I use to work retail for 3 years with a clothing department store, and frankly, I do not want to go back to that life. I have a part time job right now, but I need a second job to help pay for bills. I was considering Starbucks in the Pittsburgh area since I do have customer service experience (and in my mind, Starbucks does not seem like the droning lifestyle that is of retail---which sucks the life out of you), and I was wondering, how is the turn over with Starbucks? Are they like Barnes%26amp;Noble (it seems you need inside ties to work at b%26amp;n) or more like fast food restaurants where people are in and out?
Any positive input would be great! thanks!Looking for a job....?
information and resources relating to work abroad, job overseas, canada jobs, USA jobs, dubai jobs, australia jobs, europe jobs and international jobs.
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Have you ever thought of working in a call center? I'm not talking about outbound cold calling and sales, but customer service call centers for like QVC channel, or RCI resorts or something? They are always offering overtime, they usually have good insurance, and they pay well. I am a travel agent working for Bluegreen corporation in a call center environment. I love it. Just a suggestion.Looking for a job....?
Have you ever considered working your own business?
I have a suggestion, go to www.stayhomeforgood.com
and see if this could be in your future along with Starbucks for now? Then eventually your business will take you a lot farther than you can go with retail or other places. The choice is yours.
1. Tell me about yourself
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.
3. What experience do you have in this field?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.
5. What do co-workers say about you?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work.
6. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
7. What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
8. Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is a distraction.
9. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.
10. Do you know anyone who works for us?
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organization. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.
11. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job.
14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in force.
15. What is your philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.
16. If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work, this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you do not mean it.
17. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.
18. Explain how you would be an asset to this organization
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
19. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
20. Tell me about a suggestion you have made
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
21. What irritates you about co-workers?
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come up with anything that irritates you. A short statement that you seem to get along with folks is great.
22. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude .
23. Tell me about your dream job.
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility. If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job where I love the work, like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to work.
24. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
25. What are you looking for in a job?
See answer # 23
26. What kind of person would you refuse to work with?
Do not be trivial. It would take disloyalty to the organization, violence or lawbreaking to get you to object. Minor objections will label you as a whiner.
27. What is more important to you: the money or the work?
Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.
28. What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
29. Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor
Biggest trap of all. This is a test to see if you will speak ill of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem with a former boss, you may well below the interview right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory about any trouble with a supervisor.
30. What has disappointed you about a job?
Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.
31. Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
32. Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that you may want another job more than this one.
33. What motivates you to do your best on the job?
This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good examples are: Challenge, Achievement, Recognition
34. Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
35. How would you know you were successful on this job?
Several ways are good measures: You set high standards for yourself and meet them. Your outcomes are a success.Your boss tell you that you are successful
36. Would you be willing to relocate if required?
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.
37. Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
This is a straight loyalty and dedication question. Do not worry about the deep ethical and philosophical implications. Just say yes.
38. Describe your management style.
Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels, like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have several meanings or descriptions depending on which management expert you listen to. The situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.
39. What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Here you have to come up with something or you strain credibility. Make it small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project and thus throwing coordination off.
40. Do you have any blind spots?
Trick question. If you know about blind spots, they are no longer blind spots. Do not reveal any personal areas of concern here. Let them do their own discovery on your bad points. Do not hand it to them.
41. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.
42. Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.
43. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
First, if you have experience that the interviewer does not know about, bring that up: Then, point out (if true) that you are a hard working quick learner.
44. What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All bosses think they have these traits.
45. Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
Pick a specific incident. Concentrate on your problem solving technique and not the dispute you settled.
46. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.
47. Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
48. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show acceptance and no negative feelings.
49. Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun by accomplishing something for the organization.
50. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? are examples.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
ROAD TRIP!!!! ANY GOOD IDEAS?
I'm bored and NEED a road trip!!!
Start---%26gt; Pittsburgh Pa
End----%26gt; Key West
Time---%26gt; As long as it takes!!!
Looking for fun, interesting even odd and strange places to see and have fun along the way.
Anybody got any good ideas???
Bars, clubs, restaurants, museums.... anything goes!!!ROAD TRIP!!!! ANY GOOD IDEAS?
"Amazing Tours and Travel"
http://www.amazingtoursandtravel.com
go to cars page and click on "Enjoy the Freedom of the Road"
There are also very valuable online travel guides at:
"365 EZ Travel" Blog
http://www.365eztravel.blogspot.comROAD TRIP!!!! ANY GOOD IDEAS?
You should map out where you would like your route and than do a google search to see if there is anything interesting around the area and if you can't find anything than request a brochure or something from the cities along the way through the visitors bureau so you know what is around. Also, AAA has travel guides with things to do in cities you should look at those. Sounds like a really interesting and fun trip to make though. Look into exotic foods that you have never tried a long the way or go through and only eat at the small vending food carts or eat at only local markets not fast food or fancy restaurants or anything like that.live meeting sample sales
Start---%26gt; Pittsburgh Pa
End----%26gt; Key West
Time---%26gt; As long as it takes!!!
Looking for fun, interesting even odd and strange places to see and have fun along the way.
Anybody got any good ideas???
