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Homeless Teen in Chicago New Here

MJ DeMarco

I followed the science; all I found was money.
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MJ, you are much inspiration for me, as I am from Chicago as well!

Like the others have mentioned, your hardship will make you stronger than most and why you might not believe it, it will become an asset of yours. Iron sharpens iron. Pressure makes diamonds.

My advice to you in your situation is to become valuable. Have something that people want. And since you have limited resources, what you have is your time, your labor, and your smarts between your ears. A job probably won't come from a normal source (newspaper, sign) but based on your own ingenuity ... "hey I noticed that your XYZ needs fixing/cleaning/moving/etc would you like me to do it for $20?" Or, do it for free and hope for a donation. Focus on learning how to generate money, from nothing.

I wish ya well.
 

ashj1893

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so all that has been typed here, besides keeping this thread updated, what are you doing on a daily basis to work towards your IM goals?

Well members from another forum have been helping me out, one hooked me up with site that offers software tutorials, like WP, the Adobe line, and the like, and things of that sort. The other guy brought me into a Network, where I should be making some pretty nice commissions.......so yeah I'm doing a whole lot more than reading the forums and looking at inspirational youtube videos, lol
 

ashj1893

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Like the others have mentioned, your hardship will make you stronger than most and why you might not believe it, it will become an asset of yours. Iron sharpens iron. Pressure makes diamonds.

My advice to you in your situation is to become valuable. Have something that people want. And since you have limited resources, what you have is your time, your labor, and your smarts between your ears. A job probably won't come from a normal source (newspaper, sign) but based on your own ingenuity ... "hey I noticed that your XYZ needs fixing/cleaning/moving/etc would you like me to do it for $20?" Or, do it for free and hope for a donation. Focus on learning how to generate money, from nothing.

I wish ya well.


Thank you very much, MJ! Someday, I'll be able to register at the Lambo forums and feel good about it, lol :rofl:
 
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My advise for what its worth is to put your business plans on the back burner at the moment (doesnt mean give up on them or stop working on them but just that its not #1 priority yet). Get a job at any cost, get a roof over your head then you can get your business up and running.

Go to Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc..they have employment counselors with connections that can help you get into a job, any job. Like someone else said go to the malls as well and every store you can find. Go to walmart, kmart, lowes, home depot, all the big box stores ofcourse. Someone WILL hire you, you seem like a personable guy. Dont worry about the PHD competing with the highschoolers for jobs, retailers care about your work ethic, your attitude, your customer service skills, etc more than they care if you have a PHD or not. Think about this, chicagos unemployment rate is what 15% or so? I really have no idea but lets say 15% that means 85% of the people are working, whats stopping you from being one of them? You can do it.

Also, I dont know how student loans work really but look into getting one and going to school.
 

ashj1893

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My advise for what its worth is to put your business plans on the back burner at the moment (doesnt mean give up on them or stop working on them but just that its not #1 priority yet). Get a job at any cost, get a roof over your head then you can get your business up and running.

Go to Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc..they have employment counselors with connections that can help you get into a job, any job. Like someone else said go to the malls as well and every store you can find. Go to walmart, kmart, lowes, home depot, all the big box stores ofcourse. Someone WILL hire you, you seem like a personable guy. Dont worry about the PHD competing with the highschoolers for jobs, retailers care about your work ethic, your attitude, your customer service skills, etc more than they care if you have a PHD or not. Think about this, chicagos unemployment rate is what 15% or so? I really have no idea but lets say 15% that means 85% of the people are working, whats stopping you from being one of them? You can do it.

Also, I dont know how student loans work really but look into getting one and going to school.

i agree with most everything except the student loan part, it's just not optimal....
 

WBoone

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well being homeless is not optimal either and from my understanding of student loans is that you can work living expenses into them as well. That is why i said to look into them, not because i think college is going to make you rich or anything.
 
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PrincessK

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This thread is so awesome ! I am so inspired by all of the love and encouragement here ! You r a success !!

