Underemployed and depression.

[GeoBuilder]

I know the economy is in the dumps right now but I can't help but be down about my current living situation. I graduated just under a year ago with a Geology degree and have since been working part time (20hrs/wk) at Best Buy doing stocking. I have applied EVERYWHERE and estimated around 600 applications/unsolicited letters/resumes. I guess I am just ranting to get it off my chest since I don't want to worry/bother my family and friends. I feel like everyday is a waste of time and I am only getting older with nothing to show for it.

Is anyone else in a similar situation?

[Euroholic]

Geologists are in high demand in australia in the mining sector. Make $150k a year on a 2 week on 1 week off roster sound good?

[cherrydrpepper]

Yes same boat only older I am early 30s nice bachelors degree and at present going nowhere. The gym is my only salvation at times. I come off as vain and arrogant to a lot of people.. but I have seen what money gets you. I know people with money multiple people and they have some of the most boring and at times miserable lives I have ever witnessed. I also know people who are gym rats. Some gym rats also live a miserable existence that I have seen and many are promiscuous and self serving rackng up multiple stds and spreading them to a bunch of 5s and 6s while they brag about their conquests. But I have met a few that do it right that are worthy of my admiration. These are the ones that always have an 8 to 10 on their arm and are going for quality over quantity. They know when to turn a girl down for a one night stand because it would destroy her self esteem when they don't call the next day but they also know when a girl is just hot for a quick lay and ok with a hit it and quit it. We are all going to die some day and personally I don't want to spend all my free time watching citcoms where the dorky guy gets the hot girl like that corny big bang show or corny ass movies like that which are designed to make people who have boring lives feel like subliminally they could get a hot blonde cheerleader looking girl. I would rather live my life and enjoy it and have sex with someone who is desired versus someone who is just there to fill a space like many of my friends who don't lift girls. You know maybe I am going off on an a hole tangent here but I am just saying there is a lot more to life than college and money and junk and a lot of people don't realize it until they are 80 years old dying in their bed and thinking wow all the hours working all the money it really didn't mean much to me compared to the few experiences with romance and friends I had.

[Euroholic]

Ive always said college gets you no were in life. Just a waste of time.

[GeoBuilder]

I can totally agree cherrydrpepper , I often "joke" with my friends that I would be happy making clogs in Denmark. I honestly just want to not live with my parents, and possibly own a home, and have the money to marry my longtime girlfriend. She's not a swimsuit model but she is a 10 in my eyes.

Euroholic; that sounds nice, do you have any pull or know anyone who needs a fresh out of school geologist?

[Euroholic]

No i just drive trucks but i no geologists are in huge shortage over here check out bhp,fmg,rio tinto

[GeoBuilder]

Thank you Euroholic I will have to bug rio tinto again lol.

[gixxerboy1]

Getting a job is more about who you know.
Network network network

[GeoBuilder]

That's very true gixxerboy1. I am definitely trying, although I am at a disadvantage because I tend to be a little more reserved and well shy I guess.

Not making excuses, I know I need to come out of my shell to be successful

[stpete]

I have several friends w/degrees that the y have paid thousands for and not even close to using them. You're not alone. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and just do best you can. That's all we can do bro. At least you're working.

[austinite]

Move to Texas. Economy is great. 4 out of the top 5 growing cities are here

Shhh. don't tell gixxer!

[lovbyts]

Best times I had were when I was laid off from work for 6 months + Camping, quadding, long distance road trips staying/visiting friends. Make the best of it and budget.

[gixxerboy1]

Move to Texas. Economy is great. 4 out of the top 5 growing cities are here

Shhh. don't tell gixxer!

I lived 5 mins from the best city and had the hardest time finding a job there.

[ElectraMaddox]

I think getting a job is what you're resume and work experience looks like... I started working at a major company in a part time entry level position making 10k a year.... A career is what you make of it. With in that year I got promoted 4x and have since then moved to three different companies , back to the one and now a another... Each move was a promotion. Anything is possible....
1. Work harder than everyone else
2. Push yourself
3. Create a goal of we're you eventually want to be
4. Just do it

I think people have a misconception you are going to work for a Fortune 500 company making 150k bc you have a degree. You have to start on the bottom and take on responsibility and succeed. Best buy is a major company and it may not be what you want to be doing but if you worked hard and having a degree you could eventually be a regional manager making much more... I never intended to work in my field but when I saw where it was heading I was like why not stay here. Life is about adapting and overcoming obstacles... If your path is so rigid you're setting yourself up for failure

[The Bear 79]

Awesome point of view Electra.



