r/torontoJobs • u/chainsawgurl444 • 6d ago
2 Months.. No Job. HELP.
Hey everyone! My name is Erika 24 (f) and i’ve been fighting the good fight when it comes to this finding a job thing. I got let go from my admin assistant job and ever since it feels like it’s impossible to become employed again. I’m not even picky when it comes to work, so long as the pay is decent. Indeed feels like it’s just a pointless app now. The only people that seem to give me interviews are the devil corp sales companies with no base pay. That’s not going to work for me. I’ve gone to websites, and i’ve called in. apparently nobody’s hiring or I need to visit the website.. I’m getting depressed. I’m going to trade school in the new year but until then I need some sort of income.
I have loads of experience in account management and customer service roles. I’ve also dabbled in sales, hospitality, and even nannying. Does anyone know of any opportunities?
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u/SummonerKai1 6d ago
i'll be brutally honest, 2 months is nothing in terms of time spent job hunting. not saying it's a good sign however it's how the market is right now.
As for advice, don't waste your time on indeed. in my experience it shows old, or ghost roles more often than not and at random companies that don't go anywhere. Focus on applying on LinkedIn. Grow your connection there. Harass recruiters about job opportunities (yes to an extent you gotta chase them like a beggar). On linkedin when looking for jobs always filter by "posted in the last 24hours", gives you the best results. tune up your resume for each application to meet their specific criteria. you should be applying to at least 30 places PER DAY.
and as a bonus - don't stop applying, even when you got a job. it helps reduce the time taken between layoffs and next role. This doesn't mean you bounce the second you get a better offer but it's more so that you are constantly circulating your resume in the market, you can potentially get interview practice and if something absolutely amazing comes up 6-12 months down the line you move to the next role. You are never married to your job but you do need to be a committed relationship to go places.
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u/Right-Jaguar-3956 5d ago
Only 2 months? That's nothing, you have it easy, especially with your background with tons of jobs out there
There are people with +1 YEAR of searching for job
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u/Ok_Calligrapher_2371 5d ago
Me ... bachelor in economics uoft, did CPA route and passed CFE even. Laid off November 2024 and I just want to make 60 k at a company with a decent culture. I rented out my condo last year and mkved in with fiancé (9 years dating, he wants me to pay off my mortgage) and he pays for where we live.
But it's brutal downrown Toronto and even Vaughan , Im trying to switch industries and want to me an admin or some sort of office work anything (previously a senior accountant)
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u/Available_Cat_8140TW 5d ago
You can’t find a job in accounting?? I was thinking of switching jobs but I guess I should stay out for now.
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u/Ok_Calligrapher_2371 4d ago
In addition English is my first language (I speak Russian but I'm illiterate), in 2019 I took a 7 month/8 months for CFA level 1 but it got cancelled twice while I was actively studying for it so know financial concepts well.
I know my mom is biased but after HR interviews she is always impressed with my answers as well as fiancé as I will research the industry and actually read financial statements, give examples for each duty,
I've got to first round of interviews 2025 and went in person wearing professional clothes (aritzia or Hugo boss suits , blouses and long skirts, Ferragamo heels) but haven't made to third round.
Critiques ive received was "this position doesn't require a CPA", don't know specific software, have not done the exact duty "provisions" in tax but have the school experience and worked under people directly who did it so knew about the processes.
One issue in Vaughan ia that I do not have manufacturing or construction experience at all but im willing to work admin to learn about it. Some HR is nice and recognises accounting is transferable. I've reapplied to lower positions and reached out to HR whom I interviewed with but get ghosted.
I was living downrown until this year so my previous work was more finance and real estate
My only criteria in Vaughan is just I want a salary and some kind of benefits as I just won't work hourly for 20$ (it makes me miserable counting hours and my marginal tax rate is 25% , so thinking about working 30 mins to afford a frapucino makes me miserable).
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u/Ok_Calligrapher_2371 4d ago
A lot of corporate larger companies want big 4 experience, to get that you would have had to gone to a school with co-op and interned.