Bars, clubs, restaurants, museums.... anything goes!!!ROAD TRIP!!!! ANY GOOD IDEAS?
"Amazing Tours and Travel"
http://www.amazingtoursandtravel.com
go to cars page and click on "Enjoy the Freedom of the Road"
There are also very valuable online travel guides at:
"365 EZ Travel" Blog
http://www.365eztravel.blogspot.comROAD TRIP!!!! ANY GOOD IDEAS?
You should map out where you would like your route and than do a google search to see if there is anything interesting around the area and if you can't find anything than request a brochure or something from the cities along the way through the visitors bureau so you know what is around. Also, AAA has travel guides with things to do in cities you should look at those. Sounds like a really interesting and fun trip to make though. Look into exotic foods that you have never tried a long the way or go through and only eat at the small vending food carts or eat at only local markets not fast food or fancy restaurants or anything like that.
If you had to rank the "best big cities" in America, what would your list look like?
I’m doing this research b/c I’m thinking of moving and I want to live in an area that offers big city living. I think the ideal “big city” not only has a large, dense population with a sprawling metro area, but also great nightlife/culture and restaurants, a bustling job market, big time sports, a “global city” reputation w/ lots of diversity, good public transportation and is also a tourist destination. With these parameters in mind, I created a five-tiered list of my own that classifies U.S. cities in terms of their urban appeal. Any feedback or arguments? Which cities should have made my list but didn't?
Tier 1
-New York
-Los Angeles
-Chicago
Tier 2
-Boston
-San Francisco
-Washington, DC
-Miami
-Dallas
Tier 3
-Houston
-Philadelphia
-Atlanta
-Seattle
-San Diego
Tier 4
-Denver
-Phoenix
-Minneapolis
-Baltimore
-Las Vegas
-Detroit
Tier 5
-Pittsburgh
-Cleveland
-Austin
-St Louis
-Portland, OR
-Charlotte
-Nashville
-Milwaukee
-New OrleansIf you had to rank the "best big cities" in America, what would your list look like?
Houston is definitely Tier 2. Boston isn't. Aside from the Boston Pops and lots of strip joints there isn't a whole lot to do there (you see the historic stuff once and then it is BTDT).
The problem with your Tier 1 cities is that they're all incredibly expensive to live in. Houston and Dallas are not.
only one that is New York City but only Brooklyn every other part of NYC sucksIf you had to rank the "best big cities" in America, what would your list look like?
Tier 1 Should def be
-NY
-Chicago
-LA
I think Philly should be in tier 2. That's my only problem...otherwise, great job!
You might want to consider San Antonio on your list. San Antonio has lots to offer including a decent job market and housing market. It also has lots of neat restuarants and night life offerings and is often considered the "oddball" in Texas because of that along with the city culture.
In your top tier, LA really has no public transportation to speak of and is more of a giant suburb as opposed to the metro areas you find in Chicago and New York. Chicago and New York both offer lots of what your looking for but Chicago has more of a relaxed culture as compared to New York where the people are more on the go and brisk in their conversations. Its basically the diffrence between east coast and midwest.
San Fran also offers lots of great city culture but it stays relatively cool so if your a warm weather fan prolly not the best choice.
Tier 1
-New York
-Los Angeles
-Chicago
Tier 2
-Boston
-San Francisco
-Washington, DC
-Miami
-Dallas
Tier 3
-Houston
-Philadelphia
-Atlanta
-Seattle
-San Diego
Tier 4
-Denver
-Phoenix
-Minneapolis
-Baltimore
-Las Vegas
-Detroit
Tier 5
-Pittsburgh
-Cleveland
-Austin
-St Louis
-Portland, OR
-Charlotte
-Nashville
-Milwaukee
-New OrleansIf you had to rank the "best big cities" in America, what would your list look like?
Houston is definitely Tier 2. Boston isn't. Aside from the Boston Pops and lots of strip joints there isn't a whole lot to do there (you see the historic stuff once and then it is BTDT).
The problem with your Tier 1 cities is that they're all incredibly expensive to live in. Houston and Dallas are not.
only one that is New York City but only Brooklyn every other part of NYC sucksIf you had to rank the "best big cities" in America, what would your list look like?
Tier 1 Should def be
-NY
-Chicago
-LA
I think Philly should be in tier 2. That's my only problem...otherwise, great job!
You might want to consider San Antonio on your list. San Antonio has lots to offer including a decent job market and housing market. It also has lots of neat restuarants and night life offerings and is often considered the "oddball" in Texas because of that along with the city culture.
In your top tier, LA really has no public transportation to speak of and is more of a giant suburb as opposed to the metro areas you find in Chicago and New York. Chicago and New York both offer lots of what your looking for but Chicago has more of a relaxed culture as compared to New York where the people are more on the go and brisk in their conversations. Its basically the diffrence between east coast and midwest.
San Fran also offers lots of great city culture but it stays relatively cool so if your a warm weather fan prolly not the best choice.
Why is Los Angeles so hard to adjust to!?
