Once upon a time.............

[ryhoyarbie]

Once upon a time, people could actually get jobs who actually graduated college, regardless of what major you had. Flash foward to today, and it's a whole other story.

I graduated college two years ago with a bachelors in history with a minor in art history. I've had four jobs since then. One was a temp job, two laid me off. Three out of the four jobs paid 8 dollars or less. One job paid 12.

The last two jobs I had, I had people going up to me asking me what I was doing there since I graduated college and they never did, or did not even think about going to college.

I've applied at places that used a history degree, or an art history degree. I've applied at places that just needed a degree in general. I've also applied at places that only required a high school diploma. I've called several times at places to say that I've applied and wanted to let the employer know I was interested in getting the job. Nothing ever happened.

Now this is getting crazy people. I keep on applying and looking for jobs, but nothing happens. Either the employer doesn't want me, or I'm over qualified, or I might want more money since I graduated with a college degree and they're not going to call me, etc.

And yes, I've been to job fairs and been to employment agencies that help find people jobs.

I've had a few job offers in the last 5 months that were horrible offers. One was working at a place 45 minutes away at a call center making 9.50 an hour and working with people who had a high school diploma or a g.e.d.

The other was working at a fast food restaurant making 6.50 an hour.

For those older folks on this site, in their 20's or older, any advice besides the usual "just keep at it and apply"?

I believe the only value the college degree I have is to let it collect dust.

 

[D'Snowth]

What the real problem is that ever since Bush went into office, unemployment rates have sky-rocketed. Ever since Bush went into office, my dad's gone through four job, and at one point, was unemployed for over five months, therefore we had to move out of our house because the landlord wouldn't allow us to try to get caught up on payments.

It has nothing to do with college and degrees really, it's all Bush's fault.

 

[CensoredAlso]

Yeah, it is extremely difficult right now for recent college grads to find work. And the work they do get is often temp jobs. Remember that everyone is struggling (though I know that doesn't make it better).

I know what you mean about being told to "keep at it"; everyone says that over and over. It is important to keep applying though. The minute you stop, a dozen opportunities can be missed. Even if you don't get a job, the company may remember you later on. Does your college still contact its alumni about job hunting, workshops etc? I would look into that.

An important thing is to keep networking and keep searching for different places to job hunt. The more places, the more opportunities. Or brainstorm different ways your major/skills could be used. If something's not working, try another angle.

If you can afford Grad school at some point, that's great too. A lot of companies prefer Masters degrees now. Or you could take classes in a smaller school to gain more skills that improve your resume.

And unfortunately, sometimes you have to accept taking the jobs you don't like, since you have to make money (it does look like you know this ). Plus it doesn't look good on a resume if you go too long without a job. Administrative jobs are often a good place to start.

You're lucky to have gotten those previous jobs you mentioned, some people don't get anything for years. Most people have trouble just starting out, you don't get your dream job right away, you have to build up to it.

Again, remember everyone is going through this, you're not alone. Good luck with everything!

 

[Teheheman]

Ok, I'm really tired of EVERYBODY blaming Every little thing on the president. I'm starting to feel sorry for the guy because if he does one thing he's criticized and if he goes the other way, he's criticized. The man can't do anything right to please anybody. I wouldn't WANT to be the president personally. Can we just say that maybe there aren't that many jobs out there? I don't wanna blame illegals because they have to start somewhere, I don't wanna blame the growing # of people because they have to do SOMETHING, but just be glad that you are in a country where you can HAVE a job. I'm blaming the Democrats if you wanna blame anybody. They raised the minimum wage, thus the cost of living is going up to compensate for the raise. Plus, more people are making OVER minimum wage, so it doesn't effect everybody. That and some companies just can't afford to pay that salary so they have to let go of some higher priced people. The world is going downhill and it's not just the fault of republicans, it's also the fault of democrats too. If nobody opens their eyes and sees that we need some REAL fresh blood that's NOT into all this political bull that they are throwing at us, then we're screwed. The Democrats are just the same as the Republicans. Look at Congress, has it got any better since the Democrats came into power? No, it's the same old bull, just a different party. Sorry guys, that's just the way I see it. LOVE EVERYBODY.

Daniel

 

[CensoredAlso]

I'm sure it's a lot of people's fault, including both political parties. And our Capitalist system. But you know, our country always goes through hard times, then things eventually get better. This is one of those hard times. Though I do wish we'd break out of the two party system. The Republicans and the Democrats are exactly the same. They have no morals, all they are after is votes.

I'm not big on bashing Bush either, a lot of it can be very mean spirited. Being President is a difficult and thankless job. I do feel sorry for him sometimes. But not much, because he really has done an ineffective job as President that has cost us a lot.

 

[redBoobergurl]

Sometimes it's about who you know when applying for a job. It sucks that it can be like that, but I know I've applied for jobs and found out they were filled later by someone who knew someone within the corporation or things like that. But, this can also work to your advantage if you're able to do some networking. If you can find some people that have an "insider" view to when positions are available it can be a huge advantage sometimes.

I know that probably doesn't help very much at all, just something I noticed when I was applying for jobs. I eventually found something and I'm sure you will too.

 

[ryhoyarbie]

Ok, I'm really tired of EVERYBODY blaming Every little thing on the president.

I never did blame the president. But I know what you meant.

And you're right, the Democrats haven't done anything either when they took over congress.

 

[Beauregard]

Hey Ryan. I don't have any advice (Move to England, one suggestion, or head back to 3004?), but I feel your pain. I'm sorry you're having a hard time, and hope you'll figure something out soon.

Beau

 

[ryhoyarbie]

Thanks Beau.

Didn't I hear that there are less people who graduated college compared to the U.S.?

If I had the money, one of the places I'd travel to is England.

 

[Ilikemuppets]

Actually the employment rate is the highest it's ever been and the enemployment rate is at the lowest point it's ever been in our nations history and more jobs have been created then at anytme. It might be that it's just that you have to know where to look and open and make opportunitys for your self instead of blaming and pointing the fingers at others for your own misfortion whitch is the easy thing to do. I mean are you just going to sit there and pout about how crappy your life is and expect someone else to fix your problems for you? Where had that ever gotten anybody. So you can't go around blaming the president and the like. You are your own worst enemy and best friend all at the same time. I'm not going to blame any body who doesn't even know me. It's just like you can't blame anyone for you sucesses either because your the one who did it.

That being said, I know what you mean and what your going through. It' like a tough time for collage studens at that age for people who just got out of coolage no to long ago. It's competive, there are 80 million yound people out there who out number the boomers competing out there for jobs at the botom of the pile. I mean cuts and pentions and 401ks, insurence plans are being thrown out left and right by companys trying to save peenies and he people at the top have their sock options and what not stocked away saftly while the middle class future is being put in jepordy. But it's no Bushes falut, bu the companys hen selves because they can do as they choose. But it's just getting harder and I somtimes wider what's going to become of us young people when we reach retirement. I mean we're coming into the age of broken promises and dishonesty. So what next just somthing to think about I guess. But as far as advice goes, well your guess is as good as mine and I have nothing I can say that you really wan to hear so I'll be quite.