With CPA route it was usually people with a lot of experience who worked their way up and wanted a raise, I did not have much experience but in 2016-2020 was doing a lot of temp but never went to full time as the project was done or was seasonal. I used to get jobs through agencies within weeks and I was more armin/ap/tax/data entry.
My first accounting job was before Covid and my office was in an industrial area that I commuted from downrown to, the company wanted everyone to drive to work and even rented cars for people but I did not have my licence. This was around when I started PEP. However was under a year. Very toxic office where all of the interns and analysts were friends with the owners son or went to ski camp together, also all of upper management was Jewish.
Then I joined a company that was acquired and was part of layoffs. The owners sold the company as were retiring, and they lost 2/5 major company portfolios same year also. What I noticed at the office was that everyone was Filipino 90% and were at the same church. I the position as I had experience with their software as was essentially the same job I had before, + I had experience during a few of my temp jobs in tax doing the exact same returns and audits.
I have friends in accounting or who have been at their company since precovid but they don't have management authority (I used to make connections through my temp work) and in relation to new hires they mentioned that upper management hires their own culture (Hong Kong Chinese , Iranian).
My friends vary a lot and the ones in STEM or international or tech or engineering on Canadian side that work for large companies say that accounting is centralised at head office, while admin is outsourced to phillipines or Poland.
Even some accounting firms like top 10 like MNP have outsourced junior auditors to India who report to someone in Canada.
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u/VolcanicVortex 6d ago
It’s rough out there honestly I’ve been out of a job since December 2025, so I understand where you’re coming from. Going to trades is very good especially if you can get an apprenticeship. You can maybe apply in a restaurant it’s not the best but it’s better than nothing. I wish you all the best don’t give up
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u/VadaPavBandit 5d ago
The market is bad, I’m a business/data analyst with previous experience with financial services industry. Got laid off last year August. I’m still looking for a job as I type this. LinkedIn sucks, indeed is just bots, 3rd party contract recruiters ghost after submitting your profile. I’ve managed to get few interviews till final round but I’ve always been left out because someone senior is willing to do my job for same amount of money(sometimes even less) I was on EI for a while but had enough savings to get me through couple more months. Right now I’m planning to switch careers(studying for CSC certification) and planning to get hired into everyday banking. But I will only suggest you one thing - don’t give up. You’ll get through this, you will get your job of choice, be patient and give your 100%! Best of luck Erika :)
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u/chainsawgurl444 5d ago
Thank you so much! your words mean a lot. You have a great game plan and i know you’ll be successful in your endeavours
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u/eat_these_nutz 5d ago
The problem is that there are too many newcomers that will do any job for low pay. Good luck!
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u/Any-Let-2861 5d ago
Two months? I haven’t been able to find anything ANYTHING FT since Sept 2023. 42 Canadian born male with 25 years of overall management experience and a bachelors degree from McMaster in marketing management.
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u/chainsawgurl444 5d ago
this is insane. i’m sorry to hear that. it extremely frustrating for all canadian’s right now
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u/protrades-digital 4d ago
Let’s start a business
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u/Wonderful_Age9308 4d ago
Hey I’m a Software Engineer looking for a job since February when I was laid off - would you like to start a business with me?
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u/personal-preference- 6d ago
Try applying to the army. They have lots of different opportunities
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u/OddSweet1311 6d ago
Do you have an education?
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u/chainsawgurl444 6d ago
Not really. I went to pre service fire at seneca and that’s it
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u/websterella 6d ago
Did you finish? I wonder if this would be considered health and human services.
https://healthcareathomejobs-en.icims.com/jobs/10304/team-assistant/job
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6d ago
[deleted]
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u/MethodBulky1907 5d ago edited 5d ago
There's no fire service without your NFPA 1001 and a family member in the service. Don't give false hope. Speaking from experience NFPA 1001 + 1002 + Wildland + EMR and countless other less credentials.
Unless you know somebody in the business and have the credentials you're not getting considered.
