Can't get a job anywhere...

[Anonymous]

Local Burger joints, Home Depots, Office depots, Pathmark, Stop and shop... when I enquire... minimum age... they all have said "18". No income over the summer for me... and selling the trains isnt an option, cuase theres no market for that

Not a kids world...

[Anonymous]

There is always the option of cutting grass. I worked 3 years in a Cemetary doing that from age 16 on. Dave

[Dave Farquhar]

The minimum age to work restaurants now is 18? I know the reason most retailers won't hire under 18 is because they can't prosecute a minor if the minor steals.

It's scary to me to think it was 12 years ago that I turned 18. In my case, I worked a fast-food joint. There were some limits on what we could do, but if it hadn't been for us 16-year-olds, that restaurant wouldn't have had any employees. We all tried to get jobs in grocery stores when we were 16. The lucky ones did that. The second-most desirable jobs were in sit-down type restaurants but as I recall most of those jobs went to attractive girls. The rest of us got fast food jobs. Or, when we couldn't get those, we struck out on our own and mowed lawns and such.

Definitely give the grocery stores and fast-food joints a shot. Also keep in mind those kinds of places often have quite a bit of turnover, from people upgrading to better jobs when they turn 18, or from people being fired. So if there's no interest in you this week, the opposite may be true next week.

It seems to me that finding that first job is always the toughest.

[Anonymous]

The local city governments have summer jobs for students. Check at your city hall.

[siberianmo]

Yes you can! Start with a positive outlook and you'll be surprised at what may occur.

I note you have nearly 900 posts credited to you. That means you have spent quite a bit of time on these forums ..... nothing wrong with that. However, consider what you may have achieved had you devoted a similar amount of time really "beating the bushes" in search of a meaningful job.

My guess is that we are several generations apart, but one thing has stayed constant between the times we are in and the times when I was in your situation - those who are willing to expend the energy are the ones to get the reward. Things in life that are worthwhile simply must be achieved ... this you can do.

Suggestion: make a list of the things you like to do that are within REASON for the experiences and place in life you are currently in. Put those things in a priority ordering - from 1 to 10 (or more). Then start a column next to those "things" of places to look and people to contact (names/phone numbers). Talk to friends, family, neighbors who just may know someone who knows someone who may be looking for help ......

Good luck![tup]

[Buckeye Riveter]

I mowed grass at a trailer court....a big trailer court.

[csxt30]

Hi Chris, You seem very mechanical. Do you have any bicycle shops in your town. Here in Ohio I think they still can hire the younger boys. I worked in a bicycle shop all through high school & part time later. Thanks, John

[Anonymous]

Job hunting can be a very discouraging and frustrating experience no matter what your age. Since you live in a metropolitan area, you can be darn sure that somewhere out there, in your local area, is a prospective employer who could use you this summer. Maybe it's flipping burgers at Mickey D's or maybe it's something more in line with what you would like to do. But one thing's for sure: Anybody who truly wants to work and is willing to put forth some effort to make himself known to prospective employers will almost certainly find something to put a bit of cash in that train savings fund.

In my pre-teen years, I made money mowing lawns, trimming hedges, raking leaves, and shoveling snow.

A bit later, I worked at McDonalds for a time, and then worked in a department store selling Lionel and Flyer trains in the holiday season, and women's shoes and men's suits after the holiday was past.

I worked my way through college working in a camera store and then working as a photographer for the governing body of harness racing (USTA). Just before I graduated, I got my best buddy a photo dept. job at USTA and he's STILL there (we're talking 40 years--exactly)!

From that point on, the U.S. Army took care of my financial and other needs for about five years, and then I worked for several years as a freelance photojournalist in Vietnam and Hawaii before entering the more secure areas of journalism and journalism education, where I've been ever since.

With few exceptions, none of the jobs I've held were easy to find, and it gets a whole lot harder the older you get. I lucked into the one I currently hold, and plan to stay with it for as long as I can (or as long as they'll keep me).

You said "it's not a kids world." I beg to differ! You'll change your mind about that once you get another 30-40 years under your belt.

[Frank53]

Having grown up lietraly down the street from LVR, I can't imagine not being able to make any dough. I started mowing lawns and washing cars when I was 11 or so, and that was with a push mower. I had a full days work every day in the summer from the time I was thirteen.

