I got a full time job, but...

[CroMagna]

...it's one of those canvassing jobs where you stand on the street corner asking for donations for Save the Children. I don't think it's very impressive and it only pays $8.25 an hour. There is an opportunity to get promoted twice (to field manager which pays $9.25 an hour and to assistant director which is salaried) in a relatively short period of time and it's something I can put on my resume (title: fundraiser). It's in the area of advocacy which looks good to social work schools. And it's Tues through Sat so I can still go to therapy and maybe even strip on Mondays. But I'm not looking forward to memorizing the statement, and being outside in the cold on the street hoping someone will donate money.

Do I have the wrong perspective here? Should I be leaping for joy?

[elucidate]

Oh GOD!

I've done this before. I lasted about two days.

If you are quiet like me and have trouble projecting your voice, then I'd suggest you get something else. This really involves projecting your voice and placing yourself in front of people who will pass you by and give you stares like you're a loser all day.

I guess if you can handle that, then you'll be ok, and maybe it's a good challenge to learn to project your voice more. I hated it though.

Plus, it's the most boring job in the world...standing there all day. And the more people who pass you by the more disheartened you will be at the way people are too in a rush to care about children.

Is this really what you want to be doing? I can see that it would benefit your advocacy role, and look good on the CV, but there are loads of more interesting things you could be doing that will do the same...like volunteering at your local mental health community centre, or doing disability support etc. There's always an outcry for people needed in that field as no one will do the work.

It's up to you. It wasn't for me though.

Volunteer work always looks good on the CV.

[Manuel]

Originally Posted by elucidate

Oh GOD!

I've done this before. I lasted about two days.

If you are quiet like me and have trouble projecting your voice, then I'd suggest you get something else. This really involves projecting your voice and placing yourself in front of people who will pass you by and give you stares like you're a loser all day.

I guess if you can handle that, then you'll be ok, and maybe it's a good challenge to learn to project your voice more. I hated it though.

Plus, it's the most boring job in the world...standing there all day. And the more people who pass you by the more disheartened you will be at the way people are too in a rush to care about children.

Is this really what you want to be doing?

I know an even more boring job. I worked today sitting in a chair literally doing NOTHING for 10 hours straight! Now THAT'S boring! Especially since I wasn't allowed to do anything fun like read etc., all I had to do was stay next to a door at a convention center to make sure no suspicious characters would enter.

[ZephyrusX]

I think you can put a positive spin on the situation by asking whether it will serve your long term values and goals. If not, drop the job.

If you are still interested in the social work idea, I would jot down a list of qualifications you think would make you the 'ideal social worker'. Or wade through job postings on professional listings in order to generate that list. Then ask whether it is possible to improve upon any of those qualifications through this job. I.E Part of social work, I imagine, involves active listening and needs negotiation whereas this job seems like marketing and selling causes. That doesn't seem like a good match, in my opinion.

I wouldn't just take for granted that an advocacy job would look good on an application for social work. You have to prove how it would make you a good social worker.

[Mariana Trench]

Originally Posted by ZephyrusX

I think you can put a positive spin on the situation by asking whether it will serve your long term values and goals. If not, drop the job.

I agree, strongly. This is what you're going to have access. I wouldn't say it needs to serve your long term career goals necessarily, though. If you think it would challenge you personally in some way, be good experience otherwise, or simply give you a bit of money that would help you work toward your long terms goals in some way, go for it.

I'm getting a retail job, for instance, as temporary holiday help-- because it's good experience for me to know from experience how a formal workplace works, and it would be good for me to save up a little cash for the next phase of my life.

This seems like a step forward, CroMagna, as I know you said you wanted to move out. Decide rationally if you want this job, and if it's yes put the most positive spin on it you can muster. But one way or another, decide what you want and go forth with gusto.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by Manuel

I know an even more boring job. I worked today sitting in a chair literally doing NOTHING for 10 hours straight! Now THAT'S boring! Especially since I wasn't allowed to do anything fun like read etc., all I had to do was stay next to a door at a convention center to make sure no suspicious characters would enter.

