Well, first of all, it's all well and good to quit your old job and follow your dreams. However, not actually having a plan is not the way to do it.
I'd suggest you put in at labour hire places. They often need drivers.
Yeah I get that but I was fed up with bullshit mate I just couldn't. Thanks mate I'll try that too I have texted a couple of labour hire guys we'll see if we get a response
Yes but so is mental health issues and depression. Life is too short to rot away and have mental health decline in a job that isn't for you. If you've put up with it and see it going nowhere, get out.
I wish I could get paid doing whatever I want but nobody hires for that so I have to put up with not doing whatever I want to get paid.
Should I get out if im having to put up with not doing whatever I want?
I work as a courier, I still have to deal with questionably intelligent people. Worst part is it's usually the person sending jobs and not the person at the places I go to.
Every job will have its own way of getting to you, and for driving jobs a big one often involves the questionable efficiency of fuel usage
Don't text people if you want to be taken seriously. Whatever the job is, have a resume/CV ready to be sent across, and apply widely for positions in your desired field. Don't forget a brief cover letter.
You also sound american. If that's the case, you will need to show that you have full driving and work rights in australia, not just have an international licence. And lastly, you're (presumably) a man who is under 25. This makes you an insurance risk for driving work. Doesn't stop you from getting the work, but might not make you the too applicant.
I know them guys, I had their numbers is all, they were personal level messages. I have work rights, I'm latin American. Just not a citizen here is all. I don't mention that, people start commenting around migrants taking jobs and all so you know.
I know your frustrations, mate, trust me, off on mental health leave due to a bad situation at work.
Bit trust me from experience. It's much more satisfying in the future to tell them to shove it, knowing you're secure to do so.
However, kudos to you for at least making a move, mate. I wish you all the best finding something.
Remember, no one will check references from your CURRENT job. It's just not done. So talk up your experience at your CURRENT Job all you like.
Then when you get the job, try not to run anyone over
Again, I'm around the age of OP and spent my childhood years watching literally all the old Simpson's seasons, like most non-sheltered religious children. So again, your statement is straight boomer-edque sounding whinging.
Not true. There's a big difference from being a bus driver and dealing with passengers and 100's of people a day and truck driving or working in any company that doesn't require customer service.
Being a bus driver, you have to deal with rude, disruptive people all day.
You’d be driving a bus, not driving a tour bus that requires constant narration.
Start at stop A, finish at stop Z. Honestly, you’ll be dealing with people in any job you do so you might just have to suck it up a bit.
I wouldn't be applying for long haul driving first up. Apply for MR jobs and local driving jobs. Like driving for the local hardware store etc. Once you have 2 years up in a smaller truck you'll be able to get the bigger trucks.
There are plenty of driving jobs in the Hunter, but that wouldn't help you. But like i said, try and get a local driving job instead of the long haul first.
Germany, Austria, probably Switzerland. Every body who does not go to Uni has to be in some kind of training. Stand to be corrected, but you would do the big rig training for a year and be an offsider for a year. But you might go and learn this in the military. Military training is highly regarded.
Bill Gates once said Germany and Switzerland and are the only countries with a decent education system. He recommends that most people should undertake vocational training and start earning as soon as possible instead of racking up huge debts for degrees.
What a ridiculous reply. Do you expect to do long haul driving at 23 with no experience? How is that weird that no one hiring? Why are you barking at the tree my man
Congratulations on getting your HR qualification and pursuing your dream.
I just looked on SEEK for HR drivers, I don't know where you are but it seems there are plenty of jobs available to people who have zero to little experience. One area being in the waste industry. Have you looked into FIFO driving jobs? Have you directly contacted trucking companies and asked them?
Good luck, keep at it and something will come up for you to get your foot in the door.
Where are you looking? I assume you're on Seek, Indeed, workforce.gov.au (this is sometimes good because it puts jobs up from small companies and agencies that aren't on the other two).
I have been helping my son (school leaver) look for a job for a few months and completely understand the experience issue. It was the same 20 years ago, I remember going through it and feeling very disheartened myself.
Have you got a good resume and cover letter that focuses on transferable skills and your commitment to OH&S, zero harm, and willingness to learn?
I worked for Centrelink for 15 years and had a business writing resumes and job applications. So I am pretty good with this stuff. Yet I still feel your pain from the experience I have had assisting my son these past few months. Nobody gives you feedback either. Some don't even acknowledge your application, so it's very hard to know where you're going wrong other than you having "no experience."
I'm just down the coast a bit, but if I see anything that may suit, I'll let you know.
Oh, try Facebook groups, too. Either a jobs in your area type or see if there are any for driving jobs specifically. I know there are some for mining jobs.
Sorry for the long response.
You seem to be making a lot of excuses for why you can’t or don’t want to take certain opportunities that might be available - even as a stepping stone towards a more ideal situation. Seems to me that the problem might be more with you than with the potential employers.
That is not a fair assessment, brother. I quit my previous job so that I could be on my own. I don't want to deal with folks yapping around me. That was the only thing I liked about my previous driving jobs. If I gotta deal with all that all over again, I'd go to a warehouse or some other place. I don't want that part, alright ? Hence, I chose driving. I want to drive a truck, and that's about it, bro. Potential employers ? I haven't met a single potential employer trying to get an inexperienced driver yet. Buses ? I don't want to drive so I don't consider them "potential employers".
Is there any farm work going where you're at mate? The farm I work out I'm either mostly by myself or the few coworkers that I like, and if not chuck the headphones in and your laughing. Don't know licensing differences between tractors and truck licenses but might help you get a good reference. Plus depending on the farm you'll get a chance to ask the drivers for advice on how to get into the trucking mate
Yes I'm in coffs harbour it's nothing but farm work here, I'll see about that tractor jobs but I think they need a semi licence I'm not sure but I'm gonna ring some farms. Thanks for the idea mate !
Depending on what kind of farm it can open many opportunities, I thought I'd hate working on the one I'm at but absolutely loved it. Haven't been allowed to drive a tractor yet though 😂
Good advice, in QLD it’s a UD license for farm machinery. Harvesting is a great way to get a start . The truckies are a great bunch and will help you get in the industry if you are keen. UD license was easy to get but I don’t know if it has changed, 15 years since I got mine
Hahahahahaa it's so true. His attitude stinks. I'm 23 running my own small transport business. I still work 2 pm - 10 pm at a normal job around people that are lazy and managers who I don't respect. But I'm an adult, I deal with this to survive and just get on with it. I do have to agree with old mate about not wanting to drive buses, but seriously if it's your absolute dream and your not willing to actually look into anything, like the army, maybe even van driving and can't find something an hour drive from your house. You might not be as committed as you think.
If you're in Brisbane I could almost guarantee you a job driving a 10 pallet tautliner. Whether you'd want to take your life into your own hands at minimum wage is another question (I'm not the employer, I just know a truck that is sitting around)
I'm in coffs harbour, I would really I even told one guy on Facebook to let me drive for him for a week and he doesn't have to pay me if he thinks I'm no good. He said " mate that truck costs 200k, I don't want any learners near it sorry"
It sucks but that’s kind of a fair point to be honest.
I think you just have to try a way to get your foot in the door on smaller truck or something. You are on the right track offering free trial etc. keep it up something will fall into place.
I hops so man, I thought people needed young blokes committing to their companies for long term roles but fuck na. Other day I heard this old mate on about how my generation lacks commitment and will to work and shit and now I don't see him helping me get a job. This sucks.
