Others have done it, so can I. I need a job and I’m sending out the SOS here. Oh, there are lots of jobs out there and I get listings of hundreds of them everyday. Additionally, I’m very well qualified for most of them and have applied to dozens of positions. The problem is that the vast majority of jobs for which I am qualified exist on the other coast. I suspect that my California address puts them off, though, at one point, I was willing to relocate.
Additionally, another situation exists: my great-aunt, who I’ve mentioned on several occasions, is in her eighties and has the creeping physical problems that go along with increased age. Though I had planned on moving to the east coast had the right position come up, after recent events, I think it’s better for her if I stay here (she has refused to move with me to the other coast). It’s not like I’m all that altruistic. I simply couldn’t live with myself if something happened to her while I wasn’t here. I thought I’d be able to deal with it, but, after further consideration, I can’t.
Few employers on this coast—and none on the other--have called me for an interview. One was a obvious multi-level marketeer who wanted to meet me at some beach club out in Marina del Rey; not happening. The other was a well-known insurance corporation. For that position, I would have had to take classes and pay hundreds of dollars up-front for the licensing fees.
When you become employed by someone, aren't they supposed to pay you, rather than the reverse? At least that’s how I’ve always understood it.
I suspect that I’m a bit over-qualified for certain positions and under-qualified for others, a sticky situation to be in. Well folks, if you know someone in Southern California that needs a dependable administrative assistant with a ton ‘o skills who merely wants to work, send them my way!
In the meantime, I humbly (oh, how I hate that word) request that you buy a blog ad or make a donation.
I’ll even throw in this offer: find me a job and you get a free blogad forever.
Juliette,
I MAY have an opportunity to help here! A week ago, I just finished an internship out in Diamond Bar. When I left, they had just released an administrative assistant, and I just called them, and the position has not been filled yet.
First, is Diamond Bar an option for you? It's at the 60/57 interchange. I will send you email with more information.
Posted by: Sam Barnes | August 02, 2004 at 03:44 PM
Diamond Bar would be fine, Sam!
Posted by: baldilocks | August 02, 2004 at 03:56 PM
I've wanted to contribute to this great blog for some time now. But I don't do paypal, do you have a P.O. box I can send to? Or other safe mail?
Posted by: teal marie | August 02, 2004 at 03:57 PM
Juliette,
I just sent you email with more information from my real email address.
Posted by: Sam Barnes | August 02, 2004 at 03:59 PM
Irvine too far? If not, I'll ask around to see if there are any openings at my company.
Posted by: Xrlq | August 02, 2004 at 04:13 PM
Juliette-- I thought you were basking in the glow of retirement?
Posted by: La Shawn | August 02, 2004 at 05:11 PM
Anywhere within a fifty mile radius from South Central LA is fine, J. I used to drive further to my unit.
Posted by: baldilocks | August 02, 2004 at 05:13 PM
LaShawn: I am. I still need a job. :-) Remember, that's why I was in DC.
Posted by: baldilocks | August 02, 2004 at 05:14 PM
Oh and LaShawn, check your email.
Posted by: baldilocks | August 02, 2004 at 05:15 PM
Oh, I just thought you wanted a job to have something to do during the day, not for the money! ;)
I'll check it.
Posted by: La Shawn | August 02, 2004 at 05:45 PM
Ah, I know that feeling, Juliette. Over-qualified in some areas; under-qualified in others. I couldn't even get a job as an admin asst. Nobody wanted an OQ one. Plus, I took a break from grad school at a lousy time to get a teaching job. End result? China here I come for a year or so.
Posted by: Helen | August 02, 2004 at 06:11 PM
teal marie: I don't have a PO Box. No worries. You've given me a lot of support in the year that I've been blogging. God bless you and thank you.
Posted by: baldilocks | August 02, 2004 at 07:31 PM
check your mail, Juliette. God guide you to what you need soon.
Posted by: og | August 02, 2004 at 07:46 PM
Awww! Way to turn a really bad day for me into a blessing, Angel. Supporting you is an honor I truly enjoy. So much so that I actually behave myself on purpose.
Posted by: teal marie | August 02, 2004 at 08:07 PM
I work as a contract employee (until August 13) for a disability insurance company, UnumProvident, that has an office in Glendale. I believe that they are looking for claims handlers in your area, and am pretty sure that someone of your skills would be qualified (I have a friend at the home office in Chattanooga who got hired one at age 21, with no degree and not much experience). It's a good job, with great benefits. You can check out their website, at http://www.unumprovident.com. If they are hiring in the legal department, let me know, as I have "some" pull in legal at the home office.
Posted by: Doug | August 02, 2004 at 08:53 PM
Juliette
Send me your resume and I'll send it on to SBC Yellow Pages. We've got offices in Orange, LA and Woodland Hills.
Posted by: irishlass | August 02, 2004 at 09:01 PM
BTW, being a claims adjuster at that company can lead to many more lucrative positions. I'm told that the right person can advance rather quickly. You can be a claims consultant (a pretty sweet gig) in two years, if you hustle.
Posted by: Doug | August 02, 2004 at 09:10 PM
irishlass: email me your email address. :-)
Posted by: baldilocks | August 02, 2004 at 09:53 PM
About working for an insurance company and licensing: I work for a financial services company, training to be an actuary. The company pays for my tests and study materials (of course, I can get fired if I fail too many tests). All the positions that require licensing, if training positions, have all the materials paid for. I would be very suspicious of a company that made you pay for your own licensing, etc.
Anyway, I'm on the east coast, and our only major western office I know of is in Denver. I know we have some California offices, but they're very small, and I would think it would be hard to get a job there. The only people I really know in California are in academia in math - somehow, I don't think that will help you.
Posted by: meep | August 03, 2004 at 10:38 AM
Anyone asks for money up front, just tell them to deduct it from your first paychecks. Private agencies routinely do this. Never pay up front.
Do try the state employment services. Surprisingly, they are quite proficient in serving you once you convince them you are genuinely looking instead of just trying to justidy more time on the dole like most of their customers.
And good luck.
Posted by: Walter Wallis | August 03, 2004 at 12:50 PM
Considering contract work or contract to hire?
http://professional-administrative.mentor4inc.com/
I worked for an affiliated company for a long time and never had any problems with them. Here are some locations:
http://www.mentor4inc.com/locations/United-States/California
Good luck!
Posted by: J Bowen | August 03, 2004 at 02:15 PM
No job offering to make note of, but if you were in a position to move, I am sure some of us would LOVE to see you become a fellow New England blogger. MA even has lower taxes than CA, as Deb was surprised to learn.
Posted by: Jay Solo | August 03, 2004 at 08:06 PM
Dunno if San Diego is too far for you, but there is a company called Websense hiring an Admin Asst in their Marketing dept., as well as some other jobs I suspect you'd be qualified for. Go to www.websense.com, then under the Company pulldown menu, hit careers.
Hope this helps.
Posted by: Idler | August 03, 2004 at 09:49 PM
Thank all of you angels for helping "My Baby".
May God bless all of you.
Much love
Posted by: baldilocks' mom | August 06, 2004 at 04:16 PM