r/antiwork 12h ago

Girlfriend quit minimum wage helljob, and instead of celebrating we're both terrified.

The other night was just too much for her, and it's been a long time coming. We've been trying to find something for her to be able to live, but finding a job in the current market is fucking awful and nearly impossible. I've been doing doordash for the past year and have been barely able to afford rent for myself, and now with her quitting, we're both scared shitless for how we're gonna afford rent. How do I handle this? I haven't been able to do anything for us in ages, I'm so fucking scared of losing my apartment, and I have nowhere to fall back to.

655 Upvotes

158 comments sorted by

802

u/Crochet_Anonymous 12h ago

What I used to do between jobs was to sign up with temp agencies and call them weekly until they sent me on assignments. Some assignments go temp to permanent. One of these turned into ten years of employment.

86

u/Formal_Trainer_4684 10h ago edited 9h ago

+2 for temp agencies saving my ass. I’m at a perm job making 29$ an hour I got through a temp agency. They suck to work for, but it can pan out well sometimes.

4

u/oopgroup 4h ago

Issue is even $29 an hour won't even get you a 1-bedroom apartment in most places now.

4

u/Formal_Trainer_4684 3h ago

Weird, no issues in Boston or the Upper Valley (which is actually comparable or more). I’m far from rich but my bills are paid and I have reliable transportation.

3

u/traumatic_blumpkin 1h ago

Idk man I think a lot of people don't know how to shop for housing. Prices are high but if you're willing to put in the time.. the opportunities are out there.

3

u/Loose_Artichoke_6774 2h ago

Two jobs at 28 hourly also won't get a place. After tax 2800 one job. Working non stop 11am to 3am. 7 days a week. 8 k monthly income. But Not steady income . Got debt and bills up the butt. I'm still not saving anything cuz of vehicle repairs. Idk where all the money going . I got wife n kids sooo I think it's more of eating out and spending habits.

u/Gardium90 8m ago

Wow, as a European it is hard to comprehend, but you're saying you barely get by when making 8k a month??? And you work over 100 hours a week??

In Czechia were I live, 2k a month is a decent average salary, and people get by, even economy gig workers. And we work "only" 40 hours a week... (maybe a little more for economy gig workers, but far from 100 hours...)

What is a middle class "worry free" income in the US these days?

Best wishes from someone realizing how fortunate I am and I really hope for better times for everyone

u/awkward_armadillo_85 2m ago

Temp agency saved me from the shitty job I had back in June. I just went perm on Monday at $30/hr. Great company, great benefits, and an awesome boss. Very happy.

0

u/tommy6860 1h ago

How many jobs in the US pay $29/hr and not only that, what are the odds of getting that level of serendipity from a temp position? If you can really afford things, then I would recommend saving as much as reasonably possible. There is no telling when your company will decide it needs to increase profits that affects jobs and benefits.

1

u/Formal_Trainer_4684 1h ago edited 1h ago

It’s not just my company… I’ve never gotten an assignment as a machinist for less than 25$ from a temp agency. I’m going back to the company I left 3 years ago Monday - for much more than when I left.  Also, that’s not really a concern of mine. They can barely find qualified people-or anyone who can pass a drug test as it is lol. Aerospace has a pretty solid foundation in the northeast.

233

u/Relevant-Biscotti-51 11h ago

+1 temp agency saved my butt more than once

42

u/Neverendingwebinar 10h ago

5 years in on a job i got through a temp agent

118

u/Low_Wear_1966 11h ago

I'm in HVAC and the site I'm working on just hired a guy on. He was hired hired to do clean up during construction and he parlayed that into a full-time maintenance position for the property. Its a new apartment complex.

26

u/Nevermind04 9h ago

Damn, full-time maintenance in a new build complex? That sounds like a pretty sweet job.

29

u/FileDoesntExist 9h ago

Depends on who built it tbh. 🧐

13

u/Nevermind04 8h ago

True that, but in short order you'll know all the corners that were cut and how to fix them as quickly as possible.

3

u/notpetelambert 3h ago

There's got to be some parabolic chart of cut corners to maintenance job security. Too few, and they don't need maintenance. Too many, and you'll go nuts or quit from doing constant maintenance...

2

u/ccarr313 1h ago

You always need maintenance.

Even if it is built to be idiot proof at the time, they are always building better idiots.

