I would like stability. I live in NY and things are expensive here. I always start little jobs for me and my friends when I can, but there's no stability in used computers sales, Pumkin Patches and Tag Sales. They are all odd jobs. Now I don't have the capital or credit I once had where I could piece together another landscaping or limo business, I gotta figure out something that works for the summer/winter all year, not just the nice months or Christmas rush. I am going to have my sisters train me in web design, but I'm still piecing together odd jobs, whatever works, whatever makes money, but at least its mine, which I like.
Answers
Danni,
You are looking in the wrong place for stability. The stability you seek is internally generated. The world outside you is not going to provide any stability; just read a newspaper or listen to the daily new.
You need to look internally to describe who you are. You need to develop you internal compass. Knowing who you are, what your skills and interests are will be a good start for developing an internal compass to guide you as you search for internal stability and the accompanying peace of mind.
Then look to the job market for opportunities that match you skills and interests. Postpone the small business startups until you complete your apprenticeship training in industry.
As others have suggested get enrolled in a community college that is friendly to vets and take advantage of their career development and testing programs.
You can google "skills inventories" and there are lots of free skill inventories that will help you identify your top 3 skills and how to write examples of how you have used them.
Google the Dictionary of Occupational Titles sponsored by the Department of Labor. They have a large inventory of jobs and industries from which you can get some ideas of what to target.
In order to solve your problem you have to be able to describe it and right now you do not have the words to describe your employment goal, your skills, your interests and what you can provide an employer. This will guide you in your search for stability. Knowing who you are and what you want will help you develop a plan for focusing your job search and help you avoid wasting your time on mismatches and low probability opportunities.
Your internal compass will guide you in building a plan.
Get in touch with yourself. Good Luck
I would concentrate on going back to school and using the GI Bill. All of the skills you have can be used to earn extra cash while you are going to school.
Hello Danni,
Being a Recruiter I know first hand that many companies especially start-ups are looking for coders. Pay ranges between $25-35 per hour for beginners to $55-65 per hour for those with experience. You can choose to work from home which many employers allow and I suggest you continue your sales job until you put yourself through school after which they also usually provide you with connections to start your job search. Hope this helps. If you need anything else, feel free to contact me.
You mentioned, "used computer sales". Since you have experience, in used computers, have you looked into recycling electronics, computers, old fax machines, etc.? I know, for me, it is a ongoing effort, getting rid of my old electronics. VCR's, computers, fax machines, etc. You cannot or do not want to throw them away because of security issues. I found a company (I am in Georgia) that does exactly that!! He seems to make a good living at it and he does not charge a fee for his services. He even has a office location where I can drop the items off or he will come pick them up. Just a thought.
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