If you are experienced with applying for jobs, I need your help...?

Question

I am very gifted in the areas of Writing (fiction, editing, and essays), Still Photography, and I am a Musician (I play guitar).

The only problem is that I don't have a degree or any job experience. I desperately need a job and money using those talents. Please help, what do you think I should do?

In case you need to know, I am 19 years old.

Answer 1

Alex,

Don't let anyone say you can't.

The task can be simpler than you think. You just need to be prepared to "give away" a small portion of your life.

When looking for a job, you don't through out your bait and wait for a bite. Rather than a fishing trip, you make it a hunting trip and follow these basic steps:

1) Write on a piece of paper what your goals are. Short - 1 year, Medium - 5 years, Long - 20 years and tape it to your fridge.

2) Identify what your obstacles to this task are. Write them down and scratch them off as you clear them.

3)  Identify your mentors. Look to the people already doing what you want to do and ask for direction. Most will be only too happy to give it.

4)  Draw yourself a little thumbnail map from your chair to the goal and mark off the milestones as you pass them.

5)  In this case, go to a newspaper and sign on as an intern. Let them know you have two weeks or a month of your life to give them, no charge in exchange for learning the ropes. If you get a rejection, go to their competition until you have the bottom of the ladder in your grasp.

Answer 2

I'm not trying to discourage you, but you aren't going to find much in those areas that you can live on (and I presume that's your goal). Have you thought of trying a newspaper's advertising department? You might be able to help write ads. Mostly it would probably be more customer service, but you might have some creative outlet.What sorts of skills do youy have that people will pay you for? You might think about customer service, sales, administration, purchasing, that type of thing.