[el mechanico]

It's just a little tricky getting a good job here so I advised him to get something to keep the ball rolling, have some fun and hold out. He'll be fine but teaching English in another country sounds pretty cool Ahab. I mean if Dash could get hired it must be a breeze

[Menace]

I forgot/didn't realize that CA was black. What about Japan? Japan has a black-loving sub-culture. Does "no money to make" mean that you can't save a single dollar, or that it's not big money (I have no experience so curious). How much is he making delivering pizzas? Why are trades bad? I just found info that FL electricians make $45-50K/year; I thought it would be much more. I would consider looking at http://iwillteachyoutoberich.com, Ramit Sethi is a good teacher of entrepreneurial skills.

I agree about the American Dream being largely BS, but you can still do well in this country if you're good (i.e. significantly above average). I do fear that the days when an average Joe can have a decent life are far behind us.

[el mechanico]

(07-11-2012 01:23 PM)Menace Wrote:  

I forgot/didn't realize that CA was black. What about Japan? Japan has a black-loving sub-culture. Does "no money to make" mean that you can't save a single dollar, or that it's not big money (I have no experience so curious). How much is he making delivering pizzas? Why are trades bad? I just found info that FL electricians make $45-50K/year; I thought it would be much more. I would consider looking at http://iwillteachyoutoberich.com, Ramit Sethi is a good teacher of entrepreneurial skills.

I agree about the American Dream being largely BS, but you can still do well in this country if you're good (i.e. significantly above average). I do fear that the days when an average Joe can have a decent life are far behind us.

You can't just get a job as an electrician you have to train for years

[pitt]

(07-11-2012 11:02 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

(07-06-2012 09:16 PM)Technics Wrote:  

Captain Ahab,

Any updates on your transition?

I phoned El Mechanico for some help and he put me on the food service industry (as well as other industries I will be exploring). As of now, I signed my W-2's and will be delivering pizzas in the Pineallas County area. This won't be my career in the least but it will stop the bleeding of my bank account. They offer a lot of opportunities for hours since I am certified to work in any Papa Johns in the Pineallas County area. Any tips on how I can be a good pizza man? I think tips on learning the area would help (planning on getting a map and driving around).

Can you say how much they will be paying you for delivering pizzas and how easy is it to get one of those jobs? I am considering a new adventure and Tampa is on my list. Let me know whats up.

[el mechanico]

(07-11-2012 03:32 PM)pitt Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 11:02 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

(07-06-2012 09:16 PM)Technics Wrote:  

Captain Ahab,

Any updates on your transition?

I phoned El Mechanico for some help and he put me on the food service industry (as well as other industries I will be exploring). As of now, I signed my W-2's and will be delivering pizzas in the Pineallas County area. This won't be my career in the least but it will stop the bleeding of my bank account. They offer a lot of opportunities for hours since I am certified to work in any Papa Johns in the Pineallas County area. Any tips on how I can be a good pizza man? I think tips on learning the area would help (planning on getting a map and driving around).

Can you say how much they will be paying you for delivering pizzas and how easy is it to get one of those jobs? I am considering a new adventure and Tampa is on my list. Let me know whats up.

It's tips some guys make 100 a night plus you get a check every two weeks for your hours.

[pitt]

(07-11-2012 03:36 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 03:32 PM)pitt Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 11:02 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

(07-06-2012 09:16 PM)Technics Wrote:  

Captain Ahab,

Any updates on your transition?

I phoned El Mechanico for some help and he put me on the food service industry (as well as other industries I will be exploring). As of now, I signed my W-2's and will be delivering pizzas in the Pineallas County area. This won't be my career in the least but it will stop the bleeding of my bank account. They offer a lot of opportunities for hours since I am certified to work in any Papa Johns in the Pineallas County area. Any tips on how I can be a good pizza man? I think tips on learning the area would help (planning on getting a map and driving around).

Can you say how much they will be paying you for delivering pizzas and how easy is it to get one of those jobs? I am considering a new adventure and Tampa is on my list. Let me know whats up.

It's tips some guys make 100 a night plus you get a check every two weeks for your hours.

That sounds decent. If i can make at least 3000 dollars per month, im good. Do you know if it is easy to get one of those jobs?

