Hemorhaging Jobs

Wow... this economy is really starting to hit home for me. Several of my friends are unemployed. I was laid off two weeks ago because the firm I worked for didn't have enough billable work to keep everyone busy. My best friend works at a private school that has announced that it will be closing at the end of this school year. My girlfriend's company looks like they're about to close the division she works in at this office. So people there will probably be very shortly given 60 days, or offered to relocate to the corporate main office in Des Moines.

So, after a couple of weeks to let things sink in, I'm tired to feeling sorry for myself and having nothing to do. Now I'm considering my options moving into the future. I'm thinking that good jobs that I'm qualified for aren't going to be in abundance right now, so this might be the opportunity to get some training in another field that might interest me. I'm thinking that I like problem solving and figuring things out, and I prefer dealing with things that are happening in the moment. I've had quite a few people tell me that I'm really good at continuing to operate, make decisions, and take action in a crisis when things need to happen immediately.

So I'm looking at options that might be good to get training in, or new career directions I could take. In no particular order possible new directions include: Technical Writing, EMT, Desktop Support, Web Development, auto mechanics. Except for maybe technical writing, I would probably need some sort of certification before I could get a position in that field. Of all those, the EMT idea strikes the strongest cord with me.

Any advice, experience, or words of wisdom to offer?

Thanks in advance folks.

Well, I'm a certified mechanic and 3 of my last 4 jobs were tech writing. There are degrees you can get in the tech writing field but from me experience (automotive) they are looking for experience/ASE certs to show you know your stuff more than a degree. If you are going to try auto mechanics, find a nice, busy independent shop that does all makes/models. That way you won't be locked into just Ford, GM, or Chrysler in other folks eyes. FYI, I'm looking for tech writing work right now, there just isn't much in the detroit area, and almost nothing outside of metro detroit. Auto mechanics, jobs are plentyfull but most are looking for certs and experience.

Aren't EMT's paid very poorly?

Oh, on a similar not for my girlfriend; if she gets her 60 days, she's thinking of taking the opportunity to change fields. She is currently a programmer, and works primarily with COBOL. She thinks she would really enjoy becoming a Vet Tech.

Any thoughts or experiences on that front?

ManofFewWords wrote: Aren't EMT's paid very poorly?

I don't know exactly what they make. I'm sure not a ton. But I'm young and thrifty, and would probably be earning a comparable salary to my last job (but with a greater sense of purpose).

One big advantage is that it generally opens the door to professional firefighting, which I think would be a great career.

Comparing an EMTs value/knowledge/pay to a medical doctors yes they are paid poorly but they generally make a good living doing a good job.

I will reiterate do NOT enter the automotive service field. The field is growing smaller daily and the cash pay is getting terrible, great technicians are currently working for peanuts and customer pools are drying up in general repair.

I was about to suggest MOBILE AUTO REPAIR but the new quote I got for insurance on that is kind of rough ($1300/mo compared to the $267/mo I paid 10 years ago it is pretty unrealistic)

Ha yeah tell me about it..

5-10 years ago my dad told me to go into bio tech or pharma instead of cars.. Damnit if I didn't listen.

Seiously? I would ass-u-me that with the declining economy folks would keep cars longer and pay for more repairs (versus buying new cars more often and not paying for repairs so much)...

I'm surprised to hear that's not so (but probably shouldn't be surprised).

Clem

Salanis wrote: Oh, on a similar not for my girlfriend; if she gets her 60 days, she's thinking of taking the opportunity to change fields. She is currently a programmer, and works primarily with COBOL. She thinks she would really enjoy becoming a Vet Tech. Any thoughts or experiences on that front?

Look out here in California the whole system runs on legacy COBOL systems.

ClemSparks wrote: Seiously? I would ass-u-me that with the declining economy folks would keep cars longer and pay for more repairs (versus buying new cars more often and not paying for repairs so much)... I'm surprised to hear that's not so (but probably shouldn't be surprised). Clem

Issue is in order to keep a shops doors open and insured it now costs more than you could believe. Owners just want their chunk and will buy the best tech available for the price then screw him into the ground like they were in congress.

Parts sales will go up but repair sales will tank in the next few years, if this goes on longer than three you may see an ugly shift in the service industry.

wearymicrobe wrote: Look out here in California the whole system runs on legacy COBOL systems.

We live in Sacramento, CA. She and I are both aware that she is something of a rarity as a relatively young person who understands COBOL. Any suggestions on particular places in dire need of COBOL programmers?

If you like dealing with up-to-the-minute stuff and making quick decisions, Web Development is going to frustrate and bore the hell out of you...any other kind of programming would be even worse in that department.

