What should I do?

[Akuma223]

Hey guys. I'm having a crisis lately in that I just moved out of my parents house October 30th and got fired the Monday after. I've applied to dozens of different places and different positions and have only had two call me back, didn't get either job. I'm freaking out and don't know what to do with my life. I want to get rid of some of my animals but don't know how. They're my responsibility and because of that Iwantto keep them, but on the other hand I just want some to go so I have less to worry about. I have a four foot monitor who's cage I've been trying to finish since October, a CRB, Everglades rat, rose hair tarantula, two garter snakes, and three fish tanks. Anyway if anyone has advice on how to go about this just tell me. Hell, if you're interested in any of these guys and know what you are doing just tell me. I don't know what to do anymore.

[Minkness]

Honestly, sell the fish and T. It will get you some income and will be easy to get in the future again. I use craigslist to sell my stuff.

The next thing is this. No matter what your prebious work history is, sot down and make a resume. You were a cashier? That means you have cash handling experience, know how to multitask, put a focus on customer exerience (not service, there is a difference). You have handled inventory and find solutions to customer problems (aka, price chexking and using whatever tools provided to you). Dress up any little job you have done. Then, print it out with just a little bit of style but dtill professional. No gold lines or fancy scrolling text. Include your availability and list it. Such as, 'able to work 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts' also available for any on call needs. And provide them unrelated referencees. Even if they are just your friends.

THEN take your printed resume, get dressed up in the nicest clothes you can, get your hair nice and if you are a woman, put just a snidge of make up kn. Even if it's just eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. Then go to just about every establishment you want to, ask to speak with the manager, and personally hand him/her your resume.

I know this sounds old school, but I'm here to tell you that this WORKS! I personally had to do it just a few years back. The place I got hired wasn't even actually hiring at the time. And sure, it was just a truck stop....but ot was a job and sustained me for 2 years till I decided to leave to find better options.

As cliché as it sounds....my mamma always said...'finding a job IS a job'. And she is very right.

Good luck, and I hope things work out for you soon!

[prairiepanda]

Originally Posted by Minkness

if you are a woman, put just a snidge of make up kn. Even if it's just eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick.

That one depends on the job. Retail, banks, offices etc. look for that kind of thing. But if you walk into, say, a groundskeeping company or an oilfield chemical distributor wearing makeup they're likely to dismiss you as unfit for such a job. It's important to cater to the needs of the particular place you are applying to. When I applied to a bank, I wore my (sister's) nicest clothes and grudgingly put on some mascara and lip gloss. But when I applied for oilfield work, I showed up in hiking boots, jeans, and a t-shirt. All were fairly new and in good condition, but nothing fancy. I had to show that I understood what the job required of me; in one case, presentation was key, but in the other case functionality was more important. I got job offers from both places.

Also, I agree that the fish and tarantula should go first. Craigslist, kijiji, and any local classifieds your city has are great. It's free to post an ad and usually works pretty fast. Take a look at what other people are selling similar setups for and try to price yours competitively. While you're at it, you can also look for job postings on the same websites!

And Mink is right; don't just apply to places that are advertising as hiring. Walk into every business you see and give them your resume. Meet the manager if you can and introduce yourself. If you research the company a bit beforehand and try to get a clear idea of what your role could be there, you can give the manager a vision of how they might fit you in. They appreciate people who take interest in the company and are familiar with the roles staff play there, rather than just going up and begging for any job.

[Minkness]

Originally Posted by prairiepanda

That one depends on the job. Retail, banks, offices etc. look for that kind of thing. But if you walk into, say, a groundskeeping company or an oilfield chemical distributor wearing makeup they're likely to dismiss you as unfit for such a job. It's important to cater to the needs of the particular place you are applying to

This is VERY true. Then Again, I have never applied to manual labor jobs so never thought of boots and jeans as first impression attire lol. I have always been in retail, security, and now a call center.

I HIGHLY recommend a call center if there is one in your area. Most pay super well and will hire with no experience. But do dress nice.

Also, forgot to mention, look into temp agencies! Great way to get a job quick, and some lead to perminant hiring! It can be a little sporadic, but at least it's something!