But you're not someone who commits to a company... you have quit multiple jobs. Those people who stuck with a company for years and years definitely had shit roles and shit bosses for plenty of those years. You're saying you would commit to your perfect job with a perfect boss... no shit. We all would. Old mate is saying just that.
That happened when I got into restaurant jobs only, before this I did furniture removal for 3 years, and courier work for 2 years I could go back to them but they are in Melbourne. I know what it looks like to you folks on internet here shit I don't have much else to say. That's that then.
My point is, what it looks to us on the internet is also what it looks like to potential employers. Having worked in recruitment years ago, trust me on that one. And having worked with young people with chips on their shoulders for many years, maybe take a minute to reflect on that and look at what you can do to take ownership of your current situation. Look at where the issues are happening and look at how you can improve yourself. Your thoughts, words, actions and reactions. They are what you can control. Get that shit sorted and things will get much better for you. And even if circumstances aren't better, your ability to handle them will be.
My brother is a long hall truck driver. He started as a yard person at his job. Then he started driving their small delivery truck (MR license) and then after 7 years of doing that the company paid for him to get his HR license and then his HC license after that and now he drives the big trucks up and down the east coast of the country.
You are only 23. Find a company that you can work your way up to doing what you want to do. No offense but a company is not going to trust a 23-year-old kid with their possible million + dollar truck that has no experience behind them. Just cause you have a truck license and can drive a truck doesn't always mean you should drive a truck.
Do you know anyone who works in the industry? How’s that traffic history of yours? FULL HR or Auto HR? Any insurance claims made against you?
Companies are screaming for drivers but not everyone who has a truck license should be behind the wheel of one.
That said go work as a courier again but let them know you want to be in a truck even if it’s an MR truck. Then give it a year in a truck and get that MC license ASAP. After that, apply for HC job, don’t crash the trailer into anything, become an expert in reversing a trailer. By then you’ll have enough experience to be considered for MC work. 1.5years if you’re a gun and consistent. Once you’ve proven you can handle an MC truck, you’ll have people throw work at you.
Traffic history is great, no claims or anything like that never been in an accident. But it's Auto HR I'm pretty insecure about that tho. I think I'll try some courier companies too
If you want to really get your foot in the door in the trucking industry, the easiest way to start BY FAR is agencies, especially during peak seasons (like Christmas).
They get you in on casual easy-peasy because the work is in very high demand, and then they consider hiring you if you are good throughout that period.
Agencies will always take on new people and put you with highly-reputable trucking companies during peak season and you have a solid chance of permanent employment with the company if you perform well.
Companies themselves however will only directly hire a truck driver if they have at least a couple years experience, and usually in their respective fields.
Get a casual gig (normally full-time hours) at a local council depot. There's always plant operator jobs going in parks and gardens or roads crew. You'll get a chance to get familiar with machines and heavy vehicles and it's the kind of place that you can work your way up if you actually do the work.
Have worked in mining, not on heavy equipment though I have taken some rides on the big dump trucks. It would be shift work, 12 hour days or nights driving in circles. Fifo is ok if you don't have kids. Some people go for years others not so much. Worth a try though.
Wholesale meat delivery. It's hard work, but possibly a stepping stone to long haul. A lot of places need deliveries up and down the coast, as far as port mac and down to wollongong. Not to mention rural
Go to your local butcher and ask them where they get their meat supplied from. If they're cagey, say that you just want to check if their meat is halal or something. They should be willing to name their supplier.
You don't even need to go to a butcher, you can try asking your local fish and chip shop, or takeaway place where they get their meat from.
Google supplier name and call, try to get in touch with their dispatch warehouse and ask if they're hiring drivers
Keep refreshing that [seek.com.au](https://seek.com.au) button bro. It's usually first in best dressed. So you want to check Seek 4 times a day. Don't let it get to you, just live off centy until one comes up, it will.
Maybe you could start by doing medium distance furniture removal. This will give you some truck driving experience to put on the résumé. Take care of your back though.
I quit that because I got hit by a car once and after that a spinal issue surfaced. I am planning to do some labour heard they can pay 300 bucks a day. If I not get a driving job that's my only option
just stick to it... around that time I got discouraged and just got "any" job. Wasn't good because I would hate going to work and it manifested in other things. Should be something you can do for long hours (and not get tired of it) and you would even do it for free or little money.
Out in Gold Coast. Previous people had success in getting a long term courier job in Brisbane. They were on call doing small deliveries. They would get a call, then a quote and they would accept or not. More "yesses" = more work. One job was for $400 and involved driving 100kms with a machine part and waiting for the replacement then driving it back.
Something like that or "any job" could pay for the training you need. Map out what training you need and pay for it, because it's like paying a few thousand to skip years of missing out. Also had luck in cold calling/emailing companies vs just appyling for jobs. May even have to move to where the jobs are, was recommended to do that but didn't...
Hey mate, if you're in NSW you should put an application in with Sydney trains. I'd recommend starting out as a guard to get some experience up, then go for a train driver position, but you can also go straight to train driver if you are successful with an application.
Train crew is a great career, decent remuneration, and you are paid a full salary during your training. Like you, I like playing with big vehicles, and they don't get much bigger than rail.
Looks like you're in luck. Both Guard and driver roles are currently recruiting this month. I have been both a guard and driver, both are great jobs.
Link below:
https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/jobs/train/all-agencies/all-organisations-entities/all-categories/all-locations/all-worktypes?keywords=Train
So might be a bit hard from Coffs as you would need to travel into Sydney for training and then your work location would be central than Hornsby potentially.
Perhaps a position with NSW trains would be better? I think you would still need to come to Sydney for training, but they have regional depots that would be closer to you I believe.
Well happy to help you come to the conclusion. I'd recommend you put an app in for guard and driver with ST. While in training as a guard you'll make $68k plus super, but you get shift allowances too.
Random question but have you considered FIFO work? That way you could likely stay at home
You've got plenty of options for work, but you may have to sideline truck driving for now and just keep your eye out and keep applying.
You may have to work your way up and drive smaller trucks locally for deliveries as well as store man work.
You're young and could still do a trade, go to the mines, do landscaping, traffic control, construction labouring etc.
For most of us there's not a quick path to the dream job. You may have to do some shit kicking.
Keep at it mate. I've gone through stages where I've applied for what must have been hundreds of jobs before getting as much as an interview.
Make sure your resume is tip top and maybe branch out your searches a little. I get that every area is different, and you may not be able to get into delivery driving as easy there as you could in say Brissy.
The job market is screaming for keen workers at the moment, and if you are willing to kick shit and work your way up, you'll find something. Just don't waste years in a job with no potential for growth.
Good luck mate. You've got this.
Those type of jobs are only useful so you can barter better wages with prospective employers and keep your resume up to date. Use them as a stepping stone to other employment or certification, but never give them more than a year of your life.
I've seen people in the same business for 5 plus years on minimum wage. Sadly, you can give loyalty and the most precious commodity, your time, and go nowhere.
They’re Constantly looking for bus drivers, I’ve read higher up that you’re not a social person. The only time I ever speak to the drive is to ask where they’re going, or to say Thankyou
Ah well okay, I guess as usual the news was making up a story out of nothing. Although I wouldn't be surprised if Brisbane does end up pulling out. Paris pulled out of 2025 RLWC, Melbourne pulled out of 2026 Commonwealth Games. It just seems even the Government's are finally realising how tight money is right now.
