America is the WORST freakin country in the world to be born into.

Dear Xarick;

Life is not always fair! I was born very poor, and I was raised in a housing project. Nothing was ever handed to me. I repeat, nothing was ever handed to me. The only thing that was given to me freely was hope and advice. You need to learn to ignore the perceived inequities of life. I have been dealt a very bad health hand also, so I try to make the most of what time comes my way.

 

Scubasteveiu has given you excellent advice regarding 3 of my favorite books. Honestly, most people can't afford NOT to read them (they are all classic toolbox oriented selfhelp books).

Regarding job retraining, if you are good at math you may want to consider actuarial science. Pass 2 exams (the original distance learning) and you will likely get a job far greater than what you are earning now. Please note that these ARE difficult and math/statistics intensive. That said, it is also vocational (learnable). And after that, the sky is the limit (but don't take my word for it).

Hope this helps.

Greg

 

Xarick, there's lots of good advice here, and I mean that nicely. Not just in this post but in others, especially your post about "hating to work for a living". Yes, life may be unfair.

However, I see you've been a member since January 2005. Giving you, say, 3 months to read posts, ask opinions and look into programs/tuition/loans, you could have had a full year of coursework done by now. Others have done it while working full-time, with kids and families to support, while sick and while broke. You can do it too, but only if you want to. Time's a wastin', as my grandpa would've said.

Good luck to you.

 

Xarick. The world is your oyster. Set goals that are realistic and focus on achieving your ambitions. Realize that you are accountable for your actions. What steps are you going to take in order to pursue a change in employment.

Here are some resources that may help you and others who seek employment: The choice is always yours

Networking -

http://www.jobweb.com/Career_Development/prof_assoc.htm

Apply for Jobs and contact employers -

http://www.quintcareers.com/indres.html

Attend Job Fairs-

http://www.google.com/Top/Business/Employment/Job_Search/Job_Fairs/

http://www.recruitersnetwork.com/jobfairs.htm

Apprentice or Internship programs- Examples

- http://www.njatc.org/index.htm

- http://www.calapprenticeship.org/

- http://bat.doleta.gov/bat.cfm

- http://www.azcommerce.com/Workforce/cover.asp

Training for potential government employers

- http://www.workforcetools.org/default.asp

Who knows, you may become a millionare by creating your own business. CEO Xarick. Has a nice ring to it

 

Life IS unfair - billions of people would GLADLY change palces with you. You have won the lottery of life by being born in the USA - but it's up to YOU to do something about your peceived situation.

 

Well, I agree with your rant. Get it out, have a good blow.

To glibly tell you "Life is unfair" is just a cop out. Horse puckey.

If something is actually "unfair", is it not grist for complaint? For changing policies? For a little forum rant? Come on, people. Stop being nonstop advice machines and let the guy rant about something that's full well unfair and absurd. I don't recall him ever soliciting your advice, nor do I recall him telling us he was going to end it all or collapse into disrepute.

And on a tangentially-related topic, I think it's an outrage that tax-paying Americans should be forced to subsidize illegals. They should be sent back--the whole shooting match. They're illegal. That used to mean something, Ted Kennedy.

So there.

 

True - I was pleased to see a local bank is being directed to end it's "ITIN" mortgage loan program. Looking the other way while the law is being broken is not good corporate citizenship - or any other kind.

 

And of course, to productively channel any rage one might feel as a result of unfairness, it would be best to call a lawyer -- right?

 

Absolutely. And be sure to pay me a $5,000 retainer up front, Xarick. I always go by the adage of the first lawyer for whom I ever did a bit of work, the famous/infamous Sam McCloud of Minnesota: "A person is presumed innocent until proven broke."

 

Xarick,

Here's a great piece of advice...I was hired by an Electrical Contractor when I was 18 as an Electrical Apprentice. They paid for the 4 year program to go through the apprenticship training I think it was only one or two nights a week. The company I worked for did commercial buildings so there was heavy lifting involved, but if I could do it weighing 120lbs, I have no doubts you could too. And it was kinda fun! After the 4 years of training, you could start your own business, work in residential construction or work in commercial construction! They have programs like this is every state. There are also programs for Plumbing, Carpentry, Metalwork, Mechanical/ HVAC, and Steamfitting. All of these jobs pay very well. I started out making $11 an hour over 7 years ago. Since then I have moved on, but I would recommend it to anyone looking for a new career!

Rhonda

 

Rhonda's advice is worth consideration. I have seen and heard enough anecdotal evidence from union plumbers and electricians that the skilled construction trades are reportedly having great trouble recruiting young folks to replace the generation of tradesmen that is nearing retirement. The unions have turned to recruiting immigrants for apprenticeships out of desperation.

 

Feeling Alone . . .

If you truly wanted equality . . . but you don't. Not really. Let's look at the facts . . .

