Quote from clacy:
Sanybestdog,
First let me say that I empathize with you to some degree. It can be very difficult and challenging to find whatever it is that you are best suited for in the workplace.
From reading your posts, you seem like a well intentioned guy, but I can assure you that ONLY YOU will be able to fix your situation and figure out how to get ahead in this world.
In my opinion, it sounds like sales isn't your thing (the insurance thing). Don't get down on yourself, as it's not for everyone. I'm in sales and it is extremely difficult and stressful. I've been lucky enough to make a good living through sales, but I hate it at times. With that said, regardless of what you're selling, if you didn't sell any insurance policies in 6 months, your probably not cut out for sales.
As you know delivering pizza, simply won't pay the bills if that's your primary income. That is a fine job for someone who is supplementing their income or a student, etc, but for most adults, that don't want to live in their parents basement their entire life, it won't get you ahead.
I think you clearly need to get enrolled in some sort of educational program to pick up some additional skills. Plumbing, electrical, construction contractors have the ability to earn a lot of money, so you may consider those. In fact, the sky is the limit, for those that possess those skills and have some good business savy. If you can market those skills and you're dependable, you can do very well in those arenas. It sounds however, that marketing isn't your strong suite though, as you seem to have a very hard time marketing yourself well enough to find jobs, other than pizza, etc.
As someone else pointed out, healthcare is another field that is growing (meaning jobs are being created everyday) and there are many positions within healthcare that pay well. Most of the positions that pay well, will require some additional training. I had a buddy that became a respiratory therapist, which paid fairly well and he didn't have to work that hard. Typically I think he worked 3 12-hour shifts/week and was paid full time (benny's etc). There are dozens of techincian jobs in varius areas of hospitals and healthc clinics.
Another option mentioned is the military. They will pay you and you receive training for post-military while your on the job. In fact, you don't even need to go full time with the mililtary as they need reservists as well.
Restaurant management is another option. Why don't you work your way up the chain? Please don't give any excuses, as I've seen if for my own eyes, that you can become a millionare, simply by working your ass off in the restaurant industry. My dad, was out of work after he quit his job in law enforcement due to a conflict with his superior. He had a family, bills to pay, no college degree, or any other training. But, he didn't sit around and complain, ask for handouts, etc. Instead, he started out as an assistant for a burger chain. Not exactly an impressive job is it? But he worked his ass off, and moved up very quickly, eventually managing 70 restaurants for a major chain. He started 20-some years ago and now he owns his own multi-million dollar restaurant and is in negotiations to buy a second. By the way, you don't have to be "wall street" talented to do that, but you do have to work hard. When I say work hard, as you probably know, to make it in that business, 70-80hr work weeks are the norm.
The point that I'm making (and others have made) is there is an almost unending list of ways for you to be successful, financially in the US. This truly is the "land of opportunity".
It's your job though, to go out and figure it out and do it. The goverment cannot and will not help you, regardless of what they promise, or how badly you pretend that the US could become a communist/socialist utopia.
Best of luck.
