Job Search- starting over

[Irving]

I've applied at Costco many times and never heard anything back. Think I was always looking too qualified. I don't know if they pay $20/hr though, if they do, I'd probably look into that for part time work in the winters if I needed to.
You shouldn't assume that a college degree will saddle you with a lot of debt. CU Denver is something like $3,000 a year (or it was when I went), and you could easily swing that while working at Costco.

[tmckay2]

Honestly nursing isn't a bad idea. It has a need, often flexible jobs and hours (some of my friends pick up whatever shifts they want) you can work your way up slowly so as to not accrue a lot of debt. Get one of the lower certificates and work while you go for an rn then work as an rn while you go towards a np if you want, they make six figures usually. It's nice because you can basically work in the field while you get your education and keep debt low. I've had a few friends that really planned and thought it out and they came out really well.

[Sparky]

I need apprentice electricians.

[Irving]

I need apprentice electricians.

What do you pay an apprentice anyway? Can you post a realistic progression for someone starting in that position with zero experience? Will it take 5 years to start making good money, only 2 years? That kind of thing.

[SamuraiCO]

Best of luck. I had my mid life crisis 10 years ago. Advanced degrees and lots of management experience did not take me to that executive position i wanted. Probably most of it was not wanting to move anymore because I love where I live and my wife's career is going so well.

So I settle and am working for retirement keeping my eye on the end of the tunnel. My job can be very stressful and demanding at times and I am on my feet most of my shift. No food breaks I eat at my work station. But it is steady, pay is good and every once in a while I can make the difference in someone's day. So I put up with the bad so I can enjoy my free time and prepare for later in life.

Hang in there and best of luck.

[Sparky]

What do you pay an apprentice anyway? Can you post a realistic progression for someone starting in that position with zero experience? Will it take 5 years to start making good money, only 2 years? That kind of thing.

We start at $14/hour and give progress raises spread out over 4 years until you get your license. Average journeyman rate is $26/ hr. That can change with the economy though. I am a small but growing company so I don't offer any health insurance benefits.

[Irving]

Cool, that's exactly the info I was looking for. How it helps someone out there make a decision.

[crashdown]

I have no advice other than I will be in the same boat soon.
We should be heading up to Alaska sometime in the next few months, and I won't start job hunting until I get there.
I believe it's a lot more about who you know, not what you know in most situations..... unfortunately I won't know anyone.
We also have become spoiled by my rather easy job, high income, and wife not having to work... that might be hard to replace.
I want to do something different, and have joked around about working at Costco or as a Walmart greeter, I think I might be mentally preparing myself to accept that as a potential reality.
My thoughts are... do something you enjoy, and not make money be the only factor.

[Monky]

Hey Ducky.. I know where you're 'at'. Did my stint in the corporate world, got fed up with the bullshit.

Find something you 'want' to do. Not just something for work. Pay matters, however, so does your life and health.

Do something you're going to enjoy. I'm still trying to find something to enjoy. I miss my old corporate gig honestly.

[02ducky]

I wanted to thank everybody for the PMs and encouragement, you guys are truely awesome. If you hear of anything in passing plesse send me a PM, change is good, scary, but right now needed.