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How is it hard to find a job in the city and what jobs are good for a college student who has to pay their own rent and get food?

How is it hard to find a job in the city, and what jobs are good for a college student who has to pay their own rent and get food. I’m asking for the future me so I can be ready for all of it.

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Subject: Career question for you

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Kelly’s Answer

Add to the previous replies here, specifically to address the need for job flexibility while in school, I suggest considering signing up with several temporary employment agencies. Let them know your skill set and availability limitations (class schedule will dictate your work hours), and see what they can offer.

Once you establish yourself as a conscientious and reliable person, you could be in high demand. You won't be required to accept every offered job, and sometimes temporary work (depending on your skills) can result in a permanent position. It's been a while now for me, but I used my typing and word-processing skills with temporary employment agencies to supplement my income while I was in law school.
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Dan’s Answer

Your question is very broad and I recommend you try to make it more specific. What city? What kind of job? If you're asking to become an automotive engineer in Boise, ID...likely very hard. You should look for that job in Detroit. Help us help you with a bit more specifics.

Generally - minimum wage jobs are easy to get right now. Everywhere is hiring, but is $12-15/hour going to pay your bills? I have no idea. Start searching for things like "what's the average rent in Dallas, TX?" Understand that you'll need to make 3X whatever the rent is of where you want to live. Look for job openings in your target cities. Once you find a few jobs that are interesting look for that job on Glassdoor. Likely you'll see the kind of pay you can expect.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey there N,

Navigating the job market in a city can sometimes feel like a maze, with competition, fluctuating job market trends, and specific employer demands acting as tricky turns. Factors such as the local economy's health, the demand in various industries, and the education and experience prerequisites for certain roles can make the job hunt a bit of a hurdle race. This can be especially true for college students who are juggling their studies with the need to pay rent and manage living expenses.

One of the biggest hurdles in a city job hunt is the heightened competition. Cities, with their dense populations, naturally have more people looking for jobs. This can make the race a bit tougher for college students, particularly if they're just starting their career journey or are aiming for entry-level roles.

Another twist in the job hunt maze is the specific demands set by employers. Many city-based jobs might need specialized skills or experience, which can be a bit of a challenge for college students who are still in the learning phase. Plus, some employers might prefer candidates who can work full-time, which might not always be feasible for students juggling their studies.

Also, city life can be a bit pricey, making it crucial for students to find jobs that pay enough to cover their living expenses. This adds another layer of complexity to the job hunt, as not all job offers might come with the necessary paycheck.

When looking for suitable jobs for college students in cities, it's worth exploring roles that offer flexibility and growth potential. Part-time roles in the retail or hospitality industry, for example, might offer schedules that can be tailored around academic commitments. On-campus jobs, like library or research assistants, can be another great option with convenient locations and understanding supervisors.

Additionally, freelance or gig-based roles, such as tutoring, graphic design, or content creation, can offer the flexibility to manage your own schedule while earning a decent income.

In a nutshell, the city job hunt can be a bit of a challenge, with competition, employer demands, and living expenses acting as hurdles. But for college students looking for jobs in urban areas, the key is to find roles that offer flexibility, growth potential, and enough income to meet financial needs.

For more guidance, you might find these publications helpful:

- The Balance Careers
- Forbes
- U.S. News & World Report

Take care and best of luck!

James.
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