the hang of it you should be able to make $500-1,000 a day.I'm not trying to brag but I'm 29 now and have two farms paid for.With so many lazy people your age,people will like letting you bid their jobs.Just do a good job in a reasonable amount of time.If you get something going before you have a wife and kids you can take chances you might not be able to later in life.
 
Put a Handyman ad in the paper and you may be able to make money that way. Also HVAC service techs are in demand cause everyone has Heat and most have AC. I know that most guys will make a living at it in a few years. Go to a vocational school and get a HVAC service cert. or degree. HVAC has pipe fitters, electrical guys, sheet metal guys. In Northern MN I bet there is a big need for furnace fixer guys.
 
Military.

Free medical

3 hots and a cot

next to free college education

travel the world for free or next to it

opportunity to retire early enough to have a second career with a college degree under your belt and the leadership experience employers want.

paycheck and free medical the rest of your life

30 days paid vacation each year

generous pay raise almost each year

almost free clothes

etc, etc, etc

No, I'm not a recruiter. Just answering the question.

Dave

You can be retired with medical for life and almost half of your highest pay earned a college degree based on your ambition (know a couple guys with doctorates that cost them the initial 1200 bucks they invested in the GI Bill) by 42 while some clowns are just trying to figure out what to do with their life. Not a bad deal and draw a generous paycheck to boot.

Dave
 
Try and get into apartment maintenance, learn to do your own buy some small apartments and build from there. Probably need help soon after the elections when the tennants start rioting and tearing up the place that keeps there sorry a$$e$ dry and warm.
 
In-Too-Deep:

I think Traditional Farmer has given you top-notch advice.

Time is on your side. Hop-to-it --- maybe you will want to change your handle to that.
 
If the service isn't your interest, the building or industrial trades will be steady work the rest of your life, some being better than others.
Electrician / Plumber
Welder / HVAC
Diesel mechanic

whatever you choose, strive to be the best
 
If you want to go into one of the military
branches I would pick the Air Force or Navy. They will train you for a position.

If that doesn't appeal to you, I do as bruster suggested and pick a trade and serve the 4 year apprenticeship. I think they should change this whole education system and do away with the general course. Start teaching trades for in place of the general corse. One thing about doing a hitch in the military you will know you want to do once you get out. I was only 20 when I was drafted and I was furloughed from the government. I grew up on a farm and didn't want that. I got married while in the Army and I grew up in a hurry since there was a chance I may go to Korea. I ended up at Ft Bragg and decided
not to stay in the Army. I found out I would be rehired back with government as a returning vet.
Had about 43 years when I retired. Pick the electrican apprenticeship and you will make good money. Take a few electronic courses too.

Here in my county they have that set up with local
electrical contractors and you get on the job training and you go to class. Hal
 
You could be describing me exactly, except for the camp experience and it was in the early 80's. I too took bldg trades and did lots of farm work and did no post graduate study for two years. I realize it was only 1980 but back then still a good number of kids didn't go to college. One of the saddest days of my life after graduation was in late summer when I cruised in to town to the "hangout" and almost everyone was gone to school.
That being said, I too worked for about two years in a struggling bldg economy of the early 80's. The contractor I worked for I belive built one house that year. I eventually wanted a carreer. I chose a state college well known for its trade degrees and obtained a 2 yr associates degree In another area of interest to me, heavy equipment/diesel mechanics. I entered the work force and soon realized I wasn't making much more than I was before. I returned to school and got a Bachelor's degree in Management. I have been a heavy equipment mechanic for 18 years with a large corporation and make pretty good money. BUT, I was very lucky to get my job and live knowing I could be cut anytime. Management just didn't pay.
In hindsight I wish I had chosen a different path. I chose one of my loves, engines, as a carreer. Truth be told, sometimes I'm sick of fixing things. My hobby is not as fun. My point? I could have chose anything as a carreer. I laughed at the time at my college roomates that chose "computers". Yet, 20 yrs later they're probably financially ahead, and I find computers interesting too. (and they're probably not computer retarded like me). Was college worth it? yes and no. Would I go back and do it again? If I were 21, yes. Is college necessary? not always. It did provide one great benefit. Girls! 12,000 students and half girls! Its where I met my wife. Would I choose different, yes, I'm afraid so. One's hobby does not necessarily need to be a job.
An interesting observation. Every rich person I know works for themselves. Sure doctors and lawyers do good but I know a roofer, computer tech (former Chevy mechanic), nursuery plant dealer, and fine finsh carpenter all self employed and doing very well. But, you need the stones to do it, and I don't have them.
My point? Choose a career that pays well and looks secure. You can always work on your hobby when you get home. Keep us posted. Good luck
 
