I'm 19 and I'm getting to the point where both my parents and I want me to move out.

Now we have not sat down and discussed my plans for moving, but my mother is upset greatly with my late hours in my rooms because she hears like a bat and my bed is creaky to heck which they refuse to fix.

Anyways, to the point: I live in San Diego and I need a job badly. The problem is we have a current 5% unemployment rate and I'm having trouble getting a job. My mother thinks I'm just not trying hard enough. On top of this, the savings my family had for my tuition is about to get used up and I have no idea how to get MORE student loans.

I can't seem to get hired and I'm really scared. What the heck do I do?

First, check with the financial aid department at your school, they are the experts.  And I'm sure they would do everything possible to get you the loans, as those loans pay their salary.

As for a job, what do you do, what can you do?  The hottest field, in more ways than one, because its outdoor construction work in California, is installing solar panels, up here its more than $30 an hour for people who know how to install anything. 

When I had trouble finding a job over the summer I went to a temp agency.  It's a little harder if you're only looking for something part time, but it worked well for me.  It might be worth a shot even if you just need something while you look for a real job...you don't really have anything tying you to any one place.

After I dropped out of college (I really wish I found a way to stay) I went back to the same temp agency after a few months of finding nothing on my own.  They stuck me on a couple bad assignments then put me into a great one.  The company they put me with hired me full time 7 months later.  There's a lot of stress, but stable is good for now

Quote from: tekla on May 08, 2008, 05:56:27 PM
First, check with the financial aid department at your school, they are the experts.  And I'm sure they would do everything possible to get you the loans, as those loans pay their salary.

As for a job, what do you do, what can you do?  The hottest field, in more ways than one, because its outdoor construction work in California, is installing solar panels, up here its more than $30 an hour for people who know how to install anything. 

Well, I am qualified (very much so) to do graphic design work. If i was in my 5th quarter at college I would be tearing the job board to shreds snatching up all the commission work. But right now getting a GD job is tough because I have no work experience, so it is hard to prove my worth. I have a portfolio but it is hard to staple that thing to a job application, heh.

I'm looking for anything except fast food, but I think if I don't get a job in time that even that will be within my standards.

As for solat panel installation, I do not think I am physically capable or doing that job, nor do I have the time. I'm only open for part time, as I am a full time student

(I went to school today I they gave me a big list of private student loan companies, so yeah ill be doing that now)

Discuss your job search with your teachers. They may have contacts. Most good jobs are found from networking.

I'm nineteen like you too.

I went through a temp agency and actually scored at an awesome place.  I live in Cali too.  Even with my basic skills and like work experience I got lucky and got a job that pays $12 an hour.  Might want to think about that, maybe you'll get lucky.  That, or you can always apply at just unskilled job placed (don't mean that in a bad way) like Starbucks, movie theaters, sandwich stores. . . you know. . . teenager job type deals.

Anyways, good luck with the hunt 

Temp agencies are great ways to find good jobs.  I'd recommend registering with more than one.  This way you can be a little more choosy about the types of positions they offer. 
Some jobs don't even get advertised, they get sent out to temp agencies only. 

Someone else said it, but I'll reiterate-- talking to your professors is a great idea.  Networking is really important, especially in fields like GD. 

I hope you find a job soon. Too bad you weren't here, we can't get enough people to work so we've been importing people from other countries and offering them bonuses/immigration to work here 'cause of the major lack of employees. Walking down the street, almost every single store has a "hiring now" sign. It's gotten so bad that some 24 hour places can't keep open because they have no staff. Actual businesses have closed or shut down locations because they couldn't find anyone to work there. I didn't even have a job interview for my job, I just walked in and they hired me because I was a living body. *shurgs*

Quote from: Gracie FAISE on May 08, 2008, 07:44:35 PMI have a portfolio but it is hard to staple that thing to a job application, heh.

Don't be so sure. Make a great resume using your design skills. Forget those generic employment apps. Since you're in design you can make a two-page resume that really shows off what you can do in the resume alone: little cool bits running through the pages, squigglies, whatever it is you guys (or ladies, LoL) do! Then include your past work and package it nicely in a tight, clean dedicated portfolio. Drop off the entire portfolio and ask to see the person in charge (maybe even the head honcho) and muse with him a bit. SELL YOURSELF!

If you're submitting that generic application the receptionist asks you to fill out, you look no better than the hundreds of apps they get a week/month.

I'm a writer/editor/journalist. My portfolio was set up similarly and I get raves and praise when I submit it. Going the extra mile really pays off.

P.S. The last editor that hired me said he was "blown away" by the entire package and my work! There's no feeling quite like hearing that!

Good luck!

You put the portfolio on CD, and give them a copy as part of the package.