How Does It Feel Like Having a Job?

200STM

200STM

CAGiversary!
CAGs any one of you have a job and if so what job do you have and do you actually get money from it? I have never had a job and I'm 21, I had dreams of actually having a job some day. Post what you do and if you make money from it (don't be too personal just say I receive income). Hearing people having jobs will make me feel more optimistic. Thanks CAGs!
 
When I was 10 I (illegally) picked berries for about $120 for the summer.
When I was 12 or 13, I started a lawnmowing circuit that netted me about $50/week
When I was 15, I got my first "real" job as a dishwasher.
I've been employed steadily since. I've never said no to a job opportunity. I am very grateful to be employed right now, in this economy.
 
I (illegally) picked grapes for 2 summers 2006-2007 made 500 bucks week when I was 16 and 17.
 
I go to College using BOG program (Free classes) and my aunt claims me on her income taxes (1000) that pays for books and materials. I live with her and my uncle and I babysit for them and help clean and maintain the house. My aunt gives me 20$ so I can ride the bus and I save that money. I am the loser of the family. Jimbo Slice what job do you have fellow CAG
 
Edit: Posted at the same time as the OP apparently, but I'll let my original post stand:

How are you 21 without ever holding a job? Why are you waiting to get a job? What kind of job do you think you'll get at 21 with no prior experience?

Even at a minimum, most people I know had some BS job after high school during the summer. Those in university had "summer jobs" or some cushy on-campus jobs. People who didn't have to leave a geographical area to go to college could get employed by retail establishments like Starbucks/malls/Target/etc.

Those types of jobs give you "income" in the sense that if you're still living at home rent free they're fine for building up some spending cash. If you have to support yourself entirely, it's probably tougher to do on the hourly wage of the guy in the bright yellow vest who collects the carts out of the Target parking lot.
 
I want any job that gives me an income, its mainly because I'm tired of applying and calling and checking at places and not getting hired. It's more that having a job and saving money will make me feel much more happier with my life, my aunt is helping me and I feel bad that she is helping me with money things (you can understand the feeling its bad). I also feel that I'm young 21 and I have friends who are single mothers landing jobs left to right and male friends who have found jobs on their first shot. Sorry I'm just upset. I hope you CAGs are doing well having any kind of job.
 
[quote name='200STM']I (illegally) picked grapes for 2 summers 2006-2007 made 500 bucks week when I was 16 and 17.[/QUOTE]

I think that counts as having a job. You did your work and you get paid
 
By the time I was 21, I'd been in the Army for 4 years...and that was my 2nd job. I think the longest I've ever been without a job (since I was 16) has been 3 weeks (because I was laid-off).
 
[quote name='200STM']I (illegally) picked grapes for 2 summers 2006-2007 made 500 bucks week when I was 16 and 17.[/QUOTE]

Mexican, huh?

Anyways the only way you will actually enjoy having a job is if you make your work like a family or a bunch of close friends who you enjoy hanging out with. So find a job with people you can get along with. Work sucks no matter how you look at it, its why they have to bribe you to do it. Being 21 with no work experience you can list wont land you a great job by any means, so just find a place where you like the people there to make the most of it.
 
It sucks, don't do it. I'm actually looking for a job right now. Finished college this past Spring and have been looking ever since. It's rather depressing. I haven't had a job in 3 years now since I went back to college. Tried looking for internships or summer jobs but never got called or rejected. So it's tough now since there is a gap with no recent experience except for going to school.

Unless you are doing something you actually enjoy it's going to suck unless you work with people you like, though it will still suck, just slightly less. Best you should do is try and find an internship in your field so you can gain some practical experience in what you actually want to do.
 
I felt bad when I turned 17 and didn't have a job. I applied a few places, but never got anything. And to this day, I've only had 2 jobs ever (4 years later), and both of them came along through connections. (I would have gotten an on campus job that way too, but the school fucked me over.) So I say screw the applications, get out there and talk to some friends and family who have some pull and tell them to get you a job.

Also, if you made 500 bucks a week when you were 16 and 17, I feel bad for you. My first job I made a little over $500 a week after taxes. And it SUCKED when I had to move down to a normal paying job. Just know that no matter where you work, it won't be as good as that $500 a week. :(
 
Well op you have to really want it. all my jobs (3) have come without hookups. I just apply to a lot of places online over and over again. Make a resume as well. follow up and call back after u send ur application. It's a numbers game man, the more you do the better the chance. Your first job should be any little shit just to establish job experience. Mine was at the movies...good times.
 
From what I understand, Bakersfield is a pretty populated suburb in California. Have you applied to the tons of retail stores out there?
 
Im going on 8 years in the army , currently on my 3rd tour!!! Ive had a job since i was 15 .. & now im going on 32 ... yep getting up there. If I dont have a job then my family will not have a roof over there head & food on the table. There are jobs everywhere .. you just have to look. If you at least get something that pays shit ... look at it like a stepping stone. Currently i have about a lil over a year left in the army. I am getting out as my mind & body cant take the punishment anymore .... bright side is I can go to school & have alot of options open for me .... just get your ass out there & look. If you say there are no jobs .. .then sounds like to me you love your current situation!!!
 
32, college professor. Started that job 2 years ago after finishing my Ph D. I mostly love it, other than it being stressful at times with the "publish or perish" pressure and dealing with students etc.

Had a bunch of various jobs before then. High school was just random work in the summers helping out on farms, doing some landscaping, worked at a saw mill for a bit. During college I worked in a grocery store and a fast food restaurant briefly, worked for the University catering services for a couple years and worked for the local newspaper as a general assignment report my last year.

Grad school I worked in retail my first year, and after that I had assistantships and worked with professors on research (and as a teaching assistant one semester) the last six years for free tuition and a stipend.

As for finding a job, the key is to network as much as you can while in school/grad school. Do internships if possible, get summer jobs in your field if possible and so on. I went on the academic job market in fall of 2008 when it was tough as hell as that was the height of the recession. I had success in the job market for two reasons: 1) I did well and was coming from the top program in my field and 2) I networked my ass of and worked with a top professor, presented at conferences, published etc. and got my name out there a little bit and got some good experience to put on the resume.
 
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Having a job is double edged sword... you want the money, but sometimes it's the last thing you want to do with your day.

Anyway, my advice for finding work (at least entry-level retail work):
-apply everywhere that seems decent. Take extra time for jobs that sound especially good, like making up a cover letter and calling the place if appropriate.
-don't call retail jobs to ask about your application. Retail doesn't care that much, you're more likely to piss off an overworked manager for wasting time than impress with your interest.
-Stretch your work experience. Just becuase it's not a traditional paying job doesn't mean it can't count as work experience. You say you clean your aunt's house and babysit? That's a nanny- put it down as work history. Think of something more professional sounding than nanny for your job title. Repeat for any sort of work you've done. If you can't come up with enough things, go volunteer and put that down.
-Talk to your friends who've landed worh recently. Look at their resumes. Figure out what they're doing that you're not. Considering they live in your area and deal with your job market, they'll have the best advice.
 
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