I have been here since about the beginning of May and ever since then my opinion of the city has gradually decreased. Yes, the weather is gorgeous, yes, a lot of people are fit, yes, the beaches are stupendous, yes, there is a lot of diversity (and really really good vietnamese restaurants!)...
But beyond that, and the cool things about the city, there is a lot that has started to really creep under my skin far beyond my contorl.
For one, I come from the east coast with a midwest mentality I guess (liberal, open-minded, chill) -- Pittsburgh --;.
I find that yes, the stereotype about fake people in LA is overwhelmingly true, and even though a lot of people aren't, the fact that there are a lot of fake people overshadows the positivity.
Also, it is so crazy expensive and for me being a 20 year old college student I can't even move into an apartment and have to move "back in" with my parents (i used to go to college in florida but had to withdraw b/c it was too expensive.)
Also, the materialism. Don't get me wrong, I like to shop, but after awhile you feel like you HAVE to have a lamborghini, you HAVE to have the finest this, that, whatever. And truthfully, do we need it? No!
Also, it seems very difficult to meet people, and yes I have been trying a lot (I work 9 hours a week - that's all they give me - and I go to social things but I just haven't clicked with ANYBODY.)
I'm confused, lost, and feel like my dreams are slipping. Anybody else have similar stories?
Thanks!|||Marblebeach,
I'm confused, you say your from Pittsburgh, and yet you moved back in with your parents after returning from Florida?
So I guess they moved out here, and you moved in, do I have this right?
And then you went to florida, but moved back HOME because it was too expensive.
OK I think I've got that part, kinda sorta.
My ancestry goes back a mere 120 years, not like the eal natives, bot Cali is all I know so here are my hobbies over the years
Surfing, camping, skateboarding, BMX, moto-cross collecting rocks(mostly fossils collected locally), baseball cards, mad magazines stock car pit crew, collecting old diner plates, the list goes on and on.
this is just a drop in the bucket as to what you can do here, you are correct, this is the place to be, in my lifetime the population has quadrupled.
Here's the part where you stop reading: And in spite of all that is here, in spite of all that you can do for relatively cheap, in spite of the 14 million people that live here, all you can focus on are the ones who are in love with themselves.
You are a mere child at twenty. you should be waaaaay to busy to care one lick about what ANYONE else is doing, why? Because you are too busy having FUN
all of those hobbies I've done? I never mixed my friends from one group[ to the next, most I still keep in Touch with, and I expose my kids to as much as possible, sooner or later something sticks and then we run with that Idea
you can sit and snivel or you can join every group you can in college, sure there's weenies, sure theres folks who take themselves too seriously
If you are as liberal as you say you are, than show it, be wise, those people that upset you? they aren't any happier than you. Possessions do not a person make
When you can focus on what it would take to make you who you are, then those posers will fall away into nothingness|||Yeah I agree with you, I'm originally from Pittsburgh, been living in LA off and on for the past 8 years... Still am always happy to be back home in Pittsburgh.
I just guess where ever you were born and called home is the bar you compare other cities to. Sure LA has lots to do and see, but I've yet to be in a city that is as "comfortable" as Pittsburgh. Just different way of living and way of doing things.|||There are places in LA where everyone doesn't have to keep up with everyone else and not everyone on the street has a beamer. A couple of areas that come to mind are Long Beach/South Bay and Pasadena. Yes, you still need money but the majority of people in these neighborhoods don't flash it.
Good luck.|||LA is very diverse. If you aren't finding what you are looking for, you aren't looking in the right place.
Try to be yourself, and be natural. Don't have expectations. Have you heard the phrase "you find it where you least expect it"?|||I don't think you have given it enough time. You will adjust after a while.
Everyone has a lambo ?....Scheesch, I better run out and get one....|||just find good friends|||too hot for my liking|||I live in the South Bay, near Long Beach etc. There are TONS of things to do. Only "rich" neighborhoods have the attitude you're describing. Like Bevery Hills, Hollywood etc... That's NOT representative of most people or neighborhoods in California or Los Angeles, just like it's not "fair" to judge the "rich" neighborhoods near Detroit, Chicago, etc...
Affordable non-snobby neighborhoods include Monrovia/Duarte, east of Pasadena, Torrance which is west of Long Beach.
North of here is San Luis Obispo (my favorite area to vacation) with an incredible school Cal Poly.
I've been out of school for a long time so I cannot advise most affordable schools or student housing or apartments.
But stop judging everything based on Hollywood.
Most of us are just normal people with that great weather.
Try volunteering for a beach cleanup, a theater group etc... and you'll get a better flavor for things as well as meet "normal" people.|||You have only been here 3.5 months, that isn't enough time to give the place a chance. I didn't meet any decent people until I had been here 6 months. I also spent almost every weekend by myself sightseeing and getting to know my new city. That helped immensely. I think I know more and have seen more of California than the majority of people that live here.
My job transferred me out here 3.5 years ago and I don't find the people that much different than my hometown of Dallas. There are lots of fake-blond, overly silicone inflated, Botox injected, materialistic people there too.
It is expensive here. If I were to rent a comparable apartment to what I had in Dallas I would have to pay $2000 per month. In Dallas I paid $750 a month. Even though I make $20,000 more a year it's still hard to make ends meet.