The only thing I will add to what already has been said and it is the same thing I would tell anyone around you're age and that would would be don't limit yourself to "Not willing to travel" There are so many opportunities in field service positions all over the US and pay very well and most not all try to get you home on the weekends with a lot of perks such as frequent flyer miles then you can take the your young lady on vacations to some pretty hot places for free. There's nothing wrong with being a home boy but there are a lot beautiful places in this great country that you may never get to see otherwise. You may find a field that you really love and a lot less brawn and more brain especially if you are a good troubleshooter. One downside is airport weather delays and just weather in general kinda like farming. Becoming an excellent troubleshooter and problem solver will make you very successful and very busy. IMHO
 
In-too-deep I worked 25 years for the BNSF railroad as a traveling mechanic. You need basic inowledge of electrics hydraulics welding pneumatics and all basic mechanical. I traveled from Kansas city To Chicago. But home every weekend. Next If I were you I would apply to railroad, any railroad, as engineer or conductor. Very good money. Just my two cents Bernie Steffen
 
my son is your age [ 1 year older] he has been in the navy 6 + years on a 8 year hitch and has already re-enlisted, he is in computer programing and works on the fire control computers for the weapons systems on his ship, he can't afford to leave, he makes 3 times the money in the navy that he could in the civilian market, has full medical paid for plus other benifits, not to mention the re enlistment bonuses, and job security, might think about it
 
If I were you, I would think about attending some classes at a trade school. A few years ago, there was a big demand for injection molding technicans in our area. Anyone that had any kind of training in that field was assured of a nice starting wage. I tried to talk my son into learning the trade, but he wanted to take auto-body because 'all his friends were'. After graduating, he spent a couple years working in various body shops,but got tired of it. He now works where I do and runs CNC Lathes.
Do a Google search on Injection Molding & research it a little....just a thought.
Tom
 

Military - you will learn a good skill, make a decent wage, and get life experience that you couldn't buy for any amount of money. Go full time to get maximum pay and benefits, or go National Guard and volunteer for the deployments you want. My daughter has been in the Guard 4 years, has deployed 3 times (all where and when she chose) and when she came back from last tour in Iraq, just 2 weeks ago, she came back with nearly $50,000 in savings because she has been saving through all deploymets. She is a Sgt and gets paid an OK wage, but the biggest advantage is that she has had no expenses while deployed. That, plus the nice sign-up bonus (she just got her second half on her 4 year aniversary) and she has saved real money.
 
I figured out in high school that college wasn't for me. Trade school or comm. college, maybe. The thing that has me nervous is that word "secure." Might be able to work like a dog for most of the year, but when things freeze up, I'm afraid they'll kick me out in the cold 'cause there isn't enough work for me to do.
 
If you want to get a job in a car dealership, for GM you want to get into their ASEP program, Ford is ASSET, and Chrysler is CAP. There are similar programs at various schools for imports. The Big 3 have their programs at DMACC in Des Moines, but I'm sure you can find them at other schools around the country too. I went to Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, Ia and took a general auto program there. I'm envious of the training that the ASEP student working under me is getting. You have a combination of full time class and internship at a dealership. You just won't get the quality of training from a general program that a specialized one will give you. Maybe John Deere has one too.
Don't overlook the Military. Employers like to see Military service on a resume. They do a good job turning boys into men there. One potential drawback, depends on the person,(my brother volunteered for 3 tours in Iraq) is you would certainly do a tour of duty in Iraq or Afganistan.
 
I don't mind traveling, and in fact I'm partial to it, but I'm afraid it would put a stress on Miss MN's and mine's relationship and I certainly don't want that.
 