During the school year, I worked two hours a day after school in an architect's office making blueprints, four hours after dinner in a drug store stocking shelves and making deliveries and all day Saturday mowing lawns and washing cars. I did my own family's lawn and cars on Sundays.

After getting a license, I worked a full time job in Holmdel, drove home, ate, and went to work as a janitor at night. Saturdays and Sundays I worked at the drug store.

Bottom line, you earn in correlation to the effort you put out.

With this thriving Bush economy, if you're not making more money than you can spend today, you're never going to, as this is about the most vibrant economy ever.

[garyseven]

"The minimum age to work restaurants now is 18?"

Risk Managment, Personal Injury Claims, and the ever dumbing down of the legal definition of "Dangerous Equipment" and minors operating that equipment. Welcome to the new normal.

[brianel027]

Well I can wholeheartedly disagree with Frank53's last 2 thoughts. Maybe the economy is prospering somewhere, but we don't see any signs of it here in NYS. In my local area there have been nearly 6,000 job losses in the past 5 years: 1,300 in since January 2005. In my city, there's at least one house for sale on every city block. The blocks that might not have one are made up for on the next one where there's two for sale.

We recently made the national news as being one of the most affordable places in the entire USA to buy a house, but that's because there are no jobs.

Seems every time I pick up the paper, some other company here in upstate NY is announcing substantial layoffs if not entirely closing.

In this area, social services ranks are at an all time high. All regional food banks are reporting utter record numbers of people seeking assistance. There may be prosperity in other areas of the country, but it's tough to get there when you're busted and employers are not offering relocation. Relocation money offered by employers is also at a recent low.

The only time they offer it is when they cannot find workers in their area to fill the jobs.... such as in my area with Lockheed Martin in Owego, NY. Many of those jobs have relocation offered because the jobs offered are so high tech, that they are having a hard time find local workers who fit their needs, at least upon hire without training. I think they'd be surprised if they would invest in some training... people who need a job are hungry and willing to make some extra effort when offered an opportunity.

And I also question the national prosperity when ABC news reported that the poverty rate for a family of four (below $35K) is at an all time high. And while the numbers of workers actually making minimum wage is also at an all time low (federal government report), the figures don't tell you the percentage of people making just slightly over minimum. Many employers will pay slightly better than minimum (state report) so that they can advertise their workforce makes more than minimum. Even federal government studies have shown a single working adult needs to make $25K in order to pay rent and make payments on a new model automobile.

I think there are a lot of Americans who may be prospering, but there are also an awful lot who are not.

You literally need a college degree to get a janitorial job. Jobs requiring Master's Degrees and they start at $20K. Ridiculous? Absolutely. Employers here are fully taking advantage of the high unemployment by offering near record low starting wages. I know many who do have 4 years of college and aren't even making $25K. I know couples where both people work full time and they don't make $35K together.

Studies both regional and national show that the 40-55 age group is being hit the hardest by the job losses. I can echo that one first hand. Even if you do have a college degree, it's is so old that it is almost irrelevant in today's high tech economy. And with so many young graduates coming out of college, employers feel they don't have to waste money attempting to train older workers when they can find young ones who are already up to speed. Regardless of the fact the older workers may have proven track records of attendance, loyalty and productivity.

So Chris, I can relate to your frustration. But I also agree with what others have said about keeping your sprits up, looking for small opportunities and being creative. Also, you have the good fortune (I assume) of still living at home and seeking extra money to buy trains.

There are far too many people who are seeking jobs to simply pay the essentials, never mind extras like trains.

Sorry gang, don't want spoil the party. Reality is reality. I guess all the more reason to keep the spirits high!

[Frank53]

actually, it depends on your view of reality.

I had jobs from 1974-1981, jobs with what I figured would be a bright future with major coporations - Bell Laboratories and Exxon. Jimmy Crater was killing teh economy faster than you could say Jimmy Carter is killing the economy.

In 1981, with Ronal Reagan in the White House, I started my own enterprise. I had no college degree, marginal experience in the field, $10,000 of my own money I had saved and a willingness to work hard.

I worked nite and day for two years and paid myself better than ok in the process. In my third year, I hit my stride and for twelve years I was making 6-10x the amount I would have been making had I stayed with big oil. Granted I was forecasting my future Exxon salary, but I was liberal in the calculations. In those twelve years I paid myself several million dollars and paid Uncle Sam every nickel due.

