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Brendan713
12-22-2009, 05:51 PM
i work at the A&P in Pluckemin NJ and i need a job with decent pay i am avaiable after school everyday and all weekend just about anyone got anything?

maroman88
12-22-2009, 06:03 PM
i worked at shoprite for 7 years all thru college and high school... it sucked big time, but the flexibilty of hours couldnt be beat, id stay there if i were u

Brendan713
12-22-2009, 06:07 PM
yeah i agree with flexibility but i want Money so i can make my car better getting 7.65 before union dues and then after union dues and taxes to this that and the other thing its about 7.00 an hour

fmybody
12-22-2009, 07:26 PM
www.securitas.com

apply online.. it sounds gay to be a security officer but.. i get paid 12.50/hr to be on njfboa.org right now lol i wear a suit and tie and work with a bunch of cool guys

u gotta be 18 tho.. u also gotta pay to get certified. like 120 bucks or something but then u can take ur security license anywheres to get a job... easy money.. good for while ur in school cause u can do ur homework on ur down time... (well i can at my place)

if you put my name on the thing for when it asks who refered u i get like 250 bucks too... if you got any questions or nething let me know ill be checkin in on this thread lol

ps im 20 yrs old and taking 12 creds at kean university so i have the time.. u should too with ur weekend availability

even if u dont put my name or w/e its still good for students man id look into if i were you

Frosty
12-22-2009, 07:33 PM
Ughh that union sucks(****before union asslickers say anything I was in that union for years and they're a joke).

The pay sucks until you've been there for some years or change positions. The flexibility is good. How about picking up another part time job 1 or 2 days a week that pays more?

91chevywt
12-22-2009, 08:03 PM
I recommend sticking with the supermarket thing. The pay isnt that great at the moment, but the job will always be there, and there should always be enough hours plus regular raises. If you stick with it for 3+ years you'll look at it a totally different way. I'm not sure if youre a college student but say you come out of college 4 years down the road, but you stuck it out at A&P or shoprite, etc. You should be able to make around 20k in a year and have some type of benefits with a little bit of seniority. Without that, you'll be stuck with minimum wage jobs while youre searching for something bigger that you went to school for. Also, future employers will see you as desirable if you stick somewhere for 3+ years.

All in all, the pay may not be that great, but if you stick it out you will be glad you did. Its hard to walk into a job today and make decent money without much experience.

fmybody
12-22-2009, 08:17 PM
look dood. why would u stay with this job if its not suiting your needs.. you want more money.. get a better paying job.. even if its not the one i recommended.. if worse comes to worse and the job that pays more does work out for you... im sure A&P will take you bak -_-.. if not shoprite will.. if not pathmark will.. if not...somewhere else will...

just sayin...

i worked toys r us for a year and still made 8.25 lol and ill admit that job was more fun then mine now.. but what i was looking for was to buy a car.. i needed more hrs and better pay.. thats what i got with this job.. been with the company for a year and a half... suits my needs is all im sayin.. which are the same as urs.. except i wanted more hrs.. but they do part time too.. its up to you man just consider it is all im sayin..

ryanfx
12-22-2009, 08:43 PM
I recommend sticking with the supermarket thing. The pay isnt that great at the moment, but the job will always be there, and there should always be enough hours plus regular raises. If you stick with it for 3+ years you'll look at it a totally different way. I'm not sure if youre a college student but say you come out of college 4 years down the road, but you stuck it out at A&P or shoprite, etc. You should be able to make around 20k in a year and have some type of benefits with a little bit of seniority. Without that, you'll be stuck with minimum wage jobs while youre searching for something bigger that you went to school for. Also, future employers will see you as desirable if you stick somewhere for 3+ years.

All in all, the pay may not be that great, but if you stick it out you will be glad you did. Its hard to walk into a job today and make decent money without much experience.


so no offence... but I completely disagree with this. If you come out of college with a bachelors there is absolutely no reason to accept a job for less than 40k, even with some less desired degrees like history. You'll be hurting yourself doing something like this.

Tru2Chevy
12-22-2009, 08:49 PM
so no offence... but I completely disagree with this. If you come out of college with a bachelors there is absolutely no reason to accept a job for less than 40k, even with some less desired degrees like history. You'll be hurting yourself doing something like this.