[el mechanico]

(07-11-2012 03:39 PM)pitt Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 03:36 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 03:32 PM)pitt Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 11:02 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

(07-06-2012 09:16 PM)Technics Wrote:  

Captain Ahab,

Any updates on your transition?

I phoned El Mechanico for some help and he put me on the food service industry (as well as other industries I will be exploring). As of now, I signed my W-2's and will be delivering pizzas in the Pineallas County area. This won't be my career in the least but it will stop the bleeding of my bank account. They offer a lot of opportunities for hours since I am certified to work in any Papa Johns in the Pineallas County area. Any tips on how I can be a good pizza man? I think tips on learning the area would help (planning on getting a map and driving around).

Can you say how much they will be paying you for delivering pizzas and how easy is it to get one of those jobs? I am considering a new adventure and Tampa is on my list. Let me know whats up.

It's tips some guys make 100 a night plus you get a check every two weeks for your hours.

That sounds decent. If i can make at least 3000 dollars per month, im good. Do you know if it is easy to get one of those jobs?

I didn't say 3k a month but yes you need a car and insurance. How do you know you need that much here?

[pitt]

(07-11-2012 03:42 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 03:39 PM)pitt Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 03:36 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 03:32 PM)pitt Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 11:02 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

I phoned El Mechanico for some help and he put me on the food service industry (as well as other industries I will be exploring). As of now, I signed my W-2's and will be delivering pizzas in the Pineallas County area. This won't be my career in the least but it will stop the bleeding of my bank account. They offer a lot of opportunities for hours since I am certified to work in any Papa Johns in the Pineallas County area. Any tips on how I can be a good pizza man? I think tips on learning the area would help (planning on getting a map and driving around).

Can you say how much they will be paying you for delivering pizzas and how easy is it to get one of those jobs? I am considering a new adventure and Tampa is on my list. Let me know whats up.

It's tips some guys make 100 a night plus you get a check every two weeks for your hours.

That sounds decent. If i can make at least 3000 dollars per month, im good. Do you know if it is easy to get one of those jobs?

I didn't say 3k a month but yes you need a car and insurance. How do you know you need that much here?

I have a friend from London who visited tampa 3 weeks ago and he said 3k per month is more than enough in Tampa.

[el mechanico]

What else did he say? I wouldn't bank on 3k delivering pies.

[Moma]

(07-11-2012 03:46 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

What else did he say? I wouldn't bank on 3k delivering pies.

el mechanico, I thought you said Tampa was teeming with jobs and opportunities? Delivering pizzas and hollaring at lizards is no American dream to me.

[el mechanico]

(07-11-2012 06:09 PM)Moma Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 03:46 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

What else did he say? I wouldn't bank on 3k delivering pies.

el mechanico, I thought you said Tampa was teeming with jobs and opportunities? Delivering pizzas and hollaring at lizards is no American dream to me.

It's not? This is not NYC it takes some time to get to know the place just like anywhere. The first job I was offered here was 8 bucks an hour but after a month I was offered 24 and that was 18 years ago. I'd rather be a pizza dude here than live in St. Louis making 100+ any day.

I say pick where you want to be and then figure the money out later.

[Captain Ahab]

(07-11-2012 12:47 PM)OGNorCal707 Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 11:02 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

I phoned El Mechanico for some help and he put me on the food service industry (as well as other industries I will be exploring). As of now, I signed my W-2's and will be delivering pizzas in the Pineallas County area. This won't be my career in the least but it will stop the bleeding of my bank account. They offer a lot of opportunities for hours since I am certified to work in any Papa Johns in the Pineallas County area. Any tips on how I can be a good pizza man? I think tips on learning the area would help (planning on getting a map and driving around).

Start hustling some of El Mech's Peruvian flake, on your pizza delivery route, kill two birds with one stone, and double your pizza money.

If you're a good looking dude, I'd run giggalo game on some older/fat white women, check out happy hours, online sites, etc., for prospects.

It sounds like you already got your path figured out, you seem like a real intelligent bro, I'd stick with you education and try to find a job in that field.

Side hustles are always important, and that could encompass anything in my book, slanging, giggalo game, yard work, tutoring high school kids, etc.

Any fishing gigs out there, or high paying physical jobs? Landscaping, construction, etc.?