I disagree. Web development has always changed rapidly, and that's certainly not changing any time soon. Heck, I was just looking at a whole bunch of new stuff that's coming down the pike and is very, very cool. That said, it sounds like EMT speaks to you the most, so I think you should do that.

Sounds like you'd make a good copier tech. If you guys happen to land in Indiana, let me know.

I suggest you look at EMT jobs and pay rates before venturing down that road. Any field where there are "volunteer" people that you are competing against for a posiiton is going to suck.

Most people spell COBOLSUX incorrectly. IT is not a field to get into right now. Even the Indians are having problems. Your GF should seriously consider buying some warm clothes and taking the job in Des Moines. Places change, but I found DM to be a nice area if you can handle the winters. They had a large service based economy in the insurance and some other industries. A very good friend of mine that I've lost touch with was a technical writer there for 20+ years, before moving someplace warm.

ManofFewWords wrote: Aren't EMT's paid very poorly?

I do believe they are, and they can work very hard. The best option there is to become a paramedic. EMT's are essentially UPS for patients, it's the paramedics that do all the "stuff".

If you do go into that field, be prepared for some nasty stuff, long shifts (some of which you can sleep through) and make sure you have a strong back (at lot of the people that need transport to hospitals aren't exactly light weight, part of the reason they are going to the hospital).

My sister was an EMT then a paramedic for many years. She ending up as a 911 operator in San Fransisco (more interesting stories) when she physically couldn't take the job anymore (too much lifting and being broadsided in an ambulance twice, yes with lights and sirens on).

Salanis wrote:

ManofFewWords wrote: Aren't EMT's paid very poorly?

I don't know exactly what they make. I'm sure not a ton. But I'm young and thrifty, and would probably be earning a comparable salary to my last job (but with a greater sense of purpose). One big advantage is that it generally opens the door to professional firefighting, which I think would be a great career.

I am an EMT (17 years) and a professional firefighter (12 years).

EMT's get about $15 an hour around here with an ambulance company. Not great but you can always get a job and work as many hours as you want. I think the current EMT course is about 45 hours, spread out over about 4 months. It's not as rewarding as you might think. Most calls involve lifting 300+ pound people who have no true medical emergency into an ambulance. It's a great job if you like coffee and McDonalds. You will get fat.

But........you need to be an EMT or a Paramedic if you want to become a firefighter, which is the best job in the world. Good pay, very rewarding and secure. (Plus, chicks dig firemen). If you choose to become a Paramedic, you can pretty much get a job with any department (at least in the East).

E-mail me if you have any specific questions. Maybe I can help.

Yeah, paramedics are more specialized and earn more than EMTs. Pay scale should be on par with a fire-fighter (probably around 40k average).

All paramedics are EMTs. Not all EMTs are paramedics. Paramedics receive roughly the equivalent of a two-year degree's worth of training. With this, they are allowed to use intravenous medications (that's the biggest difference). Basic EMTs are not allowed to medicate beyond some very basic stuff like asthma inhalers and those auto-injectors that people use for severe allergies.

Woody wrote: I am an EMT (17 years) and a professional firefighter (12 years). But........you need to be an EMT or a Paramedic if you want to become a firefighter, which is the best job in the world. Good pay, very rewarding and secure. (Plus, chicks dig firemen). If you choose to become a Paramedic, you can pretty much get a job with any department (at least in the East). E-mail me if you have any specific questions. Maybe I can help.

That's kind of the direction I was thinking. I'm young, spry, and willing to put my time in doing the schlepping work. From what I understand to move up into being a paramedic or firefighter, you need to do 1-2 years as an EMT first.

$15/hour is what I was guessing they'd make. Making more would be nice, but that's decent for now. I'll shoot you a PM for some more specific questions.

"Plus, chicks dig firemen"

+1.

Lesley wrote: "Plus, chicks dig firemen" +1.

That has never crossed my mind as a motivation. I don't know why you'd even insinuate such a thing.

dentist...

Tim Baxter wrote: I disagree. Web development has always changed rapidly, and that's certainly not changing any time soon. Heck, I was just looking at a whole bunch of new stuff that's coming down the pike and is very, very cool.

Well sure the technology changes rapidly, but the jobs usually move at a snail's pace, especially when people can't decide on the site's design...or function...

That's not the job, that's bureaucracy. If people can't decide on the site's function, they've got bigger problems.

Why not nursing?

Great pay.

Great future outlook.

GREAT working conditions

Various venues (Hospital, Dr. Office, Clinic, Travelling Nurse for Ins. Co, etc.)

Sucky hours.

Male nurse jokes.

Good luck in whatever you do.