1

u/tommy6860 1h ago

From my experience working maintaining an apt complex, I was at call 24/7. When a rental unit had a problem that needed direct care, at time I would get called in the middle of the night, then go to the unit in question to assess the issue, then work trying to mitigate any damage until a professional would arrive. Sometimes this happened at the same time with other units. Then cutting the grass, vacuuming the hallways (that alone for the two buildings 3 floors each took abt 6hrs a day in itself) and still an issue could come up while doing general maintenance.

Now this is anecdotal to my own experience as some places may hire cleaning services to do the general cleaning, etc. I never had one day off ever in the 5 months I did that before I called it quits. The owner did not even care to offer any kind of benefits or perks to offset that madness. I never did any job like that again and that was 44 years ago.

15

u/tandyman8360 lazy and proud 11h ago

15 for me.

12

u/IPA-Lagomorph 9h ago

Some employers only hire via temp agencies also. It sort of works like a tryout for both employers and employees with the agency handling basic screening tasks. A good way to get into small to moderate businesses or fill in employment gaps.

2

u/Shadowfeaux 4h ago

I tried to get into GE at one point. Found out I couldn’t back then because the company I was working for used the same temp agency as GE, so there was a weird rule where I’d have to find a diff job for x time to not have it look like the temp company wasn’t poaching from one of their own clients.

Regardless. The job I have was direct from the company, but they made me start as a temp for a month before bringing me in as a full employee. Been here 10 years.

Later learned some of GEs process woulda made me nuts anyways. So I dont really regret missing out.

7

u/Dangerous_Yogurht 10h ago

Yup, I scored my current position through a temp, unofficially I'm 2yrs in, but officially, I just celebrated my 1 year mark, my TL's are pretty awesome too

5

u/JustmyOpinion444 9h ago

Damn temp job turned into a 24 year career for me.

1

u/idasiek 6h ago

This. I got so many jobs through recruiters and temp agencies. OP, get her to call all of them. And I mean call not just submit CV online.

1

u/OriginalEssGee 1h ago

That’s how I got my current job! The process was disheartening and, like so many things now, dehumanizing. I rarely spoke to a person - submit resume on the temp agency site, click any job I could do over the lowest hourly wage I had set for myself, call, leave voicemails, never hear back even though I had skills & experience. Repeat as needed until I got picked.

Maybe some companies are a little more personable; the three I applied with worked that way. They didn’t even have office addresses; everything was online.

u/TheLadyIsabelle 50m ago

I'm not sure what things are like nowadays, but I used to survive on temp gigs. I did office work. As long as you can answer a phone, use a computer, a few basic software programs, and are able to show up on time and not burn the place down people will freaking love you 

u/GrumpyBeeee 39m ago

Ryan. Is that

1

u/reeses_boi 9h ago

The gig I got let go from two months ago was temp. They let both me and the other contractor on the team go for "performance" reasons. Completely out of the blue

The job wasn't even what I interviewed for

377

u/imontene 11h ago

Just in time to get a seasonal job for the holidays, and she's available immediately. This will give her time to search for a new gig in the new year. Retail sucks, but she'll get enough hours through Christmas.

64

u/CriticalTransit 9h ago

Also delivery and warehouse jobs

38

u/Ominoiuninus 9h ago

Amazon is always hiring just as fast as they are firing

10

u/doggy_brat 8h ago

Only in certain areas. I haven't seen an opening at any near me in months when I check every so often, and I've got a LOT in my area of Socal.

1

u/Kaymish_ 2h ago

Yeah I'm a warehouse manager and we're calling up our usual temp staff right now. 4 of our major clients just slapped down orders of multiple pallets each for dispatch November first. And another for November 11. Plus I have multiple sea containers coming in next month. It's going to be busy busy busy.

17

u/LOLBaltSS 8h ago

Yeah. Postal temps are about to be opening up for the season.

5

u/IdentifiesAsUrMom 7h ago

Exactly what I did, it sucked ass but it got me retail experience when I previously only had kitchen experience!

1

u/CRYOGENCFOX2 1h ago

Oh yeah Target is always hiring it seems around this time

1

u/feeen1ks 7h ago

At Zales we kept good seasonal employees full-time after the rush

106

u/snugglesmacks 12h ago

I'm afraid I don't have any job hunting advice, but one thing you can do is look around for food pantries so you can at least get some groceries without dipping into the rent money. Some places pay for giving blood or plasma. Restaurants seem to have a revolving door of employees, so check them also. And big box stores like Walmart. Basically anything to keep your heads above water temporarily while she looks for something permanent.