Haha.

Well, General Mechanico is without question getting his. I've seen him do it. We were riding together in his "hood" checking out the place and he spots a jeep on the side of the road, takes the number down, asks a guy speaking Czech jibberish about if the car needs fixing, and weeks later when I talk to him he has sold it for profit. Legit.

The man knows what he is doing.

Me on the other hand, my broke ass is fighting for minimum wage jobs.

It is what it is.

So, yeah, I am keeping my options open. I have a big problem working intense physical labor jobs because of my privileged laziness (I mean, I have lived supported by parents or the federal government all my life). I worked for my uncles contracting company for three months doing concrete pours, maintenance, fixer uppers, the whole nine. He told me if I wasn't family he would fire me. I am not sure if I am built for physical labor...always been more mental.

One huge area of growth I am looking forward to when I work my job is developing my work ethic. I can see it is can be the difference maker between athletes who pop the bottles of champagne after winning a championship and those who end up teaching 8th graders Health and Physical Science five days a week. I need to get that ability to work like my life depends on it because, well, it does.

I need a job, any job, to develop this skills.

Aside from that, you are right side hustles are important. I got a job interview with Panera bread today. I'm hoping to land that job and have morning shifts delivering coffee and carbs to all the fat asses in Tampa Bay and finishing up my nights serving Pizzas to Rays fans all over Pinealls County. It won't be a career in the least but it will get things moving.

If Panera falls through I will line up some more job leads to capitalize. Blockbuster and Boston Market is hiring. Just got to keep grinding.

I have to do my best.

[Captain Ahab]

(07-11-2012 01:00 PM)Menace Wrote:  

A poli sci/English degree is fairly useless (no offense). A MA/PhD in English will make you LESS employable, not more employable. Do not double down. Unless of course your dream is to go into academia somehow. Honestly, I would try and focus on something health or tech related as a long term goal. Your academic credentials in and of themselves are not particularly helpful. Alternatively, why not get into trades? Electrician/plumbing will always be in demand and cannot be outsourced. All of these things require a plan, dedication, and commitment. You kind of seem lost.

Actually, why are you even in the US right now? Is there anything holding you back here? Apply to teach English overseas. You have the qualifications for that.

I would beg to disagree about English and Political Science being useless. I learned a lot studying both the Social Sciences and English Literature and would not have encountered that much depth of knowledge had I not got a degree in it. Also, more importantly, I enjoyed my time in college studying a subject I was passionate about. It taught me a lot about the world, myself, my limitations, and talents. The friends I've made in college and experience I had are worth their weight in gold, much more than what I owe Sallie Mae.

Yes, I could have studied Finance but what would I have got out of it? Money and stress. My "associate" I know in Clearwater majored in Finance at University of Central Florida. He has his own franchise, tons of money pouring in, etc. He is balding and barely has time to pursue girls. I only see him during holidays where he provides everyone all the food and drink they can handle. I'm around because..well...I come around.

He is balding, 36, and I see the look of regret on his face.

Better to be a poor man free than a rich man who is not.

I'd rather make 20k a year writing than 500k a year as a lawyer.

Johnny Cash has taught me well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlShSNc2dMA

Again, not for me. I'm a words man first and foremost. I can find a way doing something with that-journalism, academia,self-published author, etc.

Also, as many here mentioned, I am African-American. I am sure there would be an English professor position for a token Negro somewhere in the state of Florida. Academia is very progressive in terms of their politics. If I can benefit anywhere with affirmative action it is in seeking employment at a University.

Not saying it is right or wrong,but I am using whatever cards the good lord has bestowed upon me. Keep in mind there are not that many black men with PHD's in literature. Most of the smartest brothas I know are getting their paycheck on in the finance industry, health industry or starting their own business. All of my professors who were black men were from other countries.

Also, I am interested in owning my own business rather than being employable.

Yes, you are right, a skill would allow for being employable more so than studying Faulkner or spitting out Marx. I have not ruled out learning how to repair and install transmissions. I could make money and have my own shop doing that or freelance answering want ads on Craiglist if I don't want to deal with the headache of running my own place.

Granted, my ideas may not be perfect, and I am always open to suggestions, but I think I got something to work with from which I can build upon.

