Anyone out there want to hand some advice? :)

[MrPulsar]

Hey everyone, h2o^MrPulsar here, I hope this is alright to post in this part of the forum.

Please bare with the introduction as I lead up to my question! :3

Recently I moved to Seattle, just out of high school. I did it to escape a terrible community, one that wouldn't lead me to a future I desired, had lots of discrimination, sexism, prejudice, and a serious drug problem.

That led to my move from that place; so I might have a future doing what I want.

I got to tell you though, pms/h2o has been great to me, Wedge took me in for the Guitar Hero/Rock Band division and I'm living the dream. I get to write comics, make music, play games, and I have really great roommates.

There is just one problem, I can't get a job. Now I swear, from the bottom of my heart, I've been doing my best each day. I've had tons of interviews and I always get the same response "You don't have experience." or "We hired someone with more experience."

I understand it was a bold move for me to move out on my own at such a young age (I am only 18), but I wanted to get away from a small community that I just really had nothing in common with. The town I came from had 6000 people, and I lived their my whole life.

Anyways, the job hunt has been hard, I've signed up with temp agencies, have gotten so many applications, and I've filled out more papers in the past month than I ever have in my life. But I just can't get a job.

This leads to the advice I need:

Today, one of my roommates, Kat, suggested that I look in to schooling. She told me that student loans, and financial aid would cover my rent.

But there is conflicting advice. My parents - whose advice I have grown more and more distant from - are telling me the financial aid and student loans will not go that far; that it will not help me pay rent and living expenses.

So that's why I've turned to my favorite community. What is your experience with this? Right now, this seems to be the best option I could take. I could major in something I enjoy and still live in Seattle until I get a good job out of my education.

But enough of my opinion, I'm open-minded, and wanna take in as many views as possible. Please, I ask you, help a friend out.

Much love!

- Mr. Pulsar

[V3NUS PMS]

Hey punja!! Definitely go to school. Unless you have an existing, amazing portfolio of work you can do without schooling, it's going to be very hard to get a decent job... especially in a place like Seattle. I think you should really look into applying at some schools up there for the fall semester. Talk to some financial advisers at the schools and they'll point you in the right direction for loans or any grants you could apply for. In the meantime, get a p/t job working at a coffee shop or little restaurant in the city. Guarantee you could make some decent cash at the right place, and they usually require little experience. Plus, it's a great way to network with people for your music and such.

Not sure why I just wrote that all there when I know I could just as easily talk to you on IRC. oh well. hope it helped regardless.

[H2O Fate]

Ok after reading your plight, I noticed a couple things.

(We live in the same city)
(Your searching for schooling suggestions and I have some)

So heres my advice, go into schooling it will help alot, most of the time there is a on-campus job you can do to pay off student loans or other things (like tutoring, student store, etc.) The financial aid should cover most if not all your tuition and cost for books, you just have to qualify for it (each schools financial aid office will tell you what you need to qualify for it.) most of the time you will be accepted though.


I attended Highline community college in Des Moines (Great school(Its an international school so just fair warning in advance =P) and about a half hour/hour long bus ride from Seattle) and they offer all of what I mentioned above. So if your still looking into this and need suggestions feel free to ask me, i'll help out any way possible. As for right now I need some sleep, and you probably might have more questions.

Oh Stay away from student loans if possible, They stack up ALOT if you don't pay them off fast, being without a job I don't suggest going for it. Look for a part time job in Seattle though, there are tons i'm sure (coffee shops and fast food places.) Good luck and hope I helped out some

[MrPulsar]

thanks for the advice guys!

There have been a couple problems with getting jobs as well that I forgot to mention.

My roommates are very caring, and don't want me in certain parts of the city during certain parts of the day. I was going to work at this pizza shop, but due to the hours my roommates told me not to take the job because of the weird bus route and hours.

I've submitted applications everywhere, have called for responses, but usually never have any luck. It's starting to get extremely frustrating at this point, although I'm still continuing my job search. In the meantime, I'll be hitting up several different schools this week and next week to see what I can find out.

So I just wanna get this straight: Does financial aid usually help cover the cost of living? If not, do student loans? I'm not sure what student loans are either, so if someone could serve a quick definition, that'd be lovely.

