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.

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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

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BlackBloodDemon · 22-25, M

@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, M

@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...

ScottR · 56-60, M

An internship is one method. But you usually have to be a junior or senior.

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iamnikki · 31-35, F

@BlackBloodDemon there is nothing wrong with community college. Do 2 years of the community college then transfer to a university that's what I did

BlackBloodDemon · 22-25, M

@iamnikki Yea I have nothing against community college, mine just doesn't have my degree. I wish they did.

Elevatorpitches · F

@ScottR I was an "intern" in my late sixties, its a loose concept nowadays.

I was used up on that job and wanted to sue them but couldn't even file a report with Dept of Labor.

Since the Labor Union days we have been going alarmingly BACKWARDS regarding workers rights. (in the usa that is)

REMsleep · 41-45, F

Wow when I was young I was like you. I got into food service jobs by accident and then I kept working them. It sucked and I always felt slave like.
People talking to me daily like crap. Getting dirty, smell like grease.
Now there are so many gig economy jobs.
Working the apps. So many remote careers.
If you gain a skill like slowly learn Wordpress or become very good at Excel you can post your skillset on Upwork.

My husband was getting some great gigs on Upwork and I have paid for people to make databases for me too from that site.

Also those same skills help you to become a competitive personal assistant. I work with the blind and today I helped a blind man post a job for a personal assistant to book his travel and handle his business bookings.
Go to indeed and look for PA jobs.

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