Where are you going to meet people? Maybe that is your problem. Go to more low-key bars and not Hollywood or West LA. The beach cities are more chill than inland.
Fake, materialistic people are insecure people. They don't deserve your time.
What are your interests? Join groups online. If you like food or bars register on yelp.com. They frequently have foodie get togethers.
There is a Pittsburgh Steelers meetup.com group in LA. You can meet other people from the steel city in LA and commiserate about LA.|||I moved to LA from Vancouver in 2001 and I got used to it in about 5 minutes.
Mind you my daughter went to high school and went to Pittsburgh to go to college. Pittsburgh is a lot nicer than people think it is. However she is returning here for her doctorate.
Here, you do have to get used to everything being so spread out compared to Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh in 30 minutes, you can get from Monroeville to McKeesport. In LA, in 30 minutes you ar ein another neighborhood that looks just like the one you left.
You do have to scale back your expectations on living quarters here. Most college students live 2 or 3 to an apartment here.
If you want to meet people join some clubs. I met good people joining Toastmasters. And Toastmasters is cheap.
As for the materialism, I do not know where you are getting that from. I have been here for 8 years and I drive a Ford Focus and an very happy with it. My daughter, who went to high school here is quite happy with a Chevy Cavalier. Sure there are some people with expensive cars. So what?|||You should have asked before you moved here. Here is an excerpt of what I tell people who ask about LA:
For a number of reasons, we get a bunch of questions asking what it’s really like in SoCal.
First of all, I'll tell you what it's NOT like: It's not like anything on TV. People watch shows on TV and think that’s what it’s like out here. The “Real OC”, Newport Beach, The Hills, etc. Ever wonder why people in those shows never have to pay bills, do laundry, and are NEVER stuck in traffic? Because it’s FAKE. And the news doesn’t help either, since they know that sex and sensationalism sells. News flash: There aren’t running gun battles in the street. There aren’t shootouts every day. Also, you don’t see celebrities just walking down the street, all glammed up, or sipping a cappuccino at Starbucks waiting to sign autographs. We don't go surfing during lunch hour.
Some sections are REALLY nice, others are “ghetto”. Too many people have this vision in their head that LA and Orange County are one or the other (either Beverly Hills or Compton). They either think it is a fairy tale fantasy or an apocalyptic ghetto. In fact, most of it is working class and middle class stiffs working to pay the bills. Like me.
Yes, gas and real estate are very expensive in SoCal. However, this would be the best time to BUY a house because it's a buyer's market right now. There are a lot of foreclosures, and too many houses on the market. If you want to rent, figure on $1200 per month for a 1BR in a decent neighborhood. You need to make about $30,000 per year in order to do that. You can't do it on minimum wage.
Yep, freeways are a drag, it's smoggy in summer, and expensive to live here. Yet, if it's so bad, why do we have thousands and thousands of people moving here? Weather, year-round activities, jobs, beaches, mountains, and deserts all within driving distance, and plenty of opportunity for those who have the skills and tenacity.
However, it is not for everyone. Every time someone posts this question, you get the LA haters who post their bile and venom. A lot of them don’t know what they are talking about. Some people never even visit, and hate it on principle and stereotypes. Some actually visited once, and found out it wasn’t like it was on TV, and it certainly wasn’t Mayberry. And some actually lived here, and couldn’t deal with the expense, the traffic, or the somewhat impersonal nature of living in a large metropolis. To those I would say “good luck” to you wherever you are, but please don’t spew your hatred in this forum.
More about “casual indifference: Most people here have cinder block fences between houses. In other parts of the country, you sometimes have no fences at all! It’s just the lifestyle here: People want their own private space. It’s sort of “you do your thing, I’ll do mine”. I wouldn't call people here "fake". I think "superficial" is a better descriptor.
To summarize, it’s a HUGE metropolis that really defies easy description. I live in one of the nicer suburbs, but the commute is no fun, often 1-2 hours each way each day. However, 340+ days of sunshine really helps. Yeah, it's expensive. Mrs. Obviousman and I both have to work to pay the mortgage. But is it worth it? Absolutely! But before you move here, you have to have a career already started, or live with a relative. Real estate is too expensive.
As for the materialism, it only gets to you if you let it. I don't know what pressure you're feeling. Personally, you don't HAVE to have the latest and greatest. I've driven the same car for 16 years now, getting close to 300,000 miles. Go Chevy!|||So many people come here with a pre-conceived idea for what LA is like, and when those ideas don't jive with the reality ... it's a bummer.
After re-reading your paragraph, you're awfully negative, hon. Will you re-read your paragraph, only pretend that you don't know who wrote it?
(pause, while you read it .... it's ok. I'll wait.)
What do you think of the person who wrote it, now?
My best advice to you is to try something that you haven't tried before. Not knowing what school you're attending or what part of town you're in, or whether you have a car to get around, it's hard to suggest anything. Just keep this firmly in mind: In order to have what you've never had, you have to do what you've never done.
Be yourself, but be better. Get the gray cloud from over your head, and start with YOU. What kind of day do YOU want to have? Screw anyone who thinks that anything less than a lambo is sad, ok? They're just snobs, and not worth your time. There ARE real people who don't care what's in your bank account.
