Crossroad In Life

[NickyL0885]

Let me try to not make this a essay, but we all know it will turn into one: I am 26, living on Long Island in an apartment with my Mom. I graduated High School in 2004, but never finished any college except when I went to technical school for Medical Assisting in 2009-2010. I got out of that program 2 years ago and could not get hired, despite my high GPA and 89 on my certification exam. I was told I won't get hired b/c I am a guy. I then went onto Nursing school, to further my career. I was recently kicked out of LP Nursing school b/c I failed a section by 3 points. They don't allow do overs. I COULD go back to school in September, but I own like thousands of dollars already to other schools(community college, culinary school), so I can't afford yet another student loan.

I have been working at CVS since November. But I now need a full time job. I have polished the resume and have searched for a MA job again. I may even need to look outside of NY if I can't find anything within the next few months

My issue is, I don't know what to do anymore. I love medicine, but I would be lying if I didn't say I had other interests. I have tried entrepreneurship, but I don't have the money for any of my ideas. I would love to do my own sports magazine/website or dating website(I have been on so many, I know I could make my own site and make it the best on the net) or be a writer, etc. All those ideas require money, along with skills(I am a ok writer. I don't use big fancy words, but it's readable).

Yes, I know they're big dreams, but...I need something. My friends just finally got teaching jobs and they're now on track with their lives and careers. I am in the same place I have essentially been since high school. :help:

[disneyspy]

head west young man

[CountryBob]

I was in a smilar situation at 26.

Left college and was selling cars for party money while all of my friends had graduated, taken some good jobs and getting their life together. I wanted more and didnt know how to get it.

But luckily I had a chance to go back to school when I was 31 and get my degree. I have always been a late bloomer so maybe you might be as well.

Desire and drive are something that is not taught - it is inside you and if you have these traits, you will get there - but comparing to your friends situation is not fair to you. Your just taking a little longer to get where you think you aught to be......

[newport king]

Dude you are fuckin ALL over the place. College, nursing, website, magazine, culinary, writer, enteprenuer...My only advice would be choose something you love. Something that will make you happy. When i was 19 i started working in the real world at Bell Atlantic. Im 33 now still here. (Verizon now) It pays exceptionally well. Good benefits etc. Im not cooped up in some office. However i fucking hate it. Its the same shit over and over, day in and day out. This isnt what i envisioned for my life. But im married with a house and a kid. I cant leave. Too much responsibilty. I think most people are in the same boat as me and its a shame. (this is way more depressing when i write it down)

Youre in a good situation, you just need to decide whats best for you right now. The one thing i cant stand is kids your age fresh out of college that were under the impression that with a college degree came a 100k a year job. But at least thats not your gripe. Good luck.

[NickyL0885]

head west young man

Haha. Just pack my stuff and head out west, eh?

[NickyL0885]

Dude you are fuckin ALL over the place. College, nursing, website, magazine, culinary, writer, enteprenuer...My only advice would be choose something you love. Something that will make you happy. When i was 19 i started working in the real world at Bell Atlantic. Im 33 now still here. (Verizon now) It pays exceptionally well. Good benefits etc. Im not cooped up in some office. However i fucking hate it. Its the same shit over and over, day in and day out. This isnt what i envisioned for my life. But im married with a house and a kid. I cant leave. Too much responsibilty. I think most people are in the same boat as me and its a shame. (this is way more depressing when i write it down)

Youre in a good situation, you just need to decide whats best for you right now. The one thing i cant stand is kids your age fresh out of college that were under the impression that with a college degree came a 100k a year job. But at least thats not your gripe. Good luck.

Nah, I never expected 100K paying jobs or anything like that. I want just enough to get my own place, and take it from there. My Mom essentially is still in NY for me, otherwise she would be in Florida right now. She is 55, retired, and I know I am a burden on her.

Plus, my situation hurts my relationship life. Besides being fat(yea, another issue), who wants to date a guy who doesn't have much direction, let alone a career?