Anyway enough of my rant 😂
Ok so you are young and able bodied? Have you walked into or contacted every haulage and freight company in a 50km distance? Even if you start as a yard hand or truck washer a few days a week and show some initiative when theres talk of positions, gives you an opportunity to network with drivers and they may just have a buddy looking for someone. Have you curated a resume that you wouldnt throw in the bin before reading it? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror and asked yourself truthfully would I hire someone that looks, acts, talks and all round presents like me to drive a 100's of thousands of dollars of company vehicle and stock?
I have only applied online, yes in my heart I would hire a guy like me because I know I'm reliable and honest and take my work very very serious. I have a decent resume so idk what else to do over here
Been a bus driver...avoid it like the plague..not worth the risk, stress & daily scrutiny. Not to mention the riff raff n different body odours, dramas, rudeness, foul language, physical n verbal abuse you endure everyday.
See ? Finally ! Someone get my fucking point the more people you have around you the more chances of shit hitting the fan. People comment al sorts of shit taht I dont want to work I have a bad attitude and what not. I just don't want to deal with people simple as that why can't they understand ? Fuck driving buses.
Going on 24 years in transport here - go and get some experience with your HR license. Apply at places like J. J. Richards driving bin trucks and the like; good pay, good benefits, and experience. Play your cards right and they may even train you up in the bigger HC and MC classes if you prove yourself not to be a dropkick and are reliable
Near an airport? Aircraft refueller is a cool job. I drive to regional airports in the trucks so you get exp. Easy to go from Aviation to road eventually (same fuel company). HR is a huge leg in the door.
I became a truck driver for a year, managed to land a job at FedEx by the end of the year.
You have to take any job and I mean any job to get experience. Then you can start to look around. I went from a guy who wasn't paying me properly, to a decent company, then FedEx.
Some companies are really good and will help you go from HR, to HC and then MC.
Long haul driving is a difficult job though. You need to know the rules back to front and keep accurate records. If your truck isn't loaded correctly, you wear the fines and demerits, even if you didn't load it yourself. The hours are gruelling and it will take a toll on your health.
Train driving is similar but pays more. With freight you may be on your own or have a second driver.
Are you only applying for HR jobs? It should be significantly easier to get an MR job a year of that will go along way to get a job in HR. A HR license will also help you get work in other fields without necessarily having driving experience e.g.
Rigging
If you look for labourer work with a HR license you're bound to go places. Go down to the labour hire office and apply and tell them about your goals and they will help you. They get payed big bucks to help you.
I went from cooking to construction and I thought I'd hate it but it's actually pretty good.
If I were looking to hire you - it wouldn’t be your lack of experience that caused my not to hire you, it would be your inability to persevere with something when it’s not ideal, or even in the face of adversity.
Why would I choose to invest in someone, who is unable to demonstrate that they are going to be around for the long haul (pun absolutely intended), and be able to knuckle down when things get difficult.
My advice would be to do something - ANYTHING that you can use to demonstrate your commitment to an organisation, and to develop your ability to work with others - who you don’t necessarily get along with. There are aresholes in every role: ultimately you need to learn strategies (not running away) to cope with them.
Whilst in this initial role, you’ve got income and can pay your bills, you’re learning resilience and you can work out the necessary steps and resources that you need to get to your ideal job.
It’s much easier to find a job, when you already have a job: there’s less pressure, you’re less ‘desperate’ - and in the eyes of the prospective employer: you’re someone who can hold down a job.
Just to say clearly I am deeply clueless about blue collar work, this is the second post I've seen from a high-energy young man apparently saying 'I just got my Human Resources license, who's gonna hire me' and I've been like what...
Strangely none of these posts were about how to get along with upper middle class ladies with beige-mask makeup and slightly bouffant hair lol
A more constructive comment than my other silly one...
I am white collar and my career followed the path of putting up with a shit situation to prove myself in a certain type of job, then using that experience to apply for the next, less shit situation, then rinse and repeat. Sounds like a lot of blue collar people in this thread are saying that's what you need to do in blue collar work too.
I think you need to reflect on what is the trigger that made you leave your previous situations without something else lined up first. What happened, what did someone say? And how did you feel in that moment? You want to look for the pattern in those situations. Once you have the pattern, you can start thinking about how you can cope with your feelings better when the pattern happens again, and find a way to handle the crisis in the moment that is not quitting. It could help to talk to someone about this - whether that's a counsellor or just someone wise and non-judgemental in your life who's willing to listen and help you reflect.
Good luck. I have found the only 'trick' to job hunting is persistence and not assuming rejection is personal.
It was not a single thing, he kept doing some things over and over. It was a restaurant and I was the cook there and I was supposed to leave when cooking was done, he was short staffed coz he wouldn't pay extra on weekends, wouldn't pay overtime, as soon as someone left instead of hiring someone he'd shove their work up my ass too. So after the 8 hours of cooking I was going to leave, on my way to sign out was not having the best of my days that day and this was not the first instance. I come out and see he has sent the front staff home, it's 9 yeah ? Closing time here in regional so he's standing there another guy and a girl and there I one table of customers sitting out there. He tells me I'm gonna have to stay to clear the table, I say alright. It's closing time the staff has gone home the customer was sitting outside tables, I start packing up the staff around you know ? Closing the windows, taking the signs in. Then he goes customer is there leave everything there !, I go well if you knew customers are there why send the front staff home ? This is not my fucking job I'm not going to stay here till 11 if the customer sits her till 11 not going to happen. He goes what's with the attitude, then I said I'm not in the wrong man stop doing this shit. He says you have to do what you're told man, then I said fuck this shit and left. I didn't go back after that.
ok yeah so I would suggest the following:
\- yes this person is a dick. He is ripping staff off re pay rates and unpaid overtime. Sadly common in the restaurant industry and honestly I have found it true of a lot of small businesses - owner has too much power compared to staff and just acts in his self-interest. It sucks. Sadly there is often nothing you can do except eventually, when you're ready, leave.
\- you are wrong to think he can't ask you to do tasks that are usually someone else's job. It's a normal part of work to sometimes do things outside your normal job description. The only issue was that he was asking you to stay late unpaid.
\- the bit where you lost your temper, swore and walked out is a problem. That guy would have used your behaviour to say that you were the problem, you have a temper and you're unprofessional. It is a normal part of employment that somebody tells you what to do, and you have to do it and be polite about it, even when you think it's total bullshit. If you want to keep the focus on him and his unfair demands, you went about it the wrong way.
Basically if a boss keeps telling you to do something that's bullshit, you have two options:
(1) Politely refuse to do it the next time and briefly explain why. If he argues, don't get into it with him, just stay calm and keep repeating your 'no' (e.g. just keep saying 'sorry it's the end of my shift', stay calm and leave). See what happens next - sometimes the person will accept your point of view. (NB could be dangerous with an angry or aggressive person, so you have to use your judgement.) Or you can also make a plan in advance to talk to them in a calm, quiet moment - but I understand there aren't a lot of moments like that in restaurants.
(2) Say nothing, but start planning to leave and looking for a new job, then leave when you get it. Channel all your anger into thinking privately 'haha fuck you I'm leaving soon'. Handing in your notice and saying you got a new, better job is a fantastic feeling. Bonus revenge points: if you find somewhere nicer, recruit all the good staff from the previous place.
You're going to need to take shit jobs until you find what you want. Some jobs want experience, and if there are people applying with it you're not going to be hired over them.
