Jobs
What are good resources to look for jobs?
The paper sometimes. However, take into account that most jobs are posted, but
the ones who are hiring many times already have an idea of someone within the
company that they would like for the job, so nothing but extraordinary can come
from the first impressions of yourself from this resource. Most of my jobs that
were good ones, came from word of mouth and internal references.
How
did you build your resume?
Okay. This is sad. My mother. However, I had
it revised by a secretary.
What made interviews
successful/unsuccessful?
Knowing beforehand, who I was dealing with and
the company helped out a lot. Being able to know beforehand, what the job
entails. Likewise, prepare yourself to be questioned on what you are and are not
willing to work on holidays, emergencies, and whether or not this is a temporary
job. Most places are very weary about hiring people who are still in school, but
usually when the major is drastically different from the place you are applying.
One more thing: I have been asked, in many interviews I have had, a
question like this," Name a time, when you were in a difficult situation with
another employee, or with an employer and how you handled it. "
• Also,
"What do you have, that you feel you could bring to this company." Two questions
where honesty is required, but your salesmanship comes in to play. I'm not
tooting my own horn, but I have managed to score every job I have interviewed
for that asked these two questions.
• I do know, that age does make a
difference. Legally, it is not supposed to. However, I know of one job I
reaaaaally wanted, that I did not get because I was only 18. Its unfortunate
that the world views 18 as "legal" but also view 18 as a child still, with a
guaranteed lack of work ethics. Bring forth the work ethics to the table if the
opportunity arises. Seriously.
How do you get your foot in the door if
you haven't had a job before and/or have few references?
In my
experience, my jobs at younger ages came from referrals. So I don't too much
know what I have to say for this one.
Are references always necessary
if you are just starting out? If so, how do you get them?
I would have
to say yes. I know everyone starts somewhere though. It helps to look back at
the volunteer experience you may have, or any skills/hobbies you may have.
Computer skills, if you have them, can make a world of difference. People skills
too. Most of my jobs have been with direct customer service, so I harp on that
one pretty big. Eye contact, and confidence of your capacity to be of use to the company, and your natural drive.
Shelter
What are the best housing options for someone starting
off?
Roomates can be good, but not always dependable. So, special care
on that one. I know in my area which is pretty rural, there are more options
available for a decent price. My best situation, I have to admit to facilitate
school and finances has been my trailer. I paid 5000 for it, and only 125 bucks
a month for rent. Trailers must be maintained though, and if it is
heating/cooling, or water involved it can get not only expensive but darn right
inconvenient if you were not prepared for it. Also, apartments are great when it
comes to "predictability" which you will really appreciate when you start
managing your own money. It is much better to know what you are going to have to
pay, factor in renters insurance too, but you don't have to pay for the place
when something breaks. Well, unless you very obviously broke it. Like say… holes
in the wall.
What do you look for in roommates?
I have
only had one roommate. He was a good roommate, because he had been pretty self
sufficient for awhile, before I moved in. We both respected "quiet times" and we
also respected privacy and space boundaries.
How do you find a place to
rent?
The paper, and word of mouth. Some places are available the same
way the best jobs are. Its all in who you know sometimes. Unfortunately. But,
the best deals take hard work to find, because everyone is looking for it, and
the ones that are easily found? Usually are cheap for a reason. Also, recognize some sacrifices are made regardless when you are first starting out, but weigh out what you are willing to give up for awhile, and how you will feel about those things after a while of not having them.Example: Think about it before you are bringing your laundry to the 7th floor, where you fight with hundreds of residents to use the five working washing machines in the building, before signing a years lease. 
Food
How do you live on a budget without destroying your
health?
ME? Hmmm. I stick to the staple necessities before having fun,
but then realize that not all fun takes money either. Likewise, never forget to
enjoy the fruits of the labor. Otherwise, the parents house sometimes seems
tempting to go crawling back to…
Also I feel it should be added to the
list, that it takes time to realize how much groceries are. Its really tempting
to bite off groceries piece by piece throughout the week, but its actually more
expensive in the long run. Planning beforehand, what is best to cook or have
already made upon your schedule works wonders.
Any good, inexpensive
recipes that don't involve ramen noodles?
Plenty! Um.. well, something I
have noticed works well for me, is to get a bulk meat item which most grocery
stores have such as chicken, and alternate meats and carbs day to day. Veggies
really are pretty cheap, and from a nursing standpoint they can do wonders for
all of your body if you keep it regularly in your diet. Also, chicken and fish
are great supplements for protein and are less heavy and lower in fat.
cheap
essentials for flavor: Soy sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper, garlic(in a
shaker), and spicy brown mustard. Seriously. Remember, even on a tight budget,
great flavor can be found in the strangest places too.