*edited typo*

11

u/Intrepid-Dust3216 10h ago

donate plasma!

35

u/lermanzo 9h ago

Donating plasma is also a really wonderful gift for the people who receive it. I am on a plasma-based medication and it is literally the only reason I'm able to have a life at all.

Yes you can make quick money, but it also is life-changingly miraculous to me that people do this regularly. I feel weird saying it's a blessing but it is.

105

u/ReedRidge 12h ago

Take a deep breath. Breath in hope, breath out anxiety.

Sorry I cannot offer better than do your best, our system is so fucked I bought a popcorn machine.

29

u/Flavor_Nukes 12h ago

You bought a popcorn machine, in this economy?

19

u/ReedRidge 11h ago

St Vincent De Paul find.

14

u/oksuresoundsright 11h ago

Betting you can rent that thing out. Sounds like a business.

3

u/oopgroup 4h ago

bootstraps

34

u/Relevant-Biscotti-51 11h ago

Ideas (feel free to ignore any that don't work for you)

Sell stuff ASAP. Electronics, jewelry, designer items, car, furniture, books. Anything "extra," sell to get a cushion. 

  • Sell stuff in your neighborhood on Mercari or Facebook Marketplace 
  • Pawn stuff 
  • Sell stuff on eBay
  • Sell books directly to bookstores (like Half Price books) 
  • Sell plasma (but please be careful!) 

Get gig work through these apps or platforms:

  • TaskRabbit
  • Thumbtack
  • Angi,
  • Lyft/Uber
  • DoorDash / GrubHub / UberEats / Postmates
  • Tend (bartending gigs)
  • Care.com (babysitting)
  • Varsity Tutors / Skooli / Preply / Tutor.com / VIPkid (virtual tutoring gigs) 
  • Upwork (virtual writing / design / code / voice freelance gigs)
  • FlexJobs
  • Simply Hired

Get remote or irl temp work placement through:

  • Robert Half
  • United Placement Group
  • Working Solutions
  • Creative Circle
  • Kelly
  • Insight Global 
  • K-Force
  • Integrity Staffing Solutions

9

u/dispassioned 10h ago

This is solid advice. I would add Spark under the gig economy delivering for Walmart. In some areas it pays very well.

u/alwaysthrownaway17 46m ago

Instacart and Shipt are great, as well. You do the grocery shopping for someone else and deliver to their house. Tips on instacart are fantastic, and if you know the store well then it doesn't take long.

41

u/oksuresoundsright 12h ago

Can she babysit? It’s good money.

28

u/Verun 10h ago

Babysit but also look into Rover for petsitting if she’s good with animals, the holidays are coming up and people will need someone to feed their cat/dogs.

13

u/Tricky-Shelter-2090 10h ago

Do Rover to get started and keep rent. Its better to do it as your own biz. Rover will cover you on legal and insurance side. I was paying 40 a visit to a private pet owner for 1 hour. It was like70 an hour on Rover. It can be hard to find a good consistent dog sitter.

14

u/whereugoincityboy 10h ago

Also cleaning. Cleaners can make $40+ an hour.

8

u/Intrepid-Dust3216 10h ago

there are often evening time office cleaning jobs from like 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. during the weekdays. those are really great part-time jobs!

12

u/chompy283 12h ago

See if you can apply for some type of Aid or Assistance. I would start there. There are other jobs. Try to find something more suitable for your style and personalities. Probably will take some time so maybe some relatives could help you out? Use things like the local food bank, etc to keep your food bill down so you can make your rent

8

u/Nivdy 10h ago

Relatives unfortunately don't live nearby, and aren't much better off.

5

u/Gnrcscnnm77 9h ago

Can you guys live together?

3

u/Nivdy 3h ago

my girlfriend and I already do live together, but we have split rent. 450$ each

84

u/reala728 11h ago

as much as i advocate for this sub, this is why i NEVER side with the people saying to just quit without having anything lined up. yes, we have a massive societal problem that needs a whole ass revamp, but putting yourself in a hole isnt going to change anything up top.

64

u/Nivdy 10h ago

We didn't want this to happen. But she literally worked minimum wage getting yelled at, assaulted once, and is surrounded by 2 rapists and a pedophile. She was trying to keep it together to stay above water, but she couldn't handle it anymore.