Nothin' sexier than a girl with ambition..........

[Far from massive]

Its for sure hard out these days.

My Godaughter who lives with me graduated from UMD with a degree in Pub Health about 2 years ago. She is not only smart but a complete knockout also cheerful friendly etc. With all of this up to a month ago she had been working at the Salon she worked at during school...but finally last month she got a full time job with a purchasing agent...not at all in her field but the moneys decent, benefits are great and she loves the people she works with.

My point don't give up, eventually a door will open but not if you quit knockin.

[diesel101]

Getting a job is more about who you know.
Network network network

Very true!

[BUTTERYGOODNESS]

I've had 6 jobs since August. Most through a temp agency but I've finally gotten away from that doing something I enjoy and pays very well. just keep grinding. Before I got the job I had now I was released from my temp assignment and waitin for the next. But it never came. So as soon as I was released I had put in 32 applications. IMO its not so much that there isn't jobs available. It's more so what your willing to do.

[Juced_porkchop]

Yes same boat only older I am early 30s nice bachelors degree and at present going nowhere. The gym is my only salvation at times. I come off as vain and arrogant to a lot of people.. but I have seen what money gets you. I know people with money multiple people and they have some of the most boring and at times miserable lives I have ever witnessed. I also know people who are gym rats. Some gym rats also live a miserable existence that I have seen and many are promiscuous and self serving rackng up multiple stds and spreading them to a bunch of 5s and 6s while they brag about their conquests. But I have met a few that do it right that are worthy of my admiration. These are the ones that always have an 8 to 10 on their arm and are going for quality over quantity. They know when to turn a girl down for a one night stand because it would destroy her self esteem when they don't call the next day but they also know when a girl is just hot for a quick lay and ok with a hit it and quit it. We are all going to die some day and personally I don't want to spend all my free time watching citcoms where the dorky guy gets the hot girl like that corny big bang show or corny ass movies like that which are designed to make people who have boring lives feel like subliminally they could get a hot blonde cheerleader looking girl. I would rather live my life and enjoy it and have sex with someone who is desired versus someone who is just there to fill a space like many of my friends who don't lift girls. You know maybe I am going off on an a hole tangent here but I am just saying there is a lot more to life than college and money and junk and a lot of people don't realize it until they are 80 years old dying in their bed and thinking wow all the hours working all the money it really didn't mean much to me compared to the few experiences with romance and friends I had.

WELL PUT!!

[warmouth]

I know the economy is in the dumps right now but I can't help but be down about my current living situation. I graduated just under a year ago with a Geology degree and have since been working part time (20hrs/wk) at Best Buy doing stocking. I have applied EVERYWHERE and estimated around 600 applications/unsolicited letters/resumes. I guess I am just ranting to get it off my chest since I don't want to worry/bother my family and friends. I feel like everyday is a waste of time and I am only getting older with nothing to show for it.

Is anyone else in a similar situation?

What else do you know other than the degree you have? What I mean is have you ever done anything that requires a trade, like carpentry, masonry, roofing, flooring, etc?

[warmouth]

Move to Texas. Economy is great. 4 out of the top 5 growing cities are here

Shhh. don't tell gixxer!

That's it! As soon as texas succeeds from the nation, I'm movibg there.

[GeoBuilder]

Wow thanks for all the great responses. Sorry if my posts came off as me thinking I am entitled to a great job right out of school, I don't think that at all. I know I will be starting at the bottom and will have to put in the long hours and efforts to move up. I also know Best Buy isn't the place for me to make those moves especially working in the warehouse where it's near impossible for bosses to recognize hard work and efforts (because it isn't reflected on revenue/budget reports).

I have not given up, I started using my spare time to volunteer for a prof I had. I hope it will open doors for me or at least get my name out there. I also continue to apply for better jobs everyday.