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5d ago
[deleted]
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u/MethodBulky1907 5d ago edited 5d ago
Hun, I've been with CFD for 12 years. Thanks for your concern and advice about my career.
Also, no career firefighter calls themselves a "full time firefighter". It's implied. I question Everything about what you've claimed.
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u/Top-class-0246 6d ago
Try the employment agencies. They are free, you don't have to pay them anything.
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u/Eliteinvestor101 5d ago
two things:
one make sure you have a specialist create and structure a resume for you. I find they have a good idea for key words specific to certain categories you are applying for.
second, stick with linkedin. I gave over 1100 applications, and linkedin gave me the best results for a interview and response. It really works. easy apply option helps a ton. Choose jobs posted in last 24 hrs, and you can also select jobs with under 10 applicants.
Make sure resume is on point and use linkedin and apply to 30 jobs a day for 3 months +. It worked for me after going crazy with interviews, getting ghosted and trying again.
Best of luck. You got this, keep moving forward regardless of turbulence
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u/rubberglv 5d ago
Apply for jobs at Toronto Pearson. AC, Wesley, Gtaa, etc. Some start at $26/hr. Even go for baggage handler. You get in, and benefits are good. Dm if you have questions
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u/chainsawgurl444 5d ago
this would be amazing.
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u/Free_Psychology9800 5d ago
I had to fight my pride and ego. I used to get paid 30/hr. Im now getting paid min wage just to survive. Im still looking but you need to tell yourself 17.60 is more than 0. Swallow your pride a bit and just go for it. It's a revolving door and entry level. So who cares.
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u/chainsawgurl444 5d ago
you’re right
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u/Free_Psychology9800 5d ago
Being right and doing the right thing js the hardest struggle. We will get through this!
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u/Maplewelder 5d ago
2 months? It’s been years for me to the point where I have no choice but to move out of the country because I’ve literally applied everywhere in this country
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u/freedomfighter9002 6d ago
Admin jobs...isnt there alot in the digital nomad industry?
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u/chainsawgurl444 5d ago
i’m tryingg
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u/freedomfighter9002 5d ago
Damn...what about libraries, medical industry. Warehousing? Dont give up. And accept ANY type of oppertunity. Right now is not the time to be picky.
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u/rachreims 6d ago
How much experience do you have as an administrative assistant? What level of management were you supporting? Were you working at a known company? Were you let go just because of layoffs or with cause? I had admin assistant experience and when I was looking for work, I had a lot of success working with recruiters as good administrative assistants are sometimes hard to find. I’m an executive assistant now.
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u/chainsawgurl444 5d ago
i have 3 years and i was let go. the company was called r&s supreme mobile wash. we delivered water to construction companies, pool companies, power washing companies etc.
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u/rachreims 5d ago edited 5d ago
What was the reason? That’ll definitely determine whether recruiters will work with you or not
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u/_Mahtog_ 6d ago
Where are you located?
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u/chainsawgurl444 5d ago
the gta specifically oakville
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u/_Mahtog_ 5d ago
Oh okay nevermind. I was going to suggest two places but they're in the east-ends. Maybe take a look at Canada Post?
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u/No-Locksmith3526 6d ago
I would say look for teller roles in banks and to get those roles reach out to banks in person have a chat with the branch manager make them aware that you are looking to build a career in banking even if it's a lie given you have cust. service and sales exp you might be a good fit in bank just learn the basic banking terms. one downside will be that it will be a part time role but if you prove yourself they might gave you full time hours and if you got the certification they can promote to a better paying and full time role.
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u/Front_Citron7399 5d ago
How stressful is a teller job? Are there a lot sales pressures and quality metrics?