Best of luck !!
But beyond that, and the cool things about the city, there is a lot that has started to really creep under my skin far beyond my contorl.
For one, I come from the east coast with a midwest mentality I guess (liberal, open-minded, chill) -- Pittsburgh --;.
I find that yes, the stereotype about fake people in LA is overwhelmingly true, and even though a lot of people aren't, the fact that there are a lot of fake people overshadows the positivity.
Also, it is so crazy expensive and for me being a 20 year old college student I can't even move into an apartment and have to move "back in" with my parents (i used to go to college in florida but had to withdraw b/c it was too expensive.)
Also, the materialism. Don't get me wrong, I like to shop, but after awhile you feel like you HAVE to have a lamborghini, you HAVE to have the finest this, that, whatever. And truthfully, do we need it? No!
Also, it seems very difficult to meet people, and yes I have been trying a lot (I work 9 hours a week - that's all they give me - and I go to social things but I just haven't clicked with ANYBODY.)
I'm confused, lost, and feel like my dreams are slipping. Anybody else have similar stories?
Thanks!|||Marblebeach,
I'm confused, you say your from Pittsburgh, and yet you moved back in with your parents after returning from Florida?
So I guess they moved out here, and you moved in, do I have this right?
And then you went to florida, but moved back HOME because it was too expensive.
OK I think I've got that part, kinda sorta.
My ancestry goes back a mere 120 years, not like the eal natives, bot Cali is all I know so here are my hobbies over the years
Surfing, camping, skateboarding, BMX, moto-cross collecting rocks(mostly fossils collected locally), baseball cards, mad magazines stock car pit crew, collecting old diner plates, the list goes on and on.
this is just a drop in the bucket as to what you can do here, you are correct, this is the place to be, in my lifetime the population has quadrupled.
Here's the part where you stop reading: And in spite of all that is here, in spite of all that you can do for relatively cheap, in spite of the 14 million people that live here, all you can focus on are the ones who are in love with themselves.
You are a mere child at twenty. you should be waaaaay to busy to care one lick about what ANYONE else is doing, why? Because you are too busy having FUN
all of those hobbies I've done? I never mixed my friends from one group[ to the next, most I still keep in Touch with, and I expose my kids to as much as possible, sooner or later something sticks and then we run with that Idea
you can sit and snivel or you can join every group you can in college, sure there's weenies, sure theres folks who take themselves too seriously
If you are as liberal as you say you are, than show it, be wise, those people that upset you? they aren't any happier than you. Possessions do not a person make
When you can focus on what it would take to make you who you are, then those posers will fall away into nothingness|||Yeah I agree with you, I'm originally from Pittsburgh, been living in LA off and on for the past 8 years... Still am always happy to be back home in Pittsburgh.
I just guess where ever you were born and called home is the bar you compare other cities to. Sure LA has lots to do and see, but I've yet to be in a city that is as "comfortable" as Pittsburgh. Just different way of living and way of doing things.|||There are places in LA where everyone doesn't have to keep up with everyone else and not everyone on the street has a beamer. A couple of areas that come to mind are Long Beach/South Bay and Pasadena. Yes, you still need money but the majority of people in these neighborhoods don't flash it.
Good luck.|||LA is very diverse. If you aren't finding what you are looking for, you aren't looking in the right place.
Try to be yourself, and be natural. Don't have expectations. Have you heard the phrase "you find it where you least expect it"?|||I don't think you have given it enough time. You will adjust after a while.
Everyone has a lambo ?....Scheesch, I better run out and get one....|||just find good friends|||too hot for my liking|||I live in the South Bay, near Long Beach etc. There are TONS of things to do. Only "rich" neighborhoods have the attitude you're describing. Like Bevery Hills, Hollywood etc... That's NOT representative of most people or neighborhoods in California or Los Angeles, just like it's not "fair" to judge the "rich" neighborhoods near Detroit, Chicago, etc...
Affordable non-snobby neighborhoods include Monrovia/Duarte, east of Pasadena, Torrance which is west of Long Beach.
North of here is San Luis Obispo (my favorite area to vacation) with an incredible school Cal Poly.
I've been out of school for a long time so I cannot advise most affordable schools or student housing or apartments.
But stop judging everything based on Hollywood.
Most of us are just normal people with that great weather.
Try volunteering for a beach cleanup, a theater group etc... and you'll get a better flavor for things as well as meet "normal" people.|||You have only been here 3.5 months, that isn't enough time to give the place a chance. I didn't meet any decent people until I had been here 6 months. I also spent almost every weekend by myself sightseeing and getting to know my new city. That helped immensely. I think I know more and have seen more of California than the majority of people that live here.
My job transferred me out here 3.5 years ago and I don't find the people that much different than my hometown of Dallas. There are lots of fake-blond, overly silicone inflated, Botox injected, materialistic people there too.
It is expensive here. If I were to rent a comparable apartment to what I had in Dallas I would have to pay $2000 per month. In Dallas I paid $750 a month. Even though I make $20,000 more a year it's still hard to make ends meet.