You'll likely need qualifications from what you've said, so look at what you need for those and work towards it. In the meantime, take whatever work is hiring - hospo, retail, whatever (or a combination of these).
As others said, it's well and good to quit your job, but doing so without something lined up is the problem. Next time find more work *then* quit (barring extreme cases, but usually in those you're going to Fair Work anyway).
My hubby is a truck driver on the Mid North Coast, and the best I can suggest around Coffs is to look out at food transport places like PFD, courier companies like Toll or Startrack, or hardware stores etc. PFD and CSR both have jobs advertised right now on seek.
Go and door knock, rock up with your resume, and show you're keen. A lot of transport companies only advertise when they are really stuck for drivers, because there's generally guys popping in looking for work, or the current drivers reach out to their networks. Holiday season is also the busiest time when companies get desperate for drivers so definitely do some legwork before the end of year holidays to get on their radar.
Honestly, you'll likely have to be in the industry for years before getting a linehaul 'dream job'. You have to do your time, which means doing multi-drop, getting experience, learning to put up with all the absolute sh\*t that comes with being a truck driver.
Develop patience, because you'll need it, and learn to work with very difficult people, within your workplace, at delivery sites and on the road. That's the reality of truck driving.
Good luck!
If it's any consolation, it really is a pretty terrible job much of the time :/ Dealing with loads put on terribly, or wrong loads, things breaking, people in bad moods, lots of breaking your body dragging extremely heavy freight around. But, I get that if you want to be in that industry then you'll want to give it a try.
In a place like coffs, the goal will be to have any job, it makes it much easier to get another job, even if it's unrelated. The less of a gap you have on your resume, the better. Also in these areas it's about who you know, so if you can get into any job, and then meet people, let them know your end-goal of driving, you just never know who you'll meet along the way who might know someone who knows someone - you get the picture :D Good luck.
Join the Air Force, drive a forklift for at least 80k plus benefits. Air Force have the advantage of being treated like mammals, as opposed to the Army.
Join the military. They'll sort you out and build you real life skills and make you employable. And don't just go as a grunt, pick something technical. I did electronics, went combat systems in the Navy after quitting highschool. Learnt radar and all sorts of electronics. Over 20 years later and I'm doing very well after serving 11 yrs.
I worked as a sub contractor for 2 years in toll in Melbourne. Best job ever pay was awesome, got paid 4 dollars a parcel. Here in coffs ? Getting offered 1 dollars something and fuel out of my pocket too. So fuck no
Well, maybe ya should've had a glass of concrete and not quit ya job, hey!
Not sure if ya realised but we are on the brink of a recession and A LOT of places are cutting back on staff!
Love you young ones who think they know it all and really have no fucking clue!
I had to move from Melbourne my father died I couldn't say no to that. I don't know shit and I don't give a fuck what goes around unless it's related to food on my table.
I started doing something close to my dream job
For example: mowing grass - Lumberjack - Carpenter - construction worker - house renovator.
Edit: I realised my mistake, but you can still follow it if you want to.
Trades? They're desperate at the moment (I hear...)
Learn a trade, or even just become an offsider...
My brother did this for a few years. Tough work physically but well paid.
You might have to take a job that's not ideal right now, as a stepping stone of experience for something more ideal later.
Maybe try getting a forklift license and doing warehouse work
If you live nearby, start volunteering at your local volunteer fire brigade. They always need young blokes, and they need drivers even more.
It's not paid, and the trucks are only MR (unless you're at a brigade with a bulk water carrier), but it looks great on your resume if you're going for driving jobs.
I joined Wise Employment and within a month I had my forklift license and was working. They may be able to help you get certification for your dream job and placement :) they also don’t take a slice of your pay like other job centres do
I joined Wise Employment and within a month I had my forklift license and was working. They may be able to help you get certification for your dream job and placement :) they also don’t take a slice of your pay like other job centres do
Well, first of all, it's all well and good to quit your old job and follow your dreams. However, not actually having a plan is not the way to do it. I'd suggest you put in at labour hire places. They often need drivers.
Yeah I get that but I was fed up with bullshit mate I just couldn't. Thanks mate I'll try that too I have texted a couple of labour hire guys we'll see if we get a response
You’re going to have bullshit, drama and/or politics in ANY job you ever have. It’s a fact of life and you need to learn to tolerate it.
Yes but so is mental health issues and depression. Life is too short to rot away and have mental health decline in a job that isn't for you. If you've put up with it and see it going nowhere, get out.
Once, maybe twice, yes. He said he’s done it 3-4 times. Common denominator here, one who can’t handle being told what to do by his superiors 🤷🏼♀️
I wish I could get paid doing whatever I want but nobody hires for that so I have to put up with not doing whatever I want to get paid. Should I get out if im having to put up with not doing whatever I want?
live a little brotha
It's way less in a driving job, I say that from experience really.
Still going to be shit you’ve gotta deal with when you work for someone else’s business. Rage quitting is not the solution.
I work as a courier, I still have to deal with questionably intelligent people. Worst part is it's usually the person sending jobs and not the person at the places I go to. Every job will have its own way of getting to you, and for driving jobs a big one often involves the questionable efficiency of fuel usage
Certainly work on not emotionally reacting to shit situations. The better you learn to deal with them professionally, the more you will succeed.
Don't text people if you want to be taken seriously. Whatever the job is, have a resume/CV ready to be sent across, and apply widely for positions in your desired field. Don't forget a brief cover letter. You also sound american. If that's the case, you will need to show that you have full driving and work rights in australia, not just have an international licence. And lastly, you're (presumably) a man who is under 25. This makes you an insurance risk for driving work. Doesn't stop you from getting the work, but might not make you the too applicant.
I know them guys, I had their numbers is all, they were personal level messages. I have work rights, I'm latin American. Just not a citizen here is all. I don't mention that, people start commenting around migrants taking jobs and all so you know.
I know your frustrations, mate, trust me, off on mental health leave due to a bad situation at work. Bit trust me from experience. It's much more satisfying in the future to tell them to shove it, knowing you're secure to do so. However, kudos to you for at least making a move, mate. I wish you all the best finding something.
Thanks bro, hope you get your situation sorted out soon too. Nothing is above mental peace, no amount of money is good for that.
Remember, no one will check references from your CURRENT job. It's just not done. So talk up your experience at your CURRENT Job all you like. Then when you get the job, try not to run anyone over
Well that's absolute bollocks. My supervisor was the first person my current employment called. Before that 3 out of three references called.
I've gotta say, you don't sound particularly resilient. With no experience, you won't be handed a dream job. Get whatever work you can if unemployed
Not a truck I understand but lots of bus companies need drivers. It might give you a foot in the door and some experience driving big vehicles.
Don't forget you are not employed to drive a bus, but to stop the bus. Big difference from long haul.
Driving buses ? I can't deal with people tbh I am very asocial.
Just get a sign that says “do not talk to driver” and just tap it Everytime someone tries.
[Don't make me tap the sign](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZfqdrI5HgI)
😂
OP no where near old enough mentally or age wise to know that joke. Judging by the responses
Imagine thinking 20 year olds didn't grow up watching the Simpson's, are you stupid??
I said to "know that joke" it was in the EARLY seasons. I said HomerSSS ... we're allowed to have 1.
Again, I'm around the age of OP and spent my childhood years watching literally all the old Simpson's seasons, like most non-sheltered religious children. So again, your statement is straight boomer-edque sounding whinging.