I need to figure things out fast. Like I said, if I have too, I will apply out of state for MA jobs. I'd hate it, b/c I have never really lived on my own, especially some place where I don't know anyone, as I am not the most social butterfly. Florida is my best bet to move, b/c I have family and friends down there.

[TripleSkeet]

As far as going back to school I really cant give advice on that as I only finished one semester of college and have no loans. Ive found in work its always been who you know, not what you know. Thats how Ive gotten pretty much every job Ive ever had. So make friends, lots of them, and show you know how to repay a favor. Thats good advice for life in general, as you never know when you could need help from someone.

As far as the job thing goes, just a tip, if youre gonna waste your time working at CVS (unless youre a pharmacist which I assume you are not) youd be better off finding a job bartending or waiting tables somewhere. While its not a job that can be a solid career its usually REALLY good money to help you pay bills and get yourself on some firm footing. People that have never done it would be shocked at what tipped employees make, especially considering we pay taxes on a tiny fraction of what we really take home. Something to think about as a way of supporting yourself while deciding whether to go to school or try a new field. Or even to save money for a start up business.

As far as being a burden on your mom, why not tell her to move to Florida and go with her? Its ALOT cheaper to live there then Long Island. Once you get settled and find work you could save a little and get a nice apartment of your own. Theres no city or state tax either. Youd be amazed what you could live off of down there. Plus its beautiful weather and tons of hot girls. Get your chubby ass in a gym and you might wind up scoring a hottie or 2.

[spoon]

As far as going back to school I really cant give advice on that as I only finished one semester of college and have no loans. Ive found in work its always been who you know, not what you know. Thats how Ive gotten pretty much every job Ive ever had. So make friends, lots of them, and show you know how to repay a favor. Thats good advice for life in general, as you never know when you could need help from someone.

As far as the job thing goes, just a tip, if youre gonna waste your time working at CVS (unless youre a pharmacist which I assume you are not) youd be better off finding a job bartending or waiting tables somewhere. While its not a job that can be a solid career its usually REALLY good money to help you pay bills and get yourself on some firm footing. People that have never done it would be shocked at what tipped employees make, especially considering we pay taxes on a tiny fraction of what we really take home. Something to think about as a way of supporting yourself while deciding whether to go to school or try a new field. Or even to save money for a start up business.

As far as being a burden on your mom, why not tell her to move to Florida and go with her? Its ALOT cheaper to live there then Long Island. Once you get settled and find work you could save a little and get a nice apartment of your own. Theres no city or state tax either. Youd be amazed what you could live off of down there. Plus its beautiful weather and tons of hot girls. Get your chubby ass in a gym and you might wind up scoring a hottie or 2.

TS give a lot of real world solid advice here. You HAVE to move on in your personal life to make any real life adjustments for your career it seems. Your security blanket is that you have your mother and her roof as a fallback, and this very thing may be your excuse never to get things fully in order and on to the next step completely. It seems you never finish for reasons in and out of your control (mostly in as you may be subconsciously f'n other stuff up for the status quo). I'm not 100% on this, and obviously only know your situation based on this thread. Yet I can tell that you need a change, direction and confidence to do so. Chicken and the egg here, bc one way to do so is get a good gig, or chick, yet the main way to do those is with direction and confidence.

You're 26, so PLENTY of time to make some changes. The only thing that would be nuts is to continue doing the same shit and expecting these things to fall in your lap. This thread makes me think you're on the right path, but inaction can't be the followup to this.

Oh and TS saying score a hottie or 2 I think he means a hottie or a literal 2. And bc you're an Islander/Met fan fatty, I'd lean more toward the 2! Ha! Just f'n with you a little to add some levity to the situation. You'll be fine, just continue evaluating your positions and find some new direction. Good luck.

[Jayw]

A serious yet even helpful post by spoon. Wtf...

[spoon]

A serious yet even helpful post by spoon. Wtf...

I'm not known as ronfez.net's sweetest poster for nothing kid!