I believe what he is saying is to keep working the supermarket job, because the OP should easily be making 20k+ a year there by then, and he can have some income while he's searching for a "real" job. And not only that, but having that on his resume (same job for 3-5 years) looks very good to prospective employers.

I'm not gonna say that the supermarket gig is best for the OP, since I don't know him, and I've never worked in a supermarket - but staying there should definitely be considered.

- Justin

B4C
12-22-2009, 08:54 PM
I just got a job at shoprite recently. First time working int teh union and a supermarket. My union dues are $10 a week. Why not try another supermarket because you have experience maybe they will pay you more because of it.

Frosty
12-22-2009, 08:58 PM
I just got a job at shoprite recently. First time working int teh union and a supermarket. My union dues are $10 a week. Why not try another supermarket because you have experience maybe they will pay you more because of it.

Usually that union dictate the pay rate for non-management positions.

B4C
12-22-2009, 09:02 PM
Usually that union dictate the pay rate for non-management positions.

Not in my case I told the manager what I wanted and she said she could do a quarter less.

BonzoHansen
12-22-2009, 09:08 PM
so no offence... but I completely disagree with this. If you come out of college with a bachelors there is absolutely no reason to accept a job for less than 40k, even with some less desired degrees like history. You'll be hurting yourself doing something like this.

From what I am hearing, good luck with that in this economy. If you got leads post them up there are a few guys out of school looking for jobs. Squirrel, Bad64C, maybe others.


As someone who has read 10000 resumes, you better not have no job for 8 months out of school. Gaps look bad. It's better to have a job than no job. And it's not like a potential employer will hold a supermarket job against you when you're looking for entry level stuff. In fact steady employment history is a bonus at that point in a career.

I'd make sure if you take a job like a supermarket gig you make sure your bosses are ok with flexibility so you have time to look for a 'real job' (any job that pays is a real job to me). Now, if supermarket management is what you want, that is cool, you're in.

Not sure any of this pertains to the OP though.

Masonite
12-22-2009, 09:15 PM
so no offence... but I completely disagree with this. If you come out of college with a bachelors there is absolutely no reason to accept a job for less than 40k, even with some less desired degrees like history. You'll be hurting yourself doing something like this.

This idea takes ignorance by the hand and buys it dinner, if one can afford it in this poor of an economy. I could go further with this, but I won't get grotesque.

Take it from somebody who recently graduated with a BA from Seton Hall--the economy and job market is at such a low right now, that unless a job isn't even providing enough for your NEEDS, be happy with what you've got.

Unemployment rate is still rising right now, and personally, I work for a supermarket (Whole Foods Market) as well. Those who have jobs are lucky to have them right now, especially during the holidays.

I have years of IT experience both under my belt and on paper, and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. A job working at a supermarket was the last place I thought I'd be.

If you decide to still go for a different job right now, my advice is this: look around, apply, go to interviews, and keep your job search under the radar (from your current employer, at least). Unless your management sees you as a serious asset in your position, they're likely to drop you at the blink of an eye, because in most managements' eye, somebody who is looking to leave is not currently working to their full potential, and is easily replaceable--even easier in a position, no offense, where one is making less than $8 an hour.

91chevywt
12-22-2009, 09:16 PM
so no offence... but I completely disagree with this. If you come out of college with a bachelors there is absolutely no reason to accept a job for less than 40k, even with some less desired degrees like history. You'll be hurting yourself doing something like this.

Have you seen the job market today? There are so many experienced people looking for jobs right now, and even more college grads with degrees that can't get work in their field of expertise. To enter the job market with an "i'm not taking any job lower than 40k a year" attitude with little job experience or a botched job history isn't going to get anyone very far. Having some type of income is better than nothing during times like this. Also, its more than just a paycheck at the end of the week. A person's job history says a lot to potential employers down the road.

Not saying you shouldnt explore your options, but every job has its benefits and drawbacks. You wouldnt get much from a supermarket right now, but after a couple years of employment they do take care of their employees. My girlfriend has been at a shoprite for 3 years and does pretty well with steady hours as a student. If I could do it all again I would have just worked at shoprite.

LTb1ow
12-22-2009, 09:22 PM
And hence, go to school for engineering. Its a win.