Also, I stay in Florida because I am from here, my family is here, and I don't see myself living anywhere else.

Go Gators.

[Captain Ahab]

(07-11-2012 01:05 PM)OGNorCal707 Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 01:00 PM)Menace Wrote:  

You kind of seem lost.

Actually, why are you even in the US right now? Is there anything holding you back here? Apply to teach English overseas. You have the qualifications for that.

First off 90% of Americans in this generation "kind of seem lost." The economy is shit and the "American dream" is bullshit, unless you're running shit Tony Montana style.

Second, there is no money to make teaching overseas, outside of maybe South Korea, and that's not exactly the most welcoming and friendly place to a black man from what I hear.

John 8:32: "Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

[Captain Ahab]

(07-11-2012 01:09 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

It's just a little tricky getting a good job here so I advised him to get something to keep the ball rolling, have some fun and hold out. He'll be fine but teaching English in another country sounds pretty cool Ahab. I mean if Dash could get hired it must be a breeze

Thanks for the advice.

[Captain Ahab]

(07-11-2012 03:32 PM)pitt Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 11:02 AM)Captain Ahab Wrote:  

(07-06-2012 09:16 PM)Technics Wrote:  

Captain Ahab,

Any updates on your transition?

I phoned El Mechanico for some help and he put me on the food service industry (as well as other industries I will be exploring). As of now, I signed my W-2's and will be delivering pizzas in the Pineallas County area. This won't be my career in the least but it will stop the bleeding of my bank account. They offer a lot of opportunities for hours since I am certified to work in any Papa Johns in the Pineallas County area. Any tips on how I can be a good pizza man? I think tips on learning the area would help (planning on getting a map and driving around).

Can you say how much they will be paying you for delivering pizzas and how easy is it to get one of those jobs? I am considering a new adventure and Tampa is on my list. Let me know whats up.

I get minimum wage in-store and 4.55 on the road. Apparently drivers make good money, some averaging 20 bucks an hour on a Friday or Saturday night.

You will be putting miles on your car though so some that will be eaten up by car repairs. Lucky for me I know a damn good mechanic in the area.

[Captain Ahab]

(07-11-2012 06:09 PM)Moma Wrote:  

(07-11-2012 03:46 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

What else did he say? I wouldn't bank on 3k delivering pies.

el mechanico, I thought you said Tampa was teeming with jobs and opportunities? Delivering pizzas and hollaring at lizards is no American dream to me.

It is but it is not. Florida is still a tough job market. You can get a job to keep the lights on but a real job, with salary, benefits, etc, is going to take networking.

Honestly, I should have spent more time meeting people in Tampa than looking for jobs, but I was not in the position to do so since I had no work. Now, with Papa Johns and hopefully Panera or whatever day job I land, I can free up time to hit up the different Meetup.com group events and get my name out there.

And the women are there. I've have just been too pussy/busy looking for work to pursue them.

One thing at a time. Can't make space for pleasure pursuits when you are at ground zero.

[Menace]

Well you sound like a smart guy, and yes you can and should play up the African American thing if you can. There was another thread here about starting to build an on line content business by registering with elance.com. Your skills definitely would be useful in that area.

[Captain Ahab]

So yeah, I'm in the game.

I am looking forward to the rest of this month and next month. A lot will be revealed. I have a few few paths really:

1.) Stay in Tampa, grind hard at "shit" jobs I got until something comes through the cracks with a salary and benefits.

Average time to find a good job is 7-11 months according to my career counselor, most success coming from building a large social network.

2.) Stay in Tampa, be unable to find a good job which will fast track my application to graduate school.

I'm all about doing what it takes to pay the bills boo-boo, but, um, working at Papa Johns for two years of my life is not moving forward. I am giving a year of a modest job search while working wherever I can to give myself a shot. If not, well, I'll be emailing my professors for letters of recommendation and getting the GRE done.

3.) Crap out.

If I lose my job and run out of money (can't pay rent/family is tired of supporting me) I'll move back to South Florida and reassess my options. That is a very real possibility if I don't land 40 hours a week somewhere by August at the latest. I doubt this will happen though since I have a lot of opportunity for it to not happen.