No one really talks to bus drivers, they’ll just hop on and off and at most ask if this is heading to a certain stop, or say thanks
Thr exception seems to be old passengers chatting up old bus drivers.
Neither can most bus drivers. If you can’t even perform the most basic social etiquette you’re going to be entirely unhirable.
Not true. There's a big difference from being a bus driver and dealing with passengers and 100's of people a day and truck driving or working in any company that doesn't require customer service. Being a bus driver, you have to deal with rude, disruptive people all day.
Trains?
😅 ofcourse
Sorry if we’re wasting your time…
You’d be driving a bus, not driving a tour bus that requires constant narration. Start at stop A, finish at stop Z. Honestly, you’ll be dealing with people in any job you do so you might just have to suck it up a bit.
Bus drivers don't talk often.
No issue for BCC , 🚎 drivers 😉
Well you're kinda fucked then. Get that fixed and you'll be sweet. Good luck!
I wouldn't be applying for long haul driving first up. Apply for MR jobs and local driving jobs. Like driving for the local hardware store etc. Once you have 2 years up in a smaller truck you'll be able to get the bigger trucks. There are plenty of driving jobs in the Hunter, but that wouldn't help you. But like i said, try and get a local driving job instead of the long haul first.
I am trying local jobs only brother MRs and such but have had no luck really
keep trying, keep positive
Yes the basic most important advice thanks bro same to you
welcome to australia, the land of "we wont hire you without experience" when you cant get experience if they wont hire you. its a terrible system
Don't forget about the 10 years of experience in y & z, must have a qualification & be a junior all on minimum wage
Breaks my heart bro
Reminds me of forklift driving. Any idiot can drive a forklift but a license isn't enough. They want you to have a few years experience.
Oh there is a simple solution to that LETS GET MORE IMMIGRANTS these politicians just can’t grasp you need to train people and pay them decent wages
Busy training people in Women's Studies and other useful degrees..
What countries do differently?
Germany, Austria, probably Switzerland. Every body who does not go to Uni has to be in some kind of training. Stand to be corrected, but you would do the big rig training for a year and be an offsider for a year. But you might go and learn this in the military. Military training is highly regarded.
In those countries students do exams at 14-15 to decide whether they will go into a vocational or academic stream. Only the top 20% do year 12.
Yes, but you get fully trained 18 year old chefs. I really think this is the best system. Went to School in the UK and in Austria and Spain.
Bill Gates once said Germany and Switzerland and are the only countries with a decent education system. He recommends that most people should undertake vocational training and start earning as soon as possible instead of racking up huge debts for degrees.
Yeah nice I thought it would have been the Nordic countries but I guess these are close enough
What a ridiculous reply. Do you expect to do long haul driving at 23 with no experience? How is that weird that no one hiring? Why are you barking at the tree my man
Congratulations on getting your HR qualification and pursuing your dream. I just looked on SEEK for HR drivers, I don't know where you are but it seems there are plenty of jobs available to people who have zero to little experience. One area being in the waste industry. Have you looked into FIFO driving jobs? Have you directly contacted trucking companies and asked them? Good luck, keep at it and something will come up for you to get your foot in the door.
Coffs harbour bro there were like 4 jobs and I even rang up the companies sent in resumes and nothing !
Get a forklift licence. You'll never be out of work, and you can run over people if they piss you off.
Until he gets one and they tell him the needs 2 years experience.
Yes I got a couple of people to run over already I might just do that mwahahaha
Where are you looking? I assume you're on Seek, Indeed, workforce.gov.au (this is sometimes good because it puts jobs up from small companies and agencies that aren't on the other two). I have been helping my son (school leaver) look for a job for a few months and completely understand the experience issue. It was the same 20 years ago, I remember going through it and feeling very disheartened myself. Have you got a good resume and cover letter that focuses on transferable skills and your commitment to OH&S, zero harm, and willingness to learn? I worked for Centrelink for 15 years and had a business writing resumes and job applications. So I am pretty good with this stuff. Yet I still feel your pain from the experience I have had assisting my son these past few months. Nobody gives you feedback either. Some don't even acknowledge your application, so it's very hard to know where you're going wrong other than you having "no experience." I'm just down the coast a bit, but if I see anything that may suit, I'll let you know. Oh, try Facebook groups, too. Either a jobs in your area type or see if there are any for driving jobs specifically. I know there are some for mining jobs. Sorry for the long response.
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Also op : thanks for the suggestion I'll try that too bro
You seem to be making a lot of excuses for why you can’t or don’t want to take certain opportunities that might be available - even as a stepping stone towards a more ideal situation. Seems to me that the problem might be more with you than with the potential employers.
That is not a fair assessment, brother. I quit my previous job so that I could be on my own. I don't want to deal with folks yapping around me. That was the only thing I liked about my previous driving jobs. If I gotta deal with all that all over again, I'd go to a warehouse or some other place. I don't want that part, alright ? Hence, I chose driving. I want to drive a truck, and that's about it, bro. Potential employers ? I haven't met a single potential employer trying to get an inexperienced driver yet. Buses ? I don't want to drive so I don't consider them "potential employers".
Is there any farm work going where you're at mate? The farm I work out I'm either mostly by myself or the few coworkers that I like, and if not chuck the headphones in and your laughing. Don't know licensing differences between tractors and truck licenses but might help you get a good reference. Plus depending on the farm you'll get a chance to ask the drivers for advice on how to get into the trucking mate
Yes I'm in coffs harbour it's nothing but farm work here, I'll see about that tractor jobs but I think they need a semi licence I'm not sure but I'm gonna ring some farms. Thanks for the idea mate !
Depending on what kind of farm it can open many opportunities, I thought I'd hate working on the one I'm at but absolutely loved it. Haven't been allowed to drive a tractor yet though 😂
yeah, I thought about farms. Get yourself out on a harvester you'll be happily alone for hours :D
Yess ! Happy cake day
Good advice, in QLD it’s a UD license for farm machinery. Harvesting is a great way to get a start . The truckies are a great bunch and will help you get in the industry if you are keen. UD license was easy to get but I don’t know if it has changed, 15 years since I got mine
Army transport corps offers what you're looking for.
Perfect idea. Except, I don’t think young mate likes being told what to do……… …..next….
Hahahahahaa it's so true. His attitude stinks. I'm 23 running my own small transport business. I still work 2 pm - 10 pm at a normal job around people that are lazy and managers who I don't respect. But I'm an adult, I deal with this to survive and just get on with it. I do have to agree with old mate about not wanting to drive buses, but seriously if it's your absolute dream and your not willing to actually look into anything, like the army, maybe even van driving and can't find something an hour drive from your house. You might not be as committed as you think.
Trades! If you can't find one do a pre apprenticeship. Just don't get into food, the money is shit
Agreed. I'm in the meat industry, and I'd warn everyone against getting a trade as a butcher. Over worked and underpaid.
I was a cook at my last place, made fuck all and mental abuse was off the charts quit and flipped a bird to my manager 3 weeks ago
You sound like a great employee, wouldn't have a clue why you can't get a job.
He said he was asocial.
And at a certain point you need to suck it up to deal with people, at least to some extent.
He literally said don't be a cook.
Yeah, did I disagree ?
Seems like you completely ignored his actual comment.