:innocent:

[NickyL0885]

As far as going back to school I really cant give advice on that as I only finished one semester of college and have no loans. Ive found in work its always been who you know, not what you know. Thats how Ive gotten pretty much every job Ive ever had. So make friends, lots of them, and show you know how to repay a favor. Thats good advice for life in general, as you never know when you could need help from someone.

As far as the job thing goes, just a tip, if youre gonna waste your time working at CVS (unless youre a pharmacist which I assume you are not) youd be better off finding a job bartending or waiting tables somewhere. While its not a job that can be a solid career its usually REALLY good money to help you pay bills and get yourself on some firm footing. People that have never done it would be shocked at what tipped employees make, especially considering we pay taxes on a tiny fraction of what we really take home. Something to think about as a way of supporting yourself while deciding whether to go to school or try a new field. Or even to save money for a start up business.

As far as being a burden on your mom, why not tell her to move to Florida and go with her? Its ALOT cheaper to live there then Long Island. Once you get settled and find work you could save a little and get a nice apartment of your own. Theres no city or state tax either. Youd be amazed what you could live off of down there. Plus its beautiful weather and tons of hot girls. Get your chubby ass in a gym and you might wind up scoring a hottie or 2.

B/c she doesn't want to have to worry about me. I can cook, do my own laundry, pay my own bills(I don't pay my bills. She still pays car insurance and cell phone. Hence, needing the better job), and she would still think I am a burden. She doesn't want to have to worry about taking care of me, even if I took care of my self. Even though I can do things for my self, she still worries "Does Nick have dinner? Clean clothes? I better get on that". Also, I think she wants the ability to bring a man home, which she won't do with me living with here.

Oh, and a hottie, eh? I've never had a g/f, so I would take an average girl. Sure, a hottie would be nice, but I know those chances are slim at the moment. Hotties don't date 26 yr old men working at CVS, no career, overweight and living at home with mommy.

[CountryBob]

B/c she doesn't want to have to worry about me. I can cook, do my own laundry, pay my own bills(I don't pay my bills. She still pays car insurance and cell phone. Hence, needing the better job), and she would still think I am a burden. She doesn't want to have to worry about taking care of me, even if I took care of my self. Even though I can do things for my self, she still worries "Does Nick have dinner? Clean clothes? I better get on that". Also, I think she wants the ability to bring a man home, which she won't do with me living with here.

Oh, and a hottie, eh? I've never had a g/f, so I would take an average girl. Sure, a hottie would be nice, but I know those chances are slim at the moment. Hotties don't date 26 yr old men working at CVS, no career, overweight and living at home with mommy.

The one thing you have 100% control over is the weight - lose the weight and some chick will look over all the rest.

[danner1515]

I wouldn't bank too heavily on the idea of applying for jobs out of state. Last year, I found myself in a situation somewhat similar to yours: late 20s, stagnant, needing direction. I considered up and moving out of state just to shake things up. Ultimately, it was the fear of being able to find a job in a new state that scared me out of it. Every bit of advice I found told me that 99% of the time, companies won't bother with an applicant who isn't a local resident. It's just not a practical hurdle for an employer to deal with unless it's for a highly specialized position. I know. It sucks. I wound up deciding to go back to school for a more marketable degree (accounting jobs don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon). Maybe I can move somewhere more exciting in a few years when I actually have a halfway decent résumé under my belt.

Actually, since you work at CVS, it's very possible that you could transfer to another store in Florida if that would help out with your mother's situation. A friend of mine transferred from the Birmingham Red Robin to the one in L.A. It wasn't the greatest paying gig in the world, but it at least game him a safety net during the transition.

