I agree with Malcolm. There are all types of call centre jobs for different companies. Since you have worked in the heavy steel industry, you have transferrable work experience and you may want to update your resume that contains KEYWORDS about your heavy steel work experience and sign up for free on LinkedIn website at www.linkedin.com and place the same keywords because that is how employers locate people with certain skillsets and knowledge. With your lifetime of steel industry support in many areas, NEVER SELL YOURSELF SHORT, you do have a much-needed knowledge base of this industry and you have to work with people as I have also done in the past.

For the past few years, I have always received calls by phone, email, LinkedIn Messenger from recruiters for employers. The sad truth is that most major employers do not have well-qualified HR personnel to handle their own company job website to respond to potential applicants and the applications have AGED which means they have probably found employment with other companies. So companies gladly pay a fee to LinkedIn to apply their KEYWORDS that should be in LinkedIn applicant members in order to contact them fast and interview them but they also hire a third party recruiter agency that calls us and determines if we met the standard such as currently searching, do we have certain experiences and what salary do we want and do we want to work on a W-2 form which means the company deducts our taxes for Uncle Sam which is good so we do not get into financial trouble owing Uncle Sam money.

The LinkedIn website is easy to use and always be responsive when you get contacted because, if not, the recruiters may easily move on to the next applicant. And be sure that you have a webcam microphone for a ZOOM interview which may involve two or more people and your camera MUST be on you with good lighting and do not get upset if none of the other interviewers do not have their cameras on. It is possible they do not want to be seen and that is their choice but just do your part to look good have the Job Description (referred to as a JD) and your resume on your computer so you can match some talking points on how you have the ability to perform the job within the Job Description and you do not have to be messing with hardcopy paperwork like your resume and the Job Description.

Hope this helps. There is always a high demand, and you just need to put your best foot forward.

You could take an inexpensive computer coding class to see if that interests you since computer programming is a field that offers a lot of remote work! Or maybe you could use your background to work as a consultant or technical writer? If you like working with people and walking around is ok for your back, you could work as a substitute teacher or paraprofessional but I’d only recommend working with age levels that don’t require running around, so maybe 4th grade and older? Do you have any degrees or certificates?

I was a welder and fire protection sprinkler fitter for over 20 years. I've fallen from heights 2xs second time I broke my back in 4 places. I have bad knees from competitive sports yet one more time I went back to welding in a steel shop in 2020 after being away from the industry for 15 years. If you can do layout and prep work. You can do what you love to do without having to always handle the steel we have tools for that, cranes and lifts. Secondly if the pain is that bad get your doctors to assist you in applying for SSDI, not SSI. This will give you a modest income and allow you to work also doing something you can do or like to do. SSDI is your money, comes out of every paycheck you ever earned. Lastly I got certified as a Mental health specialist and now I am a case manager. I get no greater joy than in helping people, especially those who are broken. Try working for a shelter or an organization that helps people. Security work pays pretty good these days especially if you have a carry permit.

Q

Have you ever thought of transferring to the sales aspect of construction or heavy equipment given your extensive knowledge? Just a thought and a way to stay in the same career. Wish you all the best!!

Thanks everyone for your ideas and support. I appreciate all the information and it is a hard time for alot of people. I had injections in my neck yesterday. Feeling the difference but how long will it last. I have ideas and I have business license for a mobile wash and detail business. I just have not had any luck getting a loan to start my business. I have experience working in wash and detail and I wanted to get it started and eventually get someone to work for me and I could make it grow. I got business plan and my website idea already but not able to find a loan company anywhere to help me.

I would find a good lawyer

Take it in the ass you’ll get paid and love it

If you are good maintaining contacts you may want to think about merchant services. You have a story people would side with and may be very good at it. Check Residual Payments for interest.

Get a disability advisor. You are being forced out for a medical problem. Start there.