Check that Machine shop in Bagley. They may be hiring. Have no idea what they pay . Used to know a guy who worked there and he was doing ok. Can"t remember the name of the place but ots on the right side of Rt 2 just west of downtown.-Bill
 
Definitely consider the military. I served in the Air Force and received telecommunications training that gave me great earning power after I served my time. Looking back though I should have stayed in and retired....
 
electrician isnt bad. speaking from experience. You always run the risk of getting laid off with any job for example look at the auto workers who couldnt keep up 4 years ago and look where they are at now. You would have to be a self atarter and ambitous but it is not bad. I imagine any of the trades would be similar
 
Check with the unions for different trades. There is a demand for welders but you need to find a place that will take you on as an apprentice. Welding takes a while to get proficient at but if you have the knack for it, you can make really good money. Pipeline welders can make a lot and pressure welders with multiple tickets, especially TIG on specialty metals, can make over $100,000 a year. Don't expect this kind of money in the beginning though. Welding takes thousands of hours of practice to get good at. Dave
 
I would have to agree with rrlund about getting the DBA. In some states you dont have to have one and others you simply have to register with the dept. of labor. What it amounts to in a nutshell is a contract laborer. Just like he said, you could work for any of the different trades or even farmers when they need temporary help, which can very easily end up being a full time position simply because they dont have to put you on the payroll. Their might be some farmers that need extra harvest/planting help but cant afford to put someone on the payroll due to taxes and etc. Even if it doesnt amount to full time, you could use it to help pay for the cost of furthering your education. Many of the community colleges / trade schools have classes taylored to non-traditional students. For example, when I was in const. school, i took night classes for welding. The welding class was 3hrs one night a week during the school year. There were people of all ages that didnt necessarily go to school full time and others went just to gain certain skills. (such as welding certification) As far as getting your name out there, maybe consider putting an ad in the local newspaper whether it be a classified ad or maybe a print ad. Hang out a flyer in the lumberyard or feed store and etc. if they will allow you to. Simply mentioning to a few different places you'd be interested in contract labor, could go a long way. The only drawback to contract labor is the fact that you most likely wont qualify for any benefits such as health insurance and retirement. If you dont already have it, I would really consider getting some. At your age it should be realtively affordable. At 24, with an average coverage package including perscriptions, I pay around $120 a month. It might be required in some states, but contractors liability insurance would be another asset. I've gotten several construction projects simply because I was insured, where the competitors werent. Hope this helps. I was in a similar situation just after college so shoot me an email if you'd like.
 
As fond of the juorneyman trades as I am it has its letdowns too. I'm what they call a journeyman and in the union. What they did about six years ago was come through and outsource almost all the tradesmen. Now when they need pipefitters they use one journeyman and however many "helpers" who get 8.00/hr. The same with electricians, welders and so on. Yes, once you learn a trade its yours for life, as to getting good pay always , thats not so sure.
 
If you do consider the military, be careful what specialty you choose. One of my nephews was trained as a tank mechanic, you know there just isn't much demand for that in civilian life? The old tanks you learned diesels and such, the M-1 uses a turbine. He is now working with the oil rigs in the gulf, but not based on his specialty.

Employers do like seeing military experience, it means you have learned to follow orders.
 
The crop insurance industry cannot get enough young folks. Our adjusting force is aging because historically we used retired school teachers or retired farmers. Most adjusters start out part time as "per-diems", but many of the crop companies are starting to hire folks with farm experience, especially crop experience, full time. Some companies to check out, Farm Bureau, Rain and Hail, Great American, or Rural Community Insurance Services (RCIS).

There are others.



Gene
 
I'm not sure if the lawn care business is big in your area,but if it is you may want to get into that. My first job was at a rather large company and the owner makes a good living. He started out just as a kid with one push mower and about 10 years later he has a heck of a business going. Fleet of 20+ trucks with around 30 workers. He always told me the key to making money is to pick something you don't mind doing and that a lot of people hate to do. While you do the work for them charge them threw the nose!! LOL.. I'm 27 now,but i was 17 when i started that job in high school. I bet i was the only kid in school making 1,000 dollar pay checks during the summer. Don't get me wrong I worked my butt off for it. I would work 15 hour days on average (6 days a week). Best advice if you would go down this road is go after big acounts like business. Don't waste your time with small personal lawns. The companys are more likely to pay you ( also make more) plus you deal with less complaining.
 
