Looking for a job, any ideas on where else to look ?

Middle River · #1 07/31/08, 08:25 AM

DH lost his job until next spring due to the company he was working for being too slow - so now we are in a pickle. We have searched all the local ads, made lots of calls, looked online on craigslist and monster and careerbuilder, and have no other ideas - and are starting to really get worried. Any online sites or ideas would greatly be appreciated.

He has experiance in many different areas, from drywall and painting, to diesel mechanic, concrete, laborer,forman for a main-line underground utility company and as a heavy equipment operator doing many different jobs. Underground utilities/heavy equipment operator ( for both utilities and an excavation company) is what he has been doing for the last 5 yrs and is where he would like to stay for the rest of his working life, however is not being picky at this time. He has a good chance of getting with a great local company next spring that he could work for till he retires, however at this time they are full. So temp work is ok, or if he can find a good job now he may also just stay with it instead.

This is just the worst time of the year ( at least in our area ) for looking for a job, as most all the companies he could work for already have all the workers they need for the rest of the season.

We would like to find him work in our area ( Duluth,MN/Superior,WI area ) but really would consider him traveling as well. We were also wondering if anybody knows of any oil-rig jobs he may be able to do ? And how that would work ? Would he be able to like, go work for a while and then come home or ???

Really, we just need some direction on where else to look or ideas, and any help would be awsome. Thanks !

Macybaby · #2 07/31/08, 08:45 AM

There is plenty of seasonal work in the power plants in North Dakota. Probably farther than your DH wants to go.

Mine has been up there most of last fall and since June this year. He's a heavy equipment operator, Local 49. I know WI is local 30something, but most of the folks in western WI join up to Local 49 and work in MN, SD and ND.

My husband is rarely home rigth now, but sends checks with take home between $1,000 and $2,000 a week. He works 6 months of the year, and makes way more than he could working 12 months locally. It's a different way of life . . .

Until last year, I was not aware of the amount of work going on in ND, with the coal fields and power companies. My DH is working plant construction, so he is working for contractors doing summer work, not for the power companies directly. We don't plan on him doing this for long term, but it sure is helping us pay the bills right now.

Cathy

Ashtina98 · #3 07/31/08, 08:46 AM

You may have already thought of this and/or tried these but I would call a local employment agency/headhunter. The good ones do not charge the employee a fee instead the employer pays it. While looking for permanent work go to a temp. agency. In big metro aread they usually have agencies for laborers that is separate from administration type jobs but they can also be represented in a single agency. If the temp. agency isn't keeping him busy on those days he doesn't have work and wants to work there are usually the places that after you sign up with them you just show up in the morning and they take you to a work sight (never know what it might be) and I believe you are paid that day. Being out of work has got to be so frustrating I wish your dh luck.

GoatsRus · #4 07/31/08, 08:48 AM

www.indeed.com They seem to have jobs the other sites don't offer.

Gunnie · #5 07/31/08, 08:51 AM

Has he ever thought about working on the lake freighters? My husband does hes gone for months at a time. (We are in Mich but I end up in Duluth/Superior alot.) Actually his company is based in Duluth. He would have to get a merchant marine card but there are lots of companies in Duluth that deal with freighters on the Great Lakes and they are always looking for workers.

highlandview · #6 07/31/08, 08:56 AM

I don't know if there is any coal mining near you but because of oil prices the coal industry is booming. That means that all the laid off coal miners who work at privately owned machine shops are being called back into the mines. So your husband might try a machine shop that builds and repairs coal mining equipment - if there are any in your area.

AngieM2 · #7 07/31/08, 09:04 AM

http://www.workfromhomeontheinternet.com/

Check out that site and their forum. It tells of what is legitimate ways to do work at home and make a living at it. You have to be disciplined.

I know of at least two ht'ers that have been earning their home income via some of these work from home jobs.

Angie

fordy · #8 07/31/08, 09:26 AM

.............Most local school districts are interviewing and hiring now for the upcoming school year . Lots of different support type jobs like maintenance and outside work . , fordy

Middle River · #9 07/31/08, 09:42 AM

Thanks everybody ! I will check into your suggestions. I also PM'ed a couple of you. AngieM2 - he is not the desk type - too bad too as we have seen a few jobs like that - but he is a outside/physical work kind of guy - not much for computers :+(

We will consider out of state work if it's worth it - i work from home on a computer, and can run the homestead while he is gone, we also have a few good friends that are willing to help me if i need it-so it is a possiblity. Thank you everybody, and thanks for the well wishes :+) I'm trying not to worry too much - yet.

wr · #10 07/31/08, 09:51 AM

I would certainly think that he could work on the rigs but he's going to start at the bottom and it is dangerous work. They usually work on a rotation (usually 3 weeks on and one off or some variation). If interested, they usually look for certificates and good ones to have would be H2S (even if he isn't working on a sour gas play) Fall Arrest, Standard First Aid. He should do an internet search for an association of oilfield drilling contractors so you can start sorting through the more reputable companies. It is important when hiring on with a company to know what their drug policy is and what their accident/incident record looks like and he should not be afraid to ask.

Middle River · #11 07/31/08, 10:15 AM

wr - he may be willing to do that, however, we have no idea where to start looking for open positions/qualifications - any pointers ? And then how would we know if its a good company to work for ? Sorry if those are dumb questions, we just have no idea on that subject, but are open to it. Thanks !

Cornhusker · #12 07/31/08, 10:28 AM

If he can weld and doesn't mind living in Nowheresville Nebraska, Pm me.
Gillette, Wyoming has work and good pay. It's not cheap to live there but the money is good.
Also, if he doesn't mind working for 10-12 bucks an hour, there are jobs out this way.

aaronwesley94 · #13 07/31/08, 11:03 AM

www.monster.com

Middle River · #14 07/31/08, 12:04 PM

Cornhusker - we can't pick up and move - i would have to stay here with the farm, and he would have to go work somewhere - but it couldn't be perm. as we just can't move right now. I belive he can weld, i'm not sure how long it's been though :+) Thanks !

Tamalama · #15 07/31/08, 01:13 PM

UWS is looking for janitors/facilities workers. Check their website at www.uwsuper.edu
Good luck

dbarjacres · #16 07/31/08, 01:36 PM

Hey Middleriver,

Search for Wisconsin JobNet. You can look by county on there. That's where I always look. I think I was on jobs.com as well and there was lots of ads for my area.

Jenny

wr · #17 07/31/08, 01:52 PM

Middle River, I might want to amend my original statement. I must have been napping when I read your OP. He may still have to have some time as a floorhand but if he does, he should move up quickly with his diesel mechanics background or they may start him as motorman. You would have to give me a bit of time to do some homework because any company I would suggest off the top of my head would be Canadian but some of them have US divisions.

willow_girl · #18 07/31/08, 02:03 PM

It sounds like your hubby has lots of skills, so why not advertise on Craiglist? Handyman service, lawn care, landscaping, window washing, auto detailing, furniture moving, you name it! If he can pick up some cash jobs, it will at least help to tide you guys over until he can land something permanent. Good luck!!!

Middle River · #19 07/31/08, 02:17 PM

Thanks again everybody :+) wr - that would be awsome if you could come up with a place for us to start looking.

We do have a couple ads online ( including craigslist ) for him. I also just got done checking WI jobnet - we have made a few phone calls. Thanks again !

Watcher48 · #20 07/31/08, 02:20 PM

Go to the shale fields in Colorado. they are hiring all kinds of people. If he can handle heavy equip or electric he shouldn't have a problem.