How can a visible minority high school student get a job in a redneck rural town?
Asked by Diet and fitness freak
I've applied everywhere and its a small place and there is not many places to apply. I dont have any relatives working in this town and i am also new here so i dont have reputation like everyone else. People here also seem racists because they give me dirty looks. Also more than 10 000 jobs have been lost in this area in the last few yrs so there's adults competing for student jobs. Many buisnesses have closed down. The closest city is too far away to bike (40km). I dont know many ppl so i cant get babysitting. The only help wanted ads are ALWAYS truck drivers and newpaper delivery. I have 2 newpaper routes bu it pays pennies. (54$/month). I went to the job agancy and there is always NOTHiNG and the job bank has nothing either. There is even competion for volunteer jobs. I need money for University, it cost so much. How can i save up? Scolarships help a bit but will only pay for 1 or 2 semesters.

Best Answer:
First off, your attitude towards the people and the town probably shows, and that's why you may get dirty looks. Not everyone who live in a small rural town is a dumb redneck. Many people have lived in the big cities and didn't like it. Try joining some clubs or organizations in the area to help you meet people. If you go to church, get to know the people. Sometimes who you know can take you a long way. Stay in school and learn something that is in demand. Just because there aren't any ads for something, doesn't mean it not needed somewhere by someone. Cheer up.

It may seem bleak, and I know first hand what it's like to be a newcomer and try to find a job in an economically depressed, small, rural community. First, however, you have to stop thinking of everyone as a "racist redneck". True, some people may be narrow minded about your skin color- but your attitude DOES make a difference on how people percieve you. Even if you are polite, if you're going around thinking "dumb redneck" in the back of your mind, people will pick up on this. I'm a white girl AND a truck driver, and I've gotten dirty looks from people in small towns JUST because they don't recognize me! It may not be your skin color- it may simply be they're thinking, "Who IS that new person??" So smile, introduce yourself to people, ask questions, start conversations. Like the person before me said, join a community group or church group. Even if you're not religious, the churches are usually the center of small-town social life, so go see what kind of youth activities or volunteer work they have in town, smile, be friendly and respectful. You don't have to join the church or subscribe to their religion if you don't want to- but if you are a pleasant person you will become familiar and welcomed to many people VERY quickly. You'll likely find babysitting and house-cleaning and a number of other opportunities opening up to you this way. Also, make yourself available for farm work. Are there any dairies or produce farms in your area? It is generally seasonal work, it can be strenuous, and the pay is not good....however, if you're desperate, it is an idea. Go to the local feed store or co-op and ask if anyone is needing some farm help. Put up a flyer advertising your name and number, and anything you're willing to do. Sometimes, during planting or harvest season, a farmer will be willing to drive into town and pick you up from a central location if he is too far for you to bike.
Answered by forest_basenji