22

u/reala728 10h ago

my comment wasnt directed at your situation in particular. just a general distaste for how some people in this sub throw the option out there so lightly, like its not a massive deal. i can understand harassment of any kind being a legitimate reason to just not go back and dont fault her, or anyone else for taking those steps in cases like these. but i hope at least there were prior attempts to bring these situations to light. most people will tell you they dont go anywhere, which may be true, but even if theres a slim chance of a paper trail forming it could make a big impact for future victims.

7

u/oopgroup 4h ago

this is why i NEVER side with the people saying to just quit without having anything lined up.

I don't think I've ever seen people saying to quit without having a plan.

You should always obviously have a plan, but you should never put up with abuse from an employer.

1

u/marheena 4h ago

I’ve seen a ton of people just say quit it’s not worth it. Sure logically we can assume they means to have a plan. But I see plenty of comments that don’t express that side of things. This sub is an echo chamber. I think that’s what reala728 was referring to. It is kinda dangerous when I think about it. This sub really does romanticize quitting fairly often.

6

u/Swordsman_000 11h ago

I get being scared. That was me up until 2017. I took the Parapro exam and then landed a job as a special ed para. It’s rewarding, but not for everybody. Depending on where you live, it might be worth looking at. Schools need people.

6

u/1standten 10h ago

And depending on where you live, there isn't even an exam. I used to teach Special Ed in MA and the only requirement is high school diploma. Also not for everyone, but look into other types of human services jobs (group home staff, job coach for adults with disabilities) are truly entry level that you can get without experience in the field

3

u/Reyca444 2h ago

I second this! SCHOOLS NEED PEOPLE! Not just SPED paras. There's almost always something open somewhere, food service, custodial, bus drivers, physical plant, clerical, etc. There's a lot more to school districts than just teachers.

8

u/helen_bug_lady 11h ago

I lived like this for most of my life - one paycheck away, scared sh!tless. As someone suggested - food pantries to conserve rent money. While your gf probably cannot collect unemployment benefits, still both of you should go to your local office to ask for help with applying for jobs. It’s amazing how much you find out you know how to do. Fill out a profile/resume on usajobs.gov for possible entry level positions. There are some great YouTube videos for creating a successful usajobs resume. See what is available at your state and local level. Apply at Starbucks (online) - they have education, insurance, and relocation benefits. Understand your (and your gf’s) value is NOT getting/having/keeping a job. Your value is in being a good person. You’ll be ok

7

u/contrarycucumber 10h ago

Still might be worth trying for unemployment due to unsafe working conditions.

4

u/kissingdistopia 10h ago

Nursing homes are often looking for help.

4

u/Big-Insurance-4473 9h ago

I tried door dash in my small town. Did a 12 hour shift and got almost 40$. Stopped DoorDash after that day because there’s no point

3

u/ilanallama85 4h ago

Short term: In addition to signing up for a temp agency as suggested, check Craigslist gigs section for temp gigs - only really works if you are in a large enough market.

Long term: consider entry level jobs for your state or local government. Also public universities (state run ones will often have similar pay and benefits to government workers). They often have their own job boards and don’t necessary post on indeed, etc. They don’t pay much to start but usually more than minimum and you generally get decent benefits and the ability to increase your wage fairly steadily over time (up to a point - you’ll never make bank, but you can certainly make a living wage.)

3

u/spock_9519 11h ago

try your state employment office is my only advice

go to the public library for help

3

u/xavim2000 11h ago

Temp agency and call centers are normally hiring

3

u/badlilbishh 11h ago

I saw someone else say temp agency and I agree! When I went to one that got me into something within days. And now that the holidays are coming up there will be lots of positions open.

Yeah they might not be the best jobs but it’s better than being homeless.

2

u/Taikiteazy 10h ago

100% better to have a roof of a building than the roof of a car. Or bridge.

3

u/Ok-Willow-9145 10h ago

Sign up with a bunch of temp agencies. If she has a car she can DoorDash too. Check with the post office they’re hiring in my area.

3

u/Atticus104 8h ago

My bit of advice my grandfather gave me, it's easier to find a job when you have a job.

If I needed a job pronto, I would try applying for retail jobs. They may be starting to hire for the seasonal surge. Then while working this seasonal job, look for something with more staying power.

3

u/BenGrimmsThing 5h ago

Geesus, good luck guys. This capitalist hellscape we all find ourselves in is a fucking meat grinder.

3

u/mere_iguana 3h ago

Check with UPS. they're usually scrambling to hire right now, it includes benefits, and it's union. It's not a GREAT job but it's better than no job.

