I work with young people in job training and job placement;
What does the military do when not fighting a war? "Train"
Use this time to build your skills to improve your employability. There are lots of free or inexpensive ways to do this.
Community College:
Even if you have an adv degree, there are always individual courses available which will help improve your practical skills, software applications, construction, etc. Our CC system has become America's vocational training program.
Internships:
If you can't find a job in the industry you wish to spend your career in, look for opportunities to volunteer as an intern. check out the Will Smith movie, "The Pursuit of Happiness"
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) - IMDb for some insight on how a hard working intern can impress an employer into securing a full-time "paying" job.
Military Service:
Yes, there is a war on. there ALWAYS seems to be a war on. But many of your faternal brothers have served their country bravely and in the process gained valuable experience, technical knowledge and upon completion of service, a GI Bill which will help further one's education and secure a home.
Mentoring:
I will guarantee you that in your Lodge and surrounding Masonic family there are many, many successful businessmen from every industry imaginable, many who do or have owned their own businesses and overcome adversity. Seek out a mentor and meet with them regularly. Don't look for them to solve your problems or give you a job, but listen to their stories and advice/opinions on what made a difference in their life, then apply those lessons to your own. Here is a good book on Mentoring. I know the author and the lessons he writes about in the book are 100% true:
Amazon.com: Mentor: The Kid & The CEO; A Simple Story of Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Significance (9780979396267): Tom Pace, Walter Jenkins, Pneuma Books, Brian Taylor: Books
Free Training:
there are a host of job training programs out there, not every one is right for everybody, so do your research and find one that is right for you. I work for the Job Corps program
Welcome to Job Corps we work with disadvantaged youth between 16 - 24. If you want more info or to talk to me about this program, feel free to PM me for my phone number.
There are many other programs run by the State or Federal government, some work with specific populations like older workers, or those who are unemployed because the company they worked for went out of business. The fastest way to find out what ALL is available to you in your area in going to a local "ONE STOP" center.
Careers and Career Information - CareerOneStop these are locations where the federal government has asked that info on ALL employment and training resources be offered at one location in a given community. Use the search function on that page to find the one nearest you.
Good luck, but luck is only part of the solution; persistence and perseverance are needed as well!
Best wishes,