FormulaKeith90
12-22-2009, 09:47 PM
i make 8.50 at mcds lol

fmybody
12-22-2009, 10:07 PM
i dunno why nobody is paying attn to my posts.. if you young and in school and dont mind getting a job outside of your career.. got to securitas.com they are paying above min wage to do nothingggggg. lol well not nothing but close to it..

if you wanna be a cop then this could help you some.. people ive worked with have become cops and people i work with used to be cops lol dayum someone read this lol

i make 12.50 and i havent graduated yet.

bad64chevelle
12-22-2009, 10:28 PM
I worked a security job and made 12.50 as a supervisor, worked 65 hours a week, got nothing but crap and headaches, and eventually they started cutting my pay to 40 hours a week even though I was working 65, they pulled insurance that I wasnt getting out of my check and would not give me a reason why. Needless to say I quit (read no unemployment), now I can barely get my foot in the door for an interview. I have a bachelors from Rider University also. I am now doing an "internship" where I dont get paid, but I can basically go in whenever. Luckily I put a bit of money away with the paychecks I was getting but that is drying up fast. My best advice to you is, if you can find something that has flexible hours, will always be there, and isnt going to try to fully screw you over...stick with it. The economy SUCKS.

nj85z28
12-22-2009, 10:33 PM
The UFCW is a **** union btw..I was a member for a few years..they do nothing for you..dont find you a job,...dont help you when you get fired..etc..i worked at 2 different shoprites, same union, fired from one quit the other...its a good part time job for the summer..but nothing more

bad64chevelle
12-22-2009, 10:36 PM
so no offence... but I completely disagree with this. If you come out of college with a bachelors there is absolutely no reason to accept a job for less than 40k, even with some less desired degrees like history. You'll be hurting yourself doing something like this.

I wanna quote this because I dont know where you are, what your background is...but I know I am not the only one in this boat...Graduate with a bachelors, and I have lowballed the **** out of salaries just to try to GET a job, and it really does not work. When have a 13% unemployment rate, why the F would they hire a FRESH college student when they can hire someone with experience, alot more bills, and who is now WILLING to cut their salary tremendously.

HW72
12-22-2009, 10:59 PM
$7.00 an hour isn't too bad after taxes given your age... I worked for Enterprise rent-a-car for the majority of this year, and I was getting about the same after taxes. If I'd put in a 35 hour week instead of 30 hours, NJ would tax me more and I'd be lookin at 6.90ish after taxes.

Although it probably wouldn't work for you unless you have another car, there can be a lot of money made in pizza delivery if you live in a fairly nice and active area. I wouldn't deliver pizza in Newark or anything due to safety, but a nice town with a busy pizzeria, and you can make more than you are now. Unfortunately, when you're in that high school into college age range, money's just not gonna be that good wherever you go. Right now I'm delivering pizza with my other car (2001 Malibu) and it's paying off more than Enterprise was. Most pizzerias are also extremely flexible with class schedules. I don't know how realistic it would be with your Z28, though. My Malibu averages like 23 local driving, and I can only muster about 19-20 mpg in a week full of delivering. I can't imagine a Z28 being above 15-16 mpg in similar conditions, so keep that in mind.

My advice is to stay where you're at unless you find something better. I know a lot of people who are working the appetizing section in supermarkets because they got laid off at a law firm and can't deal with any more unemployment. It's tough out there... just keep on savin.

91chevywt
12-22-2009, 11:16 PM
i dunno why nobody is paying attn to my posts.. if you young and in school and dont mind getting a job outside of your career.. got to securitas.com they are paying above min wage to do nothingggggg. lol well not nothing but close to it..

if you wanna be a cop then this could help you some.. people ive worked with have become cops and people i work with used to be cops lol dayum someone read this lol

i make 12.50 and i havent graduated yet.

What kind of attention do you want? You sound like youre plugging the job for that commission.

Frosty
12-22-2009, 11:21 PM
The UFCW is a **** union btw..I was a member for a few years..they do nothing for you..dont find you a job,...dont help you when you get fired..etc..i worked at 2 different shoprites, same union, fired from one quit the other...its a good part time job for the summer..but nothing more

So true. They take and take and take but offer NOTHING to their members. A bunch of Grade A scumbags.