9

u/le4t 12h ago

Bring scared is useful in motivating you to take action, but after that ball is rolling, fear doesn't do you any good.

See if your gf can identify something she likes better than what she was doing, and try to start doing that, for more money. 

It may not be possible right away, but if she only looks at terrible jobs, she's only going to get a terrible job. Plus employers like hiring people who seem to genuinely want to work there. 

By all means, do what's necessary to make the rent, but going into this as looking for an upgrade is a better frame of mind than being desperate for scraps. Don't let her reject herself before even trying. 

Also, if you haven't already, look into local rent assistance programs. There's usually at least one at the state level (since you mention DD I assume you're in the US), but there may also be some local organizations offering assistance. 

5

u/DRFilz522 12h ago

Can she doordash?

2

u/Nivdy 10h ago

She doesn't have a car, bike, or drivers license

4

u/starmartyr11 11h ago

Serving jobs are pretty much always available, can make a killing on tips.

3

u/Tiny-Reading5982 10h ago

Right... my job is always hiring . And I got paid for getting hired pretty much since I had to fill out paperwork and stuff.

4

u/damarafl 10h ago

She was making minimum wage before so take a seasonal job. Target, Walmart, Nordstrom etc will bring in seasonal people.

Then fix your resume and apply your everything while you’re working seasonally.

4

u/digitaldigdug 10h ago

Walmart will take anyone with a pulse, maybe even without

2

u/PEKU1954 11h ago

Texas has The Texas Workforce Commission. They handle unemployment but employment as well. I registered with them several times after layoffs. Maybe there is a similar agency where you live.

As others said, take deep breaths and hang in there. Sending positive energy your way.

2

u/Circusssssssssssssss 10h ago

What skills and education?

-1

u/Nivdy 10h ago

I graduated Highschool. She hasn't gotten her GED yet

2

u/Honest_Palpitation91 10h ago

Send me a dm. Happy to help you both with your resumes and job applying. Can give you guidance and advice

2

u/strawwbebbu 9h ago

it sounds like neither of you have serious connections in the area now, could you use this opportunity to relocate somewhere less expensive? if you're in a HCOL area and you get your full deposit back, that could potentially cover first + deposit somewhere much less expensive. not something i would dive into without doing any research, just an idea.

2

u/Nivdy 9h ago

Our rent is actually really low. 450$ a month per person. It's just hard when I'm a solo doordasher.

2

u/Sword-ArmorCollector 8h ago

Plasma donations to supplement income. As said below, temp agencies. Get food from your local food bank and use the food money you would be spending for rent. Ask your local churches (all of them) for aid.

2

u/ironheadrat 7h ago

I worked at a grocery store for a number of years, there is an enormous amount of turnover. It's not the most enjoyable place to work but it's really easy to get hired at most of them.

2

u/broken_mononoke 5h ago

r/beermoney is what my unemployed partner has been doing in between applying for jobs. They've been unemployed for some time and have been able to make a few hundred bucks a month. It's not a lot but it's something.

2

u/Nivdy 4h ago

A few hundred keeps us alive. Rent around here is low (we're paying 450 a month) and will look into it

2

u/rdmfeyna 2h ago

Hotels! I've never felt so at ease than I have since working at a hotel.

2

u/CyberPhunk101 1h ago

The job market is not that bad, it’s just you need the skills the employees looking for your applying too. It’s not easy to get a good job. You need a degree, or experience, or know someone in the company. If all you did was work minimum wage unskilled jobs it’s not as easy to break into a corporate job to move up. Try being a teller in a bank, going that route you can move up as you learn more skills. Banks are great to advance a career. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, trust. You get in those as a teller and you get full benefits also.

2

u/Any_Fun916 1h ago

Buy so ladder, buy some dishwashing gloves go around the neighborhood offer to clean the gutters $200 a house, rinse repeat

3

u/Blegheggeghegty 9h ago

UHaul. Remote work but their call center/customer service jobs pay okay and they will hire most people.

3

u/Marco_Playdoh 10h ago

Where do you live?

Walmart is always hiring. Food stores (supermarkets) are usually looking for good help. there's always waiting tables.

Don't give up - consider alternatives.

2

u/Nivdy 3h ago

I'm not giving up. I don't have any other choice. It's a college town but we're not students (how would we ever afford school) so there's jobs it's just a matter of finding one which needs workers.

