Boy it's hard finding a job. And because of all the competition a person cannot even apply for something that they don't have experience for. When a person is looking over 500 resumes you can bet they put all the ones that have no experience in their field in the NO pile.

I would love to make money from home or think of something I could do myself. I have attempted dog walking, pet sitting, but no takers! Today I would like to put an ad on craigslist for house cleaning but to be honest with you I am scared of going into some stranger's house that came from a posting where a weirdo could be looking for someone like me.....

I have seen you guys brainstorm problems into a solution before. Please give some ideas.

If it were a better economy around here I could be a party planner/thrower for showers and other events but nobody around here has money right now. I need to think of something basic, safe, needed that I could put my own twist on or brand myself somehow.

My biggest problem is that I have worked literally alone for five years and I have no contacts any where. If only someone who knew me personally could recommend me to someone it would help a lot.

One of the places I applied to called me and said the Census would only verify dates of employment and they wanted recent work references. I told him I worked alone for five years and they could try me out on relief shifts to see what kind of worker I am. We'll see what happens but I got a sinking feeling when I was talking to him.

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Faith + Love = Happy

I work from home at ChaCha - Mobile Search | Text Search | Questions and Answers It's not my full time employ.. but it really helps out money wise.

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Support bacteria -- it's the only culture some people have!

If Vegetarians eat Vegetables. Do Humanitarians eat Humans?

A few years ago when I was between jobs, I worked for Alpine Access (work from home customer service...you just have to have a computer, a headset, a quiet environment...go through paid training and start taking cs phone calls from customers of whatever program you are working). It's not a super high paying job but was fun...and omg so nice to just roll out of bed and walk to the computer and sit there in my pj's and log onto the system! They even paid for something like 5-10 minutes 'commute time' to allow you to log on and set up your screens before your shift started.
I don't know if they are currently hiring but they are very much legit, I had previously heard of their company supplying jobs to IRS customer service and some other govt programs through a program for disabled workers. (Some of the jobs are reserved for disabled people but not all jobs...& they have many clients outside of the govt ones) good luck Anna. I know these days it's hard.

If you have any experience in retail at all---apply at Costco.
And while I know a lot of people have horrible things to say about Walmart: Keep in mind that Walmart is the leading retailer, and has plans to grow this year. The consistently show a profit even in craptastic economies. It's just a suggestion! Costco pays more, and has better hours.

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"God is great,
Beer is good, and people are crazy"

How about giving us a list of your assets/abilities?
I know from past posts you are comfortable driving for work. And that you are a phone person.
Obviously if you were looking to pet sit or dog walk you like animals. What else ya got?

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

another thought---to develop a network or some contacts: Volunteer w/ whatever organization(s) that you feel particularly strong about (ASPCA/animal shelter, domestic violence shelter, etc.). It will kill some time, provide a needed service for the organization, and get you out in the public eye to establish some networks and/or contacts.

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"God is great,
Beer is good, and people are crazy"

I feel for you. We have lots of neighbors out of work in the tech industry that have had their jobs for 15-20 years. When they started, you didn't have to have a degree from college...just high school. So now, they are laid off and young (and cheap) college grads are replacing them (if they are replaced at all). It just sucks out there!

It's really difficult to do work from home. I have been running my online business for over 9 years now and really, it's just the last two years that I've made enough money to match if I worked outside the home. It takes money to make money at most do at home jobs. I did interview for Alpine Access about 7 years ago when we needed cash. I got the job except I had two young kids and couldn't give 24 hour notice if I couldn't work scheduled shifts. Kids and sickness or fussiness can't be guessed at. So, I didn't take it. But I know a few people who really enjoy it. It used to be like $10 an hour but you are self employed so you'll have self employment taxes (hold on to about 30% for taxes). It could be a choice if you can work odd hours (better chance of shifts).

I'll keep you in my thoughts. I don't have any other leads really. Here's the story Good Morning American did on work at home jobs that are legit (including Alpine Access)
Working From Home Great for Moms - ABC News

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

Most of the schools around here are always looking for subs! I know it wouldn't be until fall, but maybe there are schools in your area hiring? I realize the pay isn't probably that great, but it might allow you more freedom. I find that I actually end up working most of the week.

Most employers will only verify dates worked and answer: would you rehire him/her?

So I find that very normal. Sad, though because it has evolved because former employees would cry foul when an employer told the truth and they didn't get the next job. No one can be responsible anymore for fear of what will come back to bite them.

Do you have a college education? If not, I believe this is a great time to get back in school. Follow your interests or be tested to see what areas might be favorable for you. Healthcare is a win-win field right now. School.

dl

I too think that dates of employment and whether or not you would rehire them are all former employers will say. I know when I used to do temp work for a major computer company, I asked the temp agency if I went to another job, what do they say if they are called. They said dates and hire ability. They won't even verify how much money you make. I don't know if they can't say how much you made or they just won't. I know my husband's employer will only verify dates of employment and if they were laid off, took early retirement pkg (to avoid being laid off), fired or quit.

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

What about going to a temp agency?

Several years ago I worked for a temp agency and it led to a full time job. I loved being a temp. Sometimes you went someplace for a day or two, other times it was for several weeks. Best part of being a temp is this: The expectation for temps seems to be very low so if you show you've got your act together and do a good job, you're set. I've never been so highly praised for doing my job correctly before. It's kinda weird but nice.

The agency I worked for offered insurance, paid vacations, etc. It was a very positive experience for me and for many people I know.

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Jesus SAVES by shopping smartly and using double coupons!

Check out Craigslist. Once you can weed out the bozos, there are some really legit jobs available. I know this because I was able to get one through the site, and earn an honest paycheck.

I have NO retail experience whatsoever. I have applied at WalMart and Costco online. I think I am going to go into WalMart in person talk to the manager and explain that I have tons of customer service experience and try to charm my way in.

My strong points are: logistics; developing and maintaining relationships with clients and co workers; matching up needs with resources; gathering data and making decisions based on information collected; mediation; promotions; motivating people; putting together hair, clothes, and makeup; and I am especially strong with verbal and writing skills.

Now how do I turn that into money?

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Faith + Love = Happy

Become a Match Maker! Gather Data about the single people. Match them up. Motivate them to date a stranger... then when they marry, be the beauty consultant!

Loads and loads of lonely people out in the world. Could be big business!

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Support bacteria -- it's the only culture some people have!

If Vegetarians eat Vegetables. Do Humanitarians eat Humans?

If nothing else comes up, apply to be a sub for the school district. Most districts hire subs for teachers (do you have a 4 year degree?), teacher aides, janitors, and cafeteria workers. It's not steady work and doesn't have benefits, but it could lead you to a full time job.

I have an AS Degree (two year).

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Faith + Love = Happy

What about a serving position, people are still going out to eat, even with the bad economy, I have been doing it for years, its quick money and you always have cash in your pocket, and with your people personality you should do well

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Proud mom to 4 great boys Anthony20,Nicholas16,Michael4,Sean2

The only trouble is I have no experience in food service and when the person looks at hundreds of applications they tend to eliminate the ones with no experience in that field immediately.

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Faith + Love = Happy