I worked a security job and made 12.50 as a supervisor, worked 65 hours a week, got nothing but crap and headaches, and eventually they started cutting my pay to 40 hours a week even though I was working 65, they pulled insurance that I wasnt getting out of my check and would not give me a reason why. Needless to say I quit (read no unemployment), now I can barely get my foot in the door for an interview. I have a bachelors from Rider University also. I am now doing an "internship" where I dont get paid, but I can basically go in whenever. Luckily I put a bit of money away with the paychecks I was getting but that is drying up fast. My best advice to you is, if you can find something that has flexible hours, will always be there, and isnt going to try to fully screw you over...stick with it. The economy SUCKS.

Have you talked to a lawyer or read the labor laws? If you were forced to quit due to extreme circumstances you might still be able to collect. I don't know NJ law but it's worth checking into. If you can prove they were paying you less than your hours worked and deducted $$ for insurance benefits you never received I'd say that's extreme....then again I'm not a lawyer(I have a soul :rofl: )

ryanfx
12-22-2009, 11:33 PM
***Puts on flame suit***

From what I am hearing, good luck with that in this economy. If you got leads post them up there are a few guys out of school looking for jobs. Squirrel, Bad64C, maybe others.


As someone who has read 10000 resumes, you better not have no job for 8 months out of school. Gaps look bad. It's better to have a job than no job. And it's not like a potential employer will hold a supermarket job against you when you're looking for entry level stuff. In fact steady employment history is a bonus at that point in a career.

I'd make sure if you take a job like a supermarket gig you make sure your bosses are ok with flexibility so you have time to look for a 'real job' (any job that pays is a real job to me). Now, if supermarket management is what you want, that is cool, you're in.

Not sure any of this pertains to the OP though.

The way I figure it, accepting a job with such a low salary you are shooting yourself in the foot when attempting to negotiate a salary of a long term career; notice I did not say job. If you want to work for 20k for a few years and get a full time job making 35k because they KNOW you will take it, then by all means, go for it. I would sooner spend 6 months finding a job that makes 35k than take a job that pays 20k. Yes it may hurt in the short time but I guarantee you for your future job you will have a much better stance for negotiation, especially when the economy turns better. It all depends on how badly you can hurt now for relief later in life.

As far as leads go for jobs? I have tons. This is under the assumption that you have experience similar to mine however. I graduated with a B.S in computer science and information systems, have experience in computer forensics, and am going for my Masters in cyber security. I'm not saying I have tons of work experience, because I don't, but there are positions that I could take, mostly because of the fact that I am willing to relocate for them.

Have you seen the job market today? There are so many experienced people looking for jobs right now, and even more college grads with degrees that can't get work in their field of expertise. To enter the job market with an "i'm not taking any job lower than 40k a year" attitude with little job experience or a botched job history isn't going to get anyone very far. Having some type of income is better than nothing during times like this. Also, its more than just a paycheck at the end of the week. A person's job history says a lot to potential employers down the road.

Not saying you shouldnt explore your options, but every job has its benefits and drawbacks. You wouldnt get much from a supermarket right now, but after a couple years of employment they do take care of their employees. My girlfriend has been at a shoprite for 3 years and does pretty well with steady hours as a student. If I could do it all again I would have just worked at shoprite.

A large portion of people looking for jobs are going about it the wrong way. Going on monster.com is pretty much the worst way that you can do this. One needs to be proactive regarding job searches as I have seen many people doing on this board. Actively calling companies, firms, and businesses looking for openings that haven't been posted. Keeping in touch with HR reps and working up a reputation with people within a company. Most of the time it's who you know, not what you know (sad, I know).

I've been looking for a job for this summer and I am having a much more difficult time finding one than previous years. Fewer people are giving work and at a lesser rate. I've gone a few months now without a bite. This doesn't change the fact that I am rotating my contacts every day and doing everything in my power to get one.

I wanna quote this because I dont know where you are, what your background is...but I know I am not the only one in this boat...Graduate with a bachelors, and I have lowballed the **** out of salaries just to try to GET a job, and it really does not work. When have a 13% unemployment rate, why the F would they hire a FRESH college student when they can hire someone with experience, alot more bills, and who is now WILLING to cut their salary tremendously.

I completely understand with this economy however finding a niche is the best way to get a job right now. At the moment getting "just a job" is extremely difficult because everyone is scrambling for one. Everyone is willing to do more work for less money than the person next door. Find something unique, file for unemployment, get training or education on that topic, and exploit the fact that you are one of the few people who know how to do it. I don't care if you learn japanese so you can stock the japanese shelves at the current super market you are at. You will be the only, if not one of two people that they have that can do that, and sooner or later guess what - you are a commodity. Your position, and salary will reflect that.


