It's Quite the Conundrum

[Helanna]

It's one of the most common Catch-22's out there, and it's caught up to me at last.

I'm going to college this fall. I'm commuting, so I'll need a car. To buy a car, I will need a job. But to get to a job, I will need a car . . .

The closest non-strip club (No.) business to my house is a gas station three miles away. I was actually considering taking a job there and walking/biking there, but I decided not to based on the facts that a) it would involve walking for two hours a day along a major road where people are well known for going 70 or 80 miles an hour and not paying much attention, and b) School would interfere with that too much, I think, as it's fifteen minutes by car in the other direction.

I guess my options right now are just to wait and save up what I can and buy an old, cheap car as soon as possible. I've been considering selling off quite a bit of my old junk lately, so that could help, but aside from that I really don't have a way to make money. It's extremely annoying.

In the meantime, I figured I'd come here and vent a little. Has anyone else here had the same problem?

[Escef]

Welcome to life. It gets worse from here on out.

[neoseph7]

There are a few things to consider. This is all will assume you're in the US and there isn't anything huge attacking you in life other than school and a lack of funds.

I assume your location with relation to your school is already set and probably was the best choice given the circumstances at the time (which must suck given how a huge circumstance is the plan to commute to school when you know you have no car).

Logic gives you a few options:

1) Since you mentioned it, not everyone in a strip club strips. I'm sure they need support staff, managers, audio/video technicians, DJs, etc. Of course, if the very idea of contributing to a place as such is against you, please disregard.

2) Mass Transit/Car pooling. If there are buses nearby, the cost for yearly passes will likely not only be subsidized for students but be cheaper in the long run than a car when a car is above your means (a cheap car will cost a lot in repairs). If you are in on this adventure with friends or family, you might be able to work with them to get rides, or even work together towards jointly buying and owning the car. Having a mechanic friend can help tremendously in this regard. If not, googling basic car repairs will also cut costs when having to fix your autmobile.

3) How much is your degree from this university going to be worth? The current economy has some pretty low interest rates for loans, including student loans. If you are attending school for a high demand profession (health care for ex.) you will more than likely achieve gainful employment quickly out of school (no guarantees from me though). It takes some research to see if this deal is worth it. Also, the more prestigeous the university the easier it should be to find work. (I wouldn't get too deep in debt if you are heading towards an art degree from a community college). The loan would then be able to be used towards a car.

4) Selling your soul to Uncle Sam. The military will pay for you to go to college. All they ask in return is your service. You also have to have good SAT scores. Basically your first year is on the house. After that, you have to sign a contract that binds you to service after you graduate. On the plus side, you get to become an officer rather than join enlisted side (which is, amongst other things, much higher paying). More information of the subject requires talking to a recruiter. I recomend the US Navy, but only because that's my branch.:smalltongue:

Since you asked, transport to the university was my primary concern when looking at apartments when I moved to gainesville to study at UF. Because of how restrictive the parking was for undergrad students, I had to take the bus to school, in spite of having a car. Not a huge problem, but annoying to have to wait for a bus when you are running late for class.

[Mauve Shirt]

I have a similar problem, in that I can't get a job because I can't drive. There are some businesses within walking distance, but they never hire me, because I've never had a job and I'm not around for the majority of the year. There's another conundrum, can't get hired because I haven't been previously hired.

[ThreadKiller]

Commuting by car can be pricey, since you'll need to register your car, buy insurance, and pay for parking. Oh yeah, and finding a parking spot is definitely no fun. That's why I usually commute by bus, but it sucks sometimes because I have to plan around the bus schedule. Oh well. At least it's cheaper, otherwise I'd have to pay for gas every week. :smallsigh:

[Cyrion]

I solved that problem in college by working on campus. Universities typically have a lot of student jobs available on campous; community colleges will have fewer but should still have some. They may not pay much above minimum wage, but they're conveniently located and can be great first jobs. I worked in the mailroom and as a chem TA.

[Force]

How strapped for cash are you? Depending on your area, you can pick up a (beat up, junky, but running) car for about $1000-1500. Not pocket change, but swing-able. Check Craigslist.

In the meantime... can you get a bicycle, or perhaps a moped/scooter? Those're generally easier on the wallet, though correspondingly less convenient. Treat them as a stopgap measure.

And, of course, if you live in the way south or way west you can motorcycle it. S'what I'm doing despite the fact that I'm in the north. :P 70 MPG's hard to beat.

