Alternative jobs for retail? How did you get out of working in retail (for those who don't have degrees) [I Need Advice]

I've been working in retail for almost 4 years now and I'm miserable. Last summer my first retail job went out of business and I miss my old coworkers dearly. I have not been able to adjust to my new retail jobs (been through 3 including my current one). I'm feeling miserable and I need out. I've been thinking to pick up odd jobs, such as dog walking and other pet cares. I'm 20 years old and currently in college.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

iamnikki · 31-35, F

Get volunteer experience.
It works just the same as job experience.
Got experience, then you can get a better job.

I worked retail for years so I get the struggle and how brutal holiday time is

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25

@iamnikki Are there any volunteer jobs that pay?

iamnikki · 31-35, F

@BlackBloodDemon volunteer means for free, so no😉. But you don't have to do it full time, I'm not suggesting that at all. 2 hours a week is sufficient.

I volunteered tutoring for 1 hr a week for 4 months, and recently got hired in a related field.

Elevatorpitches · F

@BlackBloodDemon volunteer means working for free. Internships are also working for free. And still competitive and "hard-knox" too much of the time.

As a twenty year old kid the whole workforce is still open to you. I would brainstorm and do something you really love. You can also start your own gig with some friends and a few bucks.

Everyone seems to have a home business these days and its not hard to tell. Most of them SUCK SOUL if you are just working there. Or applying to work there lol. Illegal discrimination, age discrimination, anything..everything. So a word to the WISE young crowd:

BE THE BOSS and don't get hurt.

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25

@Elevatorpitches I sell on the side for some extra pocket money. I know volunteer work means working for free, but I just thought I'd ask anyways lol in case there was a type of volunteer position that can make you money.

I actually really want to translate books but I can't do that until I become fluent in the language I'm studying. I'd also love to work in a bookstore but I keep getting rejected. ):

Elevatorpitches · F

@BlackBloodDemon Just take my advice and brainstorm what you love and look in every corner. Being too "careful" won't help although that was the conventional wise advice from times past.

I MEAN IT.

Please check back in three months and I BET MY LIFE you succeeded in landing something great. Without selling yourself short.

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25

@Elevatorpitches I guess there is a reason that I really enjoy listening to The Science of Selling Yourself Short by Less Than Jake after all...