Someone make me feel better about this ~$60,000 piece of paper

Try thinking outside the box. You can do so many things with sociology, you should look into municipalities. Larger towns are usually hiring for SOMETHING, pay higher than most jobs available, great benefits, and generally (depending on what dept) a decent schedule with overtime available. I work as a police/fire/EMS dispatcher full time, work at least 30 hours overtime in a pay period, go to school part time, and I'm a single mom. I got this job when I was 19 with my GED, I've been here for 3 years now, I get paid more than almost all people my age, even with a degree, I get paid vacation/sick time, and now after 3 years I have 3 people under me in seniority, so I have job security.

I know it's not ideal, but it's an idea most overlook. And someone with a degree would surely surpass most, even some with experience. Even if you don't work in the public safety area, the dang water dept secretary gets paid more than me lol. Good luck, hope it all works out for you. In a few years I'll have my degree and no idea what to do with it lol.

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Originally Posted by Dave Green

You may want to look into some type of certification program. While my experience was 20 years ago in a different job market, I also graduated with a sociology/criminal justice degree and had a lot of trouble finding a job. After a year or so I went into a 9 month paralegal certification program and had a good corporate job weeks after graduation. I didn't work as a paralegal but it was relevent to what I was hired for. Just something to think about...

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I have been thinking about that. The community college offers a lot of certification classes. I just didn't know which ones I should be looking at. Another soc major :gj:

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Originally Posted by lk_holla

I feel ya, i go to a private liberal arts school thats gonna put me 160K in the hole in about 3 months because its supposed to be a really good pre-med school. so 8 years from now all i've got to look forward to is at least another 100K of debt when i make it through med school. i'm taking a year off to try to save up some money but its not really looking too good when i can't even get minimum wage jobs now and when the stuff i'm qualified to do requires you actually looking for a long term career there.

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Oh man that really sucks. Good luck when you get out! That will so be worth it!

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Try thinking outside the box. You can do so many things with sociology, you should look into municipalities. Larger towns are usually hiring for SOMETHING, pay higher than most jobs available, great benefits, and generally (depending on what dept) a decent schedule with overtime available. I work as a police/fire/EMS dispatcher full time, work at least 30 hours overtime in a pay period, go to school part time, and I'm a single mom. I got this job when I was 19 with my GED, I've been here for 3 years now, I get paid more than almost all people my age, even with a degree, I get paid vacation/sick time, and now after 3 years I have 3 people under me in seniority, so I have job security.

I know it's not ideal, but it's an idea most overlook. And someone with a degree would surely surpass most, even some with experience. Even if you don't work in the public safety area, the dang water dept secretary gets paid more than me lol. Good luck, hope it all works out for you. In a few years I'll have my degree and no idea what to do with it lol.

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That sounds like a pretty good job to me. I've been looking for city and state jobs, but Iowa in a hiring freeze right now-at least in the areas I'm looking into. I'm guessing that has been leaking over into city jobs, because I haven't been able to find much.

I just got seven emails today from secretary jobs, receptionist jobs, etc turning me down. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! :rage:

Move to MA, I'll put a good word in for you :)

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Originally Posted by garweft

Worst part is knowing that all the kids in college who had well to do parents, that didn't need to work during college, and spent a lot of time partying, probably had 60k+ jobs coming out of college because their parents hooked em up.

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What?? Do you really believe that BS?? :colbert: My parents are "well to do," paid for my college & graduate school education, and I've been struggling like everyone else in recent years... got laid off from a full-time librarian job (which I got on my OWN, thankyouverymuch), worked part-time/seasonal for a while, was unemployed for 6 months, and then finally got a permanent part-time job that pays crap. I'm now up to my eyeballs in debt, and had to finally ask my father for a loan - which he was kind enough to give me, along with a lecture about not supporting his 34 year-old daughter forever. So no, people with wealthy parents don't have it that easy either... especially those of us who aren't SPOILED, have parents who taught us the value of hard work (my dad came from literally nothing), and who don't work in an industry where connections matter. We are all struggling right now, regardless of how much money our parents might have. And I have a MASTER'S DEGREE, so if that + wealthy parents isn't of any help, you know it's rough out there.

And to the OP, keep your chin up! Things will eventually turn around, or at least I hope so... :oops:

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

Aare you fresh out of a top tier college with good grades and a supposedly marketable degree? The worst part for me is feeling cheated, I feel I've put the time in and accomplished what society has told me I'm supposed to accomplish to be prepared for a career, and there's none to be had.

