Job Suggestions?

[ibanezmonster]

If you are having disturbing thoughts you should understand that they are not caused by having an unpleasant job, and that you need psychiatric help.

I'm pretty sure it is the job. I've had jobs that I actually didn't hate before, and I had a job once that I hated, which I quit after working for 3 days. I saw a psychiatrist about 2 weeks ago and she pretty much said that my personality vs. the job was the entire problem. Her solution isn't effective, however. The disturbing thought is what I'd rather do than work at Lowes 5 more years (or any other similar job). I would be fine if I only had to be there a month more, but 5 years is out of the question, given the last 3 years of my life (the worst 3 because of Lowes).

I just got off the phone with the guy (the local guy) at Vortex after talking for quite a while. It's kind of confusing what he was saying, but basically, the main problem why he isn't hiring me right away is that the programmer in Colorado is always too busy and too slow about everything involving my work. I finished writing the code and sending it to him about a month ago and he still hasn't even looked at it (I've been paid for it, though).

My proposition was to just do contracts each month or something- as long as it added up to about $700 a month, because that is about what I average at Lowes. He is going to "see what he can do." Maybe eventually I could make a little more money, but for now, that would keep me going and increase my chances of only having to work there.

[ibanezmonster]

Anyone have any advice? I'm starting to develop some serious depression...

[Henk]

Anyone have any advice? I'm starting to develop some serious depression...

Just find a job as programmer, because you like that. Find a company which fits you. Don't be too demanding and critical. To be able to learn and have nice colleagues is more important.

Why do you like to "work alone"? I think that diminishes your chances and possibly you develop depression because of it.

Henk

[Scarpia]

You seem to have invented a reality in which you have no control over what happens to you.  In fact, what is happening to you is the direct result of you not taking initiative to make a life you enjoy.  Nothing will happen unless you make it happen.  It is a given that nothing you sent out to do will actually work out as you imagined it, but when you set the wheels in motion you will at least end up in a different place.

How old are you, BTW?

[Henk]

In fact, what is happening to you is the direct result of you not taking initiative to make a life you enjoy.  Nothing will happen unless you make it happen.  It is a given that nothing you sent out to do will actually work out as you imagined it, but when you set the wheels in motion you will at least end up in a different place.

How old are you, BTW?

I think this is true in Greg's contact with girls. Greg has much fun with girls but he doesn't take decisive steps. I'm sure these girls want more, but it's Greg who should take initiative. Just get closer to them, Greg, just reduce the physical distance. They will like that, and you will like it too.

Henk

[ibanezmonster]

Just find a job as programmer, because you like that. Find a company which fits you. Don't be too demanding and critical. To be able to learn and have nice colleagues is more important.

That's exactly what I'm doing. I have a perfect job within my grasp, but the company isn't in the situation to hire me right now. It's possible they change their mind, but there is no way of knowing when. I even offered to work for only $700-800 a month, and he is keeping in contact with me, but hasn't said anything else because the programmer still hasn't even looked at my code.

I will talk with my old programming teacher soon, asking if she has gotten any more leads. (Actually, I'll have to do that soon, because I hear they aren't even going to have that program any more soon.)

The problem is where I live. My parents moved to a semi-rural retirement area. If I lived in the city (which is over an hour away) or knew someone from the city, I could possibly get a lead on programming jobs. I really don't know where to look...

Why do you like to "work alone"? I think that diminishes your chances and possibly you develop depression because of it.

I don't know- I just do. I like working with people, but I don't like stuff involving customer service, which makes up the vast majority of jobs out there.

You seem to have invented a reality in which you have no control over what happens to you.  In fact, what is happening to you is the direct result of you not taking initiative to make a life you enjoy.  Nothing will happen unless you make it happen.  It is a given that nothing you sent out to do will actually work out as you imagined it, but when you set the wheels in motion you will at least end up in a different place.

How old are you, BTW?

I'm 23.

I think this is true in Greg's contact with girls. Greg has much fun with girls but he doesn't take decisive steps. I'm sure these girls want more, but it's Greg who should take initiative. Just get closer to them, Greg, just reduce the physical distance. They will like that, and you will like it too.

Henk

Right now, I'm not thinking about girls at all. I'm just in survival mode.

[karlhenning]

♫ This ain't no party
This ain't no disco,
This ain't no foolin' around.
No time for dancin'
Or lovey-dovey,
I ain't got time for that now . . . .

[Philoctetes]

Does anyone have any ideas for me?

I'm looking for a job that is like this:
1) 30-40 hours a week
2) Working alone (more or less)
3) If possible, in an office, where I can put on headphones and listen to music all day
4) At least $1000 a month earnings

I could easily get a job doing pizza delivery, but would rather work do something like 3).

Well my last job, working in the parts department of a car dealership allowed me to do all of those things. And the driver had a similar setup.

[ibanezmonster]

Well my last job, working in the parts department of a car dealership allowed me to do all of those things. And the driver had a similar setup.

Really? 
I have no idea what type of job that is. There are several car dealerships nearby, so I'm definitely interested. What is the official position, and what did you do exactly?

[Henk]

That's exactly what I'm doing. I have a perfect job within my grasp, but the company isn't in the situation to hire me right now. It's possible they change their mind, but there is no way of knowing when. I even offered to work for only $700-800 a month, and he is keeping in contact with me, but hasn't said anything else because the programmer still hasn't even looked at my code.

I will talk with my old programming teacher soon, asking if she has gotten any more leads. (Actually, I'll have to do that soon, because I hear they aren't even going to have that program any more soon.)

