The job market is hard for mediocre people like me!

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

FYI-- I mention my salary in this thread. It's not a big deal to me. Please don't feel you have to mention yours!

As many of you know, I am/have been in publishing. I've been on salary and the last couple of years I was hourly. I made close to $46,000 as a proofreader with A LOT of OT (A LOT!!) at my last job last year. The last time I was on salary I was a Senior Production Editor and I made close to $47k.

I've been applying to various proofreading and production editing jobs and when asked my salary range I say, "Between $38 and 45K," depending on whether I am going for a proofreading or a prod ed job. Oh, this is in NYC.

I actually applied for a production editor job in Far Hills, NJ for less than $30k. (I could have sworn it was called Liberty Corners or something like that.) There is A LOT of work involved in creating books. The last time I made $30k as a prod ed was in 1996.

Would I take the job if offered? OF COURSE!! It beats unemployment but I'd be making $15/hour. I have 18 years experience in publishing.

I'm SO SORRY if I sound like I'm bitching. I'm not-- I'm just blown away!

I have a proofreading test with a company this Thursday. They regularly check the proofreaders' work by scanning pages and sending them to the THE AUDITORS. They expect a 99% correct rate! I might be able pull it off for a week but they told me it's high pressure and things are expected to be done FAST.

I am COMPLETELY overwhelmed by the job market these days. I talked to my old boss who thought/thinks I'm a great proofreader/production editor and even she is blown away by their expectations.

Please, I'd like to hear stories and commiserate with fellow human beings who are mediocre but work their collectives arses off!!

[TripleSkeet]

Wish I clould help but the closest thing I have to your problems is bars not wanting to hire me as a bartender because I dont have tits.

It used to be you would match up a hot girl bartender with a guy that was strong and fast and could carry the load while the girl flirted with guy customers. This way everybody was happy and youd make a boatload of tips. Now it seems most bars just put as many hot females behind the bar as they can, regardless of experience. It makes for great scenery, but usually it takes forever to get a drink.

I cant understand it and dont even have anyone to ask because restaurant managers as a species are douchebags and I just cant bring myself to be real friends with any of them.

[Dude!]

Wish I clould help but the closest thing I have to your problems is bars not wanting to hire me as a bartender because I dont have tits.

lots of men start
to get tits around 50
so just hang in there

[Snacks]

Wish I clould help but the closest thing I have to your problems is bars not wanting to hire me as a bartender because I dont have tits.

It used to be you would match up a hot girl bartender with a guy that was strong and fast and could carry the load while the girl flirted with guy customers. This way everybody was happy and youd make a boatload of tips. Now it seems most bars just put as many hot females behind the bar as they can, regardless of experience. It makes for great scenery, but usually it takes forever to get a drink.

I cant understand it and dont even have anyone to ask because restaurant managers as a species are douchebags and I just cant bring myself to be real friends with any of them.

I understand what your saying. I managed night clubs in NY, NJ and Florida for close to 15 years and as the I moved on and hired my own new staff I would always hire female bartenders. I dont know why a restaurant wouldnt hire a guy but as for clubs there was proof that our female bartenders always made more money and gave a way fewer buy backs. My average club had 4 bars with 3-4 bartenders per bar. Out of the 12-16 bartenders that worked on a Saturday night maybe 3 were men and those guys looked like bodybuilders and could do tricks. All of our barbacks were guys but they did all the manual labor and didnt make drinks.

This is a womens world and men are just living in it!

[TripleSkeet]

I understand what your saying. I managed night clubs in NY, NJ and Florida for close to 15 years and as the I moved on and hired my own new staff I would always hire female bartenders. I dont know why a restaurant wouldnt hire a guy but as for clubs there was proof that our female bartenders always made more money and gave a way fewer buy backs. My average club had 4 bars with 3-4 bartenders per bar. Out of the 12-16 bartenders that worked on a Saturday night maybe 3 were men and those guys looked like bodybuilders and could do tricks. All of our barbacks were guys but they did all the manual labor and didnt make drinks.