You seem to have lots of experience at "jobs" but none at a career. Education is the key to anything beyond a "job", whether its a community college, trade school, or a four year degree in something that'll get you a professional career.

Check with your local community college, a lot of them have financial assistance programs, even for part time students. Don't know about where you live, but in a lot of areas the credits from an associate degree will transfer directly to a four year degree program at a state school.

Education, education, education, can't stress that enough. The military might be a good place to start if you don't mind all the nonsense that goes along with job. Otherwise, look into going to school part time with an eye towards becoming either a skilled tradesman or a professional.

One more word of advice, try to get through whatever level of education you want BEFORE you have kids. Its really hard to go back to school once you have kids depending on you.

Good luck in your choice,

Keith
 
What ever you choose get some formal training, vo-tech, military, or community college and don't scoff off the grammar and writing skills. Remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The man who knows how will always have a job. The man who also knows why will always be his boss”.
 
I am not really sure what you mean when you say your are working for Miss MN's mother. I suspect it may mean your married and your wife and you are letting her mom call the shots. If so that is sad. In life there are only 2 things a man needs to know. 1st is where he is going, and 2nd is who he is going to take with him. If you answered the 2nd question first you may be in for a life of misery. Anyway, my advice to a 21 year old from the upper midwest that seems to have no interest in further education or the military is to go work in the coal mines around Gillette WY or the Baaken oil area in ND/MT. You will make lots of money and have hours, many many hours, driving the coal haul truck, or working on the oil rig, to figure out what you want out of life. As a added benefit you will have a saleable skill.
 
I'm about to head for bed so I wanted to thank all of you for the replies. I read 'em all a couple times and soaked up as much as I could. I didn't reply to everyone, but thank you for takin' the time. Now, I'm gonna go sleep on it ; )
 
Its that big place on the right about 3 blocks west of the main st of Bagley. Can't miss it . Rather new building. covers about a 1/3 block and its borders Rt 2 on the north side. They have cncs and the whole lot I guess.-Bill
 
The M60A3 Patton tank has a 750 hp air cooled V12 Continental diesel. I spent 2 years in one from 1982 to 1984 near Fulda and in Gelnhausen in what was then known as West Germany. Lots of fireing time at Graf. We were, at that time the best tank company in Europe, we found that most orders messed up our team work. We actually beat the first M1 units in competation. Their crews would have been easy targets for our tanks M2 50 cal when they were knocking the dirt out of their air filters. Of course, the British beat all of us with what I think was a Chieftan tank. My point is I had trouble following orders then and now that idea now is pointless. Unless it is something my wife tells me to do.
 
As a jack of all trades [well over 50] I would say get into the medical prof. no whether what it be {hell you know some of us are still alive after NAM]and us old baby boomers are going to need all kinds of help,just think about it. Good luck to you.
 
The trouble with your advice is things have changed in the workplace and without some sort of formal training such as a college degree or a certificate, there will be barriers to entry. For example, the local flashlight factory will hire him with no further education than what he has right now and place him on the assembly line. From there he will be able to advance some, but they would not ever allow him to be a manager simply because there is a rule that says ALL managers MUST have atleast a 2 year associates degree. Doesn't matter how hard he works, never late, etc... That is company rules and they don't make exceptions.

Most everything requires some sort of formal training. What he needs to do is decide what he wants to do and get the certifications to do it.
 
Get the formal training AFTER you know what your employer wants.Sounds like you might want an excuse not to work.And BTW hard work and a good attitude never goes out of style or out of date when trying to get ahead.
 
Do something you like to do so its not a drag to go to work.I'm 36 and been welding since I've been 16.I'm starting to have some health issues to the point of probably not going to be able to do it anymore.Was going to be a machinist like my grandad but changed my mind.Don't know now if I could do it or not(married with a 6 year old daughter)If your 21 check out the National Guard.They offer a heck of a bonus package.Was shooting the bull with the recruiter some where aand he was trying to sign me up(a year or so ago)when he told me the bonuses and bennies the wife said when do you want him.Something to think about.Good Luck.
 
Hey in too deep. Think about doing something you enjoy for a living. How about electrical or mechanical engineering. There"s also the forrestry service or the food service industry and there"s certainly nothing wrong with farming. How about a tractor dealership. Remember, time is on your side right now and education is extremely important. I am a retired journeyman machinist with GM And I made a good living but most of the Skilled trade jobs have gone south. rw
 
The type of jobs I am looking at I couldn't get my foot in the door without a degree. A degree is a ticket to compete for them.