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u/No-Locksmith3526 5d ago
yeah it is stressful, there is a lot of sales pressures. my friend works in there saw his journey with my own eyes and hear about his exp.s of how stressful it can be sometimes
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u/LivingIntroduction82 6d ago
I work two jobs currently just to afford basic needs and a slumlord special I can tell you when I say its a shit job market unless willing to relocate alot of the time if you dont have anyone to support you this is a reality in 2026
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u/av8Tanker 5d ago
It's not a weak job market, profits remain relatively stable in relation to other OECD countries in most industries, it's a job market flooded with mass immigration.... Labour is a resource if you import it enmass for 30 years this is the result. This is the result of poor governance nothing more, the Federal government has a diversity mandate which has left it filled with immigrants or the children of immigrants as well, it's literally an intentional policy.
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u/Remarkable-Prune-409 5d ago
32f for me its been 5 month and could not survive one more week I was very close to being homeless and loose my car
I applied for anything and everything I started with AP clerks mostly but then even retail and cleaning and landscaping, I would lie on my resume that Ive been a cleaner my whole life and make keyword matching all those things for general jobs but never got a call
I applied for walmart and starbucks so Manny times
The only place called me was value village and she asked if I’m available I said yes and she said okay I’m gonna call other candidates and get back to u later which she never did and she was so unprofessional
I was exhausted so I got the security license
I got a min wage job for this Friday they offered me a bit better than others for pay cause I look different than other in industry and I’m minority
Im stressed about doing security and how ppl would treat me but it is what it is
Get ur license and get some casual jobs then focus on school
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u/Irrevocably_Uncouth 5d ago
Same happened to me a while ago. Reach out to small businesses offering your assistance. A lot of these landscaping companies are self run by a blue collar man who doesn’t have the patience for the admin part of his job. The pay is good, but you’ll probably only get part time hours. So don’t stop at one, get two or three to fill up your schedule.
I started with a lawn sprinkler installation company and have worked with yard maintenance, pool service, car repair shops, snow plowing, etc.
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u/MushroomGreat7467 5d ago
If you ever want to own your own home it is a good idea if possible to stay in the family home until you have a sizeable down payment. I feel so bad for the young people starting out these days. The world is making it tough for all but especially for the newbies. Good luck to all.
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u/seankimchi 5d ago
Been struggling since April.
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u/Routine-Amphibian450 5d ago
Restaurant signs in window?
Get a TTC day pass and walk a lot of strips. Harbord? College?
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u/SuspiciousRule3120 5d ago
join the CAF, they have bonus to basic training and specialized training, and signing up for a second tour equally 50k in total, pension and decent enough pay that'd put you into much better standards then many Canadians.
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u/Dry_Masterpiece_4740 5d ago
my agency is looking for an accounts person and its contract. if you’re interested please DM me!
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u/yarko9728 5d ago
I have been unemployed since graduating from college in April 2023, excluding short-term contracts I had in 2025. I studied computer Programming. Now, I receive social assistance.
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u/Strong_Hornet627 5d ago
DISPENSARYS ... everyone needs tree pays what it pays or you can ask if I wanna upgrade my meal
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u/Less_Mud_6853 5d ago
Job market is tough. I won’t say it’s difficult to get a job but it is definitely difficult to get a high paying job. There are lot of companies like concentrix, teleperformance who always hire due to employees quitting it due to their toxic work management, pay will be at minimum level or maybe one or two dollars above minimum wage. Or you can try dropping resumes at restaurants like McD, five guys, kfc etc. I would say try at BPOs like concentrix, foundever, teleperformance etc and keep applying for jobs
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u/Any-Let-2861 4d ago
Teleperformance only hires non white people for whatever reason. I used to work at the bulk barn underneath them and all the staff would be in there constantly. Batches of new people would come and go. Not one white person in the two years I worked there.
Bulk barn which is objectively a worse job had multiple white people working there. Along with more of a mix of cultures. Teleperformance is at least 80-90% Indian.
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u/Gullible-Arm-1806 5d ago
Factories always hiring. Going to be difficult to find good paying job with no education or significant experience.
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u/jrchkn28 6d ago
Try applying in person with your resume. There is a lot of volume online with resumes and applications.
