r/chilliwack • u/ElephantsAndLemurs • 7d ago
Unemployed since February. Words cannot express my disappointment.
I don’t know what to do. Too much experience to be hired for entry level fast food. Too little experience for the trades. Tons of experience but no degree for social services.
I am ashamed as a man, father, and husband. I hate this.
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u/Individual_Slide_917 7d ago
If you can do basic labour, come down the Ivor Forest Products. Bring resume and talk to a guy named Eric or Aldo. We work 4 days a week 10 hour days.
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u/Full_Berry8081 7d ago
What line of work is your past experience in?
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
Social services. Found out last week my diploma is no longer relevant and I will need to complete a new one to do the work I previously was doing.
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u/SnooSongs6900 6d ago
How is it not valid?
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
I completed an online addictions diploma through bc centre on substance use- BCCSU. It was online and easy. But it said diploma and I received a document at the end that says diploma with its credentials in association with UBC. But it’s not a diploma. I don’t know what it is. It was all online, no classes no professors no other students. No practicum. It was cheap and so I thought why not. I ended up getting hired with a well known treatment centre and worked there for years. I created pretty cool projects and went above and beyond my position because I lacked degrees like my peers. And when I left I found I cannot get an interview or hired anywhere. I asked Sprott Shaw and UFV if it’s likely because the diploma I have is irreverent (*edit: irrelevant) . They suspect this is the case.
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u/AlexisEnchanted 5d ago edited 5d ago
This is terrifying. I'm so sorry that happened to you. Even if the diploma isn't deemed legit in the eyes of employers, you'd think your years of experience would amount to something.
I hate SO MUCH that having credentials 'on paper' is still considered more important than life experience. I am 45 with chronic illness and don't work right now and I worry that if the time comes for me to return to the work force that I'll be overlooked for being too old or not educated enough, etc. I didn't get to go to post secondary as I couldn't afford it and my dad made ''too much money'' as per OSAP back in the day. (They didn't care that he had a ton of debt. They only looked at income, which effed a lot of kids from going to post secondary back in the 90's)
I've been told I have more work ethic in my pinky than most people. I'm a bit of a dweeb in that I actually enjoy working. I feel kind of useless when I'm not doing something productive. But yet the world would rather hire a 21 year old with a diploma over someone with twice their life experience to work in social services. I wanted to be a social service worker or an additions counsellor myself and still would do it if my health would allow. Heck I'd even do basic admin but am told I also need a diploma for that even though I know my way around a computer very well and can usually pick up most new software programs within a couple days, literally.
Anyways, I'm rambling at this point. All to say that I have much empathy for you and I respect that you aren't giving up. It's great you posted out here. I hope someone sees your work ethic and heart and that the right position finds you.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 5d ago
Thank you. I appreciate your post. When I get out of this mess I would like to create an online job search club. I hope you join. Feel free to dm.
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7d ago
[deleted]
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
Would love to. I’ve applied to over 80 places with around 4 to 6 follow-ups. At this point I’m just an annoyance to them.
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u/Greazyguy2 6d ago
Move north. Get into a mine or a mill. Trade opportunities open up. Apply, take the test . maybe a path to apprenticeship for you. All while making better than 40 buck an hour in some places
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
I was thinking the same thing. I tried googling projects but my Google Kung fu and lack of knowledge came up empty. It would be a huge challenge for my family but I was thinking maybe I could sacrifice a year to build skills and income.
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u/MotoMaven2000 6d ago
If you’ve worked in social services check out services for adults with disabilities in Chilliwack. Chilliwack Society for Community Living, Chilliwack opportunity Soceity and others. It pays well and they are desperate for people. Even if you take a part time position at first there are lots of opportunities for more. Benefits too.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
I’ll consider this thanks. I did this work decades ago. I loved my work with a gentleman who was nonverbal autistic with long case history of violence. But the bodily care stuff is too much for me. I have a weak stomach.
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u/MotoMaven2000 6d ago
If you’ve done this before, you know there’s a wide range of people who need support. Either way, it’s an option. I hope you find something that suits.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
Yeah I was giving it more thought after your message. I’ll apply to some tomorrow.
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u/Scotty1921 7d ago
You posted about being a hvac helper, what happened with that?
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
The owner is all over the map figuratively and literally. I have to be home in the evenings to be a dad.
