How does one find permanent employment these days that isn’t call center based?

I graduated college in the mid 90s with two useless bachelors degrees and immediately began office jobs. I then moved into insurance claims which I made good money doing. Unfortunately I became horrifically ill, had to go on long term medical leave and eventually lost my job.

After almost 2 years out of work, I found a temp job doing outbound calls for a call center and quickly moved up the ranks to team leader. Then they moved to another part of the country and I was unable to relocate.

This was 5 years ago and I have been unable to find permanent non-call center work since. I hate working in call centers where my every move is micromanaged like I’m a toddler and I went from being salaried at $50K a year to making $13 an hour with no benefits and can’t seem to break this cycle.

How does one find permanent, non call center work in 2019?

Wanted: Positive Attitude

It all begins with your attitude. You've no doubt heard the phrase Your attitude determines your altitude. A positive attitude will not only help you to find a good job but also help you hold on to your work in a competitive market.

Many employers say a positive attitude is one of the personal traits they value most highly in their employees.

When you have a positive outlook, you work more effectively. It will give you more energy and focus as well. Co-workers view you as a valuable team member and you increase your own level of satisfaction and success.

GETTING WORK

If you’re currently looking for work, take some time to examine your attitudes and beliefs about work search. You might believe it’s just a matter of time before you connect with the right employer. On the other hand, you may be letting your worries about finding a job stress you out.

Is there anything more grueling than the job search? Ask any job seeker, and he/she will probably say no. Between the endless waiting and instant blow of rejection, the job search is a difficult time for many. When going through tough times, it’s often said that maintaining a positive attitude toward the situation can carry you through, same goes for the job search! A positive attitude during the job search can not only help you emotionally, it can help your actual search, as hiring managers appreciate seeing confident candidates. Follow these tips to help build a positive attitude while job hunting:

Accept Rejection

Not every job is perfect for your skillset, and if you have been applying to many positions, you might be facing rejection. The job search can be a long process riddled with rejection, and if you let it bring you down, you won’t learn from the experience and do better the next time; you will just be worried about getting rejected again.

Surround Yourself with Positive People

Avoid negativity like the plague! It will do you no good hanging around people who are constantly discussing bleak job outlooks and stories about this guy they know who was out of work for a year. Surround yourself with supportive people who want to lift you up.

Maintain a Routine

Don’t devote your whole day to only applying for jobs; you will burn out and get frustrated quickly. Maintain a normal routine and stay active. If you make room for things like exercising, visiting friends, spending time with family and even down time, your days will feel more balanced and less pressured.

Volunteer

There are many good reasons to volunteer during your job search. While volunteering, you can meet possible connections to job opportunities, bolster your resume by showing you stayed active and most importantly, it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Positively impacting somebody’s life is an uplifting feeling, so devote some time to a cause you care about.

During the job search, there are days where positive feelings might be few and far between, but if you follow these tips and work to stay optimistic, you will see the job search become smoother. Believing in yourself and your abilities will keep you energized for the hard work of looking for work. Also, a positive attitude can make all the difference in a job interview.

KEEPING WORK

Having a great attitude for each workday starts with showing up on time and requires investment in every moment after that. You attack important projects and busywork with equal zeal. You focus on solutions rather than problems. Above all, you avoid acting like a drone that mindlessly completes tedious tasks and secretly wishes to be anywhere else than at your desk.

The way you approach your work will help you hang on to it. Follow these suggestions can help you maintain a positive attitude:

Stay Away From Negative Co-workers

Nothing is worse than someone walking over to your desk every single morning complaining about the job. What’s even worse is when you come in ready to put in a solid day’s work and your coworker wrecks your positive outlook.

Staying away from negative people is vital. The next time they come over, make sure you are too busy to engage in the regular negative conversation. Try surrounding yourself with positive and motivated coworkers. Once the Negative Nancy’s see your new positive vibe, they will get the hint that you don’t have time to engage in negative conversations. Even if they don’t at first, they will eventually get the hint.

Good Communication With Management

Open and continuous dialogue with your manager can go a long way. Nothing wreaks more havoc on your week than a problem arising due to miscommunication with management or fear to take suggestions to your boss. With continuous dialogue comes good rapport – which leads to trust. Once you’ve established a sense of trust with management, your workplace becomes a whole new world.

Remember Your Purpose and Goals

The workplace is constantly evolving, and with changes, you can sometimes forget your purpose for taking the job in the first place. Stay focused on why you are there and what your goal is no matter how much change comes. One tip is to find inspiration with motivational quotes. Keep the quotes fresh and change them out depending on what aspect in your life you need to kick into gear. If you can wear ear phones at your desk while you work, listen to your favorite music that puts you in a good mood. You can even find some motivational speakers on YouTube to listen to when you need that extra motivation.

Take a Fresh Air Break

Working hard and going the extra mile always yields positive outcomes, but we all need a break for some personal time. If you are inside all day staring at a computer screen, then go outside and walk around to get some fresh air. Take your mind off what you have been working on for the past several hours. Checking out for 10-15 minutes and getting some fresh air will recharge your mind.