I've done that before too..for 12 hours shifts. Babysitting computers. I literally read and played scrabble and tried not to ♥♥♥♥ my team leader out of boredom.

[ZephyrusX]

Good luck with that! I'm going to be leaving my present job before it gets too hectic here. It is already really stressful and it is only November. Besides, it really isn't serving my purposes any more. I'm just in a rut and need to move on and stop making excuses.

You are right though. It will probably be good experience and I think where many relatively young people get in trouble is that they fail to see the value in their previous work experience. There is a curious differentiation between 'real' work and 'work work' in North America whereas the former is counted as being too low status to really count for anything. Have you ever had anyone tell you that your work wasn't really 'real work'?

It is just a matter of seeing that value and not being afraid to 'prop your self' up when you do move on to apply for a profession or salaried position. I think putting a positive spin on low paying jobs is recognizing that it is not only a financial stepping stone towards something better, but it is stepping stone towards higher qualifications.

Talking about work... I'm going to be late for work... *chokes*

Originally Posted by Mariana Trench

I'm getting a retail job, for instance, as temporary holiday help-- because it's good experience for me to know from experience how a formal workplace works, and it would be good for me to save up a little cash for the next phase of my life.

[Cado]

Originally Posted by Mariana Trench

This seems like a step forward, CroMagna, as I know you said you wanted to move out. Decide rationally if you want this job, and if it's yes put the most positive spin on it you can muster. But one way or another, decide what you want and go forth with gusto.

If it gets you out of there I say hold onto it like a rabid dog to a piece of steak. Forget the cultural norms-it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of you living with your mother you need to get out of there for you.

[Manuel]

Originally Posted by elucidate

I've done that before too..for 12 hours shifts. Babysitting computers. I literally read and played scrabble and tried not to ♥♥♥♥ my team leader out of boredom.

lol, 12 hour shifts even? Damn.

How interesting that your censored word has been replaced by hearts,lol.

[Clint Cora]

Although a job is better than no job especially if you need the income, it's always best to get jobs where you are using your best skills and genuinely like the job. At the very least, even if you don't like the job, a neutral position would be better. From the way you described this job, it doesn't sound like it even makes the neutral point, at least from the way I read it.

[CroMagna]

I'm not looking forward to standing around asking people for money. I'm not into sales. It's painful.

[Cado]

Originally Posted by CroMagna

I'm not looking forward to standing around asking people for money. I'm not into sales. It's painful.

Does it progress you toward moving out? If yes, it's worth it.

But don't stop there. If you don't like sales what do you want to do? This is the time to plan and keep yourself in motion. Don't let yourself get stuck on what you don't want and forget what you do.

[CroMagna]

Originally Posted by Cado

Does it progress you toward moving out? If yes, it's worth it.

But don't stop there. If you don't like sales what do you want to do? This is the time to plan and keep yourself in motion. Don't let yourself get stuck on what you don't want and forget what you do.

Yes it can progress me towards moving out. I could work for a year and save up about 20K and then get a basement apartment for around $500-$700 a month.

I want to be a sex therapist or a regular therapist. In order to make that happen I'll have pay off 4k I owe my school, pay for MAT books, pay for the MAT test, and pay the application fees. It'll be a tight squeeze but I think I can make it.

It seems that sales skills are needed in everything I'm able to do, like my side business. That sucks because sales is incredibly difficult. I just want to sit at a desk and write or give advice, which is partly why I like coming here.

[Cado]

Originally Posted by CroMagna

It seems that sales skills are needed in everything I'm able to do, like my side business. That sucks because sales is incredibly difficult. I just want to sit at a desk and write or give advice, which is partly why I like coming here.

Who says it's difficult? Who makes it difficult?

