Career Help and Advice

The best advice I could give you is that you should have found a job before leaving the last one. (woulda, shoulda, coulda, eh?) Since you said you did not, I can offer what I know (not much). I have been unemployed, and doing miserable part time minimum wage work since 2008. I've been caught between giving up, and continuing to look for some time. In 2008-2009, most people would have laughed at me if I asked for a job. I have a BA degree and was an editor of scientific reports and other government related paperweights. In late 2010-2011, I worked at a deli, part time. It was the worst year of my life.

Right now I am in Truck-Driving school getting my CDL. In about 10 weeks I will be getting a license and getting an over the road job that will pay very well for my area. I will save money and buy a small but cheap place in the Midwest. Once I've paid off the place (under 50K) I plan on getting a "real" job, perhaps as a dispatcher at a trucking company -- it will be for way less money but I will have the major purchase of a house under my belt. My time frame is only 2 years.

Truck driving schools are expensive for someone with no money. A community college in your area may have a program-- usually for much less. Once in the community college, you will be eligible for career counseling, and student part time jobs.

There is no way not to lose everything, so protect the things you love. No apartment or house is worth going broke to keep.

(Used trailers are pretty cheap-- some people balk from the thought of a trailer park, but they are actually quite nice if you get into a nice one-- once more, my experience may not be yours).