A Dilemma--Employment, Life, Renting

[SvalinnAsgard]

Good day all, well this question is likely not meant for this forum, or even this site, but here it goes.

Basically, I am 23 and still living with my parents and have never had a “real” job. My plan was to finish college and then worry about employment, so I could focus entirely on my grades.

Unfortunately, after 6 years of college, I can no longer continue due to a serious financial issue that has befallen my parents. Also, for personal reasons, things have really deteriorated, and I can no longer stand where I live, so I want to move out of state and get a job of my own and finish school on my own terms. Now this is where the dilemma starts.

With no previous employment and no college degree, I must, within the next weeks, find a job. To complicate matters further, I need this job in another state. It would be fine if I could just rent an apartment over there and look, but I have been told that no one will rent to you if you are unemployed. I have enough cash stored to pay the rent while I look, but absolutely no credit history. Where did this cash come from if I have not had a job? Well, there was a time when I built and managed computers on call for a property management company. I know someone there who will even give me a good reference. While I lack the papers, I am not at all unskilled. I am extremely good with computers… is there any hope for a job with a reference and skills? Is it really true that you need a job to rent an apartment?

This whole thing is a real slap in the face—I spent so many years away from the real world, and now I need a crash course on it…

I have no idea where to turn to ask this, so I apologize if this is completely out of context for this forum.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated, thank you.

[CleeIB]

Hi Svalinn,

Your situation will be less overwhelming if you break it down.

I see three main areas:

1. School
2. Job
3. Where to live

Let's take these in order.

1. School

Assuming that you're sorting out the admissions aspect (actually getting in), the main issue is how to pay for it. You will want to check with the financial aid office school to see what they offer. You could also seek a loan elsewhere (e.g., a bank), though I'm not qualified to to advise you on particulars of that. Additionally, you should ask if the school offers any work/study arrangements (i.e., work on campus, get a reduced tuition, etc.). Finally, you could look for a conventional part-time job to help pay for school. You have options. Lay them out and pursue them to see which work out.

2. Job

"Good with computers" is a great skill with which to start in the job market. "Building and managing computers on call for a property management company" is definitely work experience that could go on a resume. (Feel free to submit your resume here for advice, by the way.) There is definitely hope for a job with just a reference and skills. You'll have to start low on the ladder, of course, but you can probably get your foot in the door somewhere - like, say, a local computer repair shop, or maybe retail for an electronics chain. Or you could set up a freelance business for yourself and start putting out ads on Craigslist to find customers. Start sending out resumes and cover letters. Someone will hire you.

3. Where to live

It definitely helps to have a job to live in an apartment. In order to rent, most apartments require a guarantor if you don't have a job. Often this could be one's parents, though it looks like that option isn't available in your case. However, an apartment is not the only option for housing. You could rent a room in an apartment or house. Sometimes these arrangements don't require credit checks, just the assurance that one can pay one's rent/bills on time. If you're in the US, you can look on Craigslist for rooms/shared space/sublet arrangements. Additionally, you may want to see if your college offers dorms. Often dorms are more expensive than off-campus housing, but you'll want to check out the option just so you know what the numbers are.

Hopefully this is a decent start to helping you tackle your situation. Feel free to ask more questions!

[SvalinnAsgard]

Thank you for the reply. That is seriously good advice CleelB. It is nice to see there is at least some hope for me to get a job with what I already have. School is actually the least of my worries since 6 years worth of college is already complete. I fully intend to finish it once I get on my feet and figure things out.

Finding the place to live in the new state is the first challenge. If I assume correctly, then a guarantor is a backup in case one cannot make a rent payment? If I make the payments, they would not be charged at all? If that is the case, my parents may be able to be guarantors--they have an excellent credit history and financial background. Plus, this would only be until I acquired some income, right?

Now, I struggle to decide what would be better. The freelance business or trying for the local computer repair shop. I suppose there is no harm in doing both? Either way, I will start looking into Craigslist. I just worry about being able to make enough to offset the rent payments and such. Do you know of any other popular sites like Craigslist? I would want to get my ads in as many places as possible.

Thanks again for the reply, it was a lot of help.

[CleeIB]

That's correct. A guarantor is a backup in case one cannot make rent. If you pay the rent, the guarantor does not get charged. The only time you'd worry about a guarantor is when signing the lease.

The freelance business and local computer repair shop are not mutually exclusive, so you should pursue both. Why not maximize the use of your day? Nothing says that you can only make money one way. You could try to join several local computer repair stores, etc. Aside from Craigslist, just Google around to see if your locale has local job sites/bulletin boards/etc. on which you can advertise.

When starting from scratch, making rent truly is a matter of survival. You gotta do what it takes. If it means working two or three jobs, so be it. Just don't do anything illegal!

Good luck!

[SvalinnAsgard]

Thank you for yet another informative reply. I have already typed up a basic resume--when it is done would I just post it here in this topic for feedback? Also, in speaking of resumes; I want to post it up online as soon as possible, but since I do not yet live in the area, or even the state for that matter, I am not sure that is a good idea. I would hate to get an offer and not be able to accept because I have not moved yet. On the other hand, it would be nice to have the security of a few offers before committing myself.

The way I figure it, I have enough money for about 12 months of rent. It is all I have, and I would hate to waste it. I will do whatever I can, but nothing illegal I assure you.

Thanks again for taking the time to answer.

[CleeIB]

Hi there,

Of course, you may post your resume for feedback here. You can do so in this thread or in our forum dedicated to this:
http://www.cvtips.com/career_advice_...ing-amp-Advice

As for when to send out your resume, employers know that potential employees can move around. As long as they know that you're committed to moving to their area within a specific time frame (a cover letter is a good place to state this), and that you're willing to travel to interview (you are, right?), then they shouldn't feel qualms about hiring you.

Good luck!