This is not me preaching or even recommendations for what you all should do since everyone is different, but I don't feel that my previous statements were that far fetched.

Masonite
12-23-2009, 12:15 AM
I think you've lost all credibility from your first post for this thread, but that's just my opinion.

***Puts on flame suit***

Okay, let's play ball.



so no offence... but I completely disagree with this. If you come out of college with a bachelors there is absolutely no reason to accept a job for less than 40k, even with some less desired degrees like history. You'll be hurting yourself doing something like this.

The way I figure it, accepting a job with such a low salary you are shooting yourself in the foot when attempting to negotiate a salary of a long term career; notice I did not say job.

No?

If you want to work for 20k for a few years and get a full time job making 35k because they KNOW you will take it, then by all means, go for it. I would sooner spend 6 months finding a job that makes 35k than take a job that pays 20k.

Blah blah blah... correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Brendan713 only 17 or 18 years old? We're not talking salaries for him right now; we're talking wages.


As far as leads go for jobs? I have tons.

Leads != guaranteed jobs. I had a guaranteed career, but when I went to apply after I graduated, "Sorry, we don't have the money to hire you."

This is under the assumption that you have experience similar to mine however. I graduated with a B.S in computer science and information systems, have experience in computer forensics, and am going for my Masters in cyber security. I'm not saying I have tons of work experience, because I don't, but there are positions that I could take, mostly because of the fact that I am willing to relocate for them.

My specialization is under the same category, with more field experience in Computer Forensics.


A large portion of people looking for jobs are going about it the wrong way. Going on monster.com is pretty much the worst way that you can do this. One needs to be proactive regarding job searches as I have seen many people doing on this board. Actively calling companies, firms, and businesses looking for openings that haven't been posted. Keeping in touch with HR reps and working up a reputation with people within a company. Most of the time it's who you know, not what you know (sad, I know).

Regardless of being proactive, assertive, or simply browsing careerbuilder.com or monster.com or what have you, you're neglecting the fact that the economy is practically in shambles, and there are literally millions of people taking every route in search of income. As far as "it's who you know, not what you know", you have to know the WHAT and HOW to gain the attention of WHO.

I've been looking for a job for this summer and I am having a much more difficult time finding one than previous years. Fewer people are giving work and at a lesser rate. I've gone a few months now without a bite. This doesn't change the fact that I am rotating my contacts every day and doing everything in my power to get one.

Why the flip-flop here? You all of a sudden went from "oh it's just too easy to get a job with a degree on your wall, like me" to "hell, I can't find ****!"


I completely understand with this economy however finding a niche is the best way to get a job right now. At the moment getting "just a job" is extremely difficult because everyone is scrambling for one. Everyone is willing to do more work for less money than the person next door. Find something unique, file for unemployment, get training or education on that topic, and exploit the fact that you are one of the few people who know how to do it. I don't care if you learn japanese so you can stock the japanese shelves at the current super market you are at. You will be the only, if not one of two people that they have that can do that, and sooner or later guess what - you are a commodity. Your position, and salary will reflect that.

People are "scrambling for just a job" right now because most of those people were laid off from their careers. Excuse us for taking what we can get.


This is not me preaching or even recommendations for what you all should do since everyone is different, but I don't feel that my previous statements were that far fetched.

They really were that far-fetched.


Why am I calling you out? Because I'm offended, which isn't easy to do. Like many, many people, including a handful on these very forums, I've had to settle for something in the complete opposite direction of my intended career, both category- and salary-wise. I'm not one to sell myself short, nor am I short on experience, knowledge, and the proof of both, but I had busted my ass for months in what seemed to be a dead-end supermarket deal before luck swung my way and somebody in management said "oh, gee, he knows a thing or two about computers", which landed me a *decent* position within the company.

Well, now I feel better. Enough of the ignorance, please. I need to go to bed because, fortunately for myself, I have work in the morning. To end this reply, I'm going to swing the pendulum back in the right direction of the thread's topic...