Your first post complains about the "Free High Tech Career Training for ESL." Nice title, although it's totally misleading . . . Rather, the link you've provided is for Free ESL Training for Entry Level Jobs. I read the add closely, and all they're offering are classes in English as a Second Language, with a focus on Manufacturing Oriented language skills - this is a 6 week primer course in the level of English necessary to work an entry level factory job. Nowhere does it say, as you claim, that you'll end up earning $14 to start, leading toward
$20+ at some point. Oh, it also doesn't say diddly about "Freakin' native born American white males" not being permitted to apply . . . and don't jump to the conclusion that all white men born within the Continental US are raised speaking, reading, and writing English, and yet you go from the comment about your Hispanic co-worker in your first post, to a mention in your second about how people who "aren't native" are getting assistance you aren't. Native, huh? What tribe?

Next, you up the ante on these sorts of comments, and say "My point is... free rides for foreigners and nothing for non foreigners. You won't find a single free program for a white born English speaking American at PCC. Fair? I think not."
Again, are you reading a different flyer than I was? I have to ask, because the one I read said not one word about Nationality. Not a syllable. Hmmm. I might have to rethink this post- it's looking more and more as though you just *might* need ESL lessons, considering you don't seem to be able to comprehend the contents of the flyer . . .

Next post, you defend your $14 an hour comment, because "I know for sure these jobs pay $14 an hour to start I also know the companies." If you know the companies involved, why aren't you approaching them for work? This training is NOT in ANYTHING except for English, which you claim to understand . . . Now I'll grant you that there is a *bit* of specialized training there. Hmmmm. Am I about to partake of the delicacy that is dressed breast o' crow? Nope. *Booming Announceresque Voice Continues - Imagine Saturday Morning SuperFriends*:
Using his special EMT Skills (English As a Mother Tounge), The Inductor carefully reads the fine print at the bottom of the flyer, revealing the veiled and cryptic sigil "www.workforceallianceonline.org/capcenter".

Xarick, all kidding aside, for a moment at least, did you ever check out this website? Training and assistance programs galore, MOSTLY FREE evidently - you just have to go in and apply for help. And, not a single word about having to be ANYTHING, other than in need of help, and willing to work.

Okay, back to making you face up to some sad truths . . .

Still on the same post as above, you've gone from saying that minority group members get free training, to now saying they get free gas to get to their free training. Again, no sources . . . no citation . . . You complained, quite a bit, that you haven't been offered anything free . . . I disagree. Remember that weblink above? I did a little searching on the site. About 3 minutes worth. And came across the free Workshop series. They have lots of them, ALL FREE, and instead of just offering you, as you say, a free computer to sit at and search for jobs, here are just the offerings for April 6th (today) as well as Thursday and Friday . . .

Wednesday
8:30-9:15 JOB SEARCH PLANNING, Employment Dept. Staff, Rm. 1537

9:30-11:00 HIGH TECH JOB SEARCH GROUP, Becky, Rm. 1533

9:30-11:00 ADVANCED RESUME II
(PREREQUISITE ADVANCED RESUME I),
Larisa, Rm. 1542

Thursday
8:30-9:15 JOB SEARCH PLANNING, Employment Dept. Staff, Rm. 1537

1:00-2:00 EMPLOYER PRESENTATION,
Tuality Healthcare, Rm. 1508-PCC Auditorium

Friday
8:30-9:15 JOB SEARCH PLANNING: OLMIS, Emp. Dept. Staff, Rm. 1534

9:30-11:00 HIGH TECH JOB SEARCH GROUP, Becky, Rm. 1533

1:00-2:30 IMPROVING YOUR INTERVIEW SKILLS, Tanya, Rm. 1509

1:30-3:30 MARKETING YOURSELF II
(PREREQ. MARKETING YOURSELF I), Michelle, Rm. 1563

April 7th-9th YAHOO! Customer Service Job Fair , See Reverse Side for Job Fair Times;
CAPITAL Career Center-Entrance B

Doesn't look that bad at ALL to me. Did you even look, before you ranted?

Next up is perhaps the most troubling post of all, to my mind at least. Because you reveal an agenda that is pretty clear . . . and no one here picked up on it.

You mention how no one seems to be able to see your frustration and anger toward what you perceive as to be a lack of insight in your readers, who do not see from your examples an unbalanced program of entitlements for those who are not citizens, and a clear lack of opportunity for those who are. I see it. Clearly. You're upset because people aren't buying your blivot. You do know the definition of a blivot, don't you? 20 pounds of manure in a 10 pound bag . . . keep in mind, so far you've given NO EVIDENCE THAT ISN'T ANECDOTAL, and have provided an example of a flyer that doesn't say what you claim it does, that clearly gives a link to a site offering just the sort of training you desire and protest does not exist. Can it get worse, true believer?
Oh yeah.
When you say:

"A further example. At my other job two people apply and get a couple of higher level positions. After the training the department determines that they do not have enough funds to keep them in these positions. The man they sent sent back to his old job. The minority female was sent over to another department at the same level of pay as her new job would have been. Both have the same seniority level. Both are just as qualified. The union is currently attacking this action as it is completely unfair.

