I am wondering what my odds are to find a good job when I finish school I will be about 53 years old?\nThere are some things I am not allow to do now because my of back problem but I refuse to spend the rest of my live just surviving, I still have a job and I get pay by the hour, sometimes the paine does not allow me to work long enough, so my pay check is low and of course I do not have medical insurance, I would love to have my own bussines, to be my own boss, but (evidently) I do not have money to invest, though I have a couple interesting ideas I think.\nHELP!!!  need advice please\nthank you very kindly
210842
I have to wonder if getting a professional degree would help, because you would still be limited in how many hours you could work. What you need are skills that are in demand in a field that is conducive to part-time work and that pays well. Before investing in more education, I would talk with a career counselor who could help you evaluate your abilities and limitations, and work with you to develop an education/career plan that makes sense and that may help lead you to your ultimate goal of being self-employed. While a college degree may make a big difference for a young person starting out, as we get older, we are judged more on our work history, experience, and abilities. For some jobs, a degree is an absolute requirement, but for others, while employers might advertise for someone with a degree, the job does not really require one. Many people with degrees still get low wages. Any education you pursue at this point should be directed to helping you develop marketable skills in a field that makes sense for you. I admire your determination to succeed and I hope you find the right niche.
615242
I have faced this problem. The lower your education and the higher your age, the tougher it is going to be. However, you must stay positive. Do not waste valuable time. If you can not find work doing what you do, then train for something else. Do not just sit around crying because you will be crying alone. The world does not care. Develope something to offer to somebody that wants it. That means you.
326791
I realise that you have a good job but maybe you need more exposure to life? My son went off to live and work in Germany when he was 18. He has been working as an au pair for a nice family. He teaches English at a local school and, in return, he gets university tuition. When he comes back to England, he will be going off to university. I do give him limited financial support (as does his dad) but he knows if he wants luxuries, it is up to him to get another job to be able to afford these. \n\nHe is due home for good in 8 weeks and working abroad (and taking care of himself) has been great for him, in terms of forcing him to grow up and think about things as an adult. I cannot believe how much he has changed! I know your job is good but think about how you might be able to get more life experience. If you live at home with your mom, try to find an apartment for yourself. Take care of your own laundry, shopping and cooking. Worry about your own bills. Even if it doesn't work out (do everything in your power to make it work!) you will gain valuable life experience through doing this and it can only benefit you in the long run.
125783
Check with your school's guidance counselor. He/she can tell you if you're old enough for a work permit, provide you with the work permit application, and possibly may have information on part-time jobs available in your area.\n\nIf you're not old enough for the work permit, try:\n• babysitting\n• yard maintenance (mowing, weeding, tree-pruning)\n• dog walking\n• washing cars\n\nIf you have any elderly neighbors, talk to them. They always have odd jobs around the house or errands that they can't manage by themselves and would be grateful for your help. Don't charge them too much though. They usually have limited incomes.
175833
Since you like playing soccer, it sounds to me like you need to look for outdoors work, especially in something that has to do with sports.  Don't know if they have them anymore, but golf caddy, check with any rec centers you have in your area, talk to your soccer coach, volunteer at a summer camp, maybe teaching soccer!  You sound pretty grown-up and intelligent, think about what you enjoy doing and run an ad in your local paper.  At the age of 15 I think you have to take an "odd job" cause the legal age for working is 16.  But ask friends, neighbors, your teachers, parents, and post messages on local bulletin boards stating what kind of "work" you are looking for.  Good luck to you!  It's nice to hear about a 15 yr old actually thinking about a job!
617956
Maybe you want to consider starting your own business.  When I lost my job a few years ago, I felt about like you did for about 1 day. After that, I made a decision that while searching for another job (which is Just Over Broke) I would search for something I could do to start my own business. \n\nDid you get what I said? I "made a decision" and then took action.\n\nIf you can't do this then don't expect things to get better any time soon. Should you consider your own business, you can get some ideas on this site.\n\nWhatever you decide to do (and you have to decide yourself) \ndo it with great passion and you will succeed.
285060
Hey I gave one of those old women a bad time.  \n\nI am writing from my hospital bed.  The Doctor says I should be out of traction in about 3 months.  Then we can do the reconstructive surgery.  All together I expect to be home in 8 or 9 months.  If I make it in less than 9 months I will be able to celebrate my 21St birthday at home.  Unfortunately the Doctor tells me my jaw will still be wired shut, but what the heck I am getting used to milkshakes.  BTW, it is not Kung-Fu, it is Louisville Slugger, and believe me I know.\n\nJust having some fun.  Actually I am a senior citizen and although I don't work at Wal-Mart I know three other seniors who do.  None of them need the money, they all work part time, it gives them a reason to keep living.  Personally my wife keeps me busy and I am considering doing some volunteer work at an local aviation museum.  Too many retired folks don't have a timeclock to punch anywhere.  Hence, they lay in bed and die...\n\nKEEP MOVING STAY YOUNG.
585620
First of all, what are you doing relying on your parents if you have teenage daughters??  By all means I was not a perfect child but, bu time I was your childrens age, I didn't rely on my parents for squat except for a roof over my head and food.  Stop exausting your efforts on relying on other people and asking for help over the internet and rely in yourself.  If you want a job, there are plenty of them out there...  I lived in Santa Barbara so don't tell me there isn't.  See what "truth"?  What does this mean?  Call me your "angel" and I've heard your "cry", only it sounds more like excuses and moaning.  Stop blaming others for your problems and make some changed in your lives.  Where are your daughters?  Living in the street too?  Don't you think there is something wrong when you bear children and aren't able to take care of them properly.  Hell, I may not know anything about this, I'm only 24 years old...  I know shit happens and I feel for your perdiciment but, you need to make soemthing for yourselves, it's out there, you just have to find it and want it bad enough.  Good luck and God Bless.