Take Care of Your Health

I think we can all agree that a clear mind is an important piece for performing at our highest level in the workplace, but sometimes we forget about our health. A good diet and regular exercise can keep your positive attitude constant. If you are truly sick, make sure you use a sick day and take the time you need to get yourself feeling better. Trying to work through a seasonal bug can make you feel sluggish, and it may take your body even longer to recover. In addition, people around you don’t appreciate you coming into work if you are spreading germs. If you are taking care of your body and your mind, then you are ready to perform at the highest level possible.

A Few More Suggestions

Do your best. Do each task well the first time.

Focus on work when you’re at work. Use breaks to check in with your social and personal life.

Be a committed team player.

Lend a hand when your co–workers need help.

Do what needs to be done, whether or not it’s your job.

Ask for help when you need it.

Make every effort to add to a respectful, co–operative working environment. Avoid gossip and negativity.

Have a positive attitude to get and keep the work you want

Final Thoughts

In a competitive market, employers want to hire and hang on to workers with an optimistic outlook and a can–do approach. Whether you're searching for work or hoping to keep the job you have, your positive attitude can give you the edge in the hiring process and earn you the right kind of attention on the job.

I was working for a temp agency on assignment at a hospital. I had been working at the hospital for about 5 months straight. I was working between 10-12 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week. I was always being praised for my hard work, great attitude, my willingness to help others complete their tasks because I always finished mine early and I was always on time. But the job was very labor intensive & I developed Carpal Tunnel because of the work. (I don't have health insurance & don't qualify for Medicaid because I don't have any dependents) So I started having such excruciating pain in my hands & arms that I wasn't able to complete certain things that I could before & instead of allowing me to keep doing the things I could still do, and have someone else do the things I couldn't, they let me go (despite the fact that for the past 5 months I was always helping others complete the things that they couldn't do) So here I am, 3 months after they let me go, still in excruciating pain, unable to find any work because of the Carpal Tunnel & I don't know what to do... I can't afford to have the surgery & I don't qualify for Medicaid because I don't have any dependents. I can't afford to not be employed & I am about to lose my car & everything because I have no money. Any advice, suggestions... anything would be very, very appreciated.

After my bad expeirence with taco bell letting me go because I have no teeth I have been waring myself down trying to find another job and have no luck.Sterio typing because I have a bone condition that caused me to have my teeth abstracted has made me feel like no matter where I apply Im not pretty enough to work for anybody. Im about tired of how they assume Im a meth user or a drug addict by looking at me instead of asking , I get judged and assumed thats who I am because im young with no teeth. I dont know what else to do.Medicaid here in oklahoma does not cover dentures and I cant afford them or try to save up to get them if I have no income coming in. I feel like Im stuck staring the devil in the face , frozen and not getting anywhere with him in my way.

I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade but I’m getting ready to graduate with my A.S. In accounting with one problem I injured my spinal cord in 2011 and am left walking with a walker plus over 50 so if you want to talk being disgusted I’m ready because I am beyond that so all you normal people just keep at it the ice will break sooner or later just make it your mission and you will get results good luck but you won’t need it it will happen just don’t give up

I am tired of them sending me jobs leads and then I apply just to get the answer position already filled or they moved on to other applicants. I'm stressed and frustrated about all this false hope of thinking I might have a chance to move on. I have even applied on my own to different jobs and I'm just overlooked no matter what. I'm really hating that I took on the medical field. I am broke my lights are about to get turned off and my car insurance is about lapse can't do anything for myself. I need to be seen by a doctor but can't afford to even go to one. Just don't make enough money to do anything I am just sick and tired and ready to just say the hell with it.

I was working for a Temp agency doing a job that I really liked. I was doing extremely well, and caught on quickly. I worked for 4 weeks and had to go to the ER for kidney stones, I missed the 1 day but went back the next day. I worked 4 1/2 hrs the next day and I was doubled over in pain and crying..but still working..when the Supervisor came up and told me that I really needed to go home, that there was no way I could stay and work in that much pain. I left and went straight to the ER again. I recieved a call the very next morning and was fired for missing 2 days!
I have tried to talk to the HR manager, the plant manager, they won't respond. This has left me heartbroken..just seems so wrong. Both the Temp agency and the client was contacted about me being sent home by the Supervisor. The Temp agency did not try to stand up for me at all..nor find me another assignment.

I have been looking for employment for three years, due to layoffs in my department in healthcare. Due to unfortunate circumstances, a family member became ill and I have to attend to her everyday needs and that was almost two years until her death. As I attended to get back in my field and started to apply for jobs. I had phone interviews, in-person interviews, etc... But I began to notice no callback or response from the employer. So, I did some digging and found out that my Identity was stolen! My credit report was comprised, that's why I was getting a response.

I was in the hospital for 2 days. I had my wife call my employer to let them know what was going on. When i returned to work I had my doctors note. I was called into the office HR and my supervisor was their and they fired me. They said because I was a lead and only called in one day and I should of called in both days. I explained I was very sick in pain in the ER waiting to see what the doctor found wrong and what was going to happen. When in the ER cellphones dont work. Was I wrongfully terminated?

I was diagnosed with epilepsy 2 years ago. I'm methodical about taking my medicine as well as staying healthy. I can do the same job as well as anyone else but somehow, every place I've applied to, they know about my medical condition and I've had door after door slammed in my face. I just want a part time job, something to get me out of the house and give me a sense of purpose but it seems that's too much. Hell, I couldn't even get a job at Dunkin Donuts. I'm so ready to give up.