incredible. I've never heard of a place where employers choose from 30 plus applicants for a 9-dollar-an-hour job... (the same work I did back east for 13+ is worth only 9 in this town.) we might have to move.
seriously.
who can afford to live here, when the real estate market is so inflated and the job market is so BAD?

any suggestions?

... Especially regarding the lack of quality jobs and how equivalent jobs seem to pay less than in other cities.

I honestly don't have any advice for you. Is there anything we can do to encourage you?

-Steve

"I always wonder what folks in frozen lands will think when they discover that hell is full of grass yards that need mowing every day and heaven is a blazing desert." - Joel Smith

- -

my landlord is in the business of helping service-disabled veterans go into business for themselves... and
a 2005 executive order signed by Bushie means that Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOB) are guaranteed a percentage of all government contracts. It could be pretty lucrative... should be...

I was just really hoping to create a steady paycheck until the business got off the ground. now, it looks like I don't have a choice. if this business doesn't work out, we'll have to move for sure.

I can't tell you how many jobs I have applied for in the classifieds, that advertise a certain competetive wage (maybe 15 an hour) but by the time I go there an actually interview, they tell me otherwise. (like 10 an hour)
I have turned down a few jobs by now, because they just don't pay well enough for me to spend my time with them.

I hope you can get yourself set up and comfy soon.

as much as i love it here, a lifestyle as one of COS underprivileged class is not one that I am interested in.
Maybe if this business goes off as planned, I will be able to put potential employees through a hell of background checks, applications, and urinalysis' just the way I have had to do... and then, when they show up for the interviews, I can be like, "well, thanks, but I don't really need anyone right now..."
just kidding. I couldn't do that.

Don't know if you're into computer and software engineering stuff, but...

http://www.google.com/support/jobs/bin/topic.py?dep_id=1054&loc_id=8598&src=engboulderjobs

-Steve
_____________________________

Colorado Guy - New Mexico Guy - Montana Guy

but I'm a residential/commercial rennovation contractor kinda guy. I wouldn't last at a job like that.
I've spent time in the Army's 82nd Airborne div. and I have a degree in Criminal Law. not gonna be a cop though. dad was a cop. dad's dad was a cop. not gonna do it. I just can't lock people up. I'm not wired that way.

Aaron, can you post what type of work you are looking for? That might be helpful for people to offer leads. I know the classifieds stink for potential jobs. Its almost like they are fake. Same jobs have been listed for years. I bet if I picked up the classifieds today, I could find a job for the Quail Lake apartments that was listed more than 15 years ago when I was looking for a job.
Also, not to be a naysayer, but the government gurantee of contracts to minority or disabled does have loopholes.
When presenting for a bid, these businesses must meet the specifications in the proposal equally, and one can not grant the contract just because of who they represent over a business that met the specifications.

Good Luck! Hope you find something suitable very soon.

I know what you mean. I've been pretty pensive over the whole "gov't contract" shooting match. It's something I don't really care to be involved in.
However, a 2005 Executive Order places Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses at the front of the line in regards to these contracts. My business would not be exclusive. But, I will be one of TWO SDVOB's in Colorado Springs. As far as I know, I would be the only company dealing almost exclusively in ceramic tile.
I also have developed a few good contacts in regards to civilian contracts. I already have work lined up as soon as I can get my liscencing nonesense taken care of.
not sure if I got it yet, but the company name should be Tiling Pike's Peak.

With all the building they are doing on Fort Carson, would there be contracts of this sort on the base?

i forget the exact numbers, but the gov't is pumping somthing like 30 million dollars into carson over the next few years.

I'm sure others have told you a lot about the cost of living, but I'll give you my perspective.
I grew up In Manitou and lived in the Springs as an adult off and on. The Springs actually has a better job market than most of the touristy mountain towns. If you can manage to find a decent, yet affordable, apartment up there, you are lucky. If you can find a job that pays $9 (or more) and you don't have to work bizarre hours, you've hit the jackpot.
I'm really sorry to hear about your troubles in the Springs. I hope it works out for you.

a couple of months ago I responded to an ad in the paper for hardwood flooring installers. the ad promised "big bucks".. -like 14 plus.. I get there for the intereview.. they tell me,"$9.50 to start, $10.00 after a few months, and then if you stay with us for two years it will be $12"

i was like,"ok, whatever"

they call me a few days later to let me know that they've decided to hire someone else. ok, fine, the pay sucks anyways...

the same guys call me up six weeks later.. they want to do another interview. they say the guy they hired didn't work out. (huh, imagine that)

ok, I go to the interview, I get them all excited that they might actually have a good candidate for work...

and then i say,"well, you know, I've been doing pretty good on these side jobs..they pay well enough that i couldn't even afford to work for you guys...gosh, I wish you guys would have hired me weeks ago.. things might be different then"

they looked pretty bummed, but i didn't give a $#!T. -still don't.

these low wage payers the door. Wish more peeps had the ability to do that. Maybe hourly wages would rise around here.

Are your employment difficulties all over now?