Basically I've been out of work since April. The previous industries I worked in (IT and journalism) are pretty dead. I have two friends who work for Schneider and they both seem happy so I decided to look into it. Eventually I went and met with a recruiter who told me that it was a "sure thing" since the hub nearest me was the most recently opened and still understaffed and I can pass any background check they throw at me.

Well the "sure thing" evaporated when they suddenly closed their schools and decided they no longer take anyone with less than 6 months experience. I've sent out applications to the other companies that matched my searches here on the site, but that was all of like 4 and so far no replies.

In the mean time, I've gone and applied for public assistance since they offer training programs for things like a CDL. The problem is, they expect me to sit around and "network" for 45 days minimum before they set my case status to active, which means I get whatever benefits and training are available. I'm not sure if I'm wasting my time trying to get the CDL through the state programs or not. I also have no idea what I should do as far as more job hunting.

Right now 45 days is looking pretty long to even start the CDL, at the end of which I'll still have a net experience of zero and probably not be any more in demand from what I can tell. Should I even bother putting up with what they're putting me through while I wait in line or am I just wasting my time? I can't think of what else to do though.

 

As far as truck driving careers go I can't help you. But I would advise you to get some kind of job, at least stay on your feet until you get things sorted out.

Good Luck!

 

Been trying that since April, and no luck. IT industry = dead, and that's where most of my experience is. McD's or unskilled labor? First question they ask around here is "How good's your spanish?" and for me it's nonexistent. I was turning to driving because people told me there were still jobs, but apparently I tried too late.

 

The IT industry doesn't seem so dead. There appears to be a real need for programmers/code writers and certified network support/admins. Perhaps you could go off your IT experience and pursue something in the IT field that is in demand.

 

There are all kinds of IT type positions advertised in the paper here in the Lubbock, TX area. I don't know where you are located but you might have to relocate. Check with the school district, substitute teach for a while if you can. That could work out for you. If there is a junior college or community college near you, you could probably teach at that level. I'm in a similar situation...I have a job but I much rather be doing something else...I have checked into these things. I'm not sure how old you are but check into the police academy or with the "city"...I know it's hard. But you just can't give up. Treat looking for the job like it IS a job - step out of your comfort zone. Can you operate heavy equipment (like backhoe or excavator)? Check into ditching or underground utility companies. Also, if there is an envioronmental consulting/engineering company around you, go in and talk to them. You'd have to undergo some training (like Hazwoper or NORM) and they don't start out at a super duper hourly wage but you will have benefits and overtime is good. Tell them that you would like to become a field technician (basically, sampling monitoring wells). But it could get your foot in the door to becoming a Remediation Technician and, with your skills, you could be working on remediation systems in no time....and Remediation Technicians are in high demand and I guarantee you that all of our technicians here probably make more than I do as a PM. Just some thoughts....

 

There's nothing much for IT here in NYC. All the "positions" in the papers or other sources here are mostly scams to try and sign you up for job recruitment spam agencies or phone support meat grinders (which I've already been through). I don't think you can teach without a teaching credential.

I've never operated heavy equipment so I don't know anything about that. I suspect it involves unions and other nastiness. So far the stuff they're throwing at us in the job finding program are things like retail/sales (5 years exp, not qualified), bus driving (requires CDL too), construction (5 years exp, not qualified), security (requires licenses etc). Nothing I can really do, even if I wanted to.

 

There is an accelerated credential program. And experience counts. I wish I had better suggestions.

 

well if you have no problem passing a background then be a cop.

 

You can still get into trucking but the economy has raised the bar for drivers.

 

I know it's hard.Transportation is just as worse as other parts of the economy.With an IT background there should be more options to you.Advertise on craigslist your services in IT and hopefully something can get out of there.I don't know,maybe join the military in the IT field(air force, navy).That's what i wanted to do in the military,IT(i like it even now as a hobby), but since i wasn't a citizen at the time i got to be a civil engineer(water boy).I'm still doing the national guard part time,besides trucking full time.If trucking fails,I'll get back active duty or volunteer for a deployment.That way i can survive.Best of luck!!!