“Success is the
progressive realization
of a worthy ideal.”
Earl Nightingale
 

ashj1893

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well being homeless is not optimal either and from my understanding of student loans is that you can work living expenses into them as well. That is why i said to look into them, not because i think college is going to make you rich or anything.


But seeing as I have no income in the first place, AND the rising costs of Student Loans, it just doesn't make sense.
 

ashj1893

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This thread is so awesome ! I am so inspired by all of the love and encouragement here ! You r a success !!

“Success is the
progressive realization
of a worthy ideal.”
Earl Nightingale


Ok, seems good. :)
 
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johnp

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Thanks for the encouragement. Means a lot. I want to build an E-Commerce Site, and a new Social Media network, but I need to know-how to build them. I have seen the video on Robert Herjavec and how he graduated in English, and took a 6 month internship at IBM and was able to build his own Computer Security company, which is sold for over a $100 Million dollars to AT&T. He even built another Tech company which sold for even more. So I know I can do it, I'm all alone on my path and need to come across the right people as well.

I might be able to help you out. First, you don't need to know how to do any of the building. You can easily outsource the entire development of your social media network. There are drawbacks to oursourcing but if you are motivated enough then it will work. One problem is that you will need money to get a team, but outsourcing is a fairly cheap option. And I might be able to help you with the money part. You can also try raise money for your project at a site called Indie Go Go, you can google it. I started my own business, which is a social network. I started it with 20K of college debt to my name. It is possible to raise the money no matter what situation you are in. If you want to talk in private then feel free to PM me.
 
D

DeletedUser397

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I can't say I understand your plight because I've never been homeless or even close to poor. The only financial hardship I've experienced is being broke or in debt, but throughout it all I've taken a lot for granted. I'm very inspired by your attitude. It seems you're headed in the right direction, and agree with others that you're story will be an amazing one. I also didn't know there were others on this forum who had once been homeless - wow, that's even more inspiring to see how hard some have worked.

The only thing I'd like to recommend is listening/watching this video:
Inspiration : How Bad Do You Want It? (Success) - YouTube

And also, anything by Eric Thomas:
etthehiphoppreacher's Channel - YouTube

His youtube videos are incredibly inspiring and motivational, and he was once homeless, highschool dropout, etc. as well. Apparently it took him 12 years to get his college degree and about 20 years total to make it. But he kept on. In one of his videos he talked about how he made $20k in 2 days just giving a speech. He's someone who has been there and really made it. I think you may find his stuff helpful.
 

ashj1893

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I can't say I understand your plight because I've never been homeless or even close to poor. The only financial hardship I've experienced is being broke or in debt, but throughout it all I've taken a lot for granted. I'm very inspired by your attitude. It seems you're headed in the right direction, and agree with others that you're story will be an amazing one. I also didn't know there were others on this forum who had once been homeless - wow, that's even more inspiring to see how hard some have worked.

The only thing I'd like to recommend is listening/watching this video:
Inspiration : How Bad Do You Want It? (Success) - YouTube

And also, anything by Eric Thomas:
etthehiphoppreacher's Channel - YouTube

His youtube videos are incredibly inspiring and motivational, and he was once homeless, highschool dropout, etc. as well. Apparently it took him 12 years to get his college degree and about 20 years total to make it. But he kept on. In one of his videos he talked about how he made $20k in 2 days just giving a speech. He's someone who has been there and really made it. I think you may find his stuff helpful.



Thank you very much for the information, I will be sure to check it out ASAP! I still have SOOOO much to learn, YEARS worth of information to consume, and experience to gain, I look forward to accelerating my path as much as mathematically possible........


EDIT: I'm watching this Eric Thomas guy's videos right now, and he hit's the nail on the head! Can't wait to watch some more, while working on my own plans......I'm pumped, now time to keep my momentum moving!!!!
 
