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?
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Free registration at the forum removes this block.MJ, you are much inspiration for me, as I am from Chicago as well!
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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
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
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