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I'm not "fresh out of school," but I finished my BA from a very good private college (University of the Pacific), and went on to get a Master's from a Cal State University... and like I said above, it's been a struggle ever since. Sorry to be Debbie Downer, but nothing guarantees success these days. Things do seem to be getting better, though, so hopefully you will find something soon!

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Originally Posted by BbyBoa

Welcome to the world, its all about who you know and your connections. College degrees don't carry as much weight as they used to.

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People keep saying this, so why haven't my connections done diddly squat? Both my father & sister have high-profile jobs & tons of connections, and yet I can't find a decent job to save my life... I'm not in their industries, but you'd think they could hook me up with something! Sorry guys, but that old saying isn't really true in the real world. :cool:

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Originally Posted by garweft

Haha, thanks for helping me prove my point. Nothing like the feeling of getting where you are based on your own merit.....

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That doesn't prove anything, as you'll know if you read my story above... it only helps if your parent happens to be AT A SCHOOL, or in the specific industry which you plan to enter. Oh wait - my mother is a librarian like myself, and even that hasn't ever gotten me a job. :rolleyes: Drop the bitterness, and realize that one's parents usually have little influence over their child's success. If only that were true, but my current financial situation (horrible) says otherwise.

Don't get me wrong, I realize it does have some advantages, like the lack of student loan debt... but now that I'm quite a few years out of college, even that is a moot point by now. And with or without student loans, it's pretty difficult to pay rent & bills without a darned job! My father (parents are divorced & he has most of the money) hasn't supported me since I was 17 years old, and I'm now 34 going on 35 - so it's never been an easy ride, despite what his bank account has in it.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

:O:O:O:O:O:O:O:O:O:O
Sorry, that is a real eye opener for me, the government doesn't help you out at all? That is really different I know a few single mother students whom get social assistance and it basically pays rent and bills and then welfare kicks in with a monthly amount for everything else. I knew that there were less programs but I didn't know there were no programs. :O

I wish I knew what to say, I hope things get better for you soon!

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Oh it's ok, no need to be sorry. I know there are people off WAY worse than we are and is the reason why i'm thankful for what we have. There are programs to help you out with all of that stuff but it's REALLY hard to get (with good reason) and I pretty much got frustrated and gave up. Right now we are getting help with food but it's still really hard. :(

Anyone know where I can get a Surgical Technologist job or even in the SPD (sterilization and processing department)? Lol!:P

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Originally Posted by PrettyInInk87

Anyone know where I can get a Surgical Technologist job or even in the SPD (sterilization and processing department)? Lol!:P

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I'm surprised that you are not able to find a job in the medical field. I was under the impression that there was a big demand for medical professionals. I wonder if your school could help place you? You also may be looking in the wrong area. Would it be possible to move if you found a job? This could really increase your chances of finding something. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by Wh00h0069

I'm surprised that you are not able to find a job in the medical field. I was under the impression that there was a big demand for medical professionals. I wonder if your school could help place you? You also may be looking in the wrong area. Would it be possible to move if you found a job? This could really increase your chances of finding something. Good luck.

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Used to be a big demand, but not anymore. Now that everyone heard jobs were available in the medical field TONS of people went to school to become Nurses, Rad techs, Ultrasound.... and the market is flooded. I work in Nuclear medicine and am lucky to have my job. I have been at my job 8 years. I got in just as the market was slowing down. If I lost my job today I would have 0% chance to find another full time job. I know students that graduated 3 years ago and have still not even been able to find part time or on call postions. I do not know anyone in my field that has found a FT job in the last 2 years.

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Originally Posted by Wh00h0069

I'm surprised that you are not able to find a job in the medical field. I was under the impression that there was a big demand for medical professionals. I wonder if your school could help place you? You also may be looking in the wrong area. Would it be possible to move if you found a job? This could really increase your chances of finding something. Good luck.

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That is what ALL of the schools tell you about ALL of their programs... Unfortunately I was "suckered" in to their crap. They told me that there were LOTS of Surgical Tech jobs available and such. They never tell you that you need at least 2 years of experience at most jobs. Now, most hospitals are asking for certification (which I dont' have, missed it by like literally a couple of points) and only in California. IF I had a guaranteed job offer anywhere else, I would pick up and move right away, doesn't matter where. Thank you! I hope it works out somehow...

