Re: get into sales or service.
Originally posted by JOHNDEEREGN
Things are ALWAYS going to be sold/bought. Whatever field you like, research it, then go sell it. Be honest, upfront with your client and they will love you. Them loving you means more $$$$$ in your pocket.
Many good sales reps make 100-150k pretty easy. Even here in the midwest. In NY probably more.
Service jobs are hot also, people like to have stuff done for them because everyone is so busy anymore.
Good luck,
Ty
*****Most of the above is true with the exception of the words "pretty easy". There is absolutely no flame intended on my part so please excuse.
In my area there are lots of people making the kind of money noted above, but you have to be REALLY, REALLY good at whetever it is you do. Competition is fierce, and there are plenty of folks with excellent preparation that have not been able to MAKE it happen.
Everybody wants to make a good living, and have healthy, happy kids going to great schools, have nice things, big house, cars, etc.. A very small minority ever achieve this. It's just the way things are. Finite resources, lots of people. Cream rises to the top. Cold, hard world out there for those who can't compete due to a lack of intelligence, skills, health, luck, or a combination thereof.
Any job that has the potential for six figure income is going to require some MAJOR skills and education, whether it be formal or technical education. Else, any person off the street would do it, instead of the typical work you see the less fortunate having to take for hourly wage, few or no benefits, and little security.
Good interpersonal skills, writing skills, phone manner, and professional appearance are almost universal in most higher paying professions, along with a college degree, if not an advanced degree.
There are auto mechanics I know who make 80-85k a year, with ASE and foreign car certifications, but they are CLEARLY not your average mechanic, or technician - and if you talk to them, MOST of them want OUT. Ditto for network computer specialists, programmers, etc.. They have to contstantly upgrade their skills, and they work insane hours, at least around here.
Real estate is a decent profession, and a LOT of people around here have their license, but it takes at least one listing to just pay for your yearly licensing, and fees. And, nobody is going to want to list their house with someone who just doesn't seem to have their act together. Perception is often as important as actual skills in this regard.
Most folks will make snap judgements about a young man wearing waaay too big pants, lots of jewelry, a backward baseball cap, and speaking like a thug.
It's unfortunate, but it is reality. Good luck getting listings looking like that.
Same for folks that need a haircut, shave and a bath. It's the politically incorrect, but otherwise correct way of trying to say that you have to conform to certain standards and mannerisms, along with having certain skills to get ahead. Real estate, law, medicine, high-end retail or sales, accounting, etc...The best in these professions are all virtual cookie-cutter copies of each other in their respective skills.
Some skills are universal - punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail, along with a sense of responsibility. Look at another recent thread on this board regarding the best jobs you ever had, and the folks talking about their Summer rental car jobs.. I am sure I am not the only person who felt a bit uneasy with how these employees were behaving at their job.
I would suggest looking at Bureau of Labor Stats on various professions, and maybe go to the library and get a book like "What color is your parachute" and other such books that give you a more realistic appraisal of your skills, and what kinds of things you might be well suited for.
I'll post some links later when I get home if I get the chance. Monster.com is a good site to see what's available, so is the local paper. Just get an idea of what is out there. There is no disadvantage to you getting a degree, in whatever - though degrees in the healthcare, computer, and engineering sector seem to be pretty hot right now. That can change, and already is somewhat as a glut of people enter certain professions that had opportunity 5 years ago. It's the invisible hand of competiton from Adam Smith talking 300 years later.
Anyway, sorry to ramble, but the degree will open many doors that would otherwise remain shut. The degree is kind of like the entry card, but once in, you have to prove yourself to go onto the next level.
There are PLENTY of folks without degrees out there, doing GREAT. There are MANY MANY MANY more without degrees NOT doing so great. It's all about increasing the odds in your favor.
Good luck in your search, I am already on my 3rd career, and I am in my early 30's. I love what I do, and am well compensated for it, but I will not be doing it for the rest of my life. I am lucky to be blessed with good health, and do what I can to help others, as I have seen plenty of people who just aren't making it, and they are doing the best they can.
Billy
Montgomery Village, MD
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