Get a Job

    Where to find Work

      What you need

    Scams

    Quick Employment

    Legal Considerations

    Job Ideas

      Union Work

      Mechanic

      Gatherer

      Consulting

      Agricultural and yard labor

      Volunteer

      Seasonal Work

      Blacksmith/Welder

      Micro Farming

      Online Sales

      Selling Crafts and wares

      Courier

      Food Service

      Advertise

      Advertise Yourself

    Considerations

      Trade

      Freelance Writing

      Mystery Shopper/ Survey

      Truck Hustling

    Get a Job Articles

"Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration." - President Abraham Lincoln, Annual speech to Congress, 1861

Do not get us wrong. The authors of this project have nothing against hard work. Nor do we condone laziness of the mind or body. We are, however, opposed to what amounts to legalized slavery that poses as work in many places.

The main problem here is control, and the fact that the people controlling may not have interest of the employee or anyone else in heart. CEOs have been known to lay off thousands or destroy entire towns just to keep an upper class lifestyle and private plane. They ship hundreds of high skilled jobs overseas while the professionals who made them successful end up working at Target.

Fortunately,there are eventual ways out of this scam, but it takes planning and persistence. There are many who went on to start movements, own businesses, or offer services that have high value and satisfaction. Until that time, many of us still have to deal with the work world on some basis. Knowing the work system is very helpful.


Where to find Work

Finding work takes diligence and can be quite a bit of leg work. If you are looking to work for somebody else, here's where to find it. At first we will be talking strictly about the standard corpgov and regular business jobs. More original ideas will be listed in the final section.


What you need

Obviously, you are going to need some things before even starting. Let's talk about some things that are vital and things that can come up. Most of them are common sense, but all the situtions bear mentioning.

These things are almost always REQUIRED:


Not just to be able to help some business owner get rich and get yourself a pittance, but to make yourself more valuable. Those with no skills or just one skill historically get screwed.

These things you may find are extremely HELPFUL, but may not be required, depending on circumstances:


Scams

There are many that want to take advantage of job-seekers even in the middle of the worst and best of economic times. Here are some of the more popular scams out there to avoid:

Be aware that there are always scammers and new scams are coming all the time. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While it may be tempting to join in on the scams, remember, it is one thing to get a bit of dignity back from the man and a different thing to screw over some poor stiff looking for work. Fortunate thing is that there are several legit ways to get work. Most are common sense, but there may be some that may have never even been considered.


Quick Employment

If you need work quick to keep CorpGov from throwing you on the streets or to keep from starving, there are some options. This varies area to area.

The main reason employment takes so long is because of Human Resource departments. They stand between you and the person who may actually be in charge. These guys are paper-pushers in the extreme and serve as a kind of guard between you and the person that actually makes decisions.

Lately, to make the HR job even easier, they make you fill out applications online. There are programs in the software that handles the data that makes comparisons between applications and automatically e-mails rejections if set conditions are not met. They also sometimes have the software search for 'keywords' as well (usually industry certs or certain degrees or traits). If those 'keywords' are not present in an application or resume, it never gets read.

Even after that hurdle is passed, you may have to interview with one or two others before even talking to the person who hires. This can take weeks (or months in the case of government employment).

For that reason, if you need quick employment, you need to avoid places with these kind of HR departments. Let's look at some quick options.

(Nursing and Allied Health), and many others. Beware agencies (particularly those that require high amounts of skills in low turnover fields) asking for work references as there is a scam where the headhunters will contact your previous employers trying to fill contracts rather than put you in a job!


Legal Considerations

All of this information can be gotten from legal posters that are required to be kept in viewable locations at most jobs. Of course, this section is no substitute for a knowledgeable lawyer. Laws differ widely throughout the CorpGov Empire or even industry.

About the relation of state labor laws to federal labor laws: Labor laws are mostly concerned with the actions of employers (with the exception of some like Taft-Hartley which concern themselves primarily with putting stumbling blocks before unions), though in turn the existence of these laws has a big impact on the life of employees. Like most cases of state law, states may pass laws that add restrictions to those already put in place by the federal government (e.g. if a state passes a minimum wage of $7.75 an hour, an employer who surpasses that is still meeting federal law) but state laws cannot reduce or negate the restrictions imposed by federal laws (a state law establishing the minimum wage of $4 an hour would be meaningless, as would one saying it's okay to discriminate). In other words, states may add extra things employers have to do, but if the federal law says an employer has to do X, Y, Z, it doesn't matter what state the employer is in, they have to do X, Y, and Z.

Legal parts in dark-orange apply only if you are covered by the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act). The FLSA's benefits do not apply to certain groups of employees and employees under certain employers. If you are an executive, administrative, or professional employees (read: manager or white collar), employed at certain seasonal amusement or recreational establishments, employed as a worker at sea, a companion to the elderly or infirm/a casual babysitter, or a farmworker, you are not covered by the FLSA. Some state's labor laws will have

This does not apply to "contract" employees, and employers may purposely misclassify you as a contract employee to take advantage of that and other legal exceptions. This is, for example, why Amazon.com maintains a spin-off "temp staffing agency" (Integrity Staffing) that "hires" temp workers that are assigned exclusively to Amazon.com warehouses. Note that although the federal minimum wage is established in the FLSA, many states have state minimum wage laws (which can only legally apply if they are equal to or higher than the federal minimum wage) which often have different exceptions than the FLSA as to who it applies to.