Everything is hard when you haven't done it and you're not used to it. If you restrict yourself only to what you're capable of doing now you'll get nowhere. Tap into what you feel, know that you deserve better, make it happen.

[CroMagna]

Originally Posted by Cado

Who says it's difficult? Who makes it difficult?

Everything is hard when you haven't done it and you're not used to it. If you restrict yourself only to what you're capable of doing now you'll get nowhere. Tap into what you feel, know that you deserve better, make it happen.

That's true. Thanks. Maybe I need to flex that sales and networking muscle to break through the pain I feel when I ask someone for money.

This sucks though. I wish I could just do things the conventional way: read, learn, practice in school, and then get hired. I just want a job where I carry out functions I'm used, like proofreading and clerical stuff. But no luck.

Are you good at sales Cado? What do you do for a living?

(Another thing I don't like about this job is that it's liberal/progressive. I'm a libertarian. This group raises money for the Southern Poverty Law Center. I believe the SPLC tends to cry wolf and label every little thing a hate group. Liberals tend to be anti-racists and multiculturalists who shut down free speech blame everything on whitey.)

[interchangeable]

Something you may want to consider is that you might not necessarily work on that campaign alone. It sounds like you'll be working for a for-profit fundraising company. They'll have multiple short- and long-term campaigns going all the time. You may not get to choose which one you're assigned to. Could that be a problem for you if you don't agree with a particular organization?

Even if they tell you you'll only be on that campaign (a kind of bait-and-switch), unless you sign some sort of contract to that effect, they could quite likely move you around at any time for any reason.

The bait-and-switch is common in these kinds of jobs. Everyone wants to work for Save The Children. It sounds noble and worthwhile. But the truth is, most legit non-profits can't afford to hire outside agencies to fundraise, so the majority of their clients are for-profit, not non-profit.

[CroMagna]

I don't like the idea of helping the SPLC because I think they're silly libtards whining about hate groups as if it's 1930. Because I'm a libertarian and not a conservative, I like the other two campaigns, Planned Parenthood and the Freedom to Marry.

Being a libertarian, I'm not interested in getting too heavily involved in politics because there's always some aspect of either the Republican or Democratic side that I disagree with.

But I'm really not looking forward to doing this job of canvassing on the street for a measly eight bucks an hour.

[CroMagna]

As tomorrow approaches, a feeling of dread is washing over me. The idea of standing out there in the cold for 4 1/2 hours asking strangers for money sucks. Plus you have to raise $120 in your first three days or else you get let go. I have a strong feeling I'll be let go. Then it'll be back to the drawing board.

I really wish I had a full time job making at least $15 an hour doing something I'd like like editing or administrative stuff.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by CroMagna

As tomorrow approaches, a feeling of dread is washing over me. The idea of standing out there in the cold for 4 1/2 hours asking strangers for money sucks. Plus you have to raise $120 in your first three days or else you get let go. I have a strong feeling I'll be let go. Then it'll be back to the drawing board.

I really wish I had a full time job making at least $15 an hour doing something I'd like like editing or administrative stuff.

Why is that a hard thing? There are admin jobs all over the place. I got mine through a friend and I had bare minimum computer skills. She bullshitted about me to get me in the door.

If you have friends and contacts, I suggest you draw on them, because you never know when someone you know is about to quit their job, and in my experience you will have far more success through this avenue than job agencies.

I'm not sure of the exchange rate between australian and american wages? $15 an hour would be about $25 here I guess, which is what I make. I only work 2.5 days a week and make enough to pay rent, buy food and pay bills and some left over.

I'm sure you can find something better than what you are about to do.

[votoshka]

Originally Posted by elucidate

Why is that a hard thing? There are admin jobs all over the place. I got mine through a friend and I had bare minimum computer skills. She bullshitted about me to get me in the door.

If you have friends and contacts, I suggest you draw on them, because you never know when someone you know is about to quit their job, and in my experience you will have far more success through this avenue than job agencies.

