How Bad Is the Job Market for the College Class of 2014?

I have an Associates in Computer Networking and Systems Operation. I took a job working in the IT department at a local school district - the starting pay is $25,000 a year. That's non-negotiable too, since it's a state job and the wage is set by NY state. However I get sick, personal, and vacation time, I get health insurance, a flexible spending account that I use for glasses, a retirement account, and a state pension. Plus all state workers in the union get mandated raises every year. My pay improves the longer I stay where I am.

Still, I'm making 25k a year, which sucks. According to the OP I'm lazy. but I'm okay with that. I consider myself lucky to have found a job in my field, and I'm debt-free (never took out a student loan). I'm class of 2003 if that matters. I spent almost a decade working a minimum wage job before I got this one.

What's funny is I wasn't the only one to apply for the job - someone with more qualifications also applied - but they wanted better pay and the school couldn't negotiate on that. So they asked me and I got in. I can't help but wonder if that other guy has found a job yet...

It sure doesn't seem like our economy is getting any better. From where I'm standing, it's only kept getting worse from as far back as I can remember.

originally posted by: crazyewok
a reply to: boohoo

Yet I got a degree in Biological sciences in 2008 at the height of the recession and had ZERO problems getting employment and further qualifications while working. Im self employed now but if I quit my job tomorrow id have no problem getting a $35,00 a year job within a week and if I was patient a $40,000 and likely be up to $50 or 60,000 within 3-5 years. Ad a extra $15k on to any figure if in London.

I only come from a middle class family, I did not go to Oxford or Cambridge and Im not in the "old boys" network.

I just got a useful degree in a difficult subject and have a nice CV.

Pat yourself on the back, you got a winning LOTTO ticket. I've got an email box full of resumes from engineers of ALL levels. I get unsolicited calls from people looking for work a few days a week. Guess whom my company prefers to hire under these circumstances? Not people with your background, I've got 3 PhDs that I can reach out a grab with my hand sitting 3 feet away from me doing work that required a B.S. ten years ago. I've got drafters that used to be "Disney Imagineers".

My take away? Count your lucky stars, your life up to this point has all been one crap shoot that luckily is going your way in the short term.

Wait, why am I even responding to you? You're not even in the USA, my example is based on experience, as a hiring manager, within North America.

originally posted by: peskyhumans
What's funny is I wasn't the only one to apply for the job - someone with more qualifications also applied - but they wanted better pay and the school couldn't negotiate on that. So they asked me and I got in. I can't help but wonder if that other guy has found a job yet...

It sure doesn't seem like our economy is getting any better. From where I'm standing, it's only kept getting worse from as far back as I can remember.

But hey according to crazyewok, your story is not the norm. HA...screw those guys, they have NO idea what they are talking about.

a reply to: boohoo

Agreed, I have nothing against the ewok, but it does seem like he lucked out, or perhaps he is right, and WHERE HE LIVES it's not so bad. I heard all these same stories before, and AFTER I did the college thing. My IT degree never even landed me an interview, I don't even get calls back from fast-food places. Have to do under-the-table jobs in back-breaking ditch digging, or tree removal, which isn't so bad. Although neither of those things is in my education, it feels like I wasted a lot of time, and a lot of money I still can't pay back. College is a joke, people go to get laid, and get a job, I go to learn, and can't find paying work. It's twisted and backwards.

a reply to: onequestion

I dont think 3d printers will build themselves someone or some group of people has to do it, 3d printing is a novelty, I bet every street artist in the world can trace a mona lisa too. come on bro

a reply to: boohoo

The USA is a very big place. Maybe the area some of these guys live in are not suited to there qualifications? Even in the UK that can be the case.

I live in the south were most bio tec and pharma company's are located. If I lived in the north I would be very very stuck for jobs.

So maybe its a case of some people may have to move around for work?

originally posted by: crazyewok
a reply to: boohoo

The USA is a very big place. Maybe the area some of these guys live in are not suited to there qualifications? Even in the UK that can be the case.

I live in the south were most bio tec and pharma company's are located. If I lived in the north I would be very very stuck for jobs.

So maybe its a case of some people may have to move around for work?

It might also have to do with work ethic. Many people today want more pay for less work. In my part of the US work is not that hard to find for people willing to work hard. In my Machine shop workers average 50,000 a year. And if you are willing to work hard 70,000-90,000 is waiting for you. We make more than the people managing the workers. We are a union and thankfully in a busy industry.

originally posted by: crazyewok
So maybe its a case of some people may have to move around for work?

originally posted by: SubTruth
It might also have to do with work ethic. Many people today want more pay for less work. In my part of the US work is not that hard to find for people willing to work hard. In my Machine shop workers average 50,000 a year. And if you are willing to work hard 70,000-90,000 is waiting for you. We make more than the people managing the workers. We are a union and thankfully in a busy industry.

Thanks for the contribution, "myth-makers", care to spin anymore yarns? I live in a major metropolitan area with more jobs per capita than almost anywhere in the USA.

Look I'm glad you are both in a niche that helps you sleep better at night, but PLEASE spare everyone the righteousness. The markets ALL over are bad, picking the right major in school is not enough anymore, nor is having work ethic or previous relevant work experience. The current job market, FOR THE AVERAGE JOB SEEKER, has more in common today with the LOTTERY, than it does with any of the previous market cycles we've had in the last 50 years.

STOP trying to spin facts.

a reply to: boohoo

This is not some fairy tale son I am telling the truth. The work in my region is not that bad unemployment is 5% and the economy looks pretty good.



Is it luck......maybe a little......does work ethic and showing up for work matter......more than luck.

originally posted by: SubTruth
This is not some fairy tale son I am telling the truth. The work in my region is not that bad unemployment is 5% and the economy looks pretty good.

Is it luck......maybe a little......does work ethic and showing up for work matter......more than luck.

Neither is my story, where i live PhD's are doing the work that people did with a B.S. ten years ago. That's got nothing to do with good work ethic, its employers basically wanting something for nothing.

I clarified your status, I never said you were a flat out liar, I sad you were self-righteous, exaggerator, telling wives tales:

I'm glad you are both in a niche that helps you sleep better at night, but PLEASE spare everyone the righteousness.