This is a womens world and men are just living in it!

Right, well I never said the girls didnt make good money or that they didnt hook up less people with drinks. What I said was overall people wait longer for their drinks because alot of these hot girls they hire have little or no experience bartending and they also spend time flirting with guys for better tips.

But if the managers that do the hiring dont care as much about the actual service as they do about someone getting a beer for free...then yea I see your point.

And none of the clubs up here really have people doing tricks anymore. That flare shit is pretty dated.

[Snacks]

Right, well I never said the girls didnt make good money or that they didnt hook up less people with drinks. What I said was overall people wait longer for their drinks because alot of these hot girls they hire have little or no experience bartending and they also spend time flirting with guys for better tips.

But if the managers that do the hiring dont care as much about the actual service as they do about someone getting a beer for free...then yea I see your point.

And none of the clubs up here really have people doing tricks anymore. That flare shit is pretty dated.

I dont know what the deal is anymore because Im out of the business for 5 years now. But I still have friends that manage/own clubs in Vegas, NYC, LA and from what they told me is that more and more of the guys are learning tricks as well as other things to get work. I actually have a guy who worked for me for years and he moved out to LA and can only find work at gay clubs. He makes great money but there is less work for guys in regular clubs.

As for service, I dont know what kind of places you have worked at but most bartenders cant take too long flirting and cant be too slow. There isnt enough time when the places are packed. Now if this is a corner bar then I see your point but places that have 1000 to 1500+ people on a Saturday night the bartenders have no time to talk to one group of customers and make people wait. Even if that were true at the end of the day you said it yourself women ring more and make more so why would I hire a guy if it doesnt make the club more money?

I miss the business, the money, the girls, the nights, the fun its all great. But you get old and dont want to deal with it anymore.

Are you trying to work in a club like in AC or a small local corner bar or sports bar?

[NickyL0885]

I just became a Certified Medical Assistant. I can also do Phlebotomy and EKGs. I've applied to over a dozen jobs and got 1 interview. Being a guy, it's hard b/c MAs tend to be women. Now, I plan on starting Nursing school in March(of course, assuming I get in). Men is Nursing is a big need these days. It's the trend in medicine for various reasons. But my LPN program is 13 months and again, I'm not in the program yet. But I need a job now and it seems impossible. I interview well, have good goals, and i'm a good employee.

I'm 24. I can't keep living off my mother. I have car insurance to pay, gas for said car etc. I'm in crappy spot. Classmates of mine, who had shittier GPAs(mine was 3.6) and were not as good in class, have jobs and it pisses me off.

[RoseBlood]

Please, I'd like to hear stories and commiserate with fellow human beings who are mediocre but work their collectives arses off!!

I also know about lousy pay. I'm a social worker at Madonna Heights SCO Family Services. I'm sure you know our pay is relatively low, especially when you consider the amount of schooling you need.

It's not easy, but I have graduate loans to pay off. I started teaching yoga 3 days a week (2x on thurs) to help supplement my income. While it's far from enough to make me quit my "day job", every bit helps and I actually enjoy it.

Anyway, keep your chin up Alice and remember,

The job market is mediocre NOT you.

You seem to be a determined enough person with a good head on her shoulders, so things will get better for you.

[TripleSkeet]

I dont know what the deal is anymore because Im out of the business for 5 years now. But I still have friends that manage/own clubs in Vegas, NYC, LA and from what they told me is that more and more of the guys are learning tricks as well as other things to get work. I actually have a guy who worked for me for years and he moved out to LA and can only find work at gay clubs. He makes great money but there is less work for guys in regular clubs.

As for service, I dont know what kind of places you have worked at but most bartenders cant take too long flirting and cant be too slow. There isnt enough time when the places are packed. Now if this is a corner bar then I see your point but places that have 1000 to 1500+ people on a Saturday night the bartenders have no time to talk to one group of customers and make people wait. Even if that were true at the end of the day you said it yourself women ring more and make more so why would I hire a guy if it doesnt make the club more money?