Job Ideas

Still stumped? Not everyone can be an astronaut, but here are some ideas submited by folks working on this project that could spark some ideas. They range from somewhere far out there to something that may be pretty useful. Be sure to research the requirements needed for what you want to do.


Union Work

You want a good job that you can do for many years, with good pay, a respectful employer and a safe work environment? Contact your local union of the trade of your choice. They will generally have training and apprentice programs and can hook you up with a good job. Keep in mind that the engines of revolution have almost always been labor unions, so you're not betraying your beliefs. Just be sure to support your union brothers and sisters. Electrician is an easy, high-demand trade these days. Once you get in the field, you'll wonder why you're being paid so much, as the work is simple and safe. Plumbing, HVAC, and Carpentry are also good choices. Plumbers are facing a crisis of having an aging workforce with very few young people wanting to learn the trade. It's not nearly as gross as you'd think, there's always a demand and the pay is excellent.

The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) offers training for both electricians and power lineworkers through their NJATC program. You're not guaranteed entry, as only so many slots are available, but if you can get in, you are guaranteed work. Union Apprentice electricians make a reasonable wage, whereas apprentice lineworkers make an incredibly high one (As high as $26/hr starting, scaling all the way up to $48 in some areas), however, linework is not for the faint of heart of those with unsteady hands. It is one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs possible. If you are not in good shape or are scared of heights, don't even bother.


Mechanic

Bicycle, appliance, electrical, small engine, and especially auto repair is a very good idea. If you are mechanically inclined, this can be everything from offering to change blown tires for a small sum when hitching to full blown restoration of classic cars to collectors for lots of money. Mechanics are always in demand and paid fairly well with a good schedule. The jump towards going into business for one's self is also easier than many fields (if you have the tools). Everyone needs an honest mechanic at some point.


Gatherer

Gold panning, shell collecting, shed antler collecting, etc; be careful what you are collecting is not ruining an ecosystem.


Consulting

Many small businesses only want a computer or other consultant for a few days or weeks, many small businesses will be happy to pay under the table, take your pay every day or week so they can't burn you at the end of the job. Many jobs are available near a business fiscal year end.


Agricultural and yard labor

Find where the migrant laborers hang out for jobs, many employers will expect more work out of a migrant than a lazy Amerikan until you prove yourself, these are almost always cash jobs.


Volunteer

WWOOF and HelpExchange : volunteer on farmstays, homestays, boatstays and backpacker hostels all over the world. You're not paid, but you don't pay for anything (lodging, food, transportation).


Seasonal Work

Jobs like ski lift operator, banquet waiter in a destination convention city, lifeguard, camp counselor, or forest fire crews fall under this heading. An under the table pay job is usually not what you want since you want to play the unemployment game in spring and fall. See Unemployment


Blacksmith/Welder

After a bit of practice try hiring yourself out for making things like window bars or iron gates from rebar or fabricating needed parts for old machines. Community Colleges and work programs also offer classes in this, if you need a bit more guidance. see Means of Production


Micro Farming

If you can project an earthy hippie vibe and are committed to organic principles many people will buy their organic eggs and produce even without certification. A good idea is to get monthly or yearly subscribers to an egg or greenhouse produce club. See Farm It


Online Sales

Web auction sites are an easy way to make money either selling stuff you find or fix from your dumpster expeditions or even better sell software, multimedia, or support services online, no shipping required! You can collect by either taking checks or e-payments although be careful that you withdraw payments quickly keeping your account balance low, some online payment systems will seize some or all of your money if the customer commits fraud or complains. Some e-payment companies even give you a debit card to spend your earnings. Be careful about taxes since Amerikan e-payment systems report to the IRS.


Selling Crafts and wares

Many make a living selling wares and crafts, going to event to event. You could just lay out a blanket or sell out of the trunk of a car or sell in high traffic areas, but this can lead to police harassment. More legit, however, is to get yourself a decent set-up with several tables and a chair to sale your wares and go to real events. Find out where events are where folks would want to buy what you have. Be it Fantasy Conventions, Open Air Flea Markets, Arts and Craft Shows, or whatever. Be aware that most real events charge for a booth with electricity being extra. Be sure after travel and booth fees you will make enough to make it worth while.

Can not think of what to sell? Here are some ideas: Niche Clothing, Hand-made Furniture, Glass Pipes (check local laws for drug paraphernalia), bootleg DVD/CDs, public domain movies/cartoons/TV shows on DVD, umbrellas at rainy events. The list can be as long as your imagination and the profits as good as your location. If going to an event, always check to see what wares are allowed to be sold.