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ashj1893

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UPDATE: I've been trying to earn some money with Affiliate Marketing(JUST to get myself a place to live, while I work on my Fastlane Strategy, but it's not going so well at the moment, but nonetheless I'm not giving up!)
 

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Hey guys, just here to give you all a very unfortunate update. A couple nights ago, as some of you who have me on Skype may already know, at Pacfic Garden Mission, the shelter I was staying at, I ended up having BOTH of my unused 7 Day Passes along with $7 bucks stolen out of my wallet. Then, just this morning, my backpack, that had my Phone Charger, Snacks, Omega 3 pills that I needed, David Beckham cologne that I had for the longest, my MTG Collection that I occassionally used to sell cards out of the Card Shops to have pocket change, my notepad, and most importantly, my Laptop that I use to do my IM work, charger included, came up missing.

While I can't confirm 100% that it has been stolen, (since there's a LOT of bags inside the Day Room, and it MIGHT be lost within them) so I have to go there tonight after the room gets cleared out to know for sure what happened to my stuff. But the odds are highly against me, as I looked long and hard all across the room.....So I'm at the library's computers right now, and since I just happen to still have my Flash Drive so I'm able to Skype (Hit up Google for a portable version to bypass this issue and downloaded it to my Flash Drive like a smart person, lol)

Problem is, there's work that I'm just plain unable to do atm as a result of this. So now, I must find yet another way.....
 

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Hi ash!

One thing you could do is walk up to every company and corporation is pitch them on why you would be a good fit. In Chicago, if there are rich people, then there are probably some willing to help out. Affiliate marketing is good, but it takes some time to buildup your passive income.

Also, do you know of any youth groups? I know there is Boys and Girls club in America and Canada. If you simply talk to them, they will give you some advice and arrange for something. I just hope you find your things.
 
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ashj1893

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Hi ash!

One thing you could do is walk up to every company and corporation is pitch them on why you would be a good fit. In Chicago, if there are rich people, then there are probably some willing to help out. Affiliate marketing is good, but it takes some time to buildup your passive income.

Also, do you know of any youth groups? I know there is Boys and Girls club in America and Canada. If you simply talk to them, they will give you some advice and arrange for something. I just hope you find your things.

Hey sharp! Thanks for the advice. Of course, Chicago has plenty of people whom are very well off. The problem is an overwhelming marjority of them wouldn't give me the time of day because of the "undesirables" i.e. theives, panhandlers of the same skin color as me whom have been an issue throughout the city, namely downtown for decades. And that's even if I could get access to them. There's no way I'm getting past security in these high rises downtown. As for youth groups, they only deal with people up to 17 here, and since I'm almost 19, there's really not much available. The better places are all full and have waiting lists, or are for women and children, neither of which I have......
 

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Hi!

I know how it must feel like to be a minority as I am one myself. However, if you walk up to plants or factories, you might be able to get some chance. You could look into Boys and Girls Clubs. You are young enough and can start with a basic job. The least they can do for you is give you the resources to go ahead. I know from personal experience and since you are an eloquent writer, you could work with their marketing team and community. As long as you have a talking relationship, that's what matters. Tell them your story and go for a cup of coffee and simply talk like a friend.

In life, I am fortunate to have parents who even though are poor are still supportive and are against me moving out, but I know that my first professional job came from a personal relationship. If you need help with a cover letter and resume, I can pm you a guide on cover letter and resume which highlight your skills and so forth.

Right now you are surviving. Your goal is to be comfortable, and then work your way to the fastlane. Visit the nearest Boys and Girls club and try to develop a personal relationship. You are old, but old enough to be a teacher there or do something.
 