I miss the business, the money, the girls, the nights, the fun its all great. But you get old and dont want to deal with it anymore.

Are you trying to work in a club like in AC or a small local corner bar or sports bar?

Whoa! I never said women RING more. Ive never seen a girl that could come close to outringing me. I said they MAKE more money then men...sometimes.

But the guy does have to drop a free drink here and there to boost his tips up too. Im not talking about night clubs really, because in all honesty...there really arent any around here (Philly area) anymore. The few that are here the bartenders dont make shit from what I hear because they completely overstaff the bar.

Im talking about places like a PJ Whelihans or McFaddens. And yes even when the place is packed the girls stop to bullshit and flirt with the guys. Thats how they make there money and they dont care because even if they have to wait for the drink the guys will usually tip them anyway. Thats how it is here. Ive worked at places around the country and Ive never seen better tippers then in Philly. Anywhere.

Dont get me wrong, I bartend at 3 places right now (2 stadiums and a dive bar in Jersey). But I cant believe how hard it is anymore to find a spot. It used to be if you were a guy that was strong, fast, knowledgable and had a following you would have bar managers begging you to come work for them. Now they take girls that have never tended bar in their life...and put them on Friday and Saturday nights. Thats just ludicrous.

Another trend that I just wont do is making the bartenders do "promos". Where they have to hand out a certain amount of flyers every week and cold call people trying to get them to bring parties into the bar. All while not being paid for it. Corporate bartending at its finest. Yea I refuse to do that stupid shit. If I wanted to do cold calls Id be in a fucking cubicle, not behind a bar.

[CurseoftheBambi]

[Chorus 2X: Shug - singing] + (Djay)
You know it's hard out here for a pimp (you ain't knowin)
When he tryin to get this money for the rent (you ain't knowin)
For the Cadillacs and gas money spent (you ain't knowin)
[1] Because a whole lot of bitches talkin shit (you ain't knowin)
[2] Will have a whole lot of bitches talkin shit (you ain't knowin)

[Djay]
In my eyes I done seen some crazy thangs in the streets
Gotta couple hoes workin on the changes for me
But I gotta keep my game tight like Kobe on game night
Like takin from a ho don't know no better, I know that ain't right
Done seen people killed, done seen people deal
Done seen people live in poverty with no meals
It's fucked up where I live, but that's just how it is
It might be new to you, but it's been like this for years
It's blood sweat and tears when it come down to this shit
I'm tryin to get rich 'fore I leave up out this bitch
I'm tryin to have thangs but it's hard fo' a pimp
But I'm prayin and I'm hopin to God I don't slip, yeah

[Chorus]

[Djay]
Man it seems like I'm duckin dodgin bullets everyday
Niggaz hatin on me cause I got, hoes on the tray
But I gotta stay paid, gotta stay above water
Couldn't keep up with my hoes, that's when shit got harder
North Memphis where I'm from, I'm 7th Street bound
Where niggaz all the time end up lost and never found
Man these girls think we prove thangs, leave a big head
They come hopin every night, they don't end up bein dead
Wait I got a snow bunny, and a black girl too
You pay the right price and they'll both do you
That's the way the game goes, gotta keep it strictly pimpin
Gotta have my hustle tight, makin change off these women, yeah

[Chorus]

[Snacks]

Another trend that I just wont do is making the bartenders do "promos". Where they have to hand out a certain amount of flyers every week and cold call people trying to get them to bring parties into the bar. All while not being paid for it. Corporate bartending at its finest. Yea I refuse to do that stupid shit. If I wanted to do cold calls Id be in a fucking cubicle, not behind a bar.

yeah that trend started a long time ago in the club business but I never knew it worked its way to local bars, taverns etc. That actually has become a requirement for both guys and girls. When you get hired they now put you on like a month long probation based on your ability to get people to the club. if the bartenders "list" doesnt have enough people showing up or if they dont draw their own following then a lot of places fire you. I think the reason they get away with it is the bartenders know the money is great (at the right place). The job can be fun and flexible and are very hard to come by so they try their best to look like they can make the bar money with their following.

