Recent college grad here. No one will hire me. Need money. Should I get a job in Iraq? Too dangerous?

Question

I have spent $50,000 getting my college degree from a good state college, (B.S. in IT), but since graduating 1.5 years ago, I have learned that the IT industry no longer hires entry-level candidates that they are willing to train. Only experienced applicants need apply to even the entry-level jobs. I can't even get interviews.

Now, I've got student loans, and my parents are ready to kick me out of the house. I have read that contractors in Iraq, who are assigned to do everything from driving delivery trucks to doing basic handy-man type work, make tons of money due to the high-risk danger level of being in Iraq. Many contractors are kidnapped and killed by insurgents while simply doing their jobs.

I'm pretty desperate, maybe a little depressed, too, but I really don't want to end up mutilated. How dangerous is it? If I go work there, can I purchase/carry automatic weapons for my own protection? What lengths can I go to increase my safety over there?
Wut do u think I should do?

Answer 1

Your question implies that you have tried all ways and means of 1) getting a job in your field; and 2) getting a job which appeals to you but is outside your field...and that you have exhausted all such ways and means not only in your home state but also in neighboring states, and in the rest of the states in the continental U.S. I think you need help evaluating and refining your job searching techniques in the U.S. Your first job out of college is an important one because it can lead to better jobs in the future. I think your thoughts about going into a war zone are a result of frustration and desperation. You are a socio-economically advantaged, well-educated and deserving young adult. I don't think going to Iraq for the reasons you've given is the right thing to do. If the idea of working overseas appeals to you, there must be hundreds of opportunities available in dozens of nations where an American citizen can earn a decent living and live a good life without being exposed to the many extreme dangers to safety and well-being that any American would face in Iraq.

Answer 2

Absolutely. I spent the last 4 years in college working very hard, and am now back home with my mother and desperately trying to find a job anywhere. I had a part-time work study job all throughout college, and attempted to find an additional job (unfortunately during the worst times of the recession). I graduated in December and therefore had to leave my job. I have been looking for another job ever since, even those "lowly" jobs no one else wants. I don't have a lot of work experience, entry level jobs are very much hard to come by where I live, and I don't have a car so I'm also limited by location. I have $50,000+ in loans that will begin repayment soon, and a degree that's basically useless in this current economy (psychology). I am a very hard worker, yet so far none of my efforts have resulted in a job. I've sent out countless applications and called anyone who didn't explicitly say "no phone calls." My previous job was part-time, so I can't claim unemployment or even defer my loan repayments! The recession hit my family very hard. My parents couldn't cosign any more of my student loans, and I needed 1 more to be able to finish my degree. I wasn't able to sign for a loan on my own, and my last co-signer (a parent's friend) is panicking about me not having a job yet. Repayment starts in August. And now my parents are trying to give me an ultimatum - I have a WEEK to GET a job. The last interview I had took weeks before they even made a decision (clearly they didn't pick me). I could really use those benefits right about now, if only to pay off some of my loans now, and pay for some sort of transportation to a place with jobs. It's not a lot of money, but as any unemployed or poor person knows, every little bit helps. I don't want to take money or jobs away from families or people with mortgages, but recent college grads need jobs and money too. Most of us are not trying to be lazy moochers for the rest of our lives. Even without benefits, if I could just QUALIFY for unemployment, I would at least be allowed to take classes and job training at a local community college with waived tuition. Maybe I'd be able to get a better job, or at least be more qualified. So if anyone has ANY advice, anything I could try or do differently, please...

Answer 3

I know it sounds almost like a dead end but never despair. To start, you may have to face reality and take a job even that is not of your vocation until something comes along better. You may be suprised of what other talents you might discover you didn't know you had.What are your thoughts about moving out of State? You may want to apply at established companies in smaller towns. They are usually thrilled accepting college grads from a bigger State. Because unless you are ready to work in a foreign country that is in complete turmoil at the moment I don't think you will last anyway. Much less be happy. Moreso, your safety and health comes first more than just money. Listen to that inner voice. It's your spirit guide. Try working inside the U.S. first, because it is home first and foremost. America is full of potentials and promises. And still an envy of many foreign countries. Keep trying because it is what life is all about. Good luck.

Answer 4

Try branching out your search to include areas of the country that have very low unemployment like Boise Idaho. Going to Iraq is a crap shoot. Much higher chance of being the target of violence with a U.S. Passport. And as for finding a job over there...of course you can. And the pay IS good. Because it is commensurate with the hazard. As to automatic weapons, generally no. It is dependent on your employer and most of them (rightly) see that the weapon would be more dangerous to you than anybody else.

Answer 5

If your desparate enough for a job in Iraq, and want to carry a gun, just join the Army.

If You are under 29, have no serious health problems, and no criminal record, you may qualify for Officer Candidate School. Depending on the circumstances, you may get some of your college tuition paid off for you.

Answer 6

You could make a ton of money in Iraq. Work for 6 months to a year there and you will earn a lot of money. Yes it's dangerous, but the money is good.

Answer 7

With a computer at home and internet connection, you can start earning from home, without any investment. You should choose your work at home job according to your skills and time available.
If you have a good typing speed, general and legal transcription jobs from companies like Mountain West, Tigerfish and Accutran are available. You will have to apply from their websites which are listed at
http://www.pcworkathome.net/transcriptionjob.html
Medical transcription work is also available if you have completed a course.
Many companies like Manuscript Services, Associated Content, constant content pay for writing articles, poems, proofreading and copywriting. A good writer can earn more than US$30 per hour.
You have to directly apply online and the companies websites are listed at
http://www.pcworkathome.net/freelancewritingjobs.html
The simplest work at home job is answering phones for companies like WorkathomeAgent, Alpine
Access, Liveops. You will need a quiet enviroment at home without any disturbance. To apply you will have
to complete an online application form on the companies website ( a list of companies with websites is available at http://www.pcworkathome.net/customerserviceworkfromhome.html )

Answer 8

There are IT jobs being filled with entry-level people.

Check job sites like monster.com.

You might have to relocate, but don't go to Iraq.

That brain has too much fresh information in it to get hacked off by terrorists.

Answer 9

I can understand what you are going through.

I spent lots of money on my degrees too and now I am too old and too overqualified for any employer to want me. Have you considered self-employment? I found that was my only option.

Answer 10

Go to a temp agency or an agency that specializes in IT employment.