Sold the business in 1996, kicked around a bit, had a few things go very wrong and in 1999 I decided to get started again by starting a new business out of a spare bedroom. It took six months to start earning at a six figure pace.

I have no employees and work around the clock, selling my time and skill for top dollar. I have never in my life seen such a fertile earning environment. Never. Ever.

If I were so inclined, I could quadrupal the size of my business in one or two quarters with the addition of staff and overhead. I have chosen not to thus far, as I like it this way. I am willing to work as hard as necessary to provide financial stability for my family and I am earning absolutely sick money for a one person effort.

I see more than just coincidence with my greatest success coming in the Reagan and GWBush years.

ANother long winded story:

There is a fellow in my neighborhood named Pete. He is in his eighties and he owns a beautiful home in our neighborhood. He has two nice cars a large family that visits him often and his home is elegant.

I love to hang out with folks in their 80's because I truly believe these folks will always be the greatest generation - like my Dad was.

Considering Pete has been retired since about the late 70's, I doubt he ever made big dollars. He came up with an idea to earn some extra dough - although he didn't need it. He cut lawns in our neighborhood for $100.00/month, which is a little below the going rate. He got twenty-five people in the neighborhood to hire him and he would do four -five lawns every day starting at about 8:00 am. He was usually done by 11:00-12:00. He would go home, have lunch, take a swim in his built in pool with his wife and take his afternoon walk before turning in around 10:00 pm each nite.

He figured out a way for a man in his eighties to make $2500.00 a month extra by working about four hours a day. He didn't use a rider either, he used a non-power driven gas cutter. He rigged up a cart attached to it for his leaf blower, edger, etc and his gas can.

I asked him about why he did it. He said the exercise was great, he had the energy, he loved being outside and he was a child of the depression and couldn't resist putting his earning power to work because he learned very young that nothing is forever. Guys like Pete are inspirational to me.

So, can't find a job? Set up a landscaping business, a delivery service, an odd job service, an enterprise in your field of expertise - something - anything. There is so much business out there and so much demand for help if you lift up a rock you'll find a fifty dollar bill underneath it. If you don't lift up the rock, you're going to be unhappy about not finding a job.

I haven't had a job in 25 years, and I seriously doubt I ever will again. Wealth is built in enterprise - not employment.

[Anonymous]

And if you don't want to take the risk of Frank's way, Your local Marine Corps Recruiter is looking for a few good men.

[Frank53]

if you are a life's plan type of fellow - the service is a nice gig.

You can be in and out in 25 years - retire with a pension at 45 - take the training you get in teh service and build a new career. You can also get a college degree, get into the best shape of your life and stay there, build great habits, and generally be a squared away fellow. If you are smart enough you might fly some planes and get a nice gig afterwards.

All things considered, if you want to plan it all out - you could do considerably worse.

[Anonymous]

Keep pounding the pavement & believe in yourself, something will turn up & when it does make the most of it. It may not be the job you wanted but it is income & a stepping stone & experience for your next resume'. Try some volunteer work at a hospital, or seniors centre.#1 you will feel very good about yourself, #2 Its good on a future resume, #3 you may be surprised at who you meet to get you connected in the job market ( Those seniors have kids & they generally take a liking to people who have treated Mom & Dad with respect. You live in the United States I live in Canada, both countries have one thing in common DREAMS can become a reality, I don't know anyone who has made it without working hard & staying focused on the goal. Thomas Edison worked on an experiment 8000 times & failed, his answer was " I now know 8000 ways that won't work". So keep your head up, your running shoes on & things will get better. Good Luck & Best Wishes Steve

[Anonymous]

I forget one thing about volunteering, In Ontario all High school graduates MUST do 40 hours of volunteer work to get their Diploma. Kind Regards Steve

[ChiefEagles]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Buckeye Riveter

I mowed grass at a trailer court....a big trailer court.

Buckeye, that would be all of OHIO. [;)]

Chris, try local car washes. They usually get young guys [and girls too] to work.

