Job hunting sucks...

[Mark_88]

I've been out of school now for almost three months...I was offered a part time job but it hasn't started yet...and not sure when it will...

Someone told me about the jobs at Base Borden...so I applied to several...pay is pretty good, but there are a number of hoops to jump through...that is...if they even call me for an interview...

Barrie area is a hard place for IT techs...but there are a few jobs...I had the chance to stay in the GTA but decided I'd try my luck around here...

If my butt wasn't so high off the ground I'd give myself a good swift kick...

Just venting...anyone else having difficulty finding work in southern Ontario???

[Roadkill]

Yep, ex-IT person cross trained to have my AZ license. Time just sucks all around finding a job.

[Mark_88]

I've been considering getting my DZ license...but the girl at the training school kept insisting it's pronounced "Dee-Zed" so I walked out of the office...ten years of dealing with customers in the US and taking their holidays was pretty mind warping...

So are you working as a driver now?

[Roadkill]

I was working, now am unemployed and still trying (over 4 months) to get EI.

[Mark_88]

I was on EI but my claim ran out about the same time I graduated...didn't leave much room for job searching so I've resorted to looking for any position...

My claim took 8 months to begin due to the size of my severance package...that I rapidly spent paying down accumulated debts...and they made a mistake on my claim so my start date was actually later than I was initially told...

I need to win a lottery...:)

There were quite a few driving positions available lately, but I'm not familiar with how they pay...I heard a few stories of employers hiring and then jerking the drivers around by not paying them or other pay cutting techniques...like paying the driver only for the trip out and not back...and if they don't get a pickup at the other end they have to cover their return costs...

I guess everyone is hurting lately...

[flyingbrick]

At least you guys have some years under your belt, imagine being 20. I've been out of work for almost 7 months now, I've applied at everything from electrical jobs (what i took schooling for, I have my first level theory) to going back into delivering, I've had one call back for a job i did not apply for, doing something i can't do.

[Jay FX4]

I've been considering getting my DZ license...but the girl at the training school kept insisting it's pronounced "Dee-Zed" so I walked out of the office

I thought that's how you dudes said it up there. From my house I can be in Windsor in 15 minutes tops, and pre-9/11 I used to be in Canada all the time. I always loved going to the bars and seeing the TV commercials for my old car, the Escort ZED X2......

[Jason]

I can't even find a driving job that pays anything I am willing to go for.

[kkjb4x4.0]

Barrie doesn't have much to offer as far as wages go..Temp agencies advertise about $10 an hour. Probably worth it to look south ,,maybe Newmarket. Aurora? I feel your pain, I have had very little work since about October, and when I do I work for $10 an hour less!

[Mark_88]

I've had one call back for a job i did not apply for, doing something i can't do.

That's actually how I got hired on by my last employer...it was through a temp agency and I applied for an insurance job...the temp agency asked me if I knew anything about computers...and I was there ten years...

I thought that's how you dudes said it up there. From my house I can be in Windsor in 15 minutes tops, and pre-9/11 I used to be in Canada all the time. I always loved going to the bars and seeing the TV commercials for my old car, the Escort ZED X2......

Yeah, us Canucks pronounce it Dee-Zed...but after ten years talking to US customers it sorta grows on you...and I'm still celebrating all your holidays...:)

[Mark_88]

I can't even find a driving job that pays anything I am willing to go for.

Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to be choosy right now...beggars can't be choosers...

Barrie doesn't have much to offer as far as wages go..Temp agencies advertise about $10 an hour. Probably worth it to look south ,,maybe Newmarket. Aurora? I feel your pain, I have had very little work since about October, and when I do I work for $10 an hour less!

Try Borden...I think you can google it under "Civilian Jobs Base Borden"...a bit of a PITA getting your profile created, but once you do there are many positions available...and you can even select other cities all across Canada if you're in the mood for moving...that's how I applied for the one over-seas...

[flyingbrick]

Mark anyone who knows me knows I'd kill something doing cash at a HomeDepot.
But i'm looking for a towing job now.

[Roadkill]

Well after paying into EI for almost 20 years I found out today (not a surprise to me, more on that later) I have been declined. The first conversation I had with this woman I could tell by her tone of voice as well as her comments that she had already made up her mind and took everything the employer said as the word of God. So much for an UNBIASED agent who was to look at facts and figure things out.

So now, no job, no $ coming in at all, and a family of 5 to feed not counting me. All this and having to wait almost 4 months for someone to even look at the claim. What a wonderful system.

/rant off....