Brendan713, check out wholefoodsmarket.com. There may be some job listings in a few stores near you... I believe the closest one is Rose City, Madison, NJ or Millburn. Good luck, kid.

ryanfx
12-23-2009, 12:38 AM
Blah blah blah... correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Brendan713 only 17 or 18 years old? We're not talking salaries for him right now; we're talking wages.



Then that's completely different. I don't know ages. I was under the impression that this was a legit post-educational job.




My specialization is under the same category, with more field experience in Computer Forensics.



Good for you - it's a great field to be in.



Regardless of being proactive, assertive, or simply browsing careerbuilder.com or monster.com or what have you, you're neglecting the fact that the economy is practically in shambles, and there are literally millions of people taking every route in search of income. As far as "it's who you know, not what you know", you have to know the WHAT and HOW to gain the attention of WHO.


Unfortunately a lot of the time that's not true at all. Knowing the right person can most times, net you a job, pending you have the fundamental skills they need. Companies want to see potential for future growth (ie. word of mouth recommendation) , not immediate gratification that you have the exact credentials they need.






Why the flip-flop here? You all of a sudden went from "oh it's just too easy to get a job with a degree on your wall, like me" to "hell, I can't find ****!"

People are "scrambling for just a job" right now because most of those people were laid off from their careers. Excuse us for taking what we can get.



I NEVER said it was easy to get a job with a degree on your wall. I was reiterating that even WITH degrees, it is difficult. If I wanted *A* job I could have one, but it doesn't mean it's the job I want.

Again, the terms job and career seem to be getting crossed. I'm saying that accepting a low paying job can hurt your career as opposed to filing for unemployment and searching for something more reasonable. Disagree with me if you want, I don't really care, it's my opinion. NOTHING I said was offensive. If you NEED a job to live, go get one, if you can wait to ensure you protect your future, wait.







Why am I calling you out? Because I'm offended, which isn't easy to do. Like many, many people, including a handful on these very forums, I've had to settle for something in the complete opposite direction of my intended career, both category- and salary-wise. I'm not one to sell myself short, nor am I short on experience, knowledge, and the proof of both, but I had busted my ass for months in what seemed to be a dead-end supermarket deal before luck swung my way and somebody in management said "oh, gee, he knows a thing or two about computers", which landed me a *decent* position within the company.



I never meant to offend anyone, including yourself. I was simply giving my professional opinion of what the best thing to do was for a career. You don't want my opinion? I don't really care, there's no need to pretend like I intended to offend anyone on this board or act like an elitist. I even said I was having a hard time finding a job for myself, feeling the economic struggle like many of you.

Lastly, your tone really isn't appreciated. If you have that big of a problem with me, take it to PM. Don't clutter the board with your personal drama.

Masonite
12-23-2009, 06:45 AM
I never meant to offend anyone, including yourself. I was simply giving my professional opinion of what the best thing to do was for a career. You don't want my opinion? I don't really care, there's no need to pretend like I intended to offend anyone on this board or act like an elitist. I even said I was having a hard time finding a job for myself, feeling the economic struggle like many of you.

Lastly, your tone really isn't appreciated. If you have that big of a problem with me, take it to PM. Don't clutter the board with your personal drama.

I thought you were attempting to base your career in Cyber Security, not finding careers, or am I mistaken? Otherwise, you can have no professional opinion on the matter. I will not bring individuals back into the spotlight here, but I do believe there were at least four people who vocalized their disagreement, in some way or another, with your ignorance. My tone, while maybe unappreciative in your opinion, is certainly not against any rules posted on these forums. Don't belittle my responses, just to make yourself look respectable in a public forum, by filing them away under "personal drama"--last I checked, there were millions of people who are struggling in this economy, not just myself.

Just for my humor though, I'll play by your rules. Excellent arguments, good sir! However, I feel your posts have gone astray from the thread's topic, so unless you have something worthy to contribute to the original poster's statement/question (i.e., the end statement to my previous post), please disengage from this thread and take any personal matters with myself through the private messenger, or with a administrator/moderator of the site. Have a great day! :wavey:

BonzoHansen
12-23-2009, 07:44 AM
The way I figure it, accepting a job with such a low salary you are shooting yourself in the foot when attempting to negotiate a salary of a long term career;

With all due respect, I disagree with this point. Maybe it's all the actual experience I have in this field, not just theoretical thought.

