Why can't i find work? I'm a veteran. I'm young (21). A fast learner, hard worker. Is security my last hope?

Question

I live in Miami, Fl and i'm currently in the national guard. I have been turned down for warehouse jobs. Law enforcement is doing a massive hiring but they passed on me because i got a seat belt ticket last year. Animal Control turned me down because they said i needed experience. Even though they train. Every other good job here requests a 4 year dregree or 5 years experience. I'm currently working as a security guard. The pay is alright at $10.27 hr, but i have to work 7 days to make 40 hours a week. My wife can't work because she's taking care of our newborn. I'm working at night and its killing me because i barely spend time with her or the baby. Is there a solution to this or i'm i stuck with this "job" forever?

Answer 1

dont become a rent a cop. no one takes them seriously, and they don't get paid much either. finish college and it will be a little easier.

if you just want a job right now go for something with tips. I'm making $20-22/hr delivering pizzas part time.. and you can make a lot more than that at a fine dining place. delivery shops will hire just about anyone, and if you get the right shifts in the right area you can make good money. for that matter I've heard the parking valets in vegas can make 50k a year in tips alone.

also if you dont have any other prospects and no one is hiring you, you could still become a police officer. low pay, but a livable wage and easy work.

Answer 2

Don't get discouraged. 21 is not the best age to be looking for a career as many companies will discriminate by age. You can approach this problem in several ways. First one should be what do you want to do in life. When you're working toward your passion, it shows to potential employers. Don't aim too high though, be sure and keep your goals realistic i.e. I like to work with people vs. I like to fly space shuttles. Next step is to decide whether or not you need to make yourself more employable with a college degree of some sort. These days that is the first thing companies look for regardless of the merit it possesses. Keep in mind that you are young, and if you've ever considered college, then now's the time. Also, be sure and emphasize your strengths in an interview. Everyone that walks in the door or submits an application will tell you that they learn fast and are a hard worker. Show with your previous military history that these characteristics have been drilled into your character. In addition, use these strengths to highlight what you have that others don't i.e. I am an early riser and will never be late to work. Lastly, don't be too proud to bite the bullet and get a temp job, or perhaps a job that you may not want to do forever. Any work is good work, and many companies like to see initiative as opposed to idleness. In the interview you can explain that your current position is far below your capabilities, but you find it hard to "not work" and that without some sort of challenge or creative task you would go crazy. Hope this helps. Hang in there, finding a job at 21 is tough.

Answer 3

You suffer from the problem of not having any marketable training. You basically have the same education you had when you finished high school. Visit the Veterans administration office or local veterans outreach and see what some of your education and or job training benefits are. I assume you have the GI Bill. There's a good many unions that would be glad to take you in there apprenticeship programs if you test and have an aptitude for there line of work. Give it a try.

Answer 4

you're a veteran yet you're young. a fast learner and hard worker, you did not mention your degree? unfortunately, companies preferred degree holders nowadays or at least college level students, but there are lots of jobs available, you just have to look more farther than the usual.

Answer 5

Call up your local (in the phone book) Electricians or Plumbers union and find out when they are accepting thier next class of apprentices. 70K a year in 4 years.

Answer 6

Damn no. Goto your local community college and become a truck driver. the state will PAY for the education. Ask how when you get to the local college. Trust me it is a rewarding career and no boss staring over your shoulder. -john (rock island, il)