This is what I am talking about. The total inequality. Get special service if you are a minority in this country. Get the shaft if you are not. "

Would it have been okay if the white male had received this opportunity? Because, what appears to be the case is that, from what you've said, they didn't have the funding to keep both people in the higher level jobs. *Might* it have had to do with the White male not being able to hack the training? I don't know - but you don't indicate that he passed it in any way. What you've describe is a scenario where two people, one a white male and one a black female with equal seniority are chosen for a training/promotion scheme. After the training phase, she is transfered to a new position (You don't make this clear, but face it, people don't STAY in training jobs . . . they complete them and move to new positions), but he is sent back to his old job and pay level. You suggest, rather forcefully, that it MUST be because she's a Black woman. Hmmmm. Hey, you must be right, 'cause everyone knows that Black women get ALL the good jobs in our society, right? I mean, the almost total lack of them in senior management positions in corporate America must be a hoax or something. Not to mention how infuriating it must be that, if this was, as I suggest, a case of a Black Woman passing the training when the White guy didn't, why we just can't see the evil . . . why isn't it clear to all of us, as it is to you, that if a Black Woman is successful, it MUST be because of some sort of evil and unequal entitlement . . . because sure it can't be due to talent, drive, education, effort . . . those are White male things, right?

Xarick, do you see yet how bloody racist you're being? I really do hope it's unintentional . . . but yours is the real voice screaming for a handout. You're very clearly saying that if a minority ever gets ahead, it's due to some sort of gift, because they clearly can't be as capable as a White male.

That's racist. That's Bull. Please grow up.

Your last post:
"Okay I conceed. Aparently I am alone in feeling that all things should be equal in a country that claims equality."

No, you are NOT alone in that. Equality doesn't mean going back to the "good old days" when White Men were king and the "little woman" knew her place. It means Equal Opportunity.

I can understand being frustrated at being out of work . . . but for goodness sakes, blaming it on people who are in the same boat as you are? It's time to realize that you don't get taller by shoving other people down!

One last word, this time about the sort of Anecdotal Evidence that's been kicked around the message string. Loads of stories about "all" the people getting the handouts they don't deserve.

Funny, I don't see an incredible influx of people of color in our Nation's colleges and universities. I don't see their percentages going up incredibly in corporate America. Their net wealth isn't skyrocketing . . . wouldn't all those things be the case, if this sort of reverse discrimination were really going on?

Please. Don't fall for it.

 

Re: Feeling Alone . . .

Bravo!!! Well said Inductor. Your writing style reminds me of friend of mine by the name of DesElms. Is that you Gregg? Either way, your comments are welcome.

BTW, welcome aboard!


Abner

 

How is it possible to read everything I said wrong and sound intelligent doing it. This training is not english training. You must know english to enter the training(they take and pass an English exam). This week they are learning to solder. How do you learn english by soldering? Next week they are learning to operate computers for this type of work. English skills?

When did I say I didn't have work? I believe I said I had two jobs.. TWO. I have earned everything I have myself.

Why am I not talking to these companies? because I don't have the training. If you read the flyer properly English must be your SECOND language. Unfortunately it is not for me.

I don't need training in resume writing, interviewing, marketing, I need real job skills. The apprenticeships are nice, and I highly recommend them.

Obviously you totally misunderstood what I was saying about the two people at my company. If it was completely fair and legit the union wouldn't give it a second thought, but the union is going after this hardcore. This will be the third time my company has been brought to court for promoting based on minority status.

Equality should mean we all have equal opportunity based on our skill set. I am claiming that equality isn't working correctly.

I didn't ask for advice, or ideas or thoughts in this thread about my situation. I was simply screaming about something that I felt was not equal treatment.

I do want to apologize for bringing color into it. I should not have said White born american male. That was inappropriate and I do apologize for that.

 

No apology needed Xarick. I may not agree with everything you have said, but I believe a man has a right to his opinion. If you need to vent, then vent!

Whatever you do, get it out of your system. Do not let anger taint your life or your actions (yeah, I know, more advice).

I wish you well in your work and your studies.


Abner

 

Right Said Wrong?

Appreciated. The problem is, all you've really done is bring color into it. Keep in mind how often you've been talking about illegal immigrants - whose to say they're all illegal. Is your friend/

 

Re: Right Said Wrong?

Shes not anymore(she hid out here illegally for 10years before getting her permit to stay and work). However, I told her the next time she crosses a border I want pictures.

I am quite done now with this conversation. Your analysis of my psyche is most appreciated. I however do not have the skills to argue with you nor do I care to. I have vented, I feel much better. Life continues unabated.

 

The worst place to be born in?????

Tell THAT to my aunt and uncles who worked , for years, in the forced labor camps of Cuba just to get a shot at coming to the worst country in the world to have been born in.

Be a man and stop whining, take advantage of what this country has to offer you and make something of yourself.


I have been away for a few weeks and this one floored me.

 

Re: Re: Right Said Wrong?

Not only do you feel better - but look at the activity your post generated