The problem is where I live. My parents moved to a semi-rural retirement area. If I lived in the city (which is over an hour away) or knew someone from the city, I could possibly get a lead on programming jobs. I really don't know where to look...

I don't know how it works in your country. Can't you just apply to jobs? You can broaden your scope, don't focus on one city or even one country. Be more adventurous.

Henk

[Philoctetes]

Really? 
I have no idea what type of job that is. There are several car dealerships nearby, so I'm definitely interested. What is the official position, and what did you do exactly?

Well the driving job, is pretty self-explanatory. My job was parts/shipping/receiving/running, and it basically consisted of me doing about 2 hours of work in an 8 hour day. So I had lots of free time to read, do homework, listen to music, etc. It was a pretty sweet gig. Although, you have to really book in those 2 hours, and sometimes you have to be willing to do other people's jobs, but I read so much, and was listening, to like 5 cds a day.

[ibanezmonster]

I would love to just apply anywhere... but most places require a bachelor's and experience, which I don't have. I talked with two people (one on this forum and another person who my parents know) who have gotten programming jobs out of technical school, but they live around the city and probably have some connections. I just told my mom today to try to talk to that guy again...

Well the driving job, is pretty self-explanatory. My job was parts/shipping/receiving/running, and it basically consisted of me doing about 2 hours of work in an 8 hour day. So I had lots of free time to read, do homework, listen to music, etc. It was a pretty sweet gig. Although, you have to really book in those 2 hours, and sometimes you have to be willing to do other people's jobs, but I read so much, and was listening, to like 5 cds a day.

That sounds very nice.  Should I just go in a car dealership and ask if they have any job positions open?

[Philoctetes]

That sounds very nice.  Should I just go in a car dealership and ask if they have any job positions open?

That's how I got hooked up with the gig. I think the Internet can be a really inefficient way to look for "pissant" work.

[Henk]

I would love to just apply anywhere... but most places require a bachelor's and experience, which I don't have. I talked with two people (one on this forum and another person who my parents know) who have gotten programming jobs out of technical school, but they live around the city and probably have some connections. I just told my mom today to try to talk to that guy again...

Do you want to get your bachelor's? You may have more chance then to find a better job. Also gives your more time, you're only 23 yet.

When you continue your study, you have to stay in the city I think. So you can find a job somewhere, just to earn some money. Doesn't need to be a job on programming. Just a nice job with nice colleagues. You can always learn from it and get work experience.

When you try this way, you can get out of that bad, depressing feeling. Time is what you need, and what you can provide yourself, I think. Feeling better you can think about girls again. You said you find it fun to talk with girls, go after these girls, Greg. They may not look the most attractive to you, but that's possibly why you didn't succeed until now with girls.

Henk

[MishaK]

The problem is where I live.

Remind me what is the city where you live?

[Florestan]

I even offered to work for only $700-800 a month

Only? Has it ever crossed your mind that $800 a month is a dream wage for 75% of the world's population?  You should consider yourself fortunate enough for being able to have shelter, clothing and food without ever thinking how you and your family will make it tomorrow.  I invite you to spend one month in Romania as an average unemployed person; I guarantee that you'll stop whining about your present situation instantly.

[MishaK]

Only? Has it ever crossed your mind that $800 a month is a dream wage for 75% of the world's population?  You should consider yourself fortunate enough for being able to have shelter, clothing and food without ever thinking how you and your family will make it tomorrow.  I invite you to spend one month in Romania as an average unemployed person; I guarantee that you'll stop whining about your present situation instantly.

That's all relative. At $800/month you'd have trouble making ends meet in most places in the US, unless you can live with your parents like Greg. $800/month is below the official US poverty level. Since he isn't looking to move to Romania, your point is moot.

[Florestan]

That's all relative. At $800/month you'd have trouble making ends meet in most places in the US, unless you can live with your parents like Greg. $800/month is below the official US poverty level. Since he isn't looking to move to Romania, your point is moot.

It's moot for an American and that was my point all along. If Greg would live the life of most people on earth ---which is waaaay diferent form US / Western Europe life --- he'd realize that he's really blessed and he'd stop complaining about being in a situation that most people on earth his age would be only too happy to find themselves in.

[MishaK]

It's moot for an American and that was my point all along. If Greg would live the life of most people on earth ---which is waaaay diferent form US / Western Europe life --- he'd realize that he's really blessed and he'd stop complaining about being in a situation that most people on earth his age would be only too happy to find themselves in.

Yes, but "living the life of most people on earth" has nothing to do with a particular income figure, and happiness is very much relative to social recognition in the local community, thus again, the fact that his life is better than that of the average Eritrean is not really going to help his situation. 

[Scarpia]

I'm not saying anything that hasn't been said before, but your life is not going to fix itself.  You have to take decisive action to get yourself out of the rut you've dug yourself into.  It doesn't even matter so much what, because whatever grand scheme you have for yourself will probably not work out, but then you'll do something else, out of necessity, which will be better than doing nothing.   

If you think computers is your thing you need to get into a good university (not a vocational school or community college) and major in computer engineering or a related field.  You need to apply for financial aid and on borrow whatever money is required, even if it seems outrageous, because living your entire life as an unskilled worker below the poverty line is not a good "bargain" if you have the ability to do something more.   If my memory is correct and you live in Florida you should start your application to the University of Florida at Gainesville today.  That's the best school in the state, and the only state school where you will have the benefit of in-state tuition.