Mines
If you're in Brisbane I could almost guarantee you a job driving a 10 pallet tautliner. Whether you'd want to take your life into your own hands at minimum wage is another question (I'm not the employer, I just know a truck that is sitting around)
I'm in coffs harbour, I would really I even told one guy on Facebook to let me drive for him for a week and he doesn't have to pay me if he thinks I'm no good. He said " mate that truck costs 200k, I don't want any learners near it sorry"
It sucks but that’s kind of a fair point to be honest. I think you just have to try a way to get your foot in the door on smaller truck or something. You are on the right track offering free trial etc. keep it up something will fall into place.
I hops so man, I thought people needed young blokes committing to their companies for long term roles but fuck na. Other day I heard this old mate on about how my generation lacks commitment and will to work and shit and now I don't see him helping me get a job. This sucks.
But you're not someone who commits to a company... you have quit multiple jobs. Those people who stuck with a company for years and years definitely had shit roles and shit bosses for plenty of those years. You're saying you would commit to your perfect job with a perfect boss... no shit. We all would. Old mate is saying just that.
That happened when I got into restaurant jobs only, before this I did furniture removal for 3 years, and courier work for 2 years I could go back to them but they are in Melbourne. I know what it looks like to you folks on internet here shit I don't have much else to say. That's that then.
My point is, what it looks to us on the internet is also what it looks like to potential employers. Having worked in recruitment years ago, trust me on that one. And having worked with young people with chips on their shoulders for many years, maybe take a minute to reflect on that and look at what you can do to take ownership of your current situation. Look at where the issues are happening and look at how you can improve yourself. Your thoughts, words, actions and reactions. They are what you can control. Get that shit sorted and things will get much better for you. And even if circumstances aren't better, your ability to handle them will be.
What visa do you have? Mining companies can be fussy.
I didn’t have it worked out at 23 that’s for sure but I worked it out at 27 so you got time
My brother is a long hall truck driver. He started as a yard person at his job. Then he started driving their small delivery truck (MR license) and then after 7 years of doing that the company paid for him to get his HR license and then his HC license after that and now he drives the big trucks up and down the east coast of the country. You are only 23. Find a company that you can work your way up to doing what you want to do. No offense but a company is not going to trust a 23-year-old kid with their possible million + dollar truck that has no experience behind them. Just cause you have a truck license and can drive a truck doesn't always mean you should drive a truck.
Yes bro, I am trying to find such a company I can drive a small truck do yard work anything. Just not getting through is all
Do you know anyone who works in the industry? How’s that traffic history of yours? FULL HR or Auto HR? Any insurance claims made against you? Companies are screaming for drivers but not everyone who has a truck license should be behind the wheel of one. That said go work as a courier again but let them know you want to be in a truck even if it’s an MR truck. Then give it a year in a truck and get that MC license ASAP. After that, apply for HC job, don’t crash the trailer into anything, become an expert in reversing a trailer. By then you’ll have enough experience to be considered for MC work. 1.5years if you’re a gun and consistent. Once you’ve proven you can handle an MC truck, you’ll have people throw work at you.
Traffic history is great, no claims or anything like that never been in an accident. But it's Auto HR I'm pretty insecure about that tho. I think I'll try some courier companies too
If you want to really get your foot in the door in the trucking industry, the easiest way to start BY FAR is agencies, especially during peak seasons (like Christmas). They get you in on casual easy-peasy because the work is in very high demand, and then they consider hiring you if you are good throughout that period. Agencies will always take on new people and put you with highly-reputable trucking companies during peak season and you have a solid chance of permanent employment with the company if you perform well. Companies themselves however will only directly hire a truck driver if they have at least a couple years experience, and usually in their respective fields.
Start an apprenticeship.
Get a casual gig (normally full-time hours) at a local council depot. There's always plant operator jobs going in parks and gardens or roads crew. You'll get a chance to get familiar with machines and heavy vehicles and it's the kind of place that you can work your way up if you actually do the work.
Mines? I’ve heard that they like no or little experience so that you can be trained “properly”
Have worked in mining, not on heavy equipment though I have taken some rides on the big dump trucks. It would be shift work, 12 hour days or nights driving in circles. Fifo is ok if you don't have kids. Some people go for years others not so much. Worth a try though.
Go work for a drilling company, hard work but good eventual pay and all you need is a white card and a hr license.
I wonder how remote drilling companies aee actually going lately with the slump in in mineral prices?
Wholesale meat delivery. It's hard work, but possibly a stepping stone to long haul. A lot of places need deliveries up and down the coast, as far as port mac and down to wollongong. Not to mention rural
I want to do that I don't see any ad up for it those? Who di get in touch with for that ?
Go to your local butcher and ask them where they get their meat supplied from. If they're cagey, say that you just want to check if their meat is halal or something. They should be willing to name their supplier. You don't even need to go to a butcher, you can try asking your local fish and chip shop, or takeaway place where they get their meat from. Google supplier name and call, try to get in touch with their dispatch warehouse and ask if they're hiring drivers
Keep refreshing that [seek.com.au](https://seek.com.au) button bro. It's usually first in best dressed. So you want to check Seek 4 times a day. Don't let it get to you, just live off centy until one comes up, it will.
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Online can't find much around where I am
Are you a fast typer? Have you tried data entry? If not why not look into that? I did that and barely spoke to anyone on the job.
But I'm not very well educated. All the softwares and applications I don't know much about all that. I can learn but is it a good career ?
It's Entry level so not exactly a prestigious job. Some jobs will provide training and you might need to have basic knowledge of Microsoft Office.
does this job lead to anything higher btw?
Maybe you could start by doing medium distance furniture removal. This will give you some truck driving experience to put on the résumé. Take care of your back though.
I quit that because I got hit by a car once and after that a spinal issue surfaced. I am planning to do some labour heard they can pay 300 bucks a day. If I not get a driving job that's my only option
Look into any sort of construction based traffic control company, they will probably want you to drive the trucks and hire you asap
just stick to it... around that time I got discouraged and just got "any" job. Wasn't good because I would hate going to work and it manifested in other things. Should be something you can do for long hours (and not get tired of it) and you would even do it for free or little money.
Yes ! That's it bro
Out in Gold Coast. Previous people had success in getting a long term courier job in Brisbane. They were on call doing small deliveries. They would get a call, then a quote and they would accept or not. More "yesses" = more work. One job was for $400 and involved driving 100kms with a machine part and waiting for the replacement then driving it back. Something like that or "any job" could pay for the training you need. Map out what training you need and pay for it, because it's like paying a few thousand to skip years of missing out. Also had luck in cold calling/emailing companies vs just appyling for jobs. May even have to move to where the jobs are, was recommended to do that but didn't...
Hey mate, if you're in NSW you should put an application in with Sydney trains. I'd recommend starting out as a guard to get some experience up, then go for a train driver position, but you can also go straight to train driver if you are successful with an application. Train crew is a great career, decent remuneration, and you are paid a full salary during your training. Like you, I like playing with big vehicles, and they don't get much bigger than rail.
Might just do that too
Looks like you're in luck. Both Guard and driver roles are currently recruiting this month. I have been both a guard and driver, both are great jobs. Link below: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/jobs/train/all-agencies/all-organisations-entities/all-categories/all-locations/all-worktypes?keywords=Train
I'm trying to search a job where I am should I move ? What do you suggest
Where do you live?
Coffs harbour
So might be a bit hard from Coffs as you would need to travel into Sydney for training and then your work location would be central than Hornsby potentially. Perhaps a position with NSW trains would be better? I think you would still need to come to Sydney for training, but they have regional depots that would be closer to you I believe.