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Originally Posted by J.Vandegrift

Used to be a big demand, but not anymore. Now that everyone heard jobs were available in the medical field TONS of people went to school to become Nurses, Rad techs, Ultrasound.... and the market is flooded. I work in Nuclear medicine and am lucky to have my job. I have been at my job 8 years. I got in just as the market was slowing down. If I lost my job today I would have 0% chance to find another full time job. I know students that graduated 3 years ago and have still not even been able to find part time or on call postions. I do not know anyone in my field that has found a FT job in the last 2 years.

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Exactly, now there are "Tech" schools EVERYWHERE with most of them being short time classes... You have loads of studens graduating with no job openings to take all of those newly grads. Right now my bf is in school for Medical Coding Billing and Insurance, hope he graduates and FINDS a job.

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Originally Posted by PrettyInInk87

That is what ALL of the schools tell you about ALL of their programs... Unfortunately I was "suckered" in to their crap. They told me that there were LOTS of Surgical Tech jobs available and such. They never tell you that you need at least 2 years of experience at most jobs. Now, most hospitals are asking for certification (which I dont' have, missed it by like literally a couple of points) and only in California. IF I had a guaranteed job offer anywhere else, I would pick up and move right away, doesn't matter where. Thank you! I hope it works out somehow...

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I know what you are saying. It is the same in my field, computer programming. I am hoping after I finish my Bachelor's degree that I will be able to find something right away.

Do you check Monster.com? If so, you may try increasing your search area. Good luck. I hope you are able to find something soon.

If you are looking for work right now and can't find any, you can try taking in some daycare children during the day. I charge $115 per child per week and have 4 kids here during the day along with my 2 children too. I do pay my taxes on it and follow my state's rules on in home childcare. You could try that until you find the right job. I don't have any college education myself, but haven't had a hard time finding a job when I have wanted one. Likely because I am not over qualified for anything.
Are you putting in your resume your charity work? Employers love that, I put down my work for Habitat For Humanity. I am a PAL which is the people that work right with the family on a committee.
My husband has all of the college education and it got to a point where he was applying at fast food places and walmart and they were all telling him he was over quallified and wouldn't hire him. Yes he was over qualified to work there, but he was still willing to take it. He had a wife and 2 kids to support. It took his parents getting him a job with the state to get out of that slump. Now he is making good money as a computer programer with ODOT.
Good luck with your job hunt!

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Originally Posted by Lolo76

What?? Do you really believe that BS?? :colbert: My parents are "well to do," paid for my college & graduate school education, and I've been struggling like everyone else in recent years... got laid off from a full-time librarian job (which I got on my OWN, thankyouverymuch), worked part-time/seasonal for a while, was unemployed for 6 months, and then finally got a permanent part-time job that pays crap. I'm now up to my eyeballs in debt, and had to finally ask my father for a loan - which he was kind enough to give me, along with a lecture about not supporting his 34 year-old daughter forever. So no, people with wealthy parents don't have it that easy either... especially those of us who aren't SPOILED, have parents who taught us the value of hard work (my dad came from literally nothing), and who don't work in an industry where connections matter. We are all struggling right now, regardless of how much money our parents might have. And I have a MASTER'S DEGREE, so if that + wealthy parents isn't of any help, you know it's rough out there.

And to the OP, keep your chin up! Things will eventually turn around, or at least I hope so... :oops:

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I don't mean to pick at this or anything.. but at least you had your Father there to help you with that loan. :/ I'm working to help my father who lost his small business and is losing his house, I'm paying the bills as a community college student a few years out of high school. Having well-to-do family really does help, maybe not all the time, but at least they are there for you. I'm in no way dogging on you for being born into that family, that's all just chance, just rounding out the whole situation with a story from the other side of things.

But that being said.. times are tough for everyone. I'm sorry to everyone who is having problems, and hopefully things will pick up one of these days! I'm on my way (sloooowly, lol..) to a degree of my own and I'm scared beyond words that it will ultimately amount to nothing. Oh well, here goes nothing!

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Originally Posted by Misfit

I don't mean to pick at this or anything.. but at least you had your Father there to help you with that loan. :/ I'm working to help my father who lost his small business and is losing his house, I'm paying the bills as a community college student a few years out of high school. Having well-to-do family really does help, maybe not all the time, but at least they are there for you. I'm in no way dogging on you for being born into that family, that's all just chance, just rounding out the whole situation with a story from the other side of things.

