19 yrs. and still no job

[Ryuukie]

I'd say you're definitely getting a late start and, you're right, the longer you wait the harder it will be. Employers are going to wonder why you haven't been working. Maybe you can say you were taking care of a sick parent.

The volunteer experience is great. You'll have to play that up in a resume and on interviews.

 

[CudDULL]

Where have you been looking? What type of volunteer work did you do before?

My first job was 16 stayed there for 6 months then I got hired at 17 in retail and stayed there for 2 years, now I'm 19 and don't have an official job since I quit on bad terms, bad me D:

 

[rareboy]

Well sweetie,

Time for you to hit the shovels, or something.

19 without a job is not healthy.

Absolutely play up the volunteer experience.

What type of work are you looking for?

 

[justapixel]

I'm 19 and still don't have a job. I've never been employed EVER. you know how some teenagers have had jobs in high school, etc.? well, I've never had anything yet. is this abnormal? I am still trying to find a job, but I feel like the more time goes by, the harder it will get. and that's probably true. however, I have had some volunteer experience, so that might help me a bit...

What kind of job are you looking for? What are you doing everyday?

 

[Hunter00]

im 20 and just now getting a job... school has always been my top priority. I mean i have had summer jobs like mowing yards and my dad owns a business so i have just always worked for him.

 

[Tigara]

Hmm, I'd definitely suggest getting started as soon as you can. Even if it's just fast food, it puts something on your resume. And definitely play up your volunteer experience and any extra schooling/courses you've taken. Employers are looking for someone with skills and you have to show them what you have in whatever way you can.

This coming from a guy who's been employed since 14. >.> (Small town bonus)

 

[thrive]

I got my first job at 19, and that was 3 months before I was about to turn 20. Just keep trying and don't stop applying and follow up by calling and asking the places you've applied for. Something WILL come.

 

[Yohan1989]

Hmmmm, you should get someone to help to get you a job.


See that how I'm getting my job next mouth! YeA! Money-Money! OH YEA, I'M MAKIN THEM DOLLARZ!!!!!!!! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Anyways, I have faith you'll get a job, dont go that crazy.

 

[G-Lexington]

Keep volunteering as you look for work (and after you get the job). This will show initiative. Better to take a part-time job temporarily than to hold out for a "good" full-time job. Nothing looks better to employers than employment.

Lex

 

[CudDULL]

Just do porn, don't need experience.

 

[stripes]

compared to others it might be a bit of a late start but don't be too discouraged. you're still pretty young and at a good age where you are still relatively cheap to employ but mature enough to have developed a good work ethic. You might not have experience but as long as you can show that you're a hard worker and are willing to learn then someone should want to give you a go.

i suggest applying at larger corporations that hire lots of young students. they might not be your first pick but after working there for at least 8-9months it should be easier to find a job somewhere else. it's just a starting point.

just keep trying and eventually something will come up

 

[Glenn2507]

I'm 19 as well, also a student and never worked either. And I'm not looking for a job. Studying is my 'job'.

Not worried about having a previous 'job' on my resume either. I'll get requests from companies in my mailbox even before I graduate (in about 4-5 years). Very few people do what I do and they need thousands. So even with this financial crisis I'm not worried at all.

So basically, don't worry... if you have a good education, then you'll be alright. It's not because a lot of people work at an early age that you HAVE to work as well. Enjoy life and focus on your studying.

 

[spencer]

I disagree, volunteer work is just as good as experience as a job would be. I also disagree that it's okay to focus on college and not work (if you can) up until the point to where you have to co-op for experience.

Are you in college?

 

[Glenn2507]

I'm not saying he shouldn't get a job. I'm saying that he shouldn't feel bad because he has never worked before.

And I'm in university.

 

[Harke the Boeotarch]

I'm 19 and still don't have a job. I've never been employed EVER. you know how some teenagers have had jobs in high school, etc.? well, I've never had anything yet. is this abnormal? I am still trying to find a job, but I feel like the more time goes by, the harder it will get. and that's probably true. however, I have had some volunteer experience, so that might help me a bit...

Nineteen is an excellent age to go get a job. Have some confidence in yourself and just go out and get one. People have jobs because they want to make money, not because it somehow makes them a better person.

I think I only worked for two weeks while in the Dutch equivalent of high school (the job only lasted that long), because my parents provided everything for me.
I only started working seriously after my second year in college.
Now that I'm 32 I've had about 34 jobs, and most of them did nothing more for me than put a little money in my pocket.

Nonetheless I'm happy I did them. I now know they'll always be work for someone like me, come Hell or high water. It's a wonderful feeling to be able to take care of yourself financially.

You just need to get any job you can get as soon as possible. You can always quit if you find a better one.

I've done a lot of temping (too much in fact) maybe you could register at a few temp agencies?

 

[videoboi08]

I'm 19 and still don't have a job. I've never been employed EVER. you know how some teenagers have had jobs in high school, etc.? well, I've never had anything yet. is this abnormal? I am still trying to find a job, but I feel like the more time goes by, the harder it will get. and that's probably true. however, I have had some volunteer experience, so that might help me a bit...

OMG I'm in the same boat I have never had a job and I'm 19, its getting hard to find one because no one wants to hired someone with no prior work experience. keep your head up..

 

[mydrew1]

My situation is only a little above yours. I do mostly retail/customer service jobs. Each has been short-term(usually only 3 months per contract) with about half a year between each one I manage to get. Life can be tough and we are human beings with no choice but to slug it out and do our best.

 

[Homothug]

Don't worry there are people who are 23 and never worked a day in their life

 

[treanir]

Don't worry about not having had a job yet. In my opinion, your education is more important than flipping burgers. However, now would be a good time to start building up a resume with some experience, even if it has nothing to do with your education. I would like to echo Harke's suggestion of doing temp-work. It's a good way to get some different jobs on your resume.

Good luck. You'll do fine.

 

[godson112]

I had my first job at 16 working in McDonalds. I was there for only 4 months.
My second where I am now is at a supermarket (although I handed in my weeks notice last saturday) and I've been there for about 10 months.

I don't know what to suggest other than just printing out CV's, and give them to everyone. That's how I got my jobs. I just went round my local town with a bag full of CV's, went into every shop, gave in a CV and asked for an application form and then just played the waiting game.
If nobody is hiring you because you have no experience, then volunteering is your best bet. Even if it's just a charity shop or something. Any work is better than no work.