341537
take positive action today, right now. Life is too short and precious. I am your age and have recently retrained after 2 horrible years of illness. I am now doing a job i love. It was tough to get here but well worth it. Be prepared for things to get a little worse before they get better. for example you may be quite low on cash for a while. \nFirst...what do you want to do? need inspiration? look through the job pages, or check out what courses are available. \nsecond...if you don't want to be in this country, where do you want to be? \nthird...how about giving yourself some thinking time and doing something positive and rewarding to fight off the depression? You're young enough to be eligible for loads of charitable organisations, for example BUNAC. They pay for your flights, you do some volunteer work in an interesting place. Might help to get you some perspective.\ngood luck xx
515413
You'll not know that until it happens. I'm told some never find anything they like, but I was lucky and found something I loved. I used to enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work. The money was good after I learned more about it and I stayed doing that job (42 years) until I retired 2 months ago. I still miss it. You'll know when you have it if your lucky. Trying to plan what your career will be would be very difficult I would think. If you've never done the job before, how do you know if it's what you want? The one thing I knew for a fact was I didn't want to work in a factory or even in the same building forever.
465318
If you were struggling to make ends meet, I'd say bite the bullet and do the nursing home job until you found another job, but since you have money aside and can afford to not work while you look for a job, why not do that?  From my own experience, I've learned that there's nothing worse than being in a job you hate...it can affect every aspect of your life, and you don't want to be miserable all day every day.  Hold out for the perfect job...it'll come.
366136
WHere I live they have an agency on aging..all their employees are over 60..they drive people to doctor's appts,  etc.  Some people want older people...women who won't get pregnant or get married and leave..people with life experience who appreciate more than a teen.  Would you be able to work FULL TIME. If not do this: apply to work at the local schools...in the lunchroom or janitorial..they work a few hours a day and after 5 years here you get ret. benefits too...then you can have 2 ret. benefits. You can sub. teach..part time...Wal-mart and K-mart and places like that hire door greeters that are over a certain age.. You would be amazed at how many people will appreciate you.  you may have trouble getting hired at a factory or hospital, etc because they are afraid of you getting hurt at the job and those jobs are in demand. Very few people want to work in a school/college cafe or cleaning toilets, etc. GL
418913
man that's tough... I know many people face that daily. Unfortunately so many people especially in the 25-55 age group are unskilled. Many younger people have skills that are in keeping with progress .. computers Internet etc.. there are jobs out there but the unskilled labor/factory/farm jobs are on the decrease and have been for a while now.. I am not sure there is any real answer for that. Social services is inadequate to maintain any kind of life style.. I think if yo have recently found yourself out of work and have no way to put food on the table... you are liable to be a dangerous person, because desperation will make you do some scary sh!t
246873
Wow Richard, Sounds as if you've got alot going for you.  I live in California, and we have a program called One Stop Employment.  It is for 17-24 year olds.  Check your city and see if they have a similar program.  Another place you could start is the Councelor at your High School.  They shold be able to provide you with some good referals.  You might even ask if you can help in the school office.  I know we are always looking for help.  Or, what about Parks & Recreation, or City Hall.  All are great places to begin your search.
119227
Have you checked the classified ads in your local newspaper? Don't just look for jobs there. Check to see if there are any employment agencies. Look in the yellow pages of your phone book as well. Call these places when you find them and see if they offer help like working up a resume for you. Go to these places and see if they have a Job Board posted with any available jobs. Make sure you are as clean and neatly dressed as possible when you approach anyone about a job. The better you look the more apt they will be to help you. Talk to the people at these places and ask if they have a program that hires young people with no work experience through government subsidies. Perhaps you know someone who would hire you if they could afford to. If there is a program they qualify for with money to pay part of your wages they could hire you! It's a long shot I know. If you are still in school, talk to a counsellor and see if there are any student jobs you might qualify for through a program that the school is running in their business classes or something. If you attend church, talk to your minister. Talk to a trusted adult friend. Put an ad in the paper yourself asking for work! Go, go, go! You can do this! If you can bring yourself to walk into a business and ask to talk to the manager, tell him/her you are looking for work and ask if they have anything available. They can only say no (not kill you), and they might say yes! Keep on going and keep trying until you land something. Good luck to you!
210963
I SEE MYSELF OUT OF COLLEGE AND WORKING MAKING GOOD MONEY..THAT IS GREAT YOU ARE WORKING TO TOWARDS YOUR GOALS .. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO DO THAT.. GOOD LUCK
473341
Not weird at all!  I've been home since 2002.  Started off, the birth of my last child, and now ended off being medical, had a cornea transplant last december and now about to have the other eye done next month.  I am excited that I should have perfect eyesight beginning next summer, but I am estatic that I may be able to go out and get a job.  Mind you, not a career, my family is my career and I had my own graphic design business, but I mean a J.O.B.  As most career women like yourself, we began working so early and for so long that we don't know how to do nothing.  Alright, so find something to do.  What do you do as a hobby now?  Make it your own career.  Do you know, this million dollar 'make a bear' business started as a hobby?  I'm sure there is something that you like to do everyday that people just know its Your knack.  Take it a parlay it into your new career move.  I'm sure making some money on the side wont hurt either! smile, good luck.