[disneyspy]

you're young,don't let being in a relationship define who you are

women are always attracted to a guy that has a job that pays well,3 months out of the year i'm a friggin magnet

[TripleSkeet]

B/c she doesn't want to have to worry about me. I can cook, do my own laundry, pay my own bills(I don't pay my bills. She still pays car insurance and cell phone. Hence, needing the better job), and she would still think I am a burden. She doesn't want to have to worry about taking care of me, even if I took care of my self. Even though I can do things for my self, she still worries "Does Nick have dinner? Clean clothes? I better get on that". Also, I think she wants the ability to bring a man home, which she won't do with me living with here.

Oh, and a hottie, eh? I've never had a g/f, so I would take an average girl. Sure, a hottie would be nice, but I know those chances are slim at the moment. Hotties don't date 26 yr old men working at CVS, no career, overweight and living at home with mommy.

Are you Italian? Because if you are those things are never gonna change. Im 36, married, with a wife, kids and a house. If my mom comes over and sees dirty laundry in my laudnry room, she does it. Same with dirty dishes in the sink. Its just something they do.

Ok how about this, ask CVS for a transfer to Florida. Help your mom move, an apt. with a roommate down there. At least youd have a job at CVS waiting there. Then once youre set up you look for better things. Nobody likes to cook down there so theres tons of bars and restaurant jobs to score some money. Unless you have no interest in living in Florida and wanna stay in Long Island. But I figured you were looking for a change and man, thats a hard change to beat.

[NickyL0885]

Are you Italian? Because if you are those things are never gonna change. Im 36, married, with a wife, kids and a house. If my mom comes over and sees dirty laundry in my laudnry room, she does it. Same with dirty dishes in the sink. Its just something they do.

Ok how about this, ask CVS for a transfer to Florida. Help your mom move, an apt. with a roommate down there. At least youd have a job at CVS waiting there. Then once youre set up you look for better things. Nobody likes to cook down there so theres tons of bars and restaurant jobs to score some money. Unless you have no interest in living in Florida and wanna stay in Long Island. But I figured you were looking for a change and man, thats a hard change to beat.

Yes, I am Italian. Haha.

That is true about the transfer. If anything, like someone else mentioned, jobs couldn't say they don't want to hire me b/c I am not local. I could get a roomie, as one of my best friends lives in Kissimmee, but I would prefer the Orlando area, unless anyone here can suggest nice areas. Is Tampa any good? I'd imagine it would be more expensive though. I have said for years that I wasn't long for Long Island. I have friends and family here, and I would miss them terribly, but it's way too expensive to live here, especially if I want to live on my own. Besides, I have a friend who lives in Boston and he uses MeetUp.com to meet new people. So, I wouldn't totally have just the 1 friend. I know I don't want the friends of my friend in Florida, b/c I met them when I went to Florida 2 years ago and.....what a bunch of immature douches. My friend is the same age as me, has been working in Publix supermarket for 5 years. Naturally, all his friends are his co-workers, but they're like in the 18-21 range. A bit weird. I'd love to meet people who like sports as much as me, cooking, etc. But, that's all something to handle for when I would move.

I think I will keep trying here for now. But by mid year, if I don't have anything, it's south I must go. Ironically, my Mom is stuck here for another year since she re-signed the lease for the apartment a few weeks ago.

[CountryBob]

Nicky -what do you want to do?

[TripleSkeet]

Yes, I am Italian. Haha.

That is true about the transfer. If anything, like someone else mentioned, jobs couldn't say they don't want to hire me b/c I am not local. I could get a roomie, as one of my best friends lives in Kissimmee, but I would prefer the Orlando area, unless anyone here can suggest nice areas. Is Tampa any good? I'd imagine it would be more expensive though. I have said for years that I wasn't long for Long Island. I have friends and family here, and I would miss them terribly, but it's way too expensive to live here, especially if I want to live on my own. Besides, I have a friend who lives in Boston and he uses MeetUp.com to meet new people. So, I wouldn't totally have just the 1 friend. I know I don't want the friends of my friend in Florida, b/c I met them when I went to Florida 2 years ago and.....what a bunch of immature douches. My friend is the same age as me, has been working in Publix supermarket for 5 years. Naturally, all his friends are his co-workers, but they're like in the 18-21 range. A bit weird. I'd love to meet people who like sports as much as me, cooking, etc. But, that's all something to handle for when I would move.