There is a good bit of difference between working hard and working smart. Simply working hard is not the answer to everything. When I was working for farmers, I was working hard, but it didn't pay off very well. The key to getting a better job these days is to go to college and get that piece of paper.

Truth be known I feel like I am working harder in college than I was working for farmers. College is not the big party that TV portrays it to be!
 
Hey chris

Was just checking in here for a bit. I would suggest the schooling if you can swing that at all. They can never take that away from you. Otherwise someone suggested a machine shop that might fit you good also. I didn't read the whole thread so something might have been suggested that I have missed.

If the school is only a half hour away that is real doable. Hopefully they have a program that would allow you to continue with Miss MN's operation. The housing situation will turn around in the long run. That sort of stuff always has it's ups and downs. We are just in a down side of that cycle now.

Keep you chin up.

jt
 
Do you have the balls to make your own way or do you want to work for someone? I'm not saying one is a better choice than the other,but once you figure that out you can narrow down what you want.If you do want to make your own way,you had better get started.It will only get harder the longer you wait.
 
Consider being a nurse. An uncle of mine did nursing for 20 years or so, and a couple years made more a year than the state governor. People might think it is for sissys, but the medical establishment needs strong people to move around old heavy weight boomers. It would be similar to taking care of animals, except these would talk at you a bunch. I think 2 or three years is all you need, have the wife do it as well, and be a team.

Just a thought
 
I'd second this notion. Friend of mine was small engine repairman, farmer,car mechanic, etc. & went to nursing school. Sure pulled him out of the hole.
 
Like most young folks these days you want to start at the top,doesn't work that way.BTW I went to college so I'm not impressed.Nothing takes the place of hard work and experience at any level you have to pay your dues and with the economic climate we're heading into it will be more important than ever as companies get rid of the marginal employees.Ten years from now you'll probably had over a dozen jobs with all your employers just not 'understanding' how smart you are.
 
Im going to say thia nd dont take it wrong, Burger King is always hiring young people like yourself. You may have to start at the bottom, but given enough time, you could be making a decent living. Buddy of mine son works at one, been there since he was 16, now 19 and going to college and making more money than his father, per hour. Also look into Lowes, home Depot etc. HD has an excellent benefits package, as does Lowes.
 
Understand that many employers won't grant a guy an interview without education anymore. It has nothing to do with wanting to start out at the top. I am talking about needing the education and intership experience just to get an entry level job. Those without an education are not going to find work in coming years. The manufacturing jobs and things like that are getting gone, however they need computer programmers, financial people, etc... jobs that cannot be filled by Joe Sixpack who hasn't "paid his dues" in the classroom. Employers now use college as a screening tool to weed out the undesireables. I am sure you know how hard college is since you went, and this weeds out the lazy and undriven. Its all hard work, but its working smart and not just hard. I know a lot of guys who have worked simply hard all their lives and have nothing to show for it because they worked hard doing the wrong things.

By the way, nobody will get started at the top. College just makes it so you can compete for an entry level job that you would otherwise be ineligible for. After you get hired, the degree will then make it so advancement will be possible.
 
You must be new here if you don't know this story. He met a girl from Minnesota,who's father had passed away. He moved up there to be with her and help her take care of the family farm.
 
Have you actually tried getting a job that you could realistically do? Even with the supposed slow down employers here are still looking for people that want a job that want to work not just looking for a paycheck.All the education in the world won't give you the will to work hard and earn your pay.
 
Gotta get a trade or college degree, certification in whatever it is. Learn to do something that not too many other can do. HVAC is good, electrician was my ticket for 40 years. Good electrician can also handle lots of other jobs. Computer, communications, security systems. But that little journeyman's card is like magic. When I was 20 or so(45 years ago)I was applying for manufacturing job with big 3, this guy comes in lays his card down, they ignore me and ask him when would he like to go to work. I said "let me see that card", he was journeyman welder. My real love was always cars, trucks, tractors but my first job experience killed that. I should have stuck with it. Worked a month with no pay on a technicality. Walked off.
 
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