[FJ and G]

chris,

Sounds like your train budget cash is getting low.[:D]

[cnw1995]

Hang in there, Chris. It can be v. tough. My teen years coincided with major recessions - I struggled to find work competing with all the older guys out there. I finally made a list of businesses I could reach on my bike - drew a circle on a map - and called on most every one in person - this led to a warehouse job for one season, and another taking apart defective smoke detectors, and another as a dishwasher - where I worked my way up to set-up cook. If I could get to see a manager or decision-maker, I guess they were usually impressed with my 'gumption' or persistence.

[garyseven]

Chris - Check your state and local laws re: hiring minors. Apply for the jobs that you are eligible. No use to apply for "Dish Machine Operator" when state law says that you must be at least 18 to operate that machine due to chemicals and high pressure hot water.. Although an interesting series of posts about politics and the economy... .[|)]. ...I have a wee bit of knowledge about the subject about restaurants.[;)]

[garyseven]

In addition you may want to call a general manager and ask for an informational interview. Ask how to get started in the restaurant biz. Alot of hiring is done on an as needed basis. When "Ol Jim" doesn't show up for his host shift, the first decent applicant to show up with an application gets the job.
Furthermore, you may want to hit the places with outside dining. They will start boostiing their hiring about this time for the summer.
Always apply at a restaurant between 2-4PM M-Thrs and never when they are busy. Dress nice and be extra clean cut. No stubble on the face and super clean hands (especially under the nails!- and keep 'em real short) No wrinkles on shirt or trousers, shined shoes. If you eat there, tip well.

Good luck.. E-mail for questions.

[Anonymous]

Hello again Chris, David's TRASH post reminded me of something, right the price of scrap metal is pretty high, I get $1.60 a pound for bare copper 45 cents for insulated at the scrap yard. A retired guy down the street scrounges soda pop cans for something to do, he gets $20.00 for a green garbage bag of crushed cans. Scrap steel is difficult because of the weight to handle it unless you have the means. Scrap aluminum siding and doors are also a pretty good go. I know it may not be a lot but something is better than nothing, ( Imagine how much scrap you could scrounge if you lived in the South) Good Luck Steve

[Dr. John]

Chris,
My son, Ryan, is also 17. He is working for a local building contractor, helping clean off residential construction sites when the house is nearly complete. Granted it's not everyday work, but it is something to put on the resume for later. If Ryan does a good job, he may get to help out a little more with actual construction (at least carrying materials and the like). Not only a chance to make some money, but to learn some construction skills.

[Anonymous]

When I was a teenager, I found that self-employment was a good option. I cut grass, cleaned pools, raked roofs, hauled garbage to the dump, and anything else that would help me get by. Try these. Good luck.

[highrailjon]

When I turned 17 I did'nt want to flip burgers or sack groceries. I got my parents consent and earned this:

[Anonymous]

When I was young I got a job for the local bus company. I wasn't even looking for that job I just happened to always be polite and friendly to the bus drivers when I used the bus...one day a bus driver told me about the job and a few of them helped me get it. Just to say you never know where that job may be. Personally I think thats a good thing if those large corporate types won't take you on. My most fun jobs have been with small companies and its just a matter of asking enough people and a positive outlook will get you to the place you want to be.


Good Luck
Mark Mandolin

[Anonymous]

You think you have problems---Try finding a halfway decent job at age 62--It took me almost eight months.
They say "don't discriminate against age" but they all do, especially around retire. age--you just can't prove it. I got no response from dozens of companys whatsoever. Its been rough I guarantee!
Any way I thought if you have a school work permit you should not have too much of a problem but I don't know the rules in your area---
How did you earn the money for your trains??

[Anonymous]

Jon, I've got no problem enlisted, Parents do...

Here, in New Jeresey, you can leagaly work at 14... but no one will hire you.

Steve(Redhawk) already beat you to that, just took the cans and almuinium down thje past weekend, Alumi is $.45 a lb here. Ive also taken lawnmowers when people have been tossing them for clean up, If its not a simple fix, i take it apart and use the motor (alumiinum block) for scrap.

Thanks for all the replies.

[FJ and G]

John,

Those are some older looking sets of blues, 60s or pre-60s, before the crossed rifles.

Chris,

Why don't you write a short story about your job hunting endeavors. Might turn out to be a best seller.

[laz 57]

CHRIS, try contractors, I did this in the summers learned acement finishing trade. Also try recycling yards (junk yards) I also worked there cutting metal and making little squares out of junk cars.
laz57