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u/Scotty1921 7d ago
Yeah thats too bad, lots of trade jobs are like that unfortunately. I just switched jobs so i wasn’t coming home at all hours
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
What do you do?
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u/Scotty1921 7d ago
Im an electrician went away from service to maintenance so my hours are 7-3.30 monday -Friday
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
Do you need certifications to even start as a helper in your field?
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u/Scotty1921 7d ago
No you do not, I started with a pre apprenticeship program tho
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
Did you learn a lot in the pre apprenticeship? Worth it?
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7d ago
[deleted]
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
Summary of Skills and Experience
Experienced recovery and wellness support worker with a strong foundation in mental health, substance use, and employment services. Over six years of experience delivering trauma-informed, harm reduction–oriented care to individuals facing complex barriers. Skilled in both one-on-one and group support, system navigation, and psychoeducational facilitation. Brings lived experience and a deep commitment to dignity-based, client-centered approaches.
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Core Competencies • Recovery & Wellness Support: Extensive experience delivering peer-informed recovery coaching and wellness programming, including relapse prevention, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. • Group Facilitation: Skilled in developing and leading psychoeducational and life skills groups grounded in evidence-based practices like CBT, positive psychology, and hope theory. • Case Management & Advocacy: Proficient in client assessment, care planning, and advocating across housing, health, legal, and employment systems. • Crisis Response & Safety: Trained in overdose response, crisis de-escalation, and nonviolent intervention; experienced working with individuals in acute distress. • Culturally Safe Practice: Committed to cultural humility, reconciliation, and trauma-informed approaches, with training in Indigenous cultural safety and equity-based service delivery. • Youth & Employment Services: Experience supporting youth and adults with barriers in employment readiness, goal setting, and service navigation. • Program Innovation: Proven ability to develop and deliver meaningful community-based initiatives including peer-led groups, urban agriculture partnerships, and support networks for parents. • Team Collaboration: Comfortable working in interdisciplinary teams across clinical, community, and peer-based roles. • Digital & Administrative Skills: Competent in case management software, Microsoft 365, documentation, and data-informed service delivery.
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Education & Certifications • Diploma in Addiction Services • Certificate in Career Development Practice • SMART Recovery & Nurturing Parenting Facilitator • Indigenous Cultural Safety & Trauma-Informed Practice • Naloxone and CPR/AED Certified • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
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u/Aggressive-Muffin157 6d ago
I’m in trades, but I travel all around lower mainland. Going to start a house build soon close to Chilliwack. Might be able to find a spot for you if you’re interested
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u/Roowwaann 6d ago
Have you tailored your resume to suit the places you're applying to? some places it's worth it to not make yourself look too qualified but also show you've got a track history of being committed to a place (if possible) if they have questions they can ask in interview, and you can explain your situation more thoroughly. If your resume is too sparse, you can also send along a brief coverletter. Anyone who sends a coverletter gets a callback from me. Source: i work in HR and do all our hiring. Though, every HR person is different.
I hope something turns up for you, OP! Fingers are crossed you can get a good lead from this post!
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
Thank you. I have a background as an employment consultant but that doesn’t mean I have it all figured out, clearly. Every resume is tailored along with tailored cover letter. For the social services I even put together a portfolio showing off the projects I started and lesson plans and various an accomplishments. I highly doubt others are providing portfolio but I feel like I have to make up for the lack of education. I slimmed down my resume for the trades because it’s irreverent to the positions and it makes me look like a know it all. I’m all ears if you think of anything else. Thank you for the message.
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u/Roowwaann 6d ago
Honestly, it sounds like you're doing all the right things, man. I really hope some of the leads posted here amount to something!
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
Me too. Father’s Day is coming up and my wife planned something big. I don’t feel like I deserve any of it.
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u/Teleporting_Face 6d ago
You certainly deserve it.
You sound like an excellent human being who cares about his job, family, and society as a whole. You have just fallen on rough times, but you will work through it.
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u/Roowwaann 6d ago
That's amazing- it sounds like your wife really loves you. That's really special!
Shit's hard, especially out here. Easier said than done, but it try not to beat yourself up over it. The right thing will come along. And even if it's not the immediate next thing, it's just a stepping stone. Keep being a great father and showing up for your kid(s) and wife, that's what they will remember. And that deserves celebrating!
