Job options for 20-something?
Hi, i've worked various jobs (waitress, cashier, dishwasher, line cook, housekeeper) for many years now. I'm currently seeking employment in the food service industry or something in hospitality. The trouble is, is that i've had ups and downs with my employment status for years now. I'll work a job for a few months and then suddenly it doesn't work out and i'm taken off the schedule or asked to leave. I'm thinking that this may have something to do with my aspie status (although not DX). I don't really know what to look for at this point. This time of year kind of makes things more difficult also. I have some college (A.S.) but that does not qualify me for any particular field of specialization. What are your thoughts/ recommendations for someone who is in this particular situation.
thank you.
The unemployment rate in my state is 3.3%. Most of that percentage, is people who are searching for a job, don't want to work, or can't work. So, my state is almost at full employment. For an economist, that may be an awesome thing (nearly everybody's working), but for an unqualified college student it means "No job for you!"
I've applied at around 50 places locally that don't require a college degree. I was played around with by some, wasting precious gas and time until they finally admitted they weren't serious about hiring me.
The job I had last was through some friends (or friendly acquitances, depending on your definition of a friend). And that's probably your best bet. (I know for some Aspies that may be tricky.)
The job I have now was a result of my college major, computer science. Otherwise, I'd probably still be looking for a job. The harsh realities of being a non-technical major in college are dire, I am beginning to realize
I'm in the same boat with my employment status. I have big ups, then there are big downs, so my work history is quite patchy.
I've found the best luck with landing a new job by asking around through friends and people I know online (in my local area) to see if their workplace is looking for new people or if they know of anyone hiring. That way I've got a foot in the door ('oh, you're friends with [existing employee]!') and the friend can tell me anything I need to know about the job in advance - and explain things to me later on that were missed in the training.
Job ads in the paper/online are very frustrating for me. They're short, give very little information on what I'd be doing or when I'd be working (or where), require phonecalls and are generally a very scary process for me. Instead of saying 'using cash register, cleaning bathrooms, making coffee while working with surly goths in 24 hour cafe 20 minutes drive from a train station, working irregular shifts.' they will say 'barrista required for funky cafe, call [phone number]'.
So ask the people you know - get on myspace and join a group for your local area/city/etc and start making 'friends'. Talk to them through your internet-machine-thingie and get the low-down on what's available.
Works for me every time. Best of luck!