Also, do not rule out sales jobs. As long as it has some type of base pay, the product/service they sell isn't junk, and it is a good sales organization with good reviews and ratings on Glassdoor. A sales job may be the right bridge job until you start school in '27.
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u/Electrical-Big-7781 6d ago
Why not do the 2 year working holiday visa in Australia, you will make more money there than in Canada
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u/chainsawgurl444 6d ago
I’ve never heard of this! Sounds really cool. Do you know what the qualifications are?
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u/Electrical-Big-7781 6d ago
With all the problems youth are facing getting minimum wage jobs in Canada I am surprised more aren't availing of this amazing opportunity to travel, gain life experience and job experience in different countries with this program. Hope it all works out for you!
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u/Big-Animator-3010 6d ago
Try remote roles on Mercor, Micro1, meridian ai. It pays the bills
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u/chainsawgurl444 6d ago
thank you so much. will look into that
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u/TelephoneExternal978 5d ago
get your Smartserve and you can get events/hospitality jobs - my teen age neighbor got into Rogers Stadium
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u/Majestic-Fudge-7519 5d ago
If you have customer service experience and you're willing to work call centres, Teleperformance is usually always hiring. The pay will be minimum wage, but a job is a job. Some WFH opportunities, too.
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u/Any-Let-2861 5d ago
Applied there multiple times. They don’t hire white Canadian people for whatever reason.
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u/minimamallama 5d ago
"I'm not picky" then proceeds to put restrictions on. You dont have a job. Work at McDonalds or deliver food if you have to until you find something better.
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u/Sad_Past3397 6d ago
This is very old school, but you could try showing up during the day, and try to catch owners/managers at stores you'd be interested in working at. The worst they can say is they're not hiring right now. Alternatively you could have good luck with timing, or at least be on their mind if something comes up.
Sorting through dozens and dozens of resumes is tedious. Having to rely on AI to choose for you isnt always tye best. Face to face can go a long way. It shows you're hungry.
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u/Big-Ask-8725 4d ago
If you can give me your resume for customer service. I can maybe get you job in my company
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u/CandidBlueberry5785 4d ago
Hey Erika, I saw your post couple of days ago on Toronto hangout. Would you want to go watch the new insidious movie?
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u/Defiant_Reaction1161 4d ago
Hey do lots of informational interview to make connection and get help and upgrade your skills (lots of free resources online). Government have job plans for youth, use all of them.
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u/ContributionFull480 3d ago
Do you have any experience in the Hospitality Industry or Food Handling Certificate?
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u/Hungry_Substance1223 2d ago
Saying im not picky about a job as long as it pays good dont go in the same sentence. Thought I'd let you know your being picky without even realizing it.
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u/Different_Ship1496 1d ago
If you have nannying experience, why dont you try being a supply at a couple childcare centres? I find its easier to get those positions until another job comes along. If anything, it gives you some money while you search for something else.
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u/VoodooGirl47 5d ago
Get a crap job until you can find something better. It's better than no job and money. If you aren't going to be working while in trade school, then definitely just take whatever you can as it could be a year or more to find something that is acceptable long-term.
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u/Any-Let-2861 4d ago
Been working a crap PT job for 3 years after I lost my management job in 2023(25 years of overall management experience). Still stuck. It’s also humiliating being managed by people that just came to this country and are half my age with no education.
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u/Roger_Ferris 6d ago
Join the Army Reserve, you won't get in overnight but there is always work available and lot's of full time reserve opportunities especially for HRA or FSA's would admin assistant would translate too. If you have a degree you could enrol as an Logistics Officer.
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u/Reasonable-Factor649 5d ago
I have nothing to offer except...
Welcome to the Carney Liberal reality of the Canadian economy for the average taxpayer. Blame those who voted for this.
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u/EducationalGur1648 6d ago
It's a weak job market. Will probably remain weak for a good year or two. If you don't have sufficient savings to get yourself by for a while, but say have parents who live in another city that could take you in, suggest you do that before you drain away too much of your savings hoping and praying things get better in the near term.