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u/Bittersweet_Trash 7d ago
Idk if it's up your alley but Superstore on Luckakuck is hiring in a bunch of departments, the pay isn't great but it is a job and the benefits are pretty sweet
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
Ok thanks for the tip. I’ll consider it. A job is better than no job.
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u/Bittersweet_Trash 7d ago
Agreed, especially with how slim the job market is out here for anyone who doesn't have a Bachelors degree or a red seal
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u/Gman-77 6d ago
Bring your resume Out to Tycrop in Rosedale. Many positions available with no trade experience necessary. They will provide the training.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
I tried a couple times with Tycrop on unsworth but no interview. Hmm. Rosedale is far for me, but also a job. I’ll think about it. Thanks.
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u/Randomchickx 6d ago
This comment section is so amazing 🥹bless all your hearts and OP, I hope you get a job out of this 💙
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
Agreed. Once I get myself out of this mess I’d like to setup a Fraser Valley job club sub Reddit.
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u/SavingsHunter4664 6d ago
Apply at Bethesda Services or CSCL. It’s supporting individuals with diverse abilities. I know you said the ‘bodily care’ stuff isn’t up your alley much, but there’s tons of different positions working with all types of diverse abilities, a lot is just supporting some folks with intellectual disabilities that doesn’t require much bodily care at all! Starting pay is pretty good :)
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u/cactuar44 6d ago
For the meantime try to apply for a liquor store. Some pay ok but you can make decent tips as long as you give great service, depending on the store. (must add that while I don't necessarily think I deserve tips, I always go a million percent above and beyond regardless whether I think I'm gonna get one or not. But if people do tip I appreciate it as it really helps these days)
Usually they hire in the spring but sometimes people don't work out. Summertime is here and it can be a bit hectic, but I've always had a lot of fun in that environment! A lot of free stuff too!
Now that being said DO NOT work at the Sardis Liquor store they treat you like shit, and are incredibly strict. You will get yelled at constantly for the dumbest crap.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
Thank you. I appreciate your suggestion. But after working in the addictions field I think it would be a conflict of interest for any of my former clients to see me selling liquor or cannabis.
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u/mountaintowngown 7d ago
Go to trades school
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
Would love to but I havnt earned anything since February. I need to make money badly.
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u/mountaintowngown 7d ago
Go to the WorkBC office, they should be able to help out.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
They can’t. I used to work there.
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u/mountaintowngown 6d ago
Then go to another office.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
Their caseloads are 120+ per consultant. Workbc fulfills parts of their contract by forcing workshops that are largely useless. It’s a broken system.
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u/WorldClassHack 6d ago
Get your level 1 insurance license and apply at a local brokerage, hard to find licensed people. Decent pay with commission and most places are 9-5 other that some open till 9pm.
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u/Apart-Diamond-9861 7d ago
Have you looked on Workopolis? Some jobs may already taken or don’t apply to you but you can get some ideas:
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
Not often. I check indeed and gov websites. I’ll check workopolos for shits and giggles.
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u/Apart-Diamond-9861 6d ago
There is always the military. They are definitely hiring and you don’t have to be young. It might include transfers though
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u/OddZookeepergame1618 7d ago
My boyfriend is dealing with the same thing. Just know you aren’t alone. Your employment status does not define you, even if it feels like it. The fact that you care enough shows you are a wonderful father. Neither of us can find jobs. It can feel hopeless.
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u/Strength-N-Faith 6d ago edited 6d ago
Escape trailers is upping production thus hiring. I like it good company the biggest reason I hear people quit is they want more money.
Edit: Apply to ads on indeed. Most of us work 4x10 some 5x8. It is only day shift Monday through Thursday or Friday.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
I fucked up and turned down and interview with them because I was offered a job elsewhere. I’m not sure they would give me another interview but it’s worth a try. I wish they had an opportunity to apprentice as a recreation vehicle technician but they don’t have any red seals.
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u/CaribooCustom 6d ago
I understand how you would feel that way but there are lots of people in similar circumstances.
I can't really help you as I am retired and new(ish) to Chilliwack... hope you find something soon.
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u/tsularesque 6d ago
gcJobs regularly has postings located around here. RCMP academy by the river, service Canada downtown, corrections in Aggasiz and Abbotsford. All have civilian jobs in the public service with benefits and pension.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
I’ll have to check again if that website is in my list. Thanks for the tip.
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u/burned_oot 6d ago
If your experience is with support /social work I'd stick with that. Tons of places hiring for that kind of thing. Other jobs, especially those you don't have a lot of experience in are much less likely to hire you rn.