[Frank The Tank]

I was working 2 jobs, one 6, till 2 then 3-9pm. but I got tired and went to farming full time, no more lame-ass factory work.
I'm back at my old job farming.... boss offered me a pay raise, time off, and a tank of gas a week.... (i live 5 miles away)
I'm in coal-mining class during nights... have job lined up.
I graduated as a massage therapist/minor in business (i could care less about doing either)

If you don't feel like making 15bucks an hour next week, there are plenty of 11-12hr jobs around here...
If you put in the effort to go to 40hr mining school 18 bucks an hour (class is free with diploma).
If you have a CDL you can pick your employer here.
If you are an electrician, pick employer and pay.
If you have a college degree and can type.... you can get a temp job at the city.
If you are thinking about getting a GED one day... pizza hut is hiring.
If your not lazy, you can get on at a farm.
Now keep in mind... cost of living here is ridiculously low, so is the average wage.
and this much work may be above normal.... but it's the portion of the economy that I see with my own two eyes.
The largest reason locally people can't find work, is that they fail the drug tests.... pretty damn sad.

I realize.... most older people have a standard of living, or a home to provide for..... a set rate of pay is required.
But, b4 I went hungry, or let my family go without I'd find something temp while looking.

If i was single.... I'd go get a job.

Despite popular belief.... they are out there...... it may not be what you want to do for the rest of your life, but nobody wants to help some-one that won't help themselves.

Frank
VVVVVVV---- I'm not saying anyone should come to the U.S for work, I was just saying locally... there is still work. and people get lazier by the day, so it doesn't seem to be leaving fast.

[flyingbrick]

It's easyer to find a job here then it would be to get a green card or a working visa, and move to the US.

[Mark_88]

Well after paying into EI for almost 20 years I found out today (not a surprise to me, more on that later) I have been declined. The first conversation I had with this woman I could tell by her tone of voice as well as her comments that she had already made up her mind and took everything the employer said as the word of God. So much for an UNBIASED agent who was to look at facts and figure things out.

So now, no job, no $ coming in at all, and a family of 5 to feed not counting me. All this and having to wait almost 4 months for someone to even look at the claim. What a wonderful system.

/rant off....

Ouch...hope you find something soon...

[Roadkill]

Well, I should now be out of the job hunting pool now. Went for an interview and drive test this afternoon. Offered a job conditionally on the good 'ol pee test on Monday. I should be in the office Monday afternoon to do paperwork and some orientation. Pretty decent company, I'll be running flatbeds again. Mostly tridem step decks all over Canada and the US. They haul a lot of military equipment along with "anything that will fit on a flatbed". Pay is pretty good, better than I used to get at $.34 cpm in Canada and $.41 cpm in the US. I was hired as a US driver so my runs should be around 60% US and 40% Canada.

Equipment is better than the old companies. Newer Volvo 660/670's with 13 speed Eaton transmissions. The drive test was in one of the older tractors (2003) which is getting rolled out this year.

One majorly different thing is the mysterious button on the dash. I was told to "NEVER, EVER, TOUCH THE BUTTON UNLESS YOU MEAN IT!". It is an alarm button in case of an emergency. Kinda cool to think that we have this thing there. Mind you I hope to never need it while hauling TDG materials.

It was a good day today.

[Mark_88]

Hey~ Congratulations!~!!~

:yahoo:

Hope it worked out for you...


I applied for a few jobs...on craigslist...and had one reply already...but it was a temp job...not sure if I will get it but it was interesting...plenty of tech jobs out there...just getting one is half the problem...

[constant_projecttruck]

I quit my job and decided to go to school. I have found 3 jobs (janitorial overnight, shipping/receiving overnight, and stock overnight) but I can't work overnight anymore becuase of school. I would've taken the either one of the jobs if I wasn't going to school in September.

[Jason]

I may be back hauling stuff soon. Fuel this time.

[Psychopete]

plenty of tech jobs out there...just getting one is half the problem...

Finding a good one is an even bigger problem... :annoyed:

Pete

[Mark_88]

I quit my job and decided to go to school. I have found 3 jobs (janitorial overnight, shipping/receiving overnight, and stock overnight) but I can't work overnight anymore becuase of school. I would've taken the either one of the jobs if I wasn't going to school in September.

I worked as a glass washer and wine store clerk on my first round of upgrade...then I worked as an instructor during my second year of college and ended up failing three courses...had to go back to finish the diploma...

It's hard to work and study, but it can be done with a bit of ambition...

Finding a good one is an even bigger problem... :annoyed:

Pete

True...I was offered a good job, but it still hasn't materialized...so I guess it wasn't such a good job after all...

[constant_projecttruck]

I got me a job at a gas station for now....well as long he calls me back. But the guy is my ex girlfriends cousin (I think I got that right) and we still hang out and call each otehr friends so it should work out.

[flyingbrick]

Well boys i am super stoked, i just got a job. But it's back in the AV industry and it's part time to start, leading to full time if i work out, but hey work's work. best part is pay is the same as my old job and I'll be number one again (only other person in the company).