Courier

If you know a small business that needs things hand delivered offer to be their courier. You will either get to cycle sprint around town with a important document or even better jet around the country or world with their documents or prototypes. Law offices, jewelery dealers, and small high tech or aerospace manufacturers are good places to start. Of course most of these businesses will not send valuable things with some hippie stranger, so start with people you know or work through an agency. A benefit to working with an agency is you often have to work only the days you want to.

If the company wants you to use your own car, you may have to remove any bumper stickers that the company may consider inappropriate (A spraycan of WD-40 can remove sticker adhesive easily). A mom & pop outfit that sells flowers probably wouldn't want someone with "EAT THE RICH" stickers delivering the bouquets.


Food Service

A van or bicycle trailer full of food can set you up to serve small to medium business in suburban and industrial areas. Stealth is important as unlicensed food service is investigated by the health department. Think about home baking delivery pizza with a partner or ice cream trucking with a bike trailer loaded up with cold snacks and dry ice. A fryer and propane grille set up in a van can feed dozens of customers at a job site. It is smart to get permission so the management won't turn you in. Precook as much food as possible and use steamer trays and boxes to keep food warm and keep everything that comes in contact with the food as clean as humanly possible. Remember, food poisoning is nasty and can get your ass in seriously hot water. An easy job is taking written orders and cash up front for coffee, deli, or fast food delivery in big offices; This might even avoid the health department jurisdiction.


Advertise

Everyone hates the wasteful windshield spam in parking lots but it is a lame way to get enough for a few meals in a pinch. You can also offer to dress up in a costume and shake a sign in front of used car lots. Pizza places and Chinese restaurants have also been known to hire out folks to go into neighborhoods to hang coupons on doors.


Advertise Yourself

For the occasional labor jobs, especially if you plan to be in town for a long time, advertise with business cards or refrigerator magnets. Going door to door at businesses is a good way to deliver them, but identify your market and stick to it. Give out your SMS and e-mail addresses so you will be easy to contact, especially in time-sensitive jobs like delivery or food orders.

Considerations

Be sure the size of the job is large enough to justify your time and travel. Depending on the job market you might be forced to do heavy physical labor, that's OK as long as you are able to walk away when you want to. Get to know the workers compensation laws in case you are injured on the job, in some places you might even be eligible if you were working under the table but you will have to narc on your employer.


Trade

Where there is no money, sometimes a trade of services for services or services for goods can be a good deal for all parties. Trade was how folks got things done and ages past and some folks still deal like this to this day.


Freelance Writing

It is difficult, but possible, to earn cash writing articles or translating for web content mill sites. You will need a well written resume and the ability to string together sentences that make sense. Many will ask for published or example material. Results vary and competition is fierce due to globalization and the popular "work from home" work ethos. On some sites it is common to see slave labor offers like 50 500 word articles for less than 50 USD done with a week's time frame and free self editing service.

A good source article that gives a number of places that pay writers for their writing:


http://30queries30days.com/wordpresssite/2009/11/07/places-that-pay-writers-up-front/ Associated Content.com, Constant-Content.com, Textbroker.com, Elance.com, and Demand Studios.com are also more popular sites.

If you are an expert on a subject and can string together a database of content,you could host your own website, but that has more to do with advertising, programming, and luck.


Mystery Shopper/ Survey

We warn to be careful of work-at-home scams. But, sometimes there are legit CorpGov spy services wanting to know if their wage slaves drones are being submissive. It works like this: The survey company gives you a list of businesses that you must shop at that pay for the service. You then write about your shopping experience online and send the reciepts to the owner to get your money back or sometimes extra. You can do anything from an all nights club drinking session, sleeping your way round hostels, to going to a train station with the timetable and standing there all day to see how many trains are late. Be careful to make sure this id an actual survey company and not merely a marketer making you sign for text messages or make you pay for a "list". You may also find that they strictly only want the opinions of certain well-heeeled demographics. By "well-heeled", we mean you must state that you own and do not rent and claim a middle class profession and salary or that you are a housewife of such a person. Do not depend on this to pay your rent, either.


Truck Hustling

If you have a pick up truck and live near a suburban area, you are sitting on a money making machine! As long as you keep your license straight, keep it running, and do not mind being out in the heat and cold a truck opens near limitless options to make money free of employers. With a truck, you can move stuff for people for money. If you load a weed whacker and a lawn mower in the back, you can start your own landscaping business making money off of professionals with a bigger house than time to get out in the heat taking care of the lawn to look good around the other professionals. You can paint, do plumbing, or even basic carpentry all out of your truck with the proper tools, initiative, and marketing. Just cruise upper middle class neighborhoods and go door to door plying your service whether it is landscaping, gutter cleaning, lawn mowing, or whatever. Set up a web site, get a cell phone with unlimited minutes, print some flyers and cards and you may have a calling. We have known people that started doing this stuff in their late teens that ended up building wealth and massive empires like this - all while working for themselves.


Get a Job Articles

Join the Army of Your Choice Often a topic amongst younger folks. Get the straight facts.

Vacations Also covers travel jobs.

Related

Free Money and sub articles may be read through for additional ideas.


Last updated: 6 September 2011