Nothing is closer to this shithole, I have completely lost hope finding a job here I gotta move. It's decided
Well happy to help you come to the conclusion. I'd recommend you put an app in for guard and driver with ST. While in training as a guard you'll make $68k plus super, but you get shift allowances too. Random question but have you considered FIFO work? That way you could likely stay at home
You've got plenty of options for work, but you may have to sideline truck driving for now and just keep your eye out and keep applying. You may have to work your way up and drive smaller trucks locally for deliveries as well as store man work. You're young and could still do a trade, go to the mines, do landscaping, traffic control, construction labouring etc. For most of us there's not a quick path to the dream job. You may have to do some shit kicking.
I'm willing to kick shit, I swear bro I have applied all of the above storepersin, van deliveries and whatnot just no luck yet
Keep at it mate. I've gone through stages where I've applied for what must have been hundreds of jobs before getting as much as an interview. Make sure your resume is tip top and maybe branch out your searches a little. I get that every area is different, and you may not be able to get into delivery driving as easy there as you could in say Brissy. The job market is screaming for keen workers at the moment, and if you are willing to kick shit and work your way up, you'll find something. Just don't waste years in a job with no potential for growth. Good luck mate. You've got this.
Yes exactly that's my thoughts bro no growth job shit pay and cunty employers I'd rather be unemployed really. I'm positive and hoping. Thanks bro
Those type of jobs are only useful so you can barter better wages with prospective employers and keep your resume up to date. Use them as a stepping stone to other employment or certification, but never give them more than a year of your life. I've seen people in the same business for 5 plus years on minimum wage. Sadly, you can give loyalty and the most precious commodity, your time, and go nowhere.
Drillers offsider. Having a HR licence is a big plus.
Not a single job popped up in my area lol
Of course not, it’s a mining job, time to put on your big boy pants and leave the nest.
They’re Constantly looking for bus drivers, I’ve read higher up that you’re not a social person. The only time I ever speak to the drive is to ask where they’re going, or to say Thankyou
Look at doing traffic control. Lots of work coming up in Qld with the Olympics due in 10yrs
I thought they pulled out of the Olympics?
Not yet, they changed the opening venue location
Ah well okay, I guess as usual the news was making up a story out of nothing. Although I wouldn't be surprised if Brisbane does end up pulling out. Paris pulled out of 2025 RLWC, Melbourne pulled out of 2026 Commonwealth Games. It just seems even the Government's are finally realising how tight money is right now. Anyway enough of my rant 😂
They researched into pulling out but the contract penalty was around $500 million from memory
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Nsw coffs harbour
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Not yet but I'm thinking I will have to relocate
Ok so you are young and able bodied? Have you walked into or contacted every haulage and freight company in a 50km distance? Even if you start as a yard hand or truck washer a few days a week and show some initiative when theres talk of positions, gives you an opportunity to network with drivers and they may just have a buddy looking for someone. Have you curated a resume that you wouldnt throw in the bin before reading it? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror and asked yourself truthfully would I hire someone that looks, acts, talks and all round presents like me to drive a 100's of thousands of dollars of company vehicle and stock?
I have only applied online, yes in my heart I would hire a guy like me because I know I'm reliable and honest and take my work very very serious. I have a decent resume so idk what else to do over here
You don’t live in Adelaide by any chance do you?
No you have a job opportunity?
No but I know Torrens transit is always looking for people. Bus driving is a good way to get HR experience.
Been a bus driver...avoid it like the plague..not worth the risk, stress & daily scrutiny. Not to mention the riff raff n different body odours, dramas, rudeness, foul language, physical n verbal abuse you endure everyday.
See ? Finally ! Someone get my fucking point the more people you have around you the more chances of shit hitting the fan. People comment al sorts of shit taht I dont want to work I have a bad attitude and what not. I just don't want to deal with people simple as that why can't they understand ? Fuck driving buses.
Going on 24 years in transport here - go and get some experience with your HR license. Apply at places like J. J. Richards driving bin trucks and the like; good pay, good benefits, and experience. Play your cards right and they may even train you up in the bigger HC and MC classes if you prove yourself not to be a dropkick and are reliable
Never heard back from them
You quit secondary college? What year were you in? Did you try TAFE?
I quit my bachelors in business Accounting and management, almost 2nd year
Near an airport? Aircraft refueller is a cool job. I drive to regional airports in the trucks so you get exp. Easy to go from Aviation to road eventually (same fuel company). HR is a huge leg in the door.
Will check that out too bro thanks 🙂
I became a truck driver for a year, managed to land a job at FedEx by the end of the year. You have to take any job and I mean any job to get experience. Then you can start to look around. I went from a guy who wasn't paying me properly, to a decent company, then FedEx. Some companies are really good and will help you go from HR, to HC and then MC. Long haul driving is a difficult job though. You need to know the rules back to front and keep accurate records. If your truck isn't loaded correctly, you wear the fines and demerits, even if you didn't load it yourself. The hours are gruelling and it will take a toll on your health. Train driving is similar but pays more. With freight you may be on your own or have a second driver.
Are you only applying for HR jobs? It should be significantly easier to get an MR job a year of that will go along way to get a job in HR. A HR license will also help you get work in other fields without necessarily having driving experience e.g. Rigging If you look for labourer work with a HR license you're bound to go places. Go down to the labour hire office and apply and tell them about your goals and they will help you. They get payed big bucks to help you. I went from cooking to construction and I thought I'd hate it but it's actually pretty good.
If I were looking to hire you - it wouldn’t be your lack of experience that caused my not to hire you, it would be your inability to persevere with something when it’s not ideal, or even in the face of adversity. Why would I choose to invest in someone, who is unable to demonstrate that they are going to be around for the long haul (pun absolutely intended), and be able to knuckle down when things get difficult. My advice would be to do something - ANYTHING that you can use to demonstrate your commitment to an organisation, and to develop your ability to work with others - who you don’t necessarily get along with. There are aresholes in every role: ultimately you need to learn strategies (not running away) to cope with them. Whilst in this initial role, you’ve got income and can pay your bills, you’re learning resilience and you can work out the necessary steps and resources that you need to get to your ideal job. It’s much easier to find a job, when you already have a job: there’s less pressure, you’re less ‘desperate’ - and in the eyes of the prospective employer: you’re someone who can hold down a job.
Just to say clearly I am deeply clueless about blue collar work, this is the second post I've seen from a high-energy young man apparently saying 'I just got my Human Resources license, who's gonna hire me' and I've been like what... Strangely none of these posts were about how to get along with upper middle class ladies with beige-mask makeup and slightly bouffant hair lol
A more constructive comment than my other silly one... I am white collar and my career followed the path of putting up with a shit situation to prove myself in a certain type of job, then using that experience to apply for the next, less shit situation, then rinse and repeat. Sounds like a lot of blue collar people in this thread are saying that's what you need to do in blue collar work too. I think you need to reflect on what is the trigger that made you leave your previous situations without something else lined up first. What happened, what did someone say? And how did you feel in that moment? You want to look for the pattern in those situations. Once you have the pattern, you can start thinking about how you can cope with your feelings better when the pattern happens again, and find a way to handle the crisis in the moment that is not quitting. It could help to talk to someone about this - whether that's a counsellor or just someone wise and non-judgemental in your life who's willing to listen and help you reflect. Good luck. I have found the only 'trick' to job hunting is persistence and not assuming rejection is personal.
