Woopty Doo, And Big Deal, I need a job

Ok, so now I'm nearing the end of this protracted period of joblessness. The surgery to my back went well, but the doctor has placed me on a permanent disability restriction of 35 lb weight limit which knocks me out of even some of the best IT jobs. Not that I'm qualified to work in IT, but that's just an example. The woopty-doo part? I finish my associate's program this week. But what does a guy do who's 41 years old, has a little education, and has done nothing more with his life than be a trucker? I'm real good at getting trucking jobs, but have no idea what to do or where to begin looking elsewhere.

I'll sure keep you in prayer, Shammy. I know that doesn't put money in the pocket and food on the table, but know that there are those of us who care. The Lord knows what you can do and where you can do it. I pray He helps you to find it soon.

Take care, my friend.

Good luck to you on your job hunt. I check out the job websites every couple of days. It is a harsh world anymore and I find that just because I have an associates, it just isn't enough. However, I have heard recently, that some employers just want a degree, however, I am not finding those people...hahahaha. I finish my bachelors this time next year. But All I keep hearing in the whole working world is EXPERIENCE. I figure if I can just get my foot in the door, eventually I can move up. And where I am at, we are limited with out having to drive a good hour. Anyway, just keep checking the web, newspapers, etc .Anyway, getting your foot in the door is the most important thing. At first, it might not be what you want, but most compaines promote from within. Good luck to you!

Hello SC,

When I read your post this morning I couldn't help but want to reply - first, to underscore what Haynes said, that prayer is the real battleground where we fight in our daily struggles, so I, too, shall hold you up for God's help.

Next, Lady Lisa is correct, that if only employers could give people a foot in the door, it would give you the chance to really shine - to prove your worth in that you are willing to learn and grow with the company. You see, I'm an IT manager for a very large (125,000+ employee) corporation and I have always looked beyond the degree to see what the real person is like - to see if what he or she has is what I can mold and shape into what is needed. I have been doing this for a long while and I can't begin to tell you what pride I have in the people I have hired in the past - what wonderful work they are now doing and what an asset they are to the company.

However, the job market in IT, for all the hoop-la, is shrinking. I'm in the heart of what is known as Silicon Valley - some call it the "Meca of IT" - and I have heard more than one IT leader here compare what we're going through now to what we went through during the dot-com bust. But there are always areas within this business to exploit - and if you can, look at wireless technologies and information security - two of the most important parts of my business dealings and guaranteed to keep meat on the table for anyone who has the talent to learn.

Another thing I would like to say is this - I have hired people with no degrees, AA/AS degrees and BA/BS degrees - the point is, that no one has ever had the right skill set out of college, but many who are starting a new profession (such as you), have the experience to follow directions and understand what it means to be "customer-focused" - and that's what I need. I have learned through experience to look past education - to look at the individual and to use their inherit talents to the team's and the corporation's advantage - and I've already commented on the fact that this approach has worked!

Even though there is a fair amount of down-sizing going on in the industry at this point, there are great opportunities, too. I hope that you stick with it and realize your dreams - hang tough and don't give up!

Blessings upon ye!

I don't know what the situation down there is, but here the state office that you enroll with to get out-of-work benefits runs free training programs in all kinds of computer and other skills. With the disability limitation, it would make you an even better candidate. Or check the Adult and Continuing Education departments at your school or other local ones, not for more courses toward a degree, but for certificate programs that target specific marketable job skills. Sometimes there is financial aid available for these things too, and usually an exit session to clue you in on search skills and contacts. Some companies keep an eye on such programs to recruit from.

I wish you a lot of luck. It's a very frustrating time, but it wasn't a waste of time to get the AS. Nothing is ever wasted.

if trucking is what you do best then why not try for a dispatcher...don't they use computers to keep things going?
sometimes it's not the education you have but the life expereiences you off to potential employers.....
i'll keep my fingers crossed for you

I also wish you all the best in your job hunt and can sympathise with your dialemma. As the others have said it can be a harsh world and take it from someone who knows, just because you have the education doesn't mean you will get the job. I have two degrees, an undergraduate and postgraduate - but couldn't get a job in my field of IT/computer because I didn't have the experience, but no one would give me that foot in the door to let me gain the experience ... I now work for the government in an unrelated field.

Hang in there SCShamrock and good luck in your hunt for a job.
Let us know how your doing ok. Take care of your back and healing thoughts going your way.

Slainte

Keeping you in my thoughts! It seems a lot of "experienced" people can't find jobs anymore. People don't always realize the ethic and loyalty someone who has been in the workforce for a while can offer!
Good luck and God Bless!