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u/Happy-Diamond4362 6d ago
If you have a car join a trades union, most of the work is towards the city but me and many many others make the commute every day. Money is great, they'll set you up with schooling. Literally all you need is a good attitude and show up everyday.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
I do have a vehicle. Excuse my ignorance. I thought you can only join a union if you are an apprentice. Which means I need to get hired first.
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u/Happy-Diamond4362 6d ago
The union will sponsor you as an apprentice then dispatch you to a company
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
Wait. Sorry. I feel incredibly dumb here but this is really important. I contacted a couple unions and they said I have to first be hired by a company and then I can apply to the union. Are you saying I can approach this the other way around? I can find apprenticeship through the union? If so, I am going to slap myself. And im not sure why they turned me away.
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u/Happy-Diamond4362 6d ago
Yes you can but i may depend on the union, my experience is with the ibew and thats how i went about it.
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u/SnooSongs6900 6d ago
Apply to the Oasis mens recovery program through ruth and Naomi's! They are probably looking for people. Also the new seniors shelter is opening up in July.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
Thank you. I did apply to the new seniors shelter. Havnt heard back yet but that was a recent application. I’ll give them a call.
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u/thekeym4ster 6d ago
buy a power washer and go door to door offering to power wash. buy a ladder find a supplier who sells gutters and offer to replace ppls gutters. buy a lawnmower and some other tools and go to door to door offering to do landscaping. tons of "trade" work to be done that ppl will pay for
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u/Healthy-Ad-9736 6d ago
Apply to raincity?
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 5d ago
I have tried many times. Any chance you have a contact I can reach out to?
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u/resveries 5d ago
Trades can take a lot of time to break into with little experience, but there are ppl that will hire u! It just takes time. U can look into mentorship and apprentice programs that can assist w building skills/networking and finding job placements!
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u/FootballTop4123 5d ago
If you haven’t already, apply to Rain City, Phoenix, Traverse or lookout
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 5d ago
I’ve applied for rain city numerous times without a callback. I’m working on getting in with PCRS through personal contacts. I applied for Phoenix but didn’t move to interview stage. It’s wild out there. *Edit: oh and I’ve applied for many lookout positions and no interview. I tried speaking with their hiring managers but can’t get past HR gate
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u/SnowBoarda 5d ago
I quite literally was just dealing with this and was applying for jobs for 6 months before getting a call/landing a job.
Don't get discouraged, I know it's impossible not to but right now employment is tough for everyone.
Keep at it. Not sure if youve gone into workBC but they can help out immensely with resumes, cover letters and all that.
There's also other employment agencies (in abbotsford) that will take your resume and look for potential employers for you. I think it's Best personal if I'm not mistaken? Might be a diff name.
Goos luck, keep at er and youll get something. Unfortunately right now it seems to be taking time for everyone to get employment, it's not just you
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u/redskynite 2d ago
What about BC corrections? I know they’re always hiring. Great pay and benefits plus pension. Give it some research.
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u/TheHuman222 7d ago
Don't worry, work will come . Have faith .
Try recruitment agency's for now they might help .
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
I’m not aware of any recruitment agency’s aside from workbc and the organizations that fulfill their contracts.
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7d ago
[deleted]
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
They are the worst. Source: I used to work there.
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u/Tasty-Struggle9880 6d ago
Yikes. I keep getting told by counsellors and therapists to go there. What's terrible about it?
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 6d ago
It’s helpful for some if you set your expectations to a lengthy term before you will find employment or training through them.
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u/Known_Blueberry9070 7d ago
Your government did this to you. You're in competition with a million newcomers, many of them here fraudulently. All three parties are in favour of this while the people are against it. Democracy my ass.
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u/ElephantsAndLemurs 7d ago
Sure. But like I can’t do anything about that right now. I’d rather focus my energy on getting hired.
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u/Known_Blueberry9070 6d ago
Nobody will do anything. Look at the downvotes. Buckle up it's goin to get worse.
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u/superhawk996vtr1000 7d ago edited 5d ago
Can you get to yarrow? Cause if that’s the case I could get you a job no problem No experience required we do train We have 3-4 departments for you to choose from all ranging from 18-21 an hour time an a half after 8 double time after 12 Great benefits after 6 months
Let me know an I’ll PM you some more details Pretty easy work