I'm not sure of the exchange rate between australian and american wages? $15 an hour would be about $25 here I guess, which is what I make. I only work 2.5 days a week and make enough to pay rent, buy food and pay bills and some left over.

I'm sure you can find something better than what you are about to do.

The Aussie dollar and US dollar are about the same, although possibly US taxes are less which may make the wage seem lower than it actually is in real, take home dollars.

However, in Australia $15 an hour is minimum wage, so when I read about getting under $10 an hour for working I'm a bit . Then again... I guess having a job is a good stepping stone to getting a new job?!

Having something on your resume is definitely better than appearing to be out of work, but yeah, I can't imagine doing a job like that and getting paid peanuts to do it. I can't imagine I'd be very good at it either!!

[Andrew Gubb]

Eh it does sound like kind of tedious work. But if it's what works for you, then try to enjoy it and see it from a perspective of doing your bit for society. It's not perfect, but it's a start. You can do it with love if you want to (if you find the part in you that can do it with love)... or you can do it with resistance and suffer. If you really don't like it, then quit.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by votoshka

The Aussie dollar and US dollar are about the same, although possibly US taxes are less which may make the wage seem lower than it actually is in real, take home dollars.

However, in Australia $15 an hour is minimum wage, so when I read about getting under $10 an hour for working I'm a bit . Then again... I guess having a job is a good stepping stone to getting a new job?!

Having something on your resume is definitely better than appearing to be out of work, but yeah, I can't imagine doing a job like that and getting paid peanuts to do it. I can't imagine I'd be very good at it either!!

Oh, in that case...well, it's up to you Cro. If you can manage to bring yourself to leap for joy doing this, then you're better than I. If you are strong of mind you can tell yourself that it's just a means to an end til you find something better.

I've done it before, and it sucked big time. I suppose I'm a bit spoiled though with the kind of money I've been making, but even catering work paid better than this, and at least you get to eat leftovers(;. As far as I can remember, there are no perks to this job.

Is unemployment so bad over there that you have to settle for this CroMagna? Surely there are other jobs, like you were saying you wouldn't mind...admin and whatnot?

I mean, yeah, it looks good on your resume, but if you hate every minute of being there and you have to do it for a whole year...well, that's a whole year that you'll be miserable for. If you're that determined though, then best of luck.

[CroMagna]

Is unemployment so bad that I have to settle for this? What do you mean? Do you mean being unemployed or the unemployment rate?

I'm starting to think I'd rather be unemployed or just work at my stripping job than do this. Do I really need money that desperately?

[Fred Tracy]

That sounds horrible. Maybe if you can get into a nice meditative state you can enjoy it though. If you need it, then do it and don't resist it.

But if you don't need that job, find another one lol. I am cringing for you.

[ZephyrusX]

I think it really depends upon your financial situation and your home situation. What are your priorities? You said that you really hated living at home. If this job will give you the financial ticket you need to get out of your home, would it be worth it? On the other hand, if you are going to hate this job a lot, would it be worth it to stay at home a bit longer while you look for an alternative? Are alternatives (ie admin work) generally open in your country?

Personally, I gave my employer a month's notice, but even if I don't find a job that I want before that, I'm quite willing to go unemployed as opposed to working where I am now. The job was a good thing for awhile; I learned some important skills. But now, it has gotten to the point where I simply hate going into work. That is a good sign that you ought to leave your job (or not accept it at all) if you truly feel that way. You only live once. I don't want to spend much of my time hating my life.

Originally Posted by CroMagna

Is unemployment so bad that I have to settle for this? What do you mean? Do you mean being unemployed or the unemployment rate?

I'm starting to think I'd rather be unemployed or just work at my stripping job than do this. Do I really need money that desperately?

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by CroMagna

Is unemployment so bad that I have to settle for this? What do you mean? Do you mean being unemployed or the unemployment rate?