[Roadkill]

Congrats!!!

[Mark_88]

Well boys i am super stoked, i just got a job. But it's back in the AV industry and it's part time to start, leading to full time if i work out, but hey work's work. best part is pay is the same as my old job and I'll be number one again (only other person in the company).

Still there???

I've had a few interviews, but still nothing...back to standing on the corner naked with my sign "Will Work for Clothes"...last time I did that they felt sorry for me I was employed for over ten years...:)

[flyingbrick]

Still there???

I've had a few interviews, but still nothing...back to standing on the corner naked with my sign "Will Work for Clothes"...last time I did that they felt sorry for me I was employed for over ten years...:)

No I did 3 jobs with the guy and when we both sat down and agreed i should try my hand at the trade again, so i am waiting on two job offers, one is maintenance electoral work for a place that rebuilds jet engines, and the other job is laying pipe. so i am waiting to see who calls first.

[Mark_88]

No I did 3 jobs with the guy and when we both sat down and agreed i should try my hand at the trade again, so i am waiting on two job offers, one is maintenance electoral work for a place that rebuilds jet engines, and the other job is laying pipe. so i am waiting to see who calls first.

Ah...well...I've had yet another interview...this time with a placement agency that seemed very interested and hinted at a position that I may be "perfect" for...it's help desk in a hospital...only short term contract that could lead to full time...

Keep positive...:icon_thumby:

[Jay FX4]

the other job is laying pipe.

Sweet! You're a porn *!

[tony314]

I feel you on job hunting. I'm tring to get a job with the Missouri Department of Corrections!

[flyingbrick]

Sweet! You're a porn *!

Sicko! That's giving pipe, not laying pipe.

[lumpy4000]

hired by Canadian Pacific Railway back in aug '08, as a conductor, laid off in feb '09 the same day i got my ticket. jumped through more hoops to get the job then i can count. call back date set for whenever, probably 2-3 years. cant find any work. ei ran out, and welfare is shit.

on the bright side, just got to make it through to jan, and i will be starting school (again) thanks to second career. taking heavy machinery mechanic. if your screwed like i was/am, it worth looking into. have resorted to just cold calling everyone in the area looking for work, as i refuse to commute back down to toronto.

[CraKel]

You guys said it!! Ontario is the hardest hit province in this "recession" were having and the job market is very unstable. Im a chemical engineering technologist with 3 years of schooling, 1 year of Nuclear experience at GE and lots of other good skill sets yet still an entry level engineer, but it seems that every job i actually get an interview for is either too far away or not for the pay I deserve. Out of 200+ jobs I applied for this summer/fall I have had a couple interviews with nothing promising left on the table.

Not to worry however, make it through the winter and by January everyone will be having a new outlook on the situation..Job market it slowly picking up, however with the American Buck$ being so low its hurting our economy that much more.. Just be happy to be living in a strong and wide spread province like ourselves and things will eventually work themselves out.

If you have extra money lying around invest in the market, (TSX).. theres alot of small fish making a good loon by sitting on the comp every day, trust me I know!

Oh and Lumpy, my bud got the same treatment from CP last fall, and he's still not back to work..You think with all the track repairs CP&CN have they would need a ton of ppl to be swinging them hammers! Did you work at the yard or on a gang? Thats a fun job while it lasted Im told haha. Good luck on your return.

[lumpy4000]

You guys said it!! Ontario is the hardest hit province in this "recession" were having and the job market is very unstable. Im a chemical engineering technologist with 3 years of schooling, 1 year of Nuclear experience at GE and lots of other good skill sets yet still an entry level engineer, but it seems that every job i actually get an interview for is either too far away or not for the pay I deserve. Out of 200+ jobs I applied for this summer/fall I have had a couple interviews with nothing promising left on the table.

Not to worry however, make it through the winter and by January everyone will be having a new outlook on the situation..Job market it slowly picking up, however with the American Buck$ being so low its hurting our economy that much more.. Just be happy to be living in a strong and wide spread province like ourselves and things will eventually work themselves out.

If you have extra money lying around invest in the market, (TSX).. theres alot of small fish making a good loon by sitting on the comp every day, trust me I know!

Oh and Lumpy, my bud got the same treatment from CP last fall, and he's still not back to work..You think with all the track repairs CP&CN have they would need a ton of ppl to be swinging them hammers! Did you work at the yard or on a gang? Thats a fun job while it lasted Im told haha. Good luck on your return.

wish i could even get in for gang work. i was hired and trained as a train conductor. where was your buddy working with CP?? i was out of mactier. working mainline, running trades. only work available with the company would require moving, and that is not something that i can readily do at the moment.