Gabeseg

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Been a while I've been to forum. It is unfortunate seeing what you are going though. Personally, I would not recommend one to move to Chicago. When I was still living in Chicago, it was hard finding a job. I was lukcy that I founded a job as I was recommend by a good friend of mine for the company he was working for and they gave me an opportunity. I worked and saved up some money and was able to pack my belongings and headed to Texas. My advice would be maybe see if you can do any minimal job (maybe working at daylabor) for a whiel and get some income coming; Save it and maybe relocate to another s where the unemploymnet isnt that high as it is in Chicago; Texas, Ok, has low unemployment rate. You can find a job here quickly. In fact a friend of mine moved out here recntly and within a week of coming here, she was able to locate a job. So, there is quote that says " Go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated." I have been living here in texas now for some time and I love it here. I go back to chicago every now and then, but I would not move back to chicago for one aiota. It's rough there. the weather, plus finding a job, plus I believe I saw somewhere that chicago was the numebr city for gang on gang vilonce; etc; So, my advice would be to relocate to another place. it's not as crazy as you think. Try to get some savings saved up and maybe get a job line up from another city just move somewhere to give yourself a fresh start. Anyways, I wish you the best bro. Everyone of us is rooting for you. With each mistake learn from it. See yourself as a student of the universe. Anyways, good luck bro!!!
 
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ashj1893

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Been a while I've been to forum. It is unfortunate seeing what you are going though. Personally, I would not recommend one to move to Chicago. When I was still living in Chicago, it was hard finding a job. I was lukcy that I founded a job as I was recommend by a good friend of mine for the company he was working for and they gave me an opportunity. I worked and saved up some money and was able to pack my belongings and headed to Texas. My advice would be maybe see if you can do any minimal job (maybe working at daylabor) for a whiel and get some income coming; Save it and maybe relocate to another s where the unemploymnet isnt that high as it is in Chicago; Texas, Ok, has low unemployment rate. You can find a job here quickly. In fact a friend of mine moved out here recntly and within a week of coming here, she was able to locate a job. So, there is quote that says " Go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated." I have been living here in texas now for some time and I love it here. I go back to chicago every now and then, but I would not move back to chicago for one aiota. It's rough there. the weather, plus finding a job, plus I believe I saw somewhere that chicago was the numebr city for gang on gang vilonce; etc; So, my advice would be to relocate to another place. it's not as crazy as you think. Try to get some savings saved up and maybe get a job line up from another city just move somewhere to give yourself a fresh start. Anyways, I wish you the best bro. Everyone of us is rooting for you. With each mistake learn from it. See yourself as a student of the universe. Anyways, good luck bro!!!


Thanks a lot, I appreciate your honesty. Not too many people are willing to tell the truth about how this city is. I have been pondering a move for YEARS actually. I've never been happy in this city, and it's not as alive as people make it out to be. While the gangs aren't really as much a problem as the media makes them out to be (they rarely are), it still is a problem if you're in the area, seeing as they do disturb the peace quite often. I am a witness to this, as I've lived all over the city my entire life. I at this moment have $115.00 in Paypal, $9.00 in cash, and another $100 coming through paypal soon after I get these boring Articles done. If I could move to another state or country knowing I'd have an opportunity to restart my life, I would. I just don't know where to go, or how much I'd need. I know I have enough for round trip via Amtrak, and the like, but where would I go? I also have NO connections out of state, or even in state for that matter......
 

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My advice would be to get more income saved up. At least 2/3 months for living expenses. I was very fortunate w as I didn't have a job lined up when I moved out here. I just went on faith that things would work out knowing that I had a strong spirit and that I can handle anything life threw at me even if it meant sleeping in my car for a while. But I would recommended for you to maybe try to see if you can get a job lined up before you do decide to relocate because it can be hard to rent an apartment without any job reference unless, if you maybe find a roomate, whcih is what I did for the first few months until I was stable financially. And, do not worry about no connections. I didn't know anyone either when I moved out here. I wanted to be in an environment that would soothe my soul. And it is working till this day. You cant pay me to relocate back to Chi-town. Don t get me wrong, I still come back for a visit every now and then, but this is where I belong. Anyways, with the internet, facebook, twitter, I would recommend to network. Find the city you want to live in and ask around as to how things are with job situation, what the cost of living is, etc. Right now, TX and OK, would be on my top list of where the economy is still doing well as it was not hit that hard with the real estate crash. I would recommend to stay away from places like California or Florida. But that is just my 2 cents. But I believe the most important thing is that you have to have strong believe in yourself that no matter what happens or what life throws at you, that you are going to make it. And if things do not work out, well, u can always move back. Anyways, good luck to you. Find ways to get the momentum going for you. Wish u the best of luck; I feel u bro as I have been where u currently are going though right now. Those were some of my darkest hrs. Anyways, good luck to you.
 