Thanks!

[GrandPhoenix]

'pretty positive that student loans are general loans... for students but financial aid covers tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies. Also, keep in mind that there's alot of different kinds of loans. There are sometimes loans that you can get at a special rate BECAUSE you're a student that you can use for anything, even food and cost of living. If you can be successful lateron, a loan is nothing to worry about. Most people who are successful pay their student loans off by the time they're in their 30's, anyways.

[H2O Hamlet]

I can't really give of advice for tuition or financial aid. My parents are paying my way through college. But I can say this...

GO TO SCHOOL! Having a Higher Education is the most important thing you can do in your life. For one, when you think about it... you are competing with other people for jobs. Having a High School Diploma or GED isn't valued as well as it used to be. Why... Because almost everybody has a HS Diploma or GED, and it's so abundant that it's not valued that high. Going to college and getting a degree will help you land a job easier. Interviewers wants to know you have knowledge in certain areas of interest. They want to know that you are educated and reliable. Meaning... you need damn good grades in college as well. Degree's come easy, but resumes tell all.

Also work on campus. Or off-campus, but work while in school. For some it can be hard to balance work and schooling, but its so essential in the long run. For one, working can put money in your pocket and help you out with any rent or food you may need. Also it will help you out in resumes because interviewers want to see that you do have work experience, even if its jut cafeteria or bookstore, and that you can balance work with your other activities.

But mainly, go to school and work hard. So many people try to take the easy way out, and they fall short of their dreams. I'm not saying having a degree from a college will make your life easy and you'll become the next Bill Gates... it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and rejection. But if you can persevere you'll do fine. Keep that chin up bud! Also... look for scholarships! Help a ton. And if you do really well in school try to apply for academic scholarships the next years.

Also, its good that you're doing a ton of interviews, even if they don't take you. You need to be confident and strong. All your practice will pay off. When you seem doubtful or shy or weak... they won't take you. If you're bold, have great posture, and are confident, they will. People want leaders, not shy quiet people. Also make sure you're writing good resumes. The appearance of those can throw people off! Needs to look professional!

Meh, I'm done writing. Good luck bud! And I wish you all the best. I know not everyone can go to school, college and Universities can be expensive... but do whatever it takes to get a degree anywhere.

[H2O Galang]

hey where in Seattle are you living? I live downtown man!

[MrPulsar]

I live in Greenwood. :P

Thanks for the advice guys,again. I really need to find a job before the end of the month or I'll lose my apartment.

I was able to pay rent this month, but, I'm at an all time low with funds now.

[H2O Galang]

you ever tried workin fast food? i know it sucks....but might as well try!

[MrPulsar]

Hey, a job is a job at this point. I don't have room for preferences.

[PMS MelonZ]

I can sympathize with you 100%, i made a huge move when i was 18 and i know it can be nerve racking trying to figure what comes next. If you can definitely go to school, i still need to get back, i've been stuck waitressing.

But at your age, i would recommend a part time job while you go to school, i found a job as a hostess within the first week, and the serving position that followed made me bank with very few hours.

Hope everything works out for you =D

[Lindzoo]

Just from personal experience with financial aid....
Financial aid will only cover most of your expenses if you can prove that you are independent from your parents. You can only gain independent status if you meet any of the following criteria:

Were you born before January 1, 1985 (question 48)?
At the beginning of the school year 2008-2009 will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.) (question 49)?
As of today are you married? (Answer "Yes" if you are separated, but not divorced.) (question 50)
Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you (question 51)?
Do you have dependents (other than children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2009 (question 52)?
Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward or dependent of the court (question 53)?
Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training (question 54)?
Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (question 55)?

If you answer yes to any of those questions than you are considered "independent"...
This is good- Now... depending on your income you will receive plenty of aid to cover your expenses.

If you decide to go to school I would recommend living on campus that way your living expenses will also be covered. if you live off campus- your living expenses will probably not be covered at all.

Your aid will probably be a combination of grants and loans. Loans you will eventually have to pay off but the payments will be deferred until after you graduate-- there is no need to worry about that until that time.

With all that being said-- GO TO SCHOOL!!!
I cannot stress that enough- education is the most important thing you can do for yourself. You will have a better, more successful and less stressful life. School can be stressful but it is the most important thing you can do to better yourself and your life.


end novel.