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I fully realize how nice that is, and how I'd be in a rough spot without him. But we're talking about finding jobs, and my parent's situations mean diddly-squat in that respect. :( And while it's great to have them for emergency situations, I am expected to be self-supporting as an adult... even as a college student, I always worked part-time to help with expenses. My father grew up very poor, so he's instilled a good work ethic in his children - we don't feel entitled to anything, and are extremely grateful whenever he does help (which isn't too often normally).

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Originally Posted by SlitherinSisters

It probably cost me more than that, I really don't want to know yet, but as of this morning I've officially applied for over 150 jobs :tears:

I graduated with my BA in December from the University of Iowa, a big 10 school (and that wasn't easy, lots of issues and I ended up talking to several deans to get that damned piece of paper). I have been unemployed for about two months now, I am getting unemployment, but it's not near enough to pay for all my bills without help. Long story short, I got 'laid off' from my current job for looking for other jobs.

I'm starting to think I would have been much better off starting work out of high school than getting into all this debt for what currently seems to be for nothing. I know it's the worst time in history for college grads to get a job, but it's really disheartening. I just keep getting letter after letter, email after email, that I'm overqualified or don't have enough experience (most want 5+ years experience, how the hell would I have that straight out of school!). I have been working since I was 15, I've been at my current job for 2.5 years, and I'm a good employee! It's not like I've been sitting around doing nothing for the past 9 years! I've also been working hard jobs, not just retail/restaurant stuff. My current job is with people who have mental disabilities and the job before that was with juvenile sex offenders. I've also been volunteering non stop since 2006.

Oh I just want to cry :tears:

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i dont mean to be rude, but i had to comment on the bold text, i worked last 4 yrs in a restaurant as a server, and it is VERY hard... not physically hard, but psychological and even emotionally hard. we go into work not knowing what we are going to make, and people are just rude and :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r:s ( sorry for language mod) also, there are some days i work 8+ hrs, with no break, no rest, and walking and lifting for the entire shift. like i said, this is not meant to be rude and i am SURE what you do for a living is probably harder than my job, i just felt the need to put my .02 in :)

hope you can find a job soon! good luck, and again, no dis-respect intended. just wanted people to understand that "restaurant" work isnt all fun and easy.

I wanted to edit to add that i too am paying for my school. this semester i am trying to pay as i go so i dont need to get out more loans, but its horrible!! lol i have to work at least 6 days a week and i go to school 5 days a week. next semester i will get loans lol.

Its my first time visiting this part of the forum, and actually quite surprise to read about this. As Steph knows, and everybody else can see, I'm from the Philippines. And believe me, when people say life is hard here, we do mean it. Big time.

Im a vet med graduate. Had a lil time practicing what I studied for (and still doin every day offs and special request) but I decided to work for a gaming console company. Way too far from what I studied for 6 long years! :)

Ask why? Because I earn more resolving gaming issues rather than treating animals. Believe me, I do feel bad about it, but if you're living in a third world country, you have no choice but to give in to what feeds you or you might just simply die of hunger. Literally.

But I do have hope that maybe, in a few months or even years from now, when I save enough money, maybe I can go back to what I do love most. Treating animals. No matter what the consequence is. At least I can say to myself that Im doin what I want, and be more than happy w/ it.

:)

That sounds like a pretty good job to me. I've been looking for city and state jobs, but Iowa in a hiring freeze right now-at least in the areas I'm looking into. I'm guessing that has been leaking over into city jobs, because I haven't been able to find much.

Try the IRS. My sister got hired in at Waterloo. She says that they are hiring like there is not tomorrow... The government just keeps getting bigger you know...

I know the people with well to do parents are irked by some of the remarks, but just try taking a walk in our shoes. If we don't get a job, or a decent paying one, we have that enormous debt to pay off on top of everything else. People can't claim bankruptcy on student loans, they HAVE to be paid. And if you don't pay your student loans, what little money you do make, the government gets your paycheck first, then gives you the leftovers.

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Originally Posted by SnakesNStangss22

i dont mean to be rude, but i had to comment on the bold text, i worked last 4 yrs in a restaurant as a server, and it is VERY hard... not physically hard, but psychological and even emotionally hard. we go into work not knowing what we are going to make, and people are just rude and :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r:s ( sorry for language mod) also, there are some days i work 8+ hrs, with no break, no rest, and walking and lifting for the entire shift. like i said, this is not meant to be rude and i am SURE what you do for a living is probably harder than my job, i just felt the need to put my .02 in :)

hope you can find a job soon! good luck, and again, no dis-respect intended. just wanted people to understand that "restaurant" work isnt all fun and easy.