ashj1893

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My advice would be to get more income saved up. At least 2/3 months for living expenses. I was very fortunate w as I didn't have a job lined up when I moved out here. I just went on faith that things would work out knowing that I had a strong spirit and that I can handle anything life threw at me even if it meant sleeping in my car for a while. But I would recommended for you to maybe try to see if you can get a job lined up before you do decide to relocate because it can be hard to rent an apartment without any job reference unless, if you maybe find a roomate, whcih is what I did for the first few months until I was stable financially. And, do not worry about no connections. I didn't know anyone either when I moved out here. I wanted to be in an environment that would soothe my soul. And it is working till this day. You cant pay me to relocate back to Chi-town. Don t get me wrong, I still come back for a visit every now and then, but this is where I belong. Anyways, with the internet, facebook, twitter, I would recommend to network. Find the city you want to live in and ask around as to how things are with job situation, what the cost of living is, etc. Right now, TX and OK, would be on my top list of where the economy is still doing well as it was not hit that hard with the real estate crash. I would recommend to stay away from places like California or Florida. But that is just my 2 cents. But I believe the most important thing is that you have to have strong believe in yourself that no matter what happens or what life throws at you, that you are going to make it. And if things do not work out, well, u can always move back. Anyways, good luck to you. Find ways to get the momentum going for you. Wish u the best of luck; I feel u bro as I have been where u currently are going though right now. Those were some of my darkest hrs. Anyways, good luck to you.


Thanks for understanding......
 
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AcquireCurrency

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Contact local factories or manufacturers and explain you and your mothers situation to them.

Alot of factories that use production lines need labourers to move, inspect, package or assemble products. Tell them you will be happy with anything, I am sure it won't take long to find a job if you keep at it.


Good luck
 

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AcquireCurrency is right in that the factories and warehouses are your best bet to get a decent paying job w/o the completion of school. Only thing with that is that factories contract the hiring to job agencies, so calling direct might do you no good. Your best bet would be to:

1) google job agencies in the chicago area, specifically those dealing with general labour.
2) send a copy of your resume to each one
3) you should honestly be able to find a job from at least one (according to yellowpages there are 636 of these)
Chicago Employment Agencies | Employment Agencies in Chicago, IL - YP.com (you have to sort through those to find ones filling general labour positions)
4) Do w/ the cash as you see fit

Also, with winter/heavy snowfall approaching, you could purchase a snow shovel (new or used from thrift store), make some fliers and hustle your service to every neighbourhood in town).

With someone in your situation, I wouldn't be so focused on internet/affiliate marketing as it takes time.

All the best
 

ashj1893

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AcquireCurrency is right in that the factories and warehouses are your best bet to get a decent paying job w/o the completion of school. Only thing with that is that factories contract the hiring to job agencies, so calling direct might do you no good. Your best bet would be to:

1) google job agencies in the chicago area, specifically those dealing with general labour.
2) send a copy of your resume to each one
3) you should honestly be able to find a job from at least one (according to yellowpages there are 636 of these)
Chicago Employment Agencies | Employment Agencies in Chicago, IL - YP.com (you have to sort through those to find ones filling general labour positions)
4) Do w/ the cash as you see fit

Also, with winter/heavy snowfall approaching, you could purchase a snow shovel (new or used from thrift store), make some fliers and hustle your service to every neighbourhood in town).