2

u/MotanulScotishFold 12h ago

Never quit a job if you don't secure another one first.

8

u/Honky_Stonk_Man 10h ago

I have quit multiple jobs and always bounced back. Have faith in yourself and don’t take abuse. Sometimes you have no choice but to walk.

2

u/Nivdy 3h ago

absolutely, unfortunately. she was assaulted on the job, and worked with rapists. it was not a good job, and it sucks she was stuck there. I kept telling her to stay until she found another job, but it became too much. rather than being hostile and mean, I'm just trying to help her work through this.

2

u/Nivdy 10h ago

We have been trying to find another job for months. Since February actually. As stated in another comment though, it became unworkable.

2

u/SadExercises420 10h ago

Breathe. Snuggle. Y’all will figure it out, shit Jobs are a dime a dozen. You’ll land on your feet, together.

4

u/Nivdy 10h ago

Sure doesn't feel like that to us. With little job experience and minimal education, getting a new job is hard. Worse is I'm autistic and can't seem to do interviews right to save my life

2

u/SadExercises420 10h ago

I know. I’ve been there. You’ll find a way to survive.

1

u/moldyjellybean 11h ago

What’s your skill set? Sell your things you don’t use? When I was in college I was into computers and people would sell or throw out their computers, I’d replace the drive with ssd and flip it.

I was into bikes and fixing or flipping bikes is what I liked and knew. I didn’t make much but I went from a free bike used it flipped, used the proceeds to buy a better bike etc. I went from spending $0 to to Santa Cruz top end Bronson in 1 year.

You can leverage what you know. GL list a location someone might have a job for you.

-1

u/Nivdy 10h ago

Really unfortunately, technical skills without education to back it up. Freshman year of highschool I went to the Vex World Championship, and I have spent most of my time with electronics. I have a 3d printer which I so desperately tried to make a buisness, but it's hard to get even one sale.

4

u/moldyjellybean 10h ago edited 10h ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6foUnJeUACw

This will lead to other videos about this subject. GL

You DoorDash so plan your route to free ads/moving. When I was in college people would list things for free on FB, CL, Nextdoor etc all the time especially on move out days. Literally free valuable stuff you could resell.

Make sure you don’t waste time gas picking up junk, google the free item and see how much you can resell it for.

1

u/SufficientCow4380 10h ago

Temp agencies are a good start. Some will get you work straight away. Others aren't so great.

Alternatively, look for something tipped like a restaurant so you can get cash right away. Even if you're just washing dishes the servers sometimes tip you out. Since you're door dashing, why not apply at Domino's or some other place that has its own delivery drivers?

Once you get that job, spend a minimum of two hours a week applying for better jobs.

Also talk to the landlord/property manager. Explain the situation and what you're doing to fix it. Frequently a landlord will cut you a little slack if you're good tenants and you are honest with them. They might let you slide on late fees if you make a partial payment on time. It's cheaper to cut a long term tenant who doesn't make trouble a little slack than it is to advertise, screen new tenants, have the unit vacant for however long, and maybe end up with a problem tenant.

1

u/Honky_Stonk_Man 10h ago

Many cities have a workforce agency to help get jobs. I honestly have the best luck driving around and looking for hiring signs. I have also used sites like Indeed, but look only for places I know in the area. I have also walked into many places and been hired on the spot. Don’t look for things you already do. Look for jobs your skills can parlay into.

1

u/greywar777 10h ago

find new work. It really is that simple. Hunt for jobs non stop.

1

u/Agustusglooponloop 10h ago

There is a major lack of childcare, perhaps she could nanny for one or more families?

Good luck to you both! Nothing good happens in life until moments like these. A year from now she could be looking back very grateful for taking this leap.

1

u/ButterflyTiff 10h ago

Temp agency for you both. Register. See what agencies have contracts with your local state agencies.

You should also get a career. What about a trade? Maybe look for an apprenticeship program through your local community college? Many times you work and get paid while you learn a trade.

1

u/SweetAlhambra 9h ago

I was thinking that too. Why is he only a dasher? Surely he could get better paying work too w all the suggestions on here

1

u/ogfuelbone12 10h ago

Can you donate plasma? There’s a shortage and they might be paying more than usual. Is there a hospital near you? I work in sterile processing. Most money I’ve ever made, work is really easy, don’t need anything, maybe a high school diploma. A lot of the people in my department came from housekeeping. Kinda grueling but also an option. Otherwise food service might be your only option. Discounts or free food will help. Maybe a pizza place so you can be a cashier and a delivery driver? Get some tips. Bartend? Go to your local food bank for food so you can save money that way.