[Helanna]

Good advice

1) is actually a fairly good idea, and I may just check that out.
2) Nope, no buses nearby.
3) I'm going to RIT for Game Design and Development. So a loan might be a decent option, if I don't borrow too much.
4) Not really an option, I have no interest in the military.

A couple of things to check out then, thanks!


There's another conundrum, can't get hired because I haven't been previously hired.

I hate that one too. I tried getting a job a while ago when I did have access to a car, and I hit that one. The same reasoning is preventing me from getting a credit card, which I only want to build a credit score, but I can't get one until I have a credit score.


I solved that problem in college by working on campus. Universities typically have a lot of student jobs available on campous; community colleges will have fewer but should still have some. They may not pay much above minimum wage, but they're conveniently located and can be great first jobs. I worked in the mailroom and as a chem TA.

Yep, I'm going to try and get a work-study at college. I figure that should probably help a lot, but I still need a way to get there in the first place . . .


How strapped for cash are you? Depending on your area, you can pick up a (beat up, junky, but running) car for about $1000-1500. Not pocket change, but swing-able. Check Craigslist.

Yep, that's about what I'm hoping for. Right now, I have less than $300 to my name, but I'm hoping I'll be able to borrow some money from my mom if I need to. I figure that'll be enough to get to a job until I can get a better car.

[Deathslayer7]

I solved that problem in college by working on campus. Universities typically have a lot of student jobs available on campous; community colleges will have fewer but should still have some. They may not pay much above minimum wage, but they're conveniently located and can be great first jobs. I worked in the mailroom and as a chem TA.

this. exactly this. I had to quit my job at Red Rock Casino because the manager there was a stupid lady who never knew how to work with others and from what I hear they still havent replaced me. It's been at least half a year now.

I wanted to work part time but i kept getting hours of up to 32+ a week along with full time school. Didnt work out too well.

So then i asked around on the university and was denied, but a month later one of the officies i talked to said that they needed someone and asked if i would do it. :smallsmile: So i took it up. It's about 18-20 hours a week and it works around my school schedule. Big plus in my book. :smallsmile:

[Kobold-Bard]

Everywhere needs cleaners. Not the most glamorous job in the world but it'll be pretty steady work, and since places tend to clean at start/end of the day the hours can fit quite well around lecture commitments etc.

I came so close to being a cleaner at my university, but I missed the deadline for applications. It was pretty good pay (though UK students obviously get our student loan, which helps).

[Douglas]

The same reasoning is preventing me from getting a credit card, which I only want to build a credit score, but I can't get one until I have a credit score.
Back when I was looking for a first credit card about five (I think) years ago, I found that amazon.com had a credit card offering intended for students. I think they're still offering it, and it shouldn't require much of a credit history, if any. The credit limit started out low ($500), but it was a start and they gradually increased it eventually.

[SensFan]

I hate that one too. I tried getting a job a while ago when I did have access to a car, and I hit that one. The same reasoning is preventing me from getting a credit card, which I only want to build a credit score, but I can't get one until I have a credit score.
If you are only interested in using it to build a credit score, and have parents who seem reasonable, since you mentioned possibly borrowing money from them for a car, is it not possible for one of them to co-sign on a credit card for you? With an agreement that you rarely use the card, and when you do, pay them the money upfront or something, of course.

[Rutskarn]

Your situation is actually completely resolvable. Given the circumstances, I would recommend


(No.)

Never mind.

Okay, actually, I guess I'd recommend just borrowing someone else's car, or carpooling, figuring out if there's a bus stop within walking distance, etc.

[ForzaFiori]

4) Selling your soul to Uncle Sam. The military will pay for you to go to college. All they ask in return is your service. You also have to have good SAT scores. Basically your first year is on the house. After that, you have to sign a contract that binds you to service after you graduate. On the plus side, you get to become an officer rather than join enlisted side (which is, amongst other things, much higher paying). More information of the subject requires talking to a recruiter. I recomend the US Navy, but only because that's my branch.:smalltongue:

I understand that the OP has ruled this out, but for others interested, there are a few things that neoseph7 forgot (the only reason I know is that I actually was talking to a Navy recruiter a month or so ago, when I was looking for cash for college). First, you have to be pretty well in shape. The navy requires 24% BMI to get in (i think. Might have been 26%) and then you have to maintain a 22% afterwards. Your required to take classes based on the service your in, wear your uniform once a week, and participate in PT once a week. Then, after college, you have to serve 5 years active duty, or pay the armed forces back for your college. Your SAT and ACT and all don't have to be sky high, but you need to do fairly well of the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to get any job that isn't pure grunt work.

