Where can I find an entry level job that wil pay enough for me to live on my own?

try craigslist, there’s loads of jobs on there!

Waitressing because of the tips, although you might have to start as a busser. I would just go around and drop off resumes at all the restaurants in your area. Look presentable. If you don’t get any calls within a week or so. Make sure you have the manager’s name and number and call back or stop by again to follow up. Craigslist, too.

To get the experience, I would recommend joining a temp or recruiting agency to build up your body of work as an Administrative Assistant. I don’t know if “secretary” is still used. If you’re going the temp route, I wouldn’t recommend moving out until you’ve been hired on by another company (as in, Temp-to-Hire).

Be 100% honest with your temp agency on what you want and where you would like to go. They’ve had a lot of experience with many companies, and they will tell you the reality of your options.

The employment scene is vastly different all over the place, particularly during these economic times, so it really depends on where you are and what the job market is like in your area.

Thanks, guys! I live in north east ohio.

I was going to suggest waiting tables. You can make pretty good money considering you really only work part time, usually. You could even have 2 serving jobs if you wanted.

I made two typos in my first Fluther question. OH GREAT. I’m really going to find a job, now. haha (sarcasm!) :P

@aviona @essieness Both great suggestions for entry-level and fast money. That was the route I took when I was paying rent and putting myself through school. It’s a great way to make cash and still have time to do other things. If you have dreams of another career, it’s a good in-between job to have while you work towards that.

Security firms don’t pay much, but they are fairly recession proof and there is pretty high turnover because most who apply are not model employees. Plus, you might get some built in homework time depending on the gig. Shifts are generally 8–10 hours, and you basically walk the premises, test locks and report any suspicious activity to the police. You might have to buy boots or shoes and a flashlight to start and the might ask for a deposit if they issue you a jacket. There are different levels of benefits from none to full benefits if you work for a larger institution (such as a college or hospital) that employs it’s own security personnel.

@Amoebic Exactly. I was a waitress for quite a while in my early twenties while going to college. I got divorced and lost my “grown up job” around the same time that all hell broke loose in the economy. I’m waitressing again right now to get back on my feet. It’s wonderful for that!

Ohio is one of the very hard hit states with closings, so you have a greater challenge than some. I agree that a visit to a recruiting agency would be your best bet. Also see if your college has a career counseling office you can work with.

If you are interested in anything medical and/or like older people, check with the home health agencies about becoming an aide. You may need to get certified to become a Certified Nurses Aide but around my area some of them work on a contract basis and make around $15/visit. A visit may take 20–30 minutes to help them with their bath. Also, you can work as much or as little as you want.

Your education should come first because the longer it takes, the longer it will be before you can rise above entry level.

That being said, you probably should not be looking at office jobs that are usually during class hours and require word processing and spreadsheet skills. Waiting tables, home health care, babysitting for school-age children and working evenings and weekends in retail might all be good alternatives.

I would also think about if you want to live on your own or if you have to live on your own. Have you actually looked at the expense? Even in the least expensive areas it will take $1000/mo to maintain a place, which means 40 hours/wk.

If you want to leave because of family friction, just work 20 hrs/wk and study at school. That should keep you out of the house enough to keep the friction down. If there is no physical place to stay, you are better off with roommates and still stay out of socializing and roommate drama by keeping yourself busy with work and school. Keep your nose to the grindstone for the next 4 years and the rest of your life will be much easier.