With someone in your situation, I wouldn't be so focused on internet/affiliate marketing as it takes time.

All the best



Well, at I have been making leaps and bounds in IM, considering my circumstances.......haha :) I will be making enough money to get myself a cheap place to stay with 3-5 weeks from now, assuming I keep working at it. Even though it sucks a few hundred will have to go to a new laptop so I can get off these public computers... Also, I was left with no other option but to get a Link Card(Food Stamps), which gives me 200 a month (400 this month for some reason, which I can technically cash out at certain ATM's if I wanted to. 200 for the emergency funds, and 200 for the standard monthly.) So that helps, too. While my current mindset of myself makes me feel bad sometimes, with being homeless and all, while having to walk the streets everyday, lined up with Luxury Lofts, Condos, Apartments, Trump Tower, and the like, and seeing people go in and out of them......I am proud of myself for the current tenacity that I do have.....I've never forgotten the dreams and views I have in my head of the way I want myself to live and look years from now. So yea, it's a day by day struggle, but I'm slowly dragging myself out of this grave.....

Thanks to you all for the support and advice thus far!
 
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InMotion

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Don't take this the wrong way but your more dangerous than anyone can be, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Just think you have already experienced the biggest fear most everyone has and your still here. Many people could get a job by noon in this country if you’re willing and able, no debt, to work for lower wage levels; there are millions of jobs in this country you can walk on and do. You don't need special skills you just show up. Think construction, cleaning, hell see if a car dealer will take you on and start selling cars, whatever get creative. Do not stay in these jobs forever these are just meant to get you by while you pursue your goals, but if you gotta eat, you gotta hustle, and do what you gotta do. If you get a job, and had a choice, get one that you can LEARN valuable skills on the job, selling cars or selling most anything is worth learning, learning how to shovel fries not so much, it will allow you to eat but you may learn nothing valuable to use in the future. But if your in a pinch find anything to get you by while you look for something else. Maybe there are some entrepreneurs who would hire you there and show you some ropes. Get creative. Get a job, start a business, do both if possible, don't get into debt, and hustle and you'll get there.

Find some people who have been poor and are now wealthy and ask them , there are a couple on here. Just my two cents.
 

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I admire your courage to come onto the forms and admit your current situation , If I can provide some suggestions or ideas.

as people already suggested you need to get a roof over your head, and that means finding work, and getting a place to live.

If you have no ties to chicago maybe you should consider going to a place where you will better your odds of changing your current situation,

Image is everything. Don't appear homeless and a burden to society (not saying you are, as you don't sound like the type)

I have no problems helping someone out that wants to be helped, but when I see bums on the street with there dirty clothes and there hands out, I really wonder how much they want to be helped, that leads to all the stereotypes

What I mean is, image is everything, get yourself some nice looking closes(if you don't already have some) from the thrift store. Offer to work in exchange for some nice clothes that can be cleaned and presentable, and get out an get a job. . what you need is drive and the desire to succeed. create an elevator speech (under 60 seconds) as to what you would say to a hiring manager. and knock on doors, and sell your way into a job.

Once you have living expenses covered then you can focus on more ways to get into the fast lane, but until you can provide the bare essentials.


Get Creative. Create a sign that says, "I don't want a hand out, I want a chance. Will work for experience" or something crazy like that, but if you do that, make sure you are cleaned up. It would be an interesting experiment to see if after standing for a few days what kind of response would be had. Better yet, do it every morning, perhaps someone would take notice by the 3rd day of your determination. do it in the financial district,

Good luck
 

ashj1893

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I admire your courage to come onto the forms and admit your current situation , If I can provide some suggestions or ideas.

as people already suggested you need to get a roof over your head, and that means finding work, and getting a place to live.