[mucat]

I strongly recommend investing in a good bicycle, and taking the time to learn to love traveling that way.

It's superior in almost every way to a car. You will not be wasting a good fraction of each work day paying for the vehicle you used to get to work. If it takes you a little longer to get there, you will make up the time by not having to work out at a gym. You will actually enjoy your commute, which few auto commuters can say, and you will do a better job at work/school because you'll get there awake, alert, and enthusiastic. In fact, the more stressful work and school become, the more you will find that your commute is the one thing that keeps you sane.

[Escef]

The same reasoning is preventing me from getting a credit card, which I only want to build a credit score, but I can't get one until I have a credit score.

Take out a loan. It will build your credit history.

[Keld Denar]

1) is actually a fairly good idea, and I may just check that out.


Waitresses in such places tend to make pretty decent tips, so long as its one of the ones that serves alcohol, and especially if the place that is...above average in quality.

I had a friend in college who made decent cash that way.

[snoopy13a]

I strongly recommend investing in a good bicycle, and taking the time to learn to love traveling that way.

It's superior in almost every way to a car. You will not be wasting a good fraction of each work day paying for the vehicle you used to get to work. If it takes you a little longer to get there, you will make up the time by not having to work out at a gym. You will actually enjoy your commute, which few auto commuters can say, and you will do a better job at work/school because you'll get there awake, alert, and enthusiastic. In fact, the more stressful work and school become, the more you will find that your commute is the one thing that keeps you sane.

What happens if it is pouring rain out?

What do you do if it has snowed a couple of inches?

What happens if your work clothes get dirty from rain or going through puddles?

[Amiel]

Is public transport an option for you? If you are commuting, the cheapest, easiest and cleanest method of transportation is usually public transport.

University car parks will invariably mean you will be driving around in one for ages at a time, missing out on all sorts of information that the lecturers may be spewing forth. Trying to find a park in our university is a nightmare, akin to adventuring in the Far Realms themselves.


For jobs, the best possible option may be for you to work on campus, not only will this cut on travel time, you can study after work or work after study. It's win win.
Anything from busting tables to serving within student bodies, there will be bound to be positions open and willing to take you on. The only limitation is your willingness to do so. Good luck

[Kobold-Bard]

What happens if it is pouring rain out?

What do you do if it has snowed a couple of inches?

What happens if your work clothes get dirty from rain or going through puddles?

No answers for the other two, but have riding clothes and change at work? A couple of people where I work do this.


...Anything from busting tables to serving within student bodies, there will be bound to be positions open and willing to take you on. The only limitation is your willingness to do so. Good luck

Willingness and availability. I found out later from one of the cleaners (see my first post) that 65 students applied for two uni cleaner posts along with all the non-students, because everyone wants a convenient job.

[mucat]

Re: commuting by bicycle
What happens if your work clothes get dirty from rain or going through puddles?
You bring your work clothes (and lunch/books/papers/computer etc.) in a pannier on the bike. Which makes it easier to answer the next couple questions:



What happens if it is pouring rain out?

What do you do if it has snowed a couple of inches?

You dress for the weather, leave a few minutes early so you can take the ride a little slower for safety, make sure your work stuff is in a waterproof bag...then you get on the bike and have fun in the rain/snow! Almost without exception, I've found that if the roads are clear enough for a car to get through, a bike will have no trouble either. And as long as you are dressed reasonably, you will be warm enough, since you're out using your muscles.


Coworker: wait, you have to ride home in this weather?
Me (grinning): No. I get to ride home in this weather.


And on those rare occasions when you really do need a car for something, you can always rent one/borrow one/take a taxi; it'll cost a tiny fraction of what you save by not owning one of your own.

[Amiel]

Willingness and availability. I found out later from one of the cleaners (see my first post) that 65 students applied for two uni cleaner posts along with all the non-students, because everyone wants a convenient job.

Yes, but unis are generally pretty good in that regard; what you do need to have the most of is timing. Timing is pretty much everything, as you will be overqualified for most jobs they (will) have available on campus.
Take your resume around campus and go nuts asking; just ask around. Ask in a lot of places, diverse places. Even in those you may not have considered asking or see yourself working in; ie a non-sporty person working in the sports centre.