Honestly, this is all pre-season stuff, the job finding, the driving around the area, the everything is new to me feeling. I am hoping to make my rookie year debut by the winter of this year or January of next year. Summer time=pause button on life time.

I am not even thinking about women. If it happens..great...if not..great. I have to get my shit together first. The women will come naturally.

I can spend my downtime doing limited social outings, saving money, and stepping up my vocabulary and English Composition skills-plan on hopping into the blogging world by the end of this year and need that skill set (plus an update on my comedic skills) in order to get that "side-hustle" going.

The online empire Roosh has built inspires me. I want to throw my hat in the ring.

My anchor is dropped in Tampa. I'll keep you guys posted when I get a chance.

Captain Ahab.

[rudebwoy]

Nice post and you are a lucky dude for being in Tampa. I see you already went to my fave spot there PCI - Post Card Inn.

My company has there head office there, ask El Mech to fill you in!!

[Carmo]

Captain,
Where did you end up?

I've lived in St Pete for 6 years now, currently living in the heart of downtown St Pete. I find overall its the best scene. Let me know if you have any questions about the area.

[el mechanico]

(07-24-2012 05:16 PM)Carmo Wrote:  

Captain,
Where did you end up?

I've lived in St Pete for 6 years now, currently living in the heart of downtown St Pete. I find overall its the best scene. Let me know if you have any questions about the area.

Can you do a little write up about what's going on down there? Best hotels bars etc.

[Carmo]

(07-24-2012 05:19 PM)el mechanico Wrote:  

(07-24-2012 05:16 PM)Carmo Wrote:  

Captain,
Where did you end up?

I've lived in St Pete for 6 years now, currently living in the heart of downtown St Pete. I find overall its the best scene. Let me know if you have any questions about the area.

Can you do a little write up about what's going on down there? Best hotels bars etc.

Sure thing man, i'll try to pump it out tomorrow. Whats your scene? From this thread it looks like you prefer the beach.

[Captain Ahab]

What up RVFers?

I figured it is about time blow the dust off this thread.

For starters I am now in South Tampa. I decided to move from Clearwater to be closer to the young professional crowd and nightlife options. I am currently delivering pizzas for Papa John’s. I make decent money. It is keeping me above water until something better comes along.

I am moving forward today with getting the paperwork in to become a substitute teacher. The school board of Pinellas County (Clearwater, St Petersburg, Largo, Tarpon Springs, etc) and the school board of Hillsborough County (Tampa) will be my targets. I've already got my references lined up and they are anxious to write me recommendation letters. I put in a request for my college transcripts as well.

I like the set-up of being a substitute teacher since it is an easy job, the hours are short, no grading papers or lesson planning, and I get the same time off as a teacher. I would be spending my free time honing my talents, working out, pursuing my self-employment ventures, and chasing women. I could survive off of substitute teaching if I land five gigs a week but will more than likely supplement my income by offering tutoring services in English Composition or editing papers.

As for the ladies, well, um, yeah, haven’t really pursued that very much. I really need to get out there and start swinging. I noticed a lot of anxiety and fear the first night out in downtown St. Petersburg. I’ve been meditating and hitting the gym five days a week to combat my social anxiety. I am feeling the sense of urgency though since I am twenty nine and still haven’t enjoyed an essential aspect of my youth and manhood, having sex with women.

It is difficult to make time now for women since my job has me working crazy overtime and I only work early morning shifts. Ideally I could see squeezing maybe an hour to sit at a bar and talk to a girl; however, when I get home I am dead tired. I get two days off a week so maybe those days would be prime game days, though I spend a lot of time doing errands, job searching, pursuing substitute teaching, etc.

Luckily the substitute teaching should pick up by next year at the latest and I will have a lot more free time and a lot less stress (which will help me with my confidence with women).

I imagine hitting up the night club scene once or twice a week to see what is out there but my main focus will be day game/online game. I haven’t read Roosh’s day game but I do have el mechanico and RVF members giving me pointers so I should be good to go.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

[Captain Ahab]

(07-12-2012 09:47 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

Nice post and you are a lucky dude for being in Tampa. I see you already went to my fave spot there PCI - Post Card Inn.

My company has there head office there, ask El Mech to fill you in!!

Yeah, was there for Memorial Day Weekend. It was like an MTV spring break special.