I'm starting to think I'd rather be unemployed or just work at my stripping job than do this. Do I really need money that desperately?

I was meaning to ask earlier. Why do you need this at all if you are stripping? Surely the money is pretty good there, unless the shifts are sparce? Can you get more shifts in that case?

The whole reason strippers can never turn back from their chosen career is that the money is way better than any menial job. Why is it different in your case?

I meant is the unemployment rate in the states that bad that you are forced to take a job that pays so low and is doing this? Surely there are better jobs to choose from. Even waitressing is better than this job, and I've done both.

[CroMagna]

Originally Posted by elucidate

I was meaning to ask earlier. Why do you need this at all if you are stripping? Surely the money is pretty good there, unless the shifts are sparce? Can you get more shifts in that case?

The whole reason strippers can never turn back from their chosen career is that the money is way better than any menial job. Why is it different in your case?

I meant is the unemployment rate in the states that bad that you are forced to take a job that pays so low and is doing this? Surely there are better jobs to choose from. Even waitressing is better than this job, and I've done both.

I don't think I should take the job. Apparently there is a fundraising quota otherwise they let you go. That's too much pressure.

In the DC area, stripping doesn't pay that well, because there's no hustle. I wish I was like one of those girls on TV who make $700 a night. I'd have no worries. I don't get why I'm not getting paid at that that much.

I don't understand why I don't have a job when I have a college degree. I know two people who have good jobs who never finished high school and have criminal records for crying out loud. What am I doing wrong?

[Mariana Trench]

Originally Posted by votoshka

The Aussie dollar and US dollar are about the same, although possibly US taxes are less which may make the wage seem lower than it actually is in real, take home dollars.

However, in Australia $15 an hour is minimum wage, so when I read about getting under $10 an hour for working I'm a bit . Then again... I guess having a job is a good stepping stone to getting a new job?!

Having something on your resume is definitely better than appearing to be out of work, but yeah, I can't imagine doing a job like that and getting paid peanuts to do it. I can't imagine I'd be very good at it either!!

Minimum wage is 7.25/hour here...I'm not sure of the exchange rate, though. And the taxes are 10%, if you make <8,350 a year, and 15% for 8,350- 33,950. Taxable income of course, with deductions for things like kids and charity.

Originally Posted by CroMagna

I don't understand why I don't have a job when I have a college degree. I know two people who have good jobs who never finished high school and have criminal records for crying out loud. What am I doing wrong?

Reminds me of this: http://i.imgur.com/YqUif.jpg

If you were going to set a number one priority for the next twelve months, what would it be?

[Mariana Trench]

Originally Posted by CroMagna

(Another thing I don't like about this job is that it's liberal/progressive. I'm a libertarian. This group raises money for the Southern Poverty Law Center. I believe the SPLC tends to cry wolf and label every little thing a hate group. Liberals tend to be anti-racists and multiculturalists who shut down free speech blame everything on whitey.)

Originally Posted by CroMagna

I don't like the idea of helping the SPLC because I think they're silly libtards whining about hate groups as if it's 1930. Because I'm a libertarian and not a conservative, I like the other two campaigns, Planned Parenthood and the Freedom to Marry.

Being a libertarian, I'm not interested in getting too heavily involved in politics because there's always some aspect of either the Republican or Democratic side that I disagree with.

But I'm really not looking forward to doing this job of canvassing on the street for a measly eight bucks an hour.

You seem to shape your identity very strongly around sets of beliefs (right now it's libertarian, a few months ago you were doing the same thing with the labels "sex positive feminist" and "black conservative"). Why do you do that?

[CroMagna]

Originally Posted by Mariana Trench

If you were going to set a number one priority for the next twelve months, what would it be?

My number one priority is definitely to land a full time job that pays at least $14 an hour so that I can pay off my college tuition and move into my own living space.

I don't understand why it's so difficult for me to land a simple 9-5 when everyone around me is gainfully employed, including people with no where near as many credentials as me.