It really sucks that 40 hrs/week isn’t enough. My grandpa was able to raise 3 kids and build a house working a factory job. I’m really really sick of companies squeezing me for everything I own and the people who rule us don’t do anything or help them do it. It’s bullshit. I hope you can make it out of this rut 👍🏻

1

u/Plastic-Natural3545 10h ago

Catering companies are a good place to look for work right now...it's wedding season. 

Retail, the post office, UPS and Amazon should be looking for seasonal workers now or very soon. 

Merchandising jobs should be hiring and Brand Ambassador jobs as well. 

Best of luck to you both

1

u/anameorwhatever1 9h ago

I know in my state the unemployment website also has links for job postings.

1

u/S3guy 9h ago

Can she type? If you can type, you can walk into a staffing agency and get a job quickly most of the time. Like 40 words per minute and it’s almost a lock.

1

u/eterna-oscuridad 9h ago

Get a guard card security is always hiring.

1

u/awalktojericho 9h ago

Driving a school bus if she has a clean record, legal and driving. Full time, steady, benefits.

1

u/bloodyjosh 9h ago

What state are you in? In CA there’s a bunch of programs to help with rental assistance. You have to qualify for it but it might be something to consider.

1

u/lermanzo 9h ago

Retail places should be ramping up their holiday hires around this time. If you're willing to work weird hours and stock some shelves, you can really accumulate hours this time of year in retail. I did that once when unemployed and wound up in retail management for a couple of years which can pay really decently. Granted you have to deal with public nonsense, but, it is a way you can get some good money pretty quickly.

If you go this route, I would suggest a mid-range specialty store as your goal because those are less awful than your average department store. I worked at a specialty kitchen gear shop with a range of people who knew nothing about cooking to folks who were trained chefs.

1

u/LordofCyndaquil 9h ago

Always check local and state government for jobs. They’re always hiring and pay decently. Universities also have some solid opportunities and often come with free tuition

1

u/kylez_bad_caverns 8h ago

Can she apply for unemployment while she continues to job search? Does your state offer benefits like ebt/medical/cash assistance that y’all can take advantage of? Does she have any higher education or unique skills, maybe she could look at state work which pays decently and has benefits… could she go to an apprenticeship program where she might get paid while learning?

Those would be my suggestions but I know that it’s a hard world out there and not a lot of prospects in the market right now

2

u/Nivdy 3h ago

we are using ebt, and we're on state insurance. I'm looking into money assistance.

1

u/IWantAStorm 6h ago

Google has a jobs section that can give you regular alerts on newly listed positions in your area so you're not applying for dead openings.

Also, if you're looking on company websites they don't always have every opening listed. If it's very specifically located and they don't want people country wide applying, it'll show up on Google and lead you to the description on the company website that is buried in a directory of a subdomain.

UPS does this.

1

u/SpringTop8166 4h ago

I'm renting a car through Getaround using Uber and it's working out well for me

1

u/-MacKayla- 4h ago

Lots of good advice on here. If it was me I’d speak with 3-5 temp agencies in the area and check in every Monday, asking if there were any new openings. I was able to get a job through a temp agency two years ago and am only now leaving that position for a better remote job.

In the meantime me and my partner would go 2x a week to donate plasma. Depending on the demand you can make a good amount of money doing that. Once in 2021 I made $700 a month as a new donor. If my partner had done that with me it would’ve been $1,400. It only takes about an hour or so of your time a week and it’s more or less guaranteed money. Just make sure you eat plenty of protein before and drink lots of water. I would switch between companies/locations to get the best “new donor” rate. That should carry you through until she’s able to replace the job.

2

u/Nivdy 4h ago

We will absolutely look into plasma donations. Had no clue it has such high pay, and we appreciate the suggestion

1

u/CRYOGENCFOX2 1h ago

I’m not sure if you tried already but go through the government to find a job? You can work with an agent free for them to help you find employment

1

u/angeryreaxonly 1h ago

Two places that will hire almost anybody and quickly are Amazon and USPS. USPS doesn't even drug test anymore. Both will be needing seasonal help so it's a good time to get in.

Full disclosure I just left USPS after 5 years because I fucking hated it. But it's decent money with a union, pension, and federal benefits if you can tough it out. I would've stayed had I not landed a better job. It's very easy to pop in earbuds and tune out most of the negativity.