If you have no ties to chicago maybe you should consider going to a place where you will better your odds of changing your current situation,

Image is everything. Don't appear homeless and a burden to society (not saying you are, as you don't sound like the type)

I have no problems helping someone out that wants to be helped, but when I see bums on the street with there dirty clothes and there hands out, I really wonder how much they want to be helped, that leads to all the stereotypes

What I mean is, image is everything, get yourself some nice looking closes(if you don't already have some) from the thrift store. Offer to work in exchange for some nice clothes that can be cleaned and presentable, and get out an get a job. . what you need is drive and the desire to succeed. create an elevator speech (under 60 seconds) as to what you would say to a hiring manager. and knock on doors, and sell your way into a job.

Once you have living expenses covered then you can focus on more ways to get into the fast lane, but until you can provide the bare essentials.


Get Creative. Create a sign that says, "I don't want a hand out, I want a chance. Will work for experience" or something crazy like that, but if you do that, make sure you are cleaned up. It would be an interesting experiment to see if after standing for a few days what kind of response would be had. Better yet, do it every morning, perhaps someone would take notice by the 3rd day of your determination. do it in the financial district,

Good luck

First off, thanks very much to the new people who replied......You are telling the TRUTH, ALL the way...image really is everything....there was only a short period of time that I actually looked Homeless, and a good amount of time, I looked as if I just didn't have money, and I felt totally like shit....but fast forward today, I have casual clothing, so when I go out, I don't look broke and/or homeless....it has made a hell of a difference....I'm about to begin Real Estate Deals, I've checked out books at the library, as well as read the FREE info all over the internet for months now.....I'm about to delve in....the fact I'm 18 with nothing to lose makes the success I'm striving for that much easier and faster.....The opportunity involving housing that I mentioned fell through after wasting pretty much an entire month on that, luckily for me I kept attending my fastlane classes, lol. So it seems as if my first check is gonna go to get myself an Apartment, and to invest in a computer, etc. I simply have to DO IT.......I look forward to giving an in depth explanation soon, as well as a report on how my first deal went.
 
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organicphoto

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I just found this forum yesterday and your thread was the first one I read. I grew up in Humboldt Park and I live near Chicago. I'm humbled by your current circumstances because it reminds me of the many resources I have but am not using optimally. There's a lot of wonderful people here offering encouragement - it says a lot about the character of the people here. I want to do the same, but I also want to use my proximity to be of help in practical ways. Many people are familiar with kiva.org where you can make micro loans to businesspeople around the world - I propose to market you and your drive to succeed so people can 1. learn about your story and 2. have an easy way to invest in you. You can PM me about the specifics of my idea or get in touch via Skype at organicphoto.

But for right now, you have immediate needs that need to be taken care of before you can reach your potential as an entrepreneur. With that in mind, I want to share this custom search for rooms for rent in chicago - chicago rooms & shares classifieds "room" - craigslist. I have a CTA card with several dollars on it that I can give you (you can pay me back) so you can check out the places you like. I also have an old laptop I can loan you. You can use it to get online and find some work while you save up to buy a better one. Speaking of work, there are 100s of short term local gigs to be found every day at chicago all gigs classifieds - craigslist. This can help supplement your income while you work towards a steady income. When you need to buy some clothes, I can give you a ride to the resale shops I've found that have the best selection for men. The places I go to sell suits in excellent condition for $12-$20. It's important to make the most of the little bit of cash that's coming in so you can get out of this situation as fast as possible - and stay out.
 

ashj1893

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UPDATE: After experiencing much frustration, etc. I have now been building up my Buyer's list so that I can begin my first Wholesale Deal.....I have about 4-5 interested buyers ATM, although it is quite hard to hunt them down via Online, or in the paper, and yet the list of FSBO's on Craigslist ALONE is staggering. However, I know that this is only natural, given the market. I really want to just go out there now and snag a buyer, and get a deal done, but I know it's best to have some more prospects beforehand, considering there's no shortage of sellers, :p
 

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