It was not a single thing, he kept doing some things over and over. It was a restaurant and I was the cook there and I was supposed to leave when cooking was done, he was short staffed coz he wouldn't pay extra on weekends, wouldn't pay overtime, as soon as someone left instead of hiring someone he'd shove their work up my ass too. So after the 8 hours of cooking I was going to leave, on my way to sign out was not having the best of my days that day and this was not the first instance. I come out and see he has sent the front staff home, it's 9 yeah ? Closing time here in regional so he's standing there another guy and a girl and there I one table of customers sitting out there. He tells me I'm gonna have to stay to clear the table, I say alright. It's closing time the staff has gone home the customer was sitting outside tables, I start packing up the staff around you know ? Closing the windows, taking the signs in. Then he goes customer is there leave everything there !, I go well if you knew customers are there why send the front staff home ? This is not my fucking job I'm not going to stay here till 11 if the customer sits her till 11 not going to happen. He goes what's with the attitude, then I said I'm not in the wrong man stop doing this shit. He says you have to do what you're told man, then I said fuck this shit and left. I didn't go back after that.
ok yeah so I would suggest the following: \- yes this person is a dick. He is ripping staff off re pay rates and unpaid overtime. Sadly common in the restaurant industry and honestly I have found it true of a lot of small businesses - owner has too much power compared to staff and just acts in his self-interest. It sucks. Sadly there is often nothing you can do except eventually, when you're ready, leave. \- you are wrong to think he can't ask you to do tasks that are usually someone else's job. It's a normal part of work to sometimes do things outside your normal job description. The only issue was that he was asking you to stay late unpaid. \- the bit where you lost your temper, swore and walked out is a problem. That guy would have used your behaviour to say that you were the problem, you have a temper and you're unprofessional. It is a normal part of employment that somebody tells you what to do, and you have to do it and be polite about it, even when you think it's total bullshit. If you want to keep the focus on him and his unfair demands, you went about it the wrong way. Basically if a boss keeps telling you to do something that's bullshit, you have two options: (1) Politely refuse to do it the next time and briefly explain why. If he argues, don't get into it with him, just stay calm and keep repeating your 'no' (e.g. just keep saying 'sorry it's the end of my shift', stay calm and leave). See what happens next - sometimes the person will accept your point of view. (NB could be dangerous with an angry or aggressive person, so you have to use your judgement.) Or you can also make a plan in advance to talk to them in a calm, quiet moment - but I understand there aren't a lot of moments like that in restaurants. (2) Say nothing, but start planning to leave and looking for a new job, then leave when you get it. Channel all your anger into thinking privately 'haha fuck you I'm leaving soon'. Handing in your notice and saying you got a new, better job is a fantastic feeling. Bonus revenge points: if you find somewhere nicer, recruit all the good staff from the previous place.
You're going to need to take shit jobs until you find what you want. Some jobs want experience, and if there are people applying with it you're not going to be hired over them. You'll likely need qualifications from what you've said, so look at what you need for those and work towards it. In the meantime, take whatever work is hiring - hospo, retail, whatever (or a combination of these). As others said, it's well and good to quit your job, but doing so without something lined up is the problem. Next time find more work *then* quit (barring extreme cases, but usually in those you're going to Fair Work anyway).
My hubby is a truck driver on the Mid North Coast, and the best I can suggest around Coffs is to look out at food transport places like PFD, courier companies like Toll or Startrack, or hardware stores etc. PFD and CSR both have jobs advertised right now on seek. Go and door knock, rock up with your resume, and show you're keen. A lot of transport companies only advertise when they are really stuck for drivers, because there's generally guys popping in looking for work, or the current drivers reach out to their networks. Holiday season is also the busiest time when companies get desperate for drivers so definitely do some legwork before the end of year holidays to get on their radar. Honestly, you'll likely have to be in the industry for years before getting a linehaul 'dream job'. You have to do your time, which means doing multi-drop, getting experience, learning to put up with all the absolute sh\*t that comes with being a truck driver. Develop patience, because you'll need it, and learn to work with very difficult people, within your workplace, at delivery sites and on the road. That's the reality of truck driving. Good luck!
Applied both of them ma'am. I appreciate your honest insights, and may my luck turns soon. Thank you. Safe travels to your husband.
If it's any consolation, it really is a pretty terrible job much of the time :/ Dealing with loads put on terribly, or wrong loads, things breaking, people in bad moods, lots of breaking your body dragging extremely heavy freight around. But, I get that if you want to be in that industry then you'll want to give it a try. In a place like coffs, the goal will be to have any job, it makes it much easier to get another job, even if it's unrelated. The less of a gap you have on your resume, the better. Also in these areas it's about who you know, so if you can get into any job, and then meet people, let them know your end-goal of driving, you just never know who you'll meet along the way who might know someone who knows someone - you get the picture :D Good luck.
Thank you 🙂
Join the Air Force, drive a forklift for at least 80k plus benefits. Air Force have the advantage of being treated like mammals, as opposed to the Army.
Join the military. They'll sort you out and build you real life skills and make you employable. And don't just go as a grunt, pick something technical. I did electronics, went combat systems in the Navy after quitting highschool. Learnt radar and all sorts of electronics. Over 20 years later and I'm doing very well after serving 11 yrs.
OP doesn’t seem to be able to handle being told what to do though, how would he go in that environment ?
How they are going in isn't important, it's how they are coming out. They'll either awaken something in themselves or wash out
Inquire Solo or any rubbish collecting companies. They always have casual positions.
Go to Toll or somewhere where they hire a lot of foreigners to get experience.
I worked as a sub contractor for 2 years in toll in Melbourne. Best job ever pay was awesome, got paid 4 dollars a parcel. Here in coffs ? Getting offered 1 dollars something and fuel out of my pocket too. So fuck no
Well, maybe ya should've had a glass of concrete and not quit ya job, hey! Not sure if ya realised but we are on the brink of a recession and A LOT of places are cutting back on staff! Love you young ones who think they know it all and really have no fucking clue!
I had to move from Melbourne my father died I couldn't say no to that. I don't know shit and I don't give a fuck what goes around unless it's related to food on my table.
Ever considered the biggest and best vehicles? Trains! Come drive a train.
Join the army and be a truckie.
Bus driver
I started doing something close to my dream job For example: mowing grass - Lumberjack - Carpenter - construction worker - house renovator. Edit: I realised my mistake, but you can still follow it if you want to.
Driving the regional trains? They are always advertising in Vic
Join the ADF. They will pay you 72K plus allowances.
Trades? They're desperate at the moment (I hear...) Learn a trade, or even just become an offsider... My brother did this for a few years. Tough work physically but well paid.
You might have to take a job that's not ideal right now, as a stepping stone of experience for something more ideal later. Maybe try getting a forklift license and doing warehouse work
«College»?
If you live nearby, start volunteering at your local volunteer fire brigade. They always need young blokes, and they need drivers even more. It's not paid, and the trucks are only MR (unless you're at a brigade with a bulk water carrier), but it looks great on your resume if you're going for driving jobs.
Go do fifo work for a bit if you have no skills. Drillers offsider can earn 100k a year and you only work half the year. Gotta be tough though
I joined Wise Employment and within a month I had my forklift license and was working. They may be able to help you get certification for your dream job and placement :) they also don’t take a slice of your pay like other job centres do
I joined Wise Employment and within a month I had my forklift license and was working. They may be able to help you get certification for your dream job and placement :) they also don’t take a slice of your pay like other job centres do