Also, connections. Connections account and count for a lot of successful entry into job positions.


Finally, do not take taxis to and from uni, there are plenty of ways to blow your money than on this overpriced service.

The best option for you and the environment is to either take public transport or bike it to uni. Cars introduce a lot of issues that, frankly, university students shouldn't have to deal with.

[Winter_Wolf]

Okay, I skimmed instead of reading with heartfelt vigor or what have you, but I can provide an answer to your credit card dilemma (maybe). Go you your bank, and ask to talk with someone about getting a credit card through them. It's absolutely NOT the same thing as a debit card, and while they might not give you a high credit limit (which at this point you really do not want anyway), it will give you a credit card for which you can and should make SMALL purchases that you pay off in full every month. Alternatively, you might get that sweet, sweet 0% interest for X number of months, just make sure you always pay at least your minimum balance due and NEVER go late or kiss the 0% interest goodbye. Use it for a few months (keep the balance low so you CAN pay it off in full), and then pay it off and put it away when the 0% interest period is over.

I use my bank for my credit card need ('cause some things just should not be put on a debit card: car rentals spring instantly to mind), and it's probably the best deal I've ever had. Also, and this is important, you only 'need' one (maybe two); having a lot of credit cards HURTS your credit score, trust me, I did some work at a mortgage loan department and saw a lot of credit reports.

[Starbuck_II]

Cars are too much work. Buy a horse, ride your way to school!

You'll have to feed it, bathe it, etc. But it never runs out of gas.

[Amiel]

Oh wait, you're in Australia aren't you?

Public transport may actually be somewhat of an issue. Yay for our somewhat backwardsness. I dunno, you should at least try.

[Keld Denar]

Also, and this is important, you only 'need' one (maybe two); having a lot of credit cards HURTS your credit score, trust me, I did some work at a mortgage loan department and saw a lot of credit reports.

I'd say its more like 2-3 credit cards. NEVER more than 3. I have one, and have been trying to bump up my limit at every 6 mo incriment so its the only one I need, and a couple times have been turned away because I didn't have enough credit activity, and it was recommended that I aquire a second. I've been considering lately getting a gasoline credit card, like the one offered through Shell, as it gives a discount when buying their gas to the point that it makes it a few cents cheaper than others. This card would solely be used for buying gas, and never carry a balance (no card should EVER carry a balance, if possible). That would give me a 2nd source to bump up my credit activity for my primary credit card (Mmmmmmm, sweet sweet frequent flyer miles, how I love thee!).

[Escef]

Cars are too much work. Buy a horse, ride your way to school!

You'll have to feed it, bathe it, etc. But it never runs out of gas.

A horse is as much upkeep as a car, and less practical in modern society.

[snoopy13a]

Is public transport an option for you? If you are commuting, the cheapest, easiest and cleanest method of transportation is usually public transport.



Most places in the US have awful public transportation. Rural and Suburban areas often have none.

As for credit cards, you should get at least one in order to build up a good credit history. People without much credit history (even if they are responsible and have nothing bad on their report) have trouble getting loans, apartment leases, etc. In fact, people with little credit history are responsible as they pay everything with cash, checks or debit card but lenders don't take this view.

Some people will buy a relatively cheap item with their credit card then pay it back immediately. This way, they slowly build up a positive credit history without actually using it. If you don't qualify for a Visa or Mastercard, you can try to get a store credit card (GAP, Macy's, etc) and start building up your credit that way.

[Helanna]

Just to address a few points:

There is no public transportation where I live (aka the middle of nowhere).

Getting a bike is probably a really good idea - there's a group of businesses about twenty minutes away by bike, so if any of them have a position open, I might be able to try that.


Oh wait, you're in Australia aren't you?

Me? No, I live in the US. Probably should have specified that.

And yeah, I'm considering trying to get a store credit card of some sort, since my bank told me that they won't give me a credit card. My mom's credit is so poor that there's no way she could cosign anything, so that probably won't work.

[Douglas]

And yeah, I'm considering trying to get a store credit card of some sort, since my bank told me that they won't give me a credit card. My mom's credit is so poor that there's no way she could cosign anything, so that probably won't work.
Oof, that could be a problem. Have you tried the Amazon student card? I just checked the application form and there's no longer any "this card is for students" thing but there is a Student option for employment and they probably still consider that as an indicator to lower their standards for credit history and also give you a low starting credit limit. Your mom's credit rating might shoot that one down too, but it costs you only a few minutes to try.