I wanted to edit to add that i too am paying for my school. this semester i am trying to pay as i go so i dont need to get out more loans, but its horrible!! lol i have to work at least 6 days a week and i go to school 5 days a week. next semester i will get loans lol.

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Trust me I've worked in retail and restaurants, I know what it's like and it is hard, but they don't even come close to comparing to the job I've had for the last 2.5 years. I was working 12-14 hour shifts, never once had a break in the 2.5 years. Cleaned puke out of the carpet, among other things, had girls that would attack me and only one staff worked at a time-so I was all by myself, had to help them with their gross medial issues, and a bunch of other high stress/disgusting things. I know you are defending your work and it's hard, but try my job for a day ;) If you think I didn't break down crying on countless occasions while I was working because I couldn't take another minute of it, think again! Or try a CNA's job, they have THE worst job on the planet and I think they are amazing (I worked as a pseudo CNA-home health aid-as well....living hell).

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Originally Posted by dragonboy4578

That sounds like a pretty good job to me. I've been looking for city and state jobs, but Iowa in a hiring freeze right now-at least in the areas I'm looking into. I'm guessing that has been leaking over into city jobs, because I haven't been able to find much.

Try the IRS. My sister got hired in at Waterloo. She says that they are hiring like there is not tomorrow... The government just keeps getting bigger you know...

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I did look into the IRS, but nothing in my area. Waterloo is at least an hour from me, but probably more :( The IRS has a great package and I wish I could have worked for them!

The average time between graduation/getting a job in your field is about 6 months right now. Shorter if you have a lot of experience and or have a desirable degree.

My friend recently graduated from GT with a highly marketable degree, still took him at least 3 months and 2 dozen interviews to start getting offers (That's getting offers, not actually getting a job).

I also have worked retail and in restaurants. I have the agree with you dear, nothing was as hard as being a CNA. I never got breaks, or to sit down during shift. Cleaned up vomit and blood, and helped with the deceased. I still loved helping people. Then...I got laid off 2 years ago. I worked for a company doing tech support for a while, but that is over now. I go to school full time racking up tons of student loans. It sucks for everybody!

Currently finishing off my BSC in Kinesiology and waiting to hear back from an interview for a MSC in Physiotherapy (another 2 years of schooling). I work as a gardener in the summer, and work has been tough to find in the last couple years for sure. I hope things are a little better when Im done my MSC. Good luck, and I hope things turn around for everyone,

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Originally Posted by AaronP

The average time between graduation/getting a job in your field is about 6 months right now. Shorter if you have a lot of experience and or have a desirable degree.

My friend recently graduated from GT with a highly marketable degree, still took him at least 3 months and 2 dozen interviews to start getting offers (That's getting offers, not actually getting a job).

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Oh man that sucks. I cannot believe just how many people are affected by this and struggling to get a job.

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Originally Posted by Swingline0.0.1

I also have worked retail and in restaurants. I have the agree with you dear, nothing was as hard as being a CNA. I never got breaks, or to sit down during shift. Cleaned up vomit and blood, and helped with the deceased. I still loved helping people. Then...I got laid off 2 years ago. I worked for a company doing tech support for a while, but that is over now. I go to school full time racking up tons of student loans. It sucks for everybody!

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Ugh yeah! Hardest job ever. The job I'm laid off from was a little too close to CNA work for me. I have to admit I'm a little thankful to be laid off! CNA's are angels! :gj: My mom is an RN, I could never do that either. Are you going to school to be a nurse or are you taking a different path?

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Originally Posted by Johan

Currently finishing off my BSC in Kinesiology and waiting to hear back from an interview for a MSC in Physiotherapy (another 2 years of schooling). I work as a gardener in the summer, and work has been tough to find in the last couple years for sure. I hope things are a little better when Im done my MSC. Good luck, and I hope things turn around for everyone,

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Good luck to you too! I would like a masters degree eventually and I know it's just about the best thing to do in this market because it delays when you start looking for work, but I am so tired of school!

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Originally Posted by SlitherinSisters

Ugh yeah! Hardest job ever. The job I'm laid off from was a little too close to CNA work for me. I have to admit I'm a little thankful to be laid off! CNA's are angels! :gj: My mom is an RN, I could never do that either. Are you going to school to be a nurse or are you taking a different path?

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Yes, I am working on degree in Psychology with plans to continue so I can be a Psychologist.