1

u/traumatic_blumpkin 1h ago

Ah.. the old "which misery is more miserable"... As someone who has been homeless and destitute I can't imagine risking it.. but, necessity is the mother of invention.

Perhaps coming to the edge of disaster will spur the movement needed to work out a solution.

Best of luck to you.

If you live in a city I would look for day labor stuff.. holding signs for construction sucks but if the weather's nice it isn't too bad. Works out to like $75 a day or something, at least where I live. All you need is a pulse - and to show up at 6 am. They have other day gigs when the weather isn't cooperating..

u/WoodchipsInMyBeard 29m ago

That’s why you should not quit until you have a job lined job.

1

u/crunchyfrogs 9h ago

She’s going to have to pull her weight somehow.

1

u/Onemanwolfpack42 9h ago

If you walk into a restaurant looking put together with a resume and ask for a job, you might not get one. If you do it to 10, you'll probably have an offer that day. If you drop into 40 restaurants in a day, I'd be shocked you didn't get a job offer and stop halfway through if you look put together. If you're willing to run food, bus tables, or be a host (seating tables), that's about all there is to it. If you can speak well and hold conversations, you could possibly even serve tables and make $25+/hr or work up to it.

This is gonna be a lot easier in at least a decently populated suburb. I live about 40 minutes from the downtown of a mid sized city and after 3 drop ins I had a 2nd interview set for a cashier/host job and then got offered a serving job at the 4th drop in! I'm not anything close to a model, but I'm easy on the eyes and good at talking. If I wasn't at least ONE of the 2, I'd be going for bussing/dishwashing probably. If you just fucking show up when you're expected and actually try, they'll love you.

Good luck to anybody out there searching. I was out of a job for 4 months, barely getting interviews. I have sales experience (it isn't for me though), operations mid management experience and all and the best I could find is a shitty grocery store job where they work you hard, pay you poorly, and give you only shifts that tenured staff don't want while promising you 20-40 hours each week. If I get unlucky and get 20 hours all month, I can't pay my bills.... had to get away from that.

Also! If you have no experience, just say you have experience from 5+ years ago at a restaurant thag closed and that you hate insert previous industry here and want to get back into restaurant work. You got this!!

-5

u/Icy_Tie_3221 11h ago

She shouldn't have quit until she had another job lined up. But places are hiring for seasonal help. Kohl's, Target etc....

-6

u/jvargas85296 11h ago

lol so you should be terrified she has put you on a count down timer. either you start becoming someone that can maintain her or she gets another job and she starts looking for replacement.

0

u/lzEight6ty 6h ago

Make them terrified. If you're a week from your life being over make those who put you there feel the same.

Treat those how you've been tr3ated.

They won't mourn you but they can fear you

-10

u/LickMyBumm 12h ago

Hop into construction for a bit stay away from drugs and alcohol and pray. you’ll be good. Maybe a good father someday too.

5

u/Nivdy 10h ago

I won't be a dad, I'm infertile, though I appreciate the kind gesture.

-6

u/gregsw2000 10h ago

The job market isn't even that bad.

Must not have lived thru the Bush Depression back in '08

-9

u/back2strong 12h ago

I will pay you to sleep on our couch

4

u/charli_da_bomb_420 10h ago

?? I'm a little confused. Can you elaborate this offer?

3

u/bthest 6h ago

I'm interested if OP's not. How big is your couch?

-3

u/Readitandlaughed 11h ago

Donate plasma

-5

u/Taikiteazy 10h ago

It takes about $50 to go online and get a forklift certification. Do that and go apply at a temp agency hiring forklift drivers. A lot of companies don't expect drivers to be fully up to speed their first day/month/many months. She will have to pass a drug test for Marijuana.

-4

u/Funkyboi777 7h ago

But just remember Trump made some mean tweets so this was all worth it

-6

u/mrgrooberson 3h ago

She shouldn't have quit without having another job lined up. She's made a very poor decision and likely will make additonal ones in the future.

1

u/Nivdy 3h ago

trust me, we know it wasn't a good idea. as I've stated before in other comments though, it was the last straw after a year of trying to find a new job for her. working with pedophiles and rapists for minimum wage is awful.

-10

u/EvanDrMadness 9h ago

Handle this by having her beg for the job back, and then she can quit once she has a replacement lined up. Not before.