I think I will keep trying here for now. But by mid year, if I don't have anything, it's south I must go. Ironically, my Mom is stuck here for another year since she re-signed the lease for the apartment a few weeks ago.

If I were to recommend any area in Florida I would suggest the Hollywood area. Very close to Lauderdale and Miami. Lots of beaches, cheap living and tons of work. Plus youre in decent driving range to any of the good parts of Florida. 4 hours to Orlando or Tampa, 2 hours to the Keys. Its amazing. Lots of opportunity down there.

[NickyL0885]

Nicky -what do you want to do?

Honestly, if I had it my way, I would be involved in sports in some way. Whether it's writing, coaching, etc. I just have a passion for sports the most. Most of the sites I check online are sports related, I play sports video games(outside of Call of Duty and Skyrim), and it's always been my top interest. I love Baseball the most. After that comes Hockey, Football, Soccer.

[TripleSkeet]

Honestly, if I had it my way, I would be involved in sports in some way. Whether it's writing, coaching, etc. I just have a passion for sports the most. Most of the sites I check online are sports related, I play sports video games(outside of Call of Duty and Skyrim), and it's always been my top interest. I love Baseball the most. After that comes Hockey, Football, Soccer.

Maybe you can play centerfield for the Yankees!:clap:

[TripleSkeet]

Honestly, if I had it my way, I would be involved in sports in some way. Whether it's writing, coaching, etc. I just have a passion for sports the most. Most of the sites I check online are sports related, I play sports video games(outside of Call of Duty and Skyrim), and it's always been my top interest. I love Baseball the most. After that comes Hockey, Football, Soccer.

In complete seriousness, if thats what you want to do, take writing courses. Thats usually the first necessary step. Learn to write, and write about sports. Start with small local papers and work your way from there. Once you have a decent body of work, you can try newspapers, sports websites etc. Eventually you could get a job in sportsradio or working for a team, you never know. But remember my advice from earlier about making friends. You are going to need them to get a job in that business. Its not easy.

[Dude!]

he should hook up
with Keithy

[spoon]

you're young,don't let being in a relationship define who you are

women are always attracted to a guy that has a job that pays well,3 months out of the year i'm a friggin magnet

ha!

what a catch!

[BronxJohnny]

I almost moved to Tampa a couple of years back, its tough finding work out there though. I've looked for jobs in Texas, Alaska even in abroad. Shits rough out here man, I'm trying to get a union gig but the docks are mobbed up and butcher work ain't easy to come by either. I've got a college degree and for most jobs that I apply to i'm over qualified. I'm also trying to get a gig doing baggage claim for an airline, end of the day you at least have a job bud start networking. AND DON'T GET DOWN ON YOURSELF, life kicks your ass enough don't make that a hobby keep your chin up.

[spoon]

I almost moved to Tampa a couple of years back, its tough finding work out there though. I've looked for jobs in Texas, Alaska even in abroad. Shits rough out here man, I'm trying to get a union gig but the docks are mobbed up and butcher work ain't easy to come by either. I've got a college degree and for most jobs that I apply to i'm over qualified. I'm also trying to get a gig doing baggage claim for an airline, end of the day you at least have a job bud start networking. AND DON'T GET DOWN ON YOURSELF, life kicks your ass enough don't make that a hobby keep your chin up.

pheew!

tampa johnny just doesn't have the same ring to it...glad you're still in the tri buddy

[NickyL0885]

I've talked with Mom. If I don't have anything by summer, I'll move to Florida and get a place with my Friend. I have looked at places online and found nice places for good prices. Speaking of connections.....my brother in law's uncle is an administrator at a hospital in Jupiter. I'm seeing him on Easter, so I may see if he can make a call for me. Can't hurt. I would transfers to CVS down there, to keep some cash flow going. And if I got the hospital gig, I'll keep CVS to have a 2nd income. Use that money for food, car insurance.