[Lindzoo]

oh! I forgot one thing-- even if you don't answer yes to one of those dependency questions you may be able to appeal your dependency status if you are financially independent from your parents-- My sister-in-law did this and got approved as an independent.

If you do not receive the independent status then they will require getting your parents income information and assume that their money will go to your education. This is your EFC (expected family contribution).

ok... now I'm done.

[JeepChick PMS]

PELL Grant

It pays for classes, books and you keep the rest to live on. I did two years at a community college with it and didn't need to work (except summers)

Make sure your parents are not writing you off on their taxes - you will not be eligible for a lot of GRANTS and LOANS if you are listed as a dependant for them.

Good luck! School is always a great option!


That being said.

You might want to consider the military. Not only will they train the crap out of you and pay you while doing it - You get a signing bonus (even with the National Guard - $15 - $20 thousand) and access to the GI Bill, which pays for schooling!

[H2O Battousai]

Hey dude I know we do not know each other but you have a similar situation that I did. About 2 years ago I lost my father right before my 18th birthday I moved in with my mother and I needed a job I got a job through my uncle working for a friend of his as a locksmith. Locksmithing is a great profession but I am not trying to tell you to go into it what I am suggesting is something not a lot of people think about, a trade skill, yes I would suggest getting into a trade plumber, electrican, etc. etc. because with all this talk about ressesion and stuff you need to find job securit most trade places offer training and people all need someone to work on there cars plumbing locks stuff like that there for you will not have to worry about being laid off or nonsense like that. Anyways I thought I would just like to add that to your possibilites GL to you.

[PMS Ayashi]

(writing this b4 i look at other post)
Go to school!!!! Yes you can make it on ur finanical aid and student loans. A part time job would not hurt ether even if it is Burger King etc. Also you can save money by not buying your books at the school book store. If you are taking a science say Biology and the book is a 5th edition, you can easily google the 4th or 3rd since there will be very few changes in the book. At most it will be a page number difference.

You should also look into share/student housing. I know there is nothing like having your own apartment, but with finanical budgeting it will help you in the long run plus provide you company when you can't afford to go out. I hope this helps you out and just remember don't give up hope things will work out for the better.

[x SexyPink x]

Are your parents not giving you any money, period? Most students loan i got are sweet (no interest until 9 months after i graduate). And my parents have my back on the loans so im set there. But getting a job is REALLY REALLY easy if ur in school. Like the school looks out for you, and its really easy finding a well paying job there. I dont know your situation 100%, but unless you get a job where u can move up to where u can one day be financially independent, i say go to school. even if you go into debt, you'll get a better job. Better that then forever working at burger king or w/e.

[MrPulsar]

I'm sad to say that I don't have any parental support. My family life is too personal for me to discuss openly.

As for the info some of you have given me:

Lindzoo: I really appreciate the dependency information, that will really help me out.

JeepChick: I need to break away from my parents before I can start doing that, but hey, I really appreciate the info.

Ayashii: I live with two roommates. They're very nice and I think they might give me a break if I can make rent this month. I have to pay roughly $350 for my rent, which, for Seattle, is an amazing bargain. Still, I cannot find a job, and get very few replies, and even less lead to interviews.

When I say I am out there, I mean it. I get applications, I sent resumes, I make phone calls.

I have to be doing something wrong.... :\

As for Sexypink: my parents are not supportive at all, and, I need to break away from them.

When my bus pass gets to me in the mail, I can start going out and searching for jobs again. For now, I'm sending out emails through Craigslist and filling out applications I have with me.

Thanks again for your help guys. Any more help would be greatly appreciated.

[Lindzoo]

pulsar.... I really feel for you man. Its tough being out on your own. I'm sorry that you are having issues with your parents. Just remember that this will pass... Be strong! I strongly recommend going to every restaurant you can find and apply as a server/host/busboy--- they make good money and turnover is high in restaurant--make sure you talk to manager when applying to make a lasting impression.

In the meantime check out schools and apply for financial aid. Even if you don't know if you're going to school. The earlier you apply the more aid you will get.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Lindzoo]

p.s.: the website to apply for aid is. Fafsa.ed.gov