One of my really good friends worked for me moved from Miami, to Vegas to LA and has a pretty good following. He seems to know everyone so he gets work easily (or he used to before he was 30) Now I seem to get a call from him every so often when hes at a new spot asking me to fly out to come hang at his bar. Its become a very strange business but it was a fun one!

[TjM]

That sucks skeet. Now that I've been married so long. (7 years in October) All I want is to get my drink quick. I avoid the all female bartender places like the plague. I stick to hole in the wall local joints. Not that I don't mind eye candy but most of them have horrific service especially if you don't tip heavy the moment they bat their eyes at you

[TripleSkeet]

I work at a small local joint on Friday nights in the spring and summer. (Fall too for awhile). I work out on the deck with 2 girls. Inside there are 5 other females bartending, Im the only guy on the staff. None of the girls can handle the assholes, and we get alot becauise hes got a great drink special. So in addition to flying around the bar, keeping my eye on the deck for fights, and taking care of my fan club, I take any jerk off customers they dont want (fuck with them IMMENSELY) and wait on them as well.

Still Id take that over working for a corporate place 10 times out of 10.

My boss allows me to give away drinks, drink myself, eat for free, and say whatever I want to customers. Ill never leave.

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

I also know about lousy pay. I'm a social worker at Madonna Heights SCO Family Services. I'm sure you know our pay is relatively low, especially when you consider the amount of schooling you need.

It's not easy, but I have graduate loans to pay off. I started teaching yoga 3 days a week (2x on thurs) to help supplement my income. While it's far from enough to make me quit my "day job", every bit helps and I actually enjoy it.

Anyway, keep your chin up Alice and remember,

The job market is mediocre NOT you.

You seem to be a determined enough person with a good head on her shoulders, so things will get better for you.

Wow, Roseblood, I did not know you were a social worker. GOD BLESS!! One of my best friends is a social worker. She was working full-time while she worked on her graduate degree. She doesn't make much but she loves her job. I know social work is a tough field to be in; the burn-out rate is high. I hope yoga keeps you balanced.

I really hope your yoga classes take off. I'm glad you enjoy it! I hope it relaxes you (although you're leading a class). I used to take kundalini yoga. A friend taught it on the side. I loved the classes and she was a great teacher.

Thanks for your "chin up," Rosie. I'm gonna stop whining and start looking for a job now. :-)

[weekapaugjz]

i feel i'm more than mediocre but still have a really shitty job. :glurps:

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Well, I got a part-time job at Pier One. I worked retail years ago and hated it but I really like this job. I like my co-workers, I like the products, and I genuinely enjoy interacting and helping the customers.

On Sunday I helped a woman sign up for a Pier One "Rewards" card (we never say credit card!). It offers discounts and points, blah blah blah. As my reward I got a set of candles. The card on it said, "Congratulations on joining the Pier One Platinum Group." I know it sounds stupid but I was kind of proud of "the achievement." Plus I love candles! :-)

I'm managing on what little pay I get and unemployment. I'm kind of happy with my "non-career" choice at the moment. I just hate thinking how I'll probably have to go back to "some sort" of publishing.

I just like where I am right now; I can pay the bills. I guess ask me in a month or two.

[PapaBear]

Looks like everyone is getting Pier One for Christmas this year! :thumbup:

[Alice S. Fuzzybutt]

Looks like everyone is getting Pier One for Christmas this year! :thumbup:

Yeah-- and off the clearance shelves. :lol:

[RoseBlood]

I just like where I am right now; I can pay the bills. I guess ask me in a month or two.

Don't think about a month or two, think about right now and where you are.. you've taken amazing steps to get through hard times.. I'm happy to hear you're happy!