I'm finished with chasing the dream.

I'm tired of getting turned down from prospective employers. You'd think 24 year old, moderately decorated, honorably discharged military intelligence analysts could find solid work out there. But no, rejection after rejection after rejection. I have a decent job now. It doesn't pay great now (though it pays the bills which makes me much more fortunate and lucky than some, of which I am grateful for), but my company promised me three promotions over the next couple years, after which I'll be making middle class income for the cost of living here in Pittsburgh. On the plus side, I'll be close enough to my parents where I can see them a few times a month, be in the city that I love, and watch my niece and nephew grow up. So, that's it. Time to dedicate myself to what I have now, instead of always having a foot out the door.

Who else is tired?

You still have time. That dream's not going anywhere for a while.

Good luck to you. As a former kid from the 'Burgh myself, I know how the job outlook is there.

looking for work. Driven to DC, Maryland, Virginia...and nothing but roadblocks. A solid year I've been at it.

At this point, I think its time to stay in the financial careerfield, and just get my degree and be on my way.

You should also always have an eye out for opportunities, because the company will not be looking out for your best interests. That doesn't mean have a foot out the door, but be assured that the company you work for will not think twice if they need to let you go.

Be grateful, but be watchful.

is in the process of building a new complex and is on a major hiring spree. Countrywide Financial. Seems to be growing a bit here in the east.

Thanks for the advice, however. I watched my mother get terminated after 20 years because she wasn't a union employee. She was just glad her house was paid for, and that me and my sister are old enough to not need any help.

I'm not saying, be actively looking or anything, just don't depend on them taking you to retirement, because odds are, they won't.

After years of moving back and forth out of Pgh, I can tell you that if you want to stay there you should do it. I am 54 and we are planning to move back one last time and be retired :-).

I miss my nieces and nephews and family. Chasing a job 2500 miles away does not make up for missing important family events and holidays, in my opinion.

If you are happy in the job you have, and it is relatively stress free, then think about other ways you can boost your income and have fun at the same time. Like buy old fixer-upper houses, live in them, fix them up and sell. Then do it again. And again. Plenty of ways to make extras on your own and let work be your basics.

Good luck to you. 24 is a good age to be.

It is THEIR loss, not yours. Hiring processes are not perfect, otherwise, I would have been out of where I am now a long time ago. :P

Hang in there. It has to get better eventually. :hug:

What's your experience. PM me your resume. What are you looking to change into? Just something different, or do you have a specific thing you'd like to do? I'm a business owner here in Pittsburgh. If I don't have something for you, then I might be able to find someone to put you in contact with.

I may have a contact for you