[TripleSkeet]

I've talked with Mom. If I don't have anything by summer, I'll move to Florida and get a place with my Friend. I have looked at places online and found nice places for good prices. Speaking of connections.....my brother in law's uncle is an administrator at a hospital in Jupiter. I'm seeing him on Easter, so I may see if he can make a call for me. Can't hurt. I would transfers to CVS down there, to keep some cash flow going. And if I got the hospital gig, I'll keep CVS to have a 2nd income. Use that money for food, car insurance.

Nice. Dont forget that gym membership chubby!:clap:

[NickyL0885]

Nice. Dont forget that gym membership chubby!:clap:

Haha. I'm actually paying for Planet Fitness, which is not far from me at all. I joined a few months ago and pay the $10 a month. I just need to get my big ass into my Nissan Cube and drive the 1-2 minutes it takes to get there.

[ozzie]

I've talked with Mom. If I don't have anything by summer, I'll move to Florida and get a place with my Friend. I have looked at places online and found nice places for good prices. Speaking of connections.....my brother in law's uncle is an administrator at a hospital in Jupiter. I'm seeing him on Easter, so I may see if he can make a call for me. Can't hurt. I would transfers to CVS down there, to keep some cash flow going. And if I got the hospital gig, I'll keep CVS to have a 2nd income. Use that money for food, car insurance.

What part of Florida? Or is your friend in Jupiter too?

There's a lot of Florida State League (minor league) baseball in that area.

My father in law was the "clubbie" (club house manager) for the Mobile Bay Bears for a few years. If he could get hired on with that organization (Arizona Diamondbacks), it can't be that difficult.

Check out the St. Lucie Mets, Jupiter Hammerheads or the Palm Beach Cardinals. Surely you could get on with one of those in some capacity. Turnover is pretty high with minor league clubs, so they're usually hiring. You might not start in the position you want, but down here they almost always play night games because it's so f'ing hot. It might be something you could start doing part time while keeping your day job at CVS, and working your way in with the organization. Being young and single will be a plus in case you work into a position where you're travelling with the team, or moving up to higher levels with the club.

Just a thought.

[NickyL0885]

What part of Florida? Or is your friend in Jupiter too?

There's a lot of Florida State League (minor league) baseball in that area.

My father in law was the "clubbie" (club house manager) for the Mobile Bay Bears for a few years. If he could get hired on with that organization (Arizona Diamondbacks), it can't be that difficult.

Check out the St. Lucie Mets, Jupiter Hammerheads or the Palm Beach Cardinals. Surely you could get on with one of those in some capacity. Turnover is pretty high with minor league clubs, so they're usually hiring. You might not start in the position you want, but down here they almost always play night games because it's so f'ing hot. It might be something you could start doing part time while keeping your day job at CVS, and working your way in with the organization. Being young and single will be a plus in case you work into a position where you're travelling with the team, or moving up to higher levels with the club.

Just a thought.

My friend lives in Kissimmee. I would have to live in or around Jupiter if I got that gig at the hospital there. My friend suggested we live in Windermere, b/c it's apparently nice. Only place I've really been to in Florida is Orlando, like most people.

[disneyspy]

My friend lives in Kissimmee. I would have to live in or around Jupiter if I got that gig at the hospital there. My friend suggested we live in Windermere, b/c it's apparently nice. Only place I've really been to in Florida is Orlando, like most people.

windemere is expensive as shit,the traffic in kisseemee blows(lived in st cloud for awhile),i loved clermont-its hilly,has a chain of lakes, is affordable and not that far from o-town,if your looking for cheap and close, winter garden is where alot of disney employees lived but none of these places are close to jupiter

[furie]

Customs and Border Protection Officer (http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/311667200)

[furie]

i know that's my answer for every job question here, but it truely is a great job. I loved it, me some people that will be life long friends and I learned alot. I was lost too, and this job helped me find my place in the world.