Where are you going to meet people? Maybe that is your problem. Go to more low-key bars and not Hollywood or West LA. The beach cities are more chill than inland.
Fake, materialistic people are insecure people. They don't deserve your time.
What are your interests? Join groups online. If you like food or bars register on yelp.com. They frequently have foodie get togethers.
There is a Pittsburgh Steelers meetup.com group in LA. You can meet other people from the steel city in LA and commiserate about LA.|||I moved to LA from Vancouver in 2001 and I got used to it in about 5 minutes.
Mind you my daughter went to high school and went to Pittsburgh to go to college. Pittsburgh is a lot nicer than people think it is. However she is returning here for her doctorate.
Here, you do have to get used to everything being so spread out compared to Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh in 30 minutes, you can get from Monroeville to McKeesport. In LA, in 30 minutes you ar ein another neighborhood that looks just like the one you left.
You do have to scale back your expectations on living quarters here. Most college students live 2 or 3 to an apartment here.
If you want to meet people join some clubs. I met good people joining Toastmasters. And Toastmasters is cheap.
As for the materialism, I do not know where you are getting that from. I have been here for 8 years and I drive a Ford Focus and an very happy with it. My daughter, who went to high school here is quite happy with a Chevy Cavalier. Sure there are some people with expensive cars. So what?|||You should have asked before you moved here. Here is an excerpt of what I tell people who ask about LA:
For a number of reasons, we get a bunch of questions asking what it’s really like in SoCal.
First of all, I'll tell you what it's NOT like: It's not like anything on TV. People watch shows on TV and think that’s what it’s like out here. The “Real OC”, Newport Beach, The Hills, etc. Ever wonder why people in those shows never have to pay bills, do laundry, and are NEVER stuck in traffic? Because it’s FAKE. And the news doesn’t help either, since they know that sex and sensationalism sells. News flash: There aren’t running gun battles in the street. There aren’t shootouts every day. Also, you don’t see celebrities just walking down the street, all glammed up, or sipping a cappuccino at Starbucks waiting to sign autographs. We don't go surfing during lunch hour.
Some sections are REALLY nice, others are “ghetto”. Too many people have this vision in their head that LA and Orange County are one or the other (either Beverly Hills or Compton). They either think it is a fairy tale fantasy or an apocalyptic ghetto. In fact, most of it is working class and middle class stiffs working to pay the bills. Like me.
Yes, gas and real estate are very expensive in SoCal. However, this would be the best time to BUY a house because it's a buyer's market right now. There are a lot of foreclosures, and too many houses on the market. If you want to rent, figure on $1200 per month for a 1BR in a decent neighborhood. You need to make about $30,000 per year in order to do that. You can't do it on minimum wage.
Yep, freeways are a drag, it's smoggy in summer, and expensive to live here. Yet, if it's so bad, why do we have thousands and thousands of people moving here? Weather, year-round activities, jobs, beaches, mountains, and deserts all within driving distance, and plenty of opportunity for those who have the skills and tenacity.
However, it is not for everyone. Every time someone posts this question, you get the LA haters who post their bile and venom. A lot of them don’t know what they are talking about. Some people never even visit, and hate it on principle and stereotypes. Some actually visited once, and found out it wasn’t like it was on TV, and it certainly wasn’t Mayberry. And some actually lived here, and couldn’t deal with the expense, the traffic, or the somewhat impersonal nature of living in a large metropolis. To those I would say “good luck” to you wherever you are, but please don’t spew your hatred in this forum.
More about “casual indifference: Most people here have cinder block fences between houses. In other parts of the country, you sometimes have no fences at all! It’s just the lifestyle here: People want their own private space. It’s sort of “you do your thing, I’ll do mine”. I wouldn't call people here "fake". I think "superficial" is a better descriptor.
To summarize, it’s a HUGE metropolis that really defies easy description. I live in one of the nicer suburbs, but the commute is no fun, often 1-2 hours each way each day. However, 340+ days of sunshine really helps. Yeah, it's expensive. Mrs. Obviousman and I both have to work to pay the mortgage. But is it worth it? Absolutely! But before you move here, you have to have a career already started, or live with a relative. Real estate is too expensive.
As for the materialism, it only gets to you if you let it. I don't know what pressure you're feeling. Personally, you don't HAVE to have the latest and greatest. I've driven the same car for 16 years now, getting close to 300,000 miles. Go Chevy!|||So many people come here with a pre-conceived idea for what LA is like, and when those ideas don't jive with the reality ... it's a bummer.
After re-reading your paragraph, you're awfully negative, hon. Will you re-read your paragraph, only pretend that you don't know who wrote it?
(pause, while you read it .... it's ok. I'll wait.)
What do you think of the person who wrote it, now?
My best advice to you is to try something that you haven't tried before. Not knowing what school you're attending or what part of town you're in, or whether you have a car to get around, it's hard to suggest anything. Just keep this firmly in mind: In order to have what you've never had, you have to do what you've never done.