[GeoBuilder]

What else do you know other than the degree you have? What I mean is have you ever done anything that requires a trade, like carpentry, masonry, roofing, flooring, etc?

I have held two jobs while in school. One was as an IT Suppport specialist, and the other was as a courier. I'm good with tools and can do just about anything given the right amount of instruction.

[dan991]

Geo... look for internships. Also- with that type of degree you have to be flexible with where you are willing to live. I know a company I use to work for paid top dollar BUT you pretty much had to be willing to move 20-30 times in your career (at their cost). They would send you up to the damn arctic to work a diamond mine for a few years, then down to Texas to work an offshore oil rig for a couple years, then to Western Australia to work another mine. You have to be flexible to get your feet on the ground coming out of school. Start looking at Heavy Construction/Mining companies. There are several in the states. Look in AK at the smaller miners doing gold mining with 10 guys, etc. All of that sounds a lot better than Best Buy.

[warmouth]

I have held two jobs while in school. One was as an IT Suppport specialist, and the other was as a courier. I'm good with tools and can do just about anything given the right amount of instruction.

Reason I asked is because I own a construction business and started out a lot like you. If youre good with tools, you have a leg up on others. Me for instance, I'm always looking for someone with drive and a great work ethic. Even if they aren't that good, as long as they are willing to work, that matters most to me. You could always put a little ad in a local paper as a handy man snd just do little odds and ends for people, and still end up making a lot of money. You would be able to set your own hours and such. But if you have a good work ethic, there is someone out there trying to find you.

[GeoBuilder]

Very cool! Good luck with your business. Is work steady in your area? I know in my city construction projects have slowed greatly the past few years. I'm actually considering selling my motorcycle (daily driver) so I can get a truck that would allow me to haul tools and materials as well as let me do my own geological exploration here in Arizona.

[Flagg]

I know the economy is in the dumps right now but I can't help but be down about my current living situation. I graduated just under a year ago with a Geology degree and have since been working part time (20hrs/wk) at Best Buy doing stocking. I have applied EVERYWHERE and estimated around 600 applications/unsolicited letters/resumes. I guess I am just ranting to get it off my chest since I don't want to worry/bother my family and friends. I feel like everyday is a waste of time and I am only getting older with nothing to show for it.

Is anyone else in a similar situation?

If its any consolation, I know EXACTLY how you feel. I graduated in 2011 with a similar to degree to yours, Environmental Science. I have been stuck doing a delivery driving job since.

The best thing you can do is get as much volunteer work under your belt. That goes a long way. I also recently joined this organisation called IEEM: http://www.ieem.net/ I dont know if there is a US equivalent. I only joined this year, but they are regarded as being the best company in the UK for training and development, in fact I only went on a course yesterday with them, BS 5837, Trees in relation to demolition and construction. I'd like to get into Surveying and eventually, Consultancy. I met a bunch of people yesterday at the course and a Bat Ecologist has taken my CV (i think she kinda liked me) but said she'd put in a good word with her boss. Sometimes its not what you know, its who you know, sad as that is. The good thing with this IEEM is that they are recognised nation wide, and I get to use them as a suffix in my CV along with B.Sc.

You have to plod on. I also think the market in the UK sucks and im looking to emigrate now, to Australia of all places. Things have been going really well my girl, and we've spoke about it. They are also looking for Surveyors out there, Geo and Envs Engineers. There are greener pastures elsewhere I believe.

I dont know what part of Geology you want to get into, but the Season is about to start again, Spring is round the corner, get in with some volunteer stuff early, even if its just going along on surveys of people doing GIS mapping. Also join some groups...thats a good way to doing volunteers, meet professionals as well, etc.

[JJ78]

Sounds like you have a lot of free time.

You live in Arizona and are a geologist. Do you know how much valuble shit there is out in the desert, if you know what to look for.

Start hiking and picking up socks.

Look for quartz, Tourquise, Silver, gold, anthrazite, tourmaline.

Dude there is a lot of stuff that you can find out there if you know what you are looking at. And being a geologist you should know what to look for.

**** working for somebody. Work for yourself, all you have to do is put in the time and effort. There is stuff all over the desert Southwest.

