Steerpike

Had an interesting experience last week that is somewhat related to this thread. I've just started doing a consulting gig at a non-profit / charity kind of place. Everyone is very nice. Like, really nice . Anyway, I'm doing IT stuff for them and we were discussing security in general and touched on background checks. The guy I'm talking to is the head honcho of the whole operation, and he volunteered that he 'checked me out online'. I laughed and told him I do everything I can to maintain a low profile online, so 'what did you find?' 'Your LinkedIN profile' was his reply. I almost told him, that's foolish because you can write anything you want in your LinkedIN profile ... but then I thought, no, I'll let him continue with his opinion. Someone else wandered in and he proceeded to tell them just how amazing I was ... he really was impressed by the stuff in LinkedIN!

Now, my LinkedIN profile is actually 100% accurate, and has a bunch of real endorsements from former managers - glowing appraisals of my work. I actually use it now as my resume, if anyone asks for it, so I have really made it such that it would stand up if challenged. But anyway - it never occurred to me that someone would check out my LinkedIN profile in this context but this experience suggests that a) if you don't have one, create one and b), make it worth reading (get endorsements). I've also made sure my Facebook profile or 'page' or 'wall' or whatever that god-forsaken product calls it is 'clean'. I refrain from any controversial stuff on FB (I haven't posted anything in 2 years). Basically, "Google Yourself" and see what shows up.

Edit To Add - working for free for a non-profit - volunteering - may be a great way to 'get to know' useful people that can lead to work.

scrubbedexpat091

OP: Keep trying, lower skill jobs tend to attract a massive amount of applicants so just getting interviews is some success on its own. Maybe try looking for work at home call center jobs?

sid nv

This will not be an issue for cannabis users in Nevada from Jan 1st next year, as it will be illegal to turn down a job applicant on the basis of a failed marijuana screening test (with some exceptions).
Nevada is the first state to pass such an employment discrimination law. We are striving to overtake Colorado in our pot-friendliness.

sid nv

This is the sort of employer I need. No pretence.

https://reno.craigslist.org/lab/d/si...937062059.html

Mempete

My kind of employer! Wish there was more of this out there.
I hired and fired for 25+ yrs and must admit checking out all the BS on the resumes used to get burdensome.. Straight talkers are best.

scrubbedexpat091

I suppose the law wont apply to federally regulated jobs within NV?

Airlines for example are federally regulated, the federal government says all employees in a safety sensitive position (pilots, flight attendants, ramp, maintenance etc.) must be drug tested on hire as well as random testing in place during employment.

I would assume federal rules overrule state in such a case?

sid nv

You think we gonna kowtow to the federal government here? No sir, we are rootin' tootin' patriots who lift 100lb+ chunks of stone all day from sunup until sundown, then retire to the Bucket of Blood saloon to be serenaded by cowboy poets, get drunk on whiskey and have a fight. This here's what ah'm talkin' 'bout:
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/a...r-bunkerville/

caretaker

Meanwhile, in the Bucket o' Blood Saloon...

sid nv

Yeehah. This line in particular resonated:

"A tough man can get out of a situation, but a smart man never gets himself into one"

TexanScot

You would assume correctly.

I see a lot of young graduates in my field (tech) who think that just because something is legal in San Francisco, local law will trump Federal Law when it comes to working in the defense industry or when the Federal Government mandates that their contractors operate (and test for) a drug-free workplace.

This is apparently the most horrifically unfair thing in the history of humanity in their eyes, and they should simultaneously be able to stick it to The Man whilst drawing a paycheck from said Man.

sid nv

To the question on federally regulated jobs in NV, the new Act only specifically cites an exception for employees who operate a motor vehicle and for which federal or state law requires a screening test. However there is also an exception "That, in the determination of the employer, could adversely affect the safety of others.", so a more general opt-out is available where safety is concerned. For airlines this lines up with FAA policy that, as Jsmth points out, requires drug and alcohol testing for all employees who perform safety-sensitive functions.

When my wife and I were waiting outside in line for the local Social Security Administration office to open, we (among others) were warned by a security guard not to attempt to carry marijuana into the building, as it is a federal office and federal law applies.

sid nv

I have now successfully secured a role in logistics by way of signing up for a company that arranges deliveries using own vehicle. Here is the deal:

They pay per delivery, starting at $1.00 per delivery. The average delivery pays $6.

I pay the cost of buying a car, pay for all car repairs, pay for repeat replacement parts like tires, battery etc, pay the road tax, auto insurance, breakdown cover, all petrol, motor oil etc. I have bought a new smartphone that is compatible with their app, and pay for cellphone service and internet service.

How this setup is even legal I don't know. Anyway, I am so bored sitting at home gawping at the computer screen all day, I figure I will give it a go. It turns out to be fruitless since the hiring company appears to have virtually no customers in the area I signed up for.

So yesterday someone who introduces themselves as 'Hey this is Kate' texts me to say I have been ready to start making money now for 8 days, I have made no deliveries, and am I still interested in working for them? I am tempted to point out that I don't work for them, and if they actually employed people instead if using the 'independent contractor' cop-out then they would be in trouble for paying less than minimum wage. Instead I politely point out that they do not appear to have any customers in this area. After a bit of texting back and forth during which I send a screenshot of their app to prove my point, Kate sends me a list of 'Pro-tips' including a suggestion that I check at midnight to grab those slots fast. Yeah, like I am going to be sitting and staring at the phone at midnight to earn $6.

If this gig economy is what the younger generation are facing, I really despair for them.

jeepster

Gig economy? You're late to the party that's been going on a long time.
You're over thinking it. If you want to do delivery than Pizza Delivery. Have you looked at Fed Ex or UPS?
You can also do rural mail carriers which is contract basis, see local post office for flyers if they have any contracts open.

Nutmegger

I presume that you have missed the point of this thread -- that it is about age discrimination and jobs for over-65s.

sid nv

Stay woke, bro.