Be yourself, but be better. Get the gray cloud from over your head, and start with YOU. What kind of day do YOU want to have? Screw anyone who thinks that anything less than a lambo is sad, ok? They're just snobs, and not worth your time. There ARE real people who don't care what's in your bank account.
Best of luck !!
Can you believe this illegal immigrant, accused of hiring illegal immigrants?
A Pittsburgh-area business owner, who himself is an illegal immigrant, was accused of hiring illegal immigrants for his food-supply business.Federal prosecutors on Friday charged Bao Ping Zheng, 39, of Ohio Township, with harboring illegal aliens.Zheng has been in federal custody since September on immigration violations, according to his attorney, Martin Dietz.
Zheng is accused of knowingly hiring seven Chinese workers through a New York employment agency for his Stowe Township-based business, New Chinatown/NBT Trucking, which delivers food to Chinese restaurants throughout western Pennsylvania.
Zheng's business was legal, even if he was in the United States illegally, Dietz said.
The Chinese workers were either in the United States illegally or could not legally work in the U.S., prosecutors said.
Zheng told investigators he was forced to hire the workers because he couldn't find eZheng said some of the workers lived in one of his business' warehouses until he bought houses in nearby McKees Rocks, according to the government.
In the warehouse, investigators say they found an old office that had been converted into living quarters for four people.
One worker living there told investigators he was in the U.S. illegally, had worked at Zheng's businesses for five years and had been paid in cash, according to the ICE affidavit.
Zheng also owns New Chinatown LLC, New Chinatown Realty and New Chinatown Trading, the government said.
Zheng, who arrived illegally in the U.S. through John F. Kennedy Airport in New York in 1993, was held in the Allegheny County Jail.
nough legal workers to satisfy the needs of his business
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/1鈥?/a>Can you believe this illegal immigrant, accused of hiring illegal immigrants?
How the heck can businesses owned and run by someone here illegally be legal themselves??? "Zheng's business was legal, even if he was in the United States illegally, Dietz said."
The northeast has a big problem with Chinese illegals. They come in the holds of ships hundreds at a time. I guess that is why Philly has more Chinese restaurants than anyplace I've been to.Can you believe this illegal immigrant, accused of hiring illegal immigrants?
who gives a ***, i love chinese food
This is nothing more than Slavery! People are talked, caught, exploited into coming to the United States! Once here, they have no papers, no support other than the scum that brought them..Afraid they stay in servitude until someone finds out! I say hang em high!
I can believe it, but I can't stand illegal immigrants, no matter which nationality they are. God Bless you.
this sounds not quite right
how can an illegal immigrant own a business in the US
thats impossible
i think any foreigner who wants to start a business in the US must have proper documents to own a business
Which idiot wrote the article ?
Yes...I believe it....it is wrong....they all need to be deported.
I say send 'em all back.
We know that Chinese are very good, hard workers. They are an asset to any country
What is your question ? I don't see any
and you wonder why your country has problems?
all those workers AND the employer should be deported immediately.
ANY employer who hires illegals must either be deported or shut down.
Zheng is accused of knowingly hiring seven Chinese workers through a New York employment agency for his Stowe Township-based business, New Chinatown/NBT Trucking, which delivers food to Chinese restaurants throughout western Pennsylvania.
Zheng's business was legal, even if he was in the United States illegally, Dietz said.
The Chinese workers were either in the United States illegally or could not legally work in the U.S., prosecutors said.
Zheng told investigators he was forced to hire the workers because he couldn't find eZheng said some of the workers lived in one of his business' warehouses until he bought houses in nearby McKees Rocks, according to the government.
In the warehouse, investigators say they found an old office that had been converted into living quarters for four people.
One worker living there told investigators he was in the U.S. illegally, had worked at Zheng's businesses for five years and had been paid in cash, according to the ICE affidavit.
Zheng also owns New Chinatown LLC, New Chinatown Realty and New Chinatown Trading, the government said.
Zheng, who arrived illegally in the U.S. through John F. Kennedy Airport in New York in 1993, was held in the Allegheny County Jail.
nough legal workers to satisfy the needs of his business
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/1鈥?/a>Can you believe this illegal immigrant, accused of hiring illegal immigrants?
How the heck can businesses owned and run by someone here illegally be legal themselves??? "Zheng's business was legal, even if he was in the United States illegally, Dietz said."
The northeast has a big problem with Chinese illegals. They come in the holds of ships hundreds at a time. I guess that is why Philly has more Chinese restaurants than anyplace I've been to.Can you believe this illegal immigrant, accused of hiring illegal immigrants?
who gives a ***, i love chinese food
This is nothing more than Slavery! People are talked, caught, exploited into coming to the United States! Once here, they have no papers, no support other than the scum that brought them..Afraid they stay in servitude until someone finds out! I say hang em high!
I can believe it, but I can't stand illegal immigrants, no matter which nationality they are. God Bless you.
this sounds not quite right
how can an illegal immigrant own a business in the US
thats impossible
i think any foreigner who wants to start a business in the US must have proper documents to own a business
Which idiot wrote the article ?
Yes...I believe it....it is wrong....they all need to be deported.
I say send 'em all back.