The context of my comment was about having any job or maybe carrying on a part time job while looking for a career oriented position. In this market a 3 month period of downtime can turn into a 12 month period in a flash. When the interviewer asks "what have you been doing the past 9 months" the answer "looking for a job" isn't great. It sure doesn't improve your chances. While this economy gives this answer some cover, it would not have had flown at all a few years ago. Because to the interviewer it shows a potential lack of initiative and willingness to 'do what it takes'. Absolutely nothing wrong with carrying a temp or part time job while job hunting as long as it does not interfere with the search process. IMO it is a plus. In addition, it does not have to be a paying job. Donating time to a charity may look even better. Now you've shown initiative and a positive vibe that hiring managers like. I'd sure rather hire a well rounded 'good guy' who helps others over some kid I think might have been playing PS3 for 9 months. My $0.02, FWIW.

I agree with much of the rest of what you said, btw.

ryanfx
12-23-2009, 10:35 AM
With all due respect, I disagree with this point. Maybe it's all the actual experience I have in this field, not just theoretical thought.
......
I agree with much of the rest of what you said, btw.

that does bring a different perspective on things. I guess a better way to word it would be if you can take some time off to produce something concrete at the end such as a certificate, diploma, etc. something to show the interviewer "here, this is what I've been doing"

BonzoHansen
12-23-2009, 10:40 AM
that does bring a different perspective on things. I guess a better way to word it would be if you can take some time off to produce something concrete at the end such as a certificate, diploma, etc. something to show the interviewer "here, this is what I've been doing"

It's the time between that paper and the interview I'm speaking of. If you have been doing X (let's say earning some related certification) than that is fine. It is not idle time. Idle time can be bad time.

ryanfx
12-23-2009, 10:56 AM
It's the time between that paper and the interview I'm speaking of. If you have been doing X (let's say earning some related certification) than that is fine. It is not idle time. Idle time can be bad time.

yes, then that makes sense!

WildBillyT
12-23-2009, 11:00 AM
It's the time between that paper and the interview I'm speaking of. If you have been doing X (let's say earning some related certification) than that is fine. It is not idle time. Idle time can be bad time.

Absolutely. You don't want to show a gap in your resume.

When I was looking for a job after graduation in '05, the market was a bitch but nowhere near where it is now. I can't imagine being out there now. How do you expect to get hired when companies don't even have the money to pay their current staff?

For reference, when I graduated I had a BS in Computer Science from St. Joe's (#1 in my class) and an MS in Computer Science (went on a full scholarship w/stipend, graduated in top 5) from Villanova with a specialization in Software Engineering. My "summer jobs" were with places like Johnson and Johnson and General Electric. I had a ton of "leads" and people cold calling me all of the time- for crap jobs, or low salary, or contract work, or jobs thousands of miles away in bumblescum. Very few of them panned out into anything more than a phone interview. No matter how solid you may look it can (or is) very difficult to nail down a place to start a career. You can probably find a job almost anywhere- but a good place to start a career is much harder. You may have to take that low salary to get in the door, and see where it goes. If you aren't closer to where you want to be after a year or two, cut and run with 1-2 years of experience on your resume. That puts you in a different "class" when you are out there looking for a new job.

Anti_Rice_Guy
12-23-2009, 09:41 PM
Job is different than a career. At times like these you might need a job to make money and fill resume, while preparing for a career on our side or in the future. You can't just expect a high paying career out of college right now.

fmybody
12-23-2009, 10:10 PM
haha the poor kid who started this thread hasnt wrote back since he started it lol

Brendan713
12-23-2009, 10:14 PM
i was sorta looking if someone had there own personal buisness and need a kid to do some hard labor or something like that yes im only 18

nj85z28
12-24-2009, 12:12 PM
Start looking through the phone book and call some contractors- Plumbers, HVAC companies, electricians, etc and see if they are looking for a helper. It might even get you into some sort of apprenticeship.

bubba428
12-24-2009, 01:15 PM
you can have my job... you can take my house with it

91chevywt
12-24-2009, 03:27 PM
You can do pretty well waiting tables...usually at least $12/hr including the $2/hr wage they give you, but usually better. Depends on the people you serve. If thats not your thing, bussing tables usually pays minumum, then the waitresses usually tip $5 or so if you do a good job taking care of their tables. Delivering pizzas can be nice but if you get a lot of cheap people or have trouble getting there you can have problems. Usually hit or miss depending on the area