I have found creativity in the kitchen to be fun, but also it can break your
taste buds of possibly an acquired flavor you might have for home cooking, or
fast food. Cheap does not always equal bad. If you have a choice, what you
should focus on is getting your fish, veggies, and fruits the freshest. The rest
pretty much is just as good either way. Instead of getting soda by the case
which can grow expensive, if you have to have "flavor" go for crystal light and
tea. It just seems to last forever!!! Oh yeah. A recipe. My bad.
In a pan,
sizzle up some soy sauce and spicy brown mustard, until it is a thicker and
homogenous consistency, and then thoroughly cook any meat. Chicken. Fish. Red
meat. What's really cool about this is that the "thickness" of this rue once
cooked, makes the outside kind of crispy but just bursts with flavor. Likewise,
you can put it on a bed of lettuce, noodles, or by itself; I always suggest
adding veggies for the texture contrast.
Clothes
Where do you
shop for clothes?
Sales racks!! JC Penney does seasonal clearance sales, sometimes as cheap as a 1.99-4.99 for really good stuff.
Transportation
Finance a car? Buy a
motorbike? Bike? Bus? Train? What transportation has worked for you?
Well… I have always had a car. I have not always had a "Great" car. But always a
car. No major public transit in my area.
School
How do you finance college without your parents
help?
The key to financing college without parents is that first, you
cannot be living under their roof. Second, I believe you HAVE to file your taxes
yourself one time before you legitimately qualify for applying for your
government grants, and financial aid. I strongly recommend saving up for at
least one semester on your own, if you plan to go directly to college after
leaving your parents home. That way, you have enough time for tax season to roll
around just in case you fell under the category of, "But your parents income
still counts."
Scholarships, are available. Even for someone who didn't
graduate top 10 in their class can get scholarships. All it takes is looking for
them. Government grants are usually pretty generous. The more broke you are, the
less influence your parents income has on your application, the better. I know,
it sounds horrible. But the fact of the matter is, you DO pay for it and it is
not keeping people in a consistent state of poverty. You are bettering yourself,
and I would not have been able to do it had it not been for it. Also, if you do
pay for college, you are eligible for a tax credit up to 1500 dollars for two
times, called a "hope credit."
The state also offers programs. My state
actually offered two different ones. One paid for all books, classes, and dr.
fees for my nursing program. Talk about helpful!! Also, it didn't even require
that I be handicapped, poor, supporting multiple children, or pregnant.
• Student loans can be a brilliantly
wonderful thing, but they can also be a pain in the butt. Use them wisely. Don't
take all that you are granted, only what you need. Realize that student loans do
not disappear through bankruptcy either. However, if you have a choice between
using your credit card, or a student loan? TAKE THE STUDENT LOAN. It doesn't
have to be paid back until six months after not attending classes, and the
interest rates are so much lower. Credit cards will eat you alive, and the
stress of them can affect your everyday happiness and progress.
•
How do you find the right college for
you?
I would suggest community college to anyone who wants to save
money while taking core classes that transfer to universities. Do your research
for what does transfer though. Most community colleges have this readily
available for nearby universities, or universities in the state in the
counselors office. This also buys you time to make sure you still want to do
what you originally set out to do. Many core classes apply to multiple
programs, so you are not wasting your time taking them. It's a win-win
situation.
Other expenses
How do you get health insurance?
What kind?
Well, for students there are sometimes "bare minimum"
insurance plans available at the counselors offices. Also, the best insurance
plans are offered by your employer. There are plenty of different options
available, but many places only offer plans for full time employees. Some places
do offer part-time insurance though. Just keep in mind, that some insurance is
better than no insurance, and If you are accident prone, pick the lower
deductible. Insurance terminology can be tricky, and sometimes when you sign up
you either get too much, or get too little. It would be wise to investigate the
plan online, because they can give you details that are not always right there
in front of you, and they can offer a wealth of information as to what each term
means.
• I went through the insurance clueless phase, it can be mind
boggling.
How do you afford therapy?
Still trying to figure
this one out. I know if you have insurance though, it will pay for usually six
visits. After that though depends upon your plan. If you smoke, quit smoking.
That ought to pay for at least one visit monthly!! That's my plan.
What
other expenses did you encounter starting off?
Getting started off is
the toughest I think. Because if you have saved money, it is hard to separate
what is necessary, and what is something you just want to have. It will surprise
you how much it costs to pay for cable tv, internet, cellphone, and the initial
cleaning supplies, dishes, eating utensils, cups. Always always always, if you
have carpet, invest in a vacuum cleaner. It will be your best friend. I
recommend the bissel powerforce. I think I paid fifty for it, and man.. does it
suck. Yes. That was attempt at humor.