We know that Chinese are very good, hard workers. They are an asset to any country
What is your question ? I don't see any
and you wonder why your country has problems?
all those workers AND the employer should be deported immediately.
ANY employer who hires illegals must either be deported or shut down.
Chambersburg, PA info?
My wife has been offered a permanent position with nice pay and lots of perks in this area. But it seems isolated and the low population has us wondering about making new friends. We are curious about the weather as well. We are both NC natives and have lived here forever. We have been to PA but not in the winter. Everything I read gives different info. Even elevation varies according to where you read about it.
***Are People Friendly?
***Is There Anything To Do? Snow Skiing Or Water Sports? Restaurants?
***Is It A Good Town For Dogs?
***Is It Cold? We Have Been Told It's Like Pittsburgh But That Was Useless To Us.
***How Much Snow Do You Get In A Normal Winter? Are Roads Taken Care Of?Chambersburg, PA info?
Chambersburg is barely in Pennsylvania. It's more southern-like than northern-like, so it's not like much of Pennsylvania. Most winter days will top out between 35 and 40. Overnights in the teens and 20s are normal, although single digits aren't out of the question. But below zero temperatures are rare. Snows around 6 inches are normal, but can exceed a foot. Anything more than 18 inches is a once every 5 or years thing. Local roads are usually well taken care of, otherwise township and borough supervisors get voted out of their jobs.
***Are People Friendly?
***Is There Anything To Do? Snow Skiing Or Water Sports? Restaurants?
***Is It A Good Town For Dogs?
***Is It Cold? We Have Been Told It's Like Pittsburgh But That Was Useless To Us.
***How Much Snow Do You Get In A Normal Winter? Are Roads Taken Care Of?Chambersburg, PA info?
Chambersburg is barely in Pennsylvania. It's more southern-like than northern-like, so it's not like much of Pennsylvania. Most winter days will top out between 35 and 40. Overnights in the teens and 20s are normal, although single digits aren't out of the question. But below zero temperatures are rare. Snows around 6 inches are normal, but can exceed a foot. Anything more than 18 inches is a once every 5 or years thing. Local roads are usually well taken care of, otherwise township and borough supervisors get voted out of their jobs.
I'm graduating from college in December. Based on the listed criteria, where should I live?
I grew up in a small town in Northwestern Pennsylvania and am currently attending the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown pursuing my Bachelor's degree in communication. I will be graduating on December 19th (yay!) and I have no idea where I should move to start my new life. I have done a lot of research but in all honesty I am having trouble narrowing down cities.
My major criteria are:
-Beach beach beach. I want to live within an hour of a beach with relatively warm and sunny weather year round...BUT I don't want to be evacuating my home and city every year due to hurricanes and flooding.
-I want a a city with a good nightlife; bars, comedy clubs, theaters (both movie and civic theaters), etc.
-I'd like a city with a lot of things to do (growing up my only choices of leisure were the mall or bowling alley, *yawn*), i.e. many different restaurants, museums, clubs, etc.
-I despise heavy traffic. I don't mind some mild rush hour waiting but I just drove in Pittsburgh Saturday morning and it took 30 minutes to get two blocks. Grrr!
-I want a pet-friendly city, one with parks, apartments, and such that allow dogs and cats.
-I want a city with a low crime rate and a great job market (Raleigh is doing great despite these depressing economic times but it's a little too far from the beach).
-A city with generally nice, educated, and friendly people is a plus. I hate prejudism and rednecks.
I don't know, maybe this is asking a lot but I want to find a city that I fall in love with. I don't want to go to a place and be stuck there and hating it.
Thanks for any insights! :)I'm graduating from college in December. Based on the listed criteria, where should I live?
Honolulu, HawaiiI'm graduating from college in December. Based on the listed criteria, where should I live?
They don't get them too often. There is a rainy season though which can put a damper on things for a few months.superchips chinese food delivery
My major criteria are:
-Beach beach beach. I want to live within an hour of a beach with relatively warm and sunny weather year round...BUT I don't want to be evacuating my home and city every year due to hurricanes and flooding.
-I want a a city with a good nightlife; bars, comedy clubs, theaters (both movie and civic theaters), etc.
-I'd like a city with a lot of things to do (growing up my only choices of leisure were the mall or bowling alley, *yawn*), i.e. many different restaurants, museums, clubs, etc.
-I despise heavy traffic. I don't mind some mild rush hour waiting but I just drove in Pittsburgh Saturday morning and it took 30 minutes to get two blocks. Grrr!
-I want a pet-friendly city, one with parks, apartments, and such that allow dogs and cats.
-I want a city with a low crime rate and a great job market (Raleigh is doing great despite these depressing economic times but it's a little too far from the beach).
-A city with generally nice, educated, and friendly people is a plus. I hate prejudism and rednecks.
I don't know, maybe this is asking a lot but I want to find a city that I fall in love with. I don't want to go to a place and be stuck there and hating it.
Thanks for any insights! :)I'm graduating from college in December. Based on the listed criteria, where should I live?
Honolulu, HawaiiI'm graduating from college in December. Based on the listed criteria, where should I live?
They don't get them too often. There is a rainy season though which can put a damper on things for a few months.
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