[CraKel]

Well his bro Ricky was on a gang all over the province.. sleeping and eating on the company expense, slashing the bosses tires to the worktruck so they could drink and pull all-nighters and not go to work the next day haha. I heard many good stories. My bud Mike was usually workin in the Main yard where all the tracks meet.. Downtown TO I think. Then he did lots of repair jobs using the spiking cart I think. It was a good gig for him while it lasted.

[BDAB]

don't feel too bad .......... trying to find a job in Michigan is like trying to win the Indy 500 with Geo metro.

[lumpy4000]

sounds like your buddy had more fun then me. only thing we ever did, was total a brand new bombadier 700r (pretty sure that was the make/model). when the idiot operating it got it stuck on the tracks about 10 feet from a public crossing. snowmobile versus train. train wins.

bdab, i totally understand where your coming from. i called some guy about a job he had advertised. called him half hour after the time stated in the ad. he tells me, "i didnt realize that this many people where out of work and would be calling." wtf??? someone obviously does not read the papers or listen to the news.

[flyingbrick]

I hear that went for a job intervue, and the girl told me she had over 700 emails in 3 days for the job.

[Mark_88]

I hear that went for a job intervue, and the girl told me she had over 700 emails in 3 days for the job.

I've gotten calls or e-mails from places in Barrie...about a month after I moved out...they wanted me to go back for an interview, which meant moving back there for the third time...I had to tell them I would be focusing my job search in the southern end...

But that's how long some employers are taking just to contact potentials...

Still working on funding to finish the MSCE...since it is now required by most companies hiring IT people...even though they are looking for first level support...

[flyingbrick]

Yeah it's just nuts out there a good friend of mine just got a job at a pet shop, I can't even get a job at mc'ds cause of my electrial training they tell me to get in the trade, which around here you have to know someone to get you in.

[lone-wolf]

Been on pogy after fishing for a couple months. Just got a job digging potatoes for some extra cash.
Going to be looking for something full time in November. Maybe off island.

[Mark_88]

Yeah it's just nuts out there a good friend of mine just got a job at a pet shop, I can't even get a job at mc'ds cause of my electrial training they tell me to get in the trade, which around here you have to know someone to get you in.

Yes, that's the really frustrating part...IT companies don't want me because I don't have this or that...and places like Wal-Mart (yes, I applied there) don't want me because I'm too educated or whatever...

Maybe I'll start walking around Queen's Park in my Lumber Jacket singing "I'm a LumberJack and I'm all right..." carrying an axe might get me free room and board for a few months...until the assessment, anyways...

[flyingbrick]

Well the pipe job never came through, but I did get hired on the spot at Belfor Restorations, the company cleans up smoke/fire/water damage. I'll be working in the warehouse cleaning electrics, seems like a cool job and comes with a $1/H raise from my last job.

[Mark_88]

Well the pipe job never came through, but I did get hired on the spot at Belfor Restorations, the company cleans up smoke/fire/water damage. I'll be working in the warehouse cleaning electrics, seems like a cool job and comes with a $1/H raise from my last job.

Excellent stuff!

I had a job interview last week...still waiting to find out the results...it went well, but one never knows...should find out today...keeping my eyes crossed on this one...:icon_thumby:

[flyingbrick]

Yeah, good luck on that mark. I called the local KalTire to see if they we're looking and was told there laying off, guess the local economy is still as week as last year.

[lumpy4000]

ah! job hunting frustrating as ever. now trying my luck with second career to see if i can get funding from them. got accepted to fleming for the heavy machinery mechanic program, starting in january. i did my part, now its time for the government to do theirs. meeting with crazy employment councillor today. then its a waiting game...

[Mark_88]

Yeah, good luck on that mark. I called the local KalTire to see if they we're looking and was told there laying off, guess the local economy is still as week as last year.

Thanks....:yahoo:

They offered me a six month contract...I start next week...:yahoo:

:icon_thumby::icon_thumby::icon_thumby:

[94b4000]

ah! job hunting frustrating as ever. now trying my luck with second career to see if i can get funding from them. got accepted to fleming for the heavy machinery mechanic program, starting in january. i did my part, now its time for the government to do theirs. meeting with crazy employment councillor today. then its a waiting game...

My buddy is there doin the same thing right now and loves it.. lots of B/S though with gov't papers and interviews etc.. there not just gonna give the 30g's to just anyone, you gotta definitely explain your story multiple times and hope for the best.. lots of heavy equipment jobs out there though!! Go a little further north and you will be workin full time in no time!

[lumpy4000]

looking forward to it.... :)

[Mark_88]

looking forward to it.... :)

How did it turn out? When I went for training they made me jump through hoops for a month before finally giving me approval...and then they went back on their word about buying used texts and are currently trying to shaft me for about $800...

Hard to believe they would do such a thing...so be careful...