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HardestPartOfLife
Tufted Titmouse
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Joined: 2 May 2009
Age: 41
Gender: Male
Posts: 46
Location: San Jose, CA

04 May 2009, 1:31 am

A few years ago, I was having a mental breakdown, because I didn't know how to deal with the stress of life and dying. (I got lupus a little while before.) My grandmother, who honestly believed this, flat out told me, "You will never hold down a job." She used the fact that I hadn't held a job for more than five months as evidence. With my Tourette's Syndrome that acts up when I shut down from the AS, I've been having some major problems finding work. Since I'm 26 and haven't worked in almost two years, I wonder why people would want to hire me, since my last job ended horribly and because of my disability. With my skill level, I'm basically qualified for retail and food service, but with my disability level, all I have is proof that my grandmother was right.

In a way, I hope she was right, because that would mean I could do what I really want to do and be a full-time writer. Unfortunately, I need to find work right now and become self-sufficient. I don't know what I can do, since I need to stay in school as long as I'm living where I am, but I can't really find full time work while I'm in school.

Okay, now I'm rambling. Basically, I need advice and help.



Anna4077
Snowy Owl
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Joined: 12 Jun 2006
Age: 56
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04 May 2009, 5:22 am

Your GM sounds like one harsh critic :o

My old man was extremely fond of telling me and my siblings that we were no good at anything. Teachers at my high school used to tell me that I would never amount to anything. You can take that negativity on board or you can use as a motivation tool. Why not prove your grandma wrong?

Do whatever work you can find to make a living but keep on writing,if that is your passion.



HardestPartOfLife
Tufted Titmouse
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Joined: 2 May 2009
Age: 41
Gender: Male
Posts: 46
Location: San Jose, CA

04 May 2009, 10:20 pm

Anna4077 wrote:
Your GM sounds like one harsh critic :o


Yeah, she's like that with everyone. It didn't help when people used it as an excuse to simply tell me to sluff it off.

Quote:
My old man was extremely fond of telling me and my siblings that we were no good at anything. Teachers at my high school used to tell me that I would never amount to anything. You can take that negativity on board or you can use as a motivation tool. Why not prove your grandma wrong?


I've tried that tactic, but then I remember the fact that the evidence she gave was basically true and then I panic, shut down and ruin everything again.

Quote:
Do whatever work you can find to make a living but keep on writing,if that is your passion.


I'm trying to do that. I'm in school right now, learning graphic design, and I'm trying to get stories written so that I can prove it is possible to make a living at writing without being as popular as Stephen King or J.K. Rowling.



GreatTrees
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Location: Tacoma WA

15 May 2009, 2:11 am

Another few ideas if they help. Jobs that you can telecommute with fewer societal stresses is important.
1) Medical Transcriptionist - Never a shortage of medical paperwork tasks that need done as boomers reach retirement.
2) Assist Accountants and Lawyers - They always have side work they don't have time for, and truly want help. Some small private businesses, rather than big companies, may be a good niche.
3) Any relatives with businesses? You may be the help that let's them grow.
4) Tutoring by phone - If you know a lot about a subject, or just plain good at it, someone needs help understanding what you know. Also counseling or consulting.
5) Supply and inventory ordering - Placing orders and paying for the supplies can be online and off site for many businesses.
6) Awkward hours? If you are willing to do something when no one else wants to, you may have work. Security camera surveillance, news stations, time zones around the world for businesses, computer maintenance when others don't require it.
Hope this helps start the mind rolling. You can find productive work! Keep trying and don't give up.



wpnonnie
Emu Egg
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Joined: 13 May 2009
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15 May 2009, 10:18 pm

If you can write, maybe check out the writing section of that website, elance. Businesses post jobs requiring different skills, where the work can be emailed: web designer, programmer, writer, translator, artist
I've yet to try it, but i'm sniffing around to see if it could be a fit. I read about it in the paper. Seems the way to start is to "low ball" on your bids, for a while, to create a good reputation for quality / timely delivery, then increase your rate as your reputation goes up.



ww
Snowy Owl
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Joined: 25 Jun 2009
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08 Jul 2009, 11:48 pm

GreatTrees wrote:
Another few ideas if they help. Jobs that you can telecommute with fewer societal stresses is important.
1) Medical Transcriptionist - Never a shortage of medical paperwork tasks that need done as boomers reach retirement.
2) Assist Accountants and Lawyers - They always have side work they don't have time for, and truly want help. Some small private businesses, rather than big companies, may be a good niche.
3) Any relatives with businesses? You may be the help that let's them grow.
4) Tutoring by phone - If you know a lot about a subject, or just plain good at it, someone needs help understanding what you know. Also counseling or consulting.
5) Supply and inventory ordering - Placing orders and paying for the supplies can be online and off site for many businesses.
6) Awkward hours? If you are willing to do something when no one else wants to, you may have work. Security camera surveillance, news stations, time zones around the world for businesses, computer maintenance when others don't require it.
Hope this helps start the mind rolling. You can find productive work! Keep trying and don't give up.


#2 Wrong. Many attornies are not hiring, not in this state. Also, they are extremely micromanaging types. I worked with many attornies. They are extremely demanding and harsh, 99% of the time. If that doesn't bother you, go for it.