[spywizard]

I know the economy is in the dumps right now but I can't help but be down about my current living situation. I graduated just under a year ago with a Geology degree and have since been working part time (20hrs/wk) at Best Buy doing stocking. I have applied EVERYWHERE and estimated around 600 applications/unsolicited letters/resumes. I guess I am just ranting to get it off my chest since I don't want to worry/bother my family and friends. I feel like everyday is a waste of time and I am only getting older with nothing to show for it.

Is anyone else in a similar situation?

when you selected a degree how much money did they say you'd earn and the projected employ ability of that field in the near future.. ??

also, north dakota.. yes it's cold but it keeps the dregs out of the communities..

[JJ78]

Not socks, but rocks

[spywizard]

Sounds like you have a lot of free time.

You live in Arizona and are a geologist. Do you know how much valuble shit there is out in the desert, if you know what to look for.

Start hiking and picking up socks.

Look for quartz, Tourquise, Silver, gold, anthrazite, tourmaline.

Dude there is a lot of stuff that you can find out there if you know what you are looking at. And being a geologist you should know what to look for.

**** working for somebody. Work for yourself, all you have to do is put in the time and effort. There is stuff all over the desert Southwest.

best advice in the world.. have you applied for food stamps and free medical yet??

[JJ78]

Not sure what you mean. This kid has some knowledge. There are plenty of people that do this.

You can make a relly good living doing this. He works 20 hours a week.

Buy a tent, shovel, pick axe, backpack. And start exploring your mountains.

[JJ78]

http://www.gemland.com/gemology.htm

[JJ78]

http://www.thenaturalamerican.com/ge...rals_in_az.htm

Shit is worth a lot of money.

[Shol'va]

I know the economy is in the dumps right now but I can't help but be down about my current living situation. I graduated just under a year ago with a Geology degree and have since been working part time (20hrs/wk) at Best Buy doing stocking. I have applied EVERYWHERE and estimated around 600 applications/unsolicited letters/resumes. I guess I am just ranting to get it off my chest since I don't want to worry/bother my family and friends. I feel like everyday is a waste of time and I am only getting older with nothing to show for it.

Is anyone else in a similar situation?

You know this reminds me of a saying on another steroid site I saw. It goes like this...
There are 3 types of people in this world
Those that make things happen
Those that let things happen
And those that wonder...What Happened?
Which one are you?

And if you are into inspirational poems try looking up
How Do You Tackle Your Work
By Edgar A. Guest
My sixth grade teacher taught our class that poem.
Of course back then it didn't mean much, but now it really makes sense to me.
But then to each their own...lol

[JJ78]

http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/rec.../minerals.html

[JJ78]

We have a spot about 2 hrs outside of Vegas where we hike a couple of times a month and camp, and there are a lot of quartz deposits and old gold and silver mines. Always on the lookout for stuff. But I do not have a degree in Geology, all I have are a couple of books.

Havent found anything too valuable yet, but I took some of the stuff we found to the geology department at UNLV and donated a lot of it. The prof. said that I am on the right track, but nothing of value yet.

[spywizard]

Not sure what you mean. This kid has some knowledge. There are plenty of people that do this.

You can make a relly good living doing this. He works 20 hours a week.

Buy a tent, shovel, pick axe, backpack. And start exploring your mountains.

I agree.. looking for a "job" is not the way to live your life especially if you have skills that would allow you to add a commodity to the economy for a $$$ price..

[spywizard]

We have a spot about 2 hrs outside of Vegas where we hike a couple of times a month and camp, and there are a lot of quartz deposits and old gold and silver mines. Always on the lookout for stuff. But I do not have a degree in Geology, all I have are a couple of books.

Havent found anything too valuable yet, but I took some of the stuff we found to the geology department at UNLV and donated a lot of it. The prof. said that I am on the right track, but nothing of value yet.

you are in vegas?? hahah, funny in 1987 we located and filed claim on 33 mining claims sw of vegas... 4 yrs later we ended up selling the claims to the international gold consortium and they refused to take the claims on line.. at the time due to the samples we pulled and processed it would have dropped the world gold prices some 28% if memory serves me...

there are many many resources in nevada, and the mining laws are still "old west" style, if you sit on it, haul it off, you own it..

[JJ78]

got ya