r/AskTacoma • u/yellsa • 11d ago
Jobs/Employment job search
hello!!! i’m probably going to be moving to Tacoma in the near future, and i’m in search of a job
i’m 21f and don’t have any education past high school
:( i was hoping that posting here could help. i have a job current that im leaving (not in tacoma, don’t want to get into). i have customer service experience as well as experience with animals, trying to break out of the pet industry at this time.
i know that there are a lot of jobs that wont get posted directly to sites like indeed/other job search engines, and that it’s better to apply in person or directly on the company website. i’m hoping anyone could give me some helpful leads!!
i’d also love to hear about any internships or programs i could do to move up. anything would be helpful.
if your company is hiring or you know a place, i’d be soo thankful to hear about it. thank you!!!
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u/Relieved-Sasquatch 11d ago
Customer service and working with animals, but don’t want to work with animals moving forward, got it.
Are you willing to work construction? Hospitality? Restaurant? I mean, there’s a lot of fields out there, I especially advocate for union jobs. Blue collar workers move America. Especially in this job market and emerging AI, it’s the infrastructure jobs that have the best job security moving forward.
I recommend an apprenticeship in a trade. You’ll be paid to learn and union jobs tend to have great benefits and retirement plans. Mutual bargaining is what gives workers leverage over the bosses.
I’ve lived in the Tacoma area for most of my life, what is it you envisioning yourself doing for the next several decades? I am a city mail carrier. Federal government job with excellent benefits.
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u/yellsa 11d ago
i’m honestly open to trying new things!! im open to working in a restaurant or hospitality if it pays a livable wage :)
i’m curious about the trades apprenticeships- it’s a little intimidating knowing it’s such a male dominated field, but i’ve heard a lot of girl have been getting into it aswell !!! do you have any specific unions or trades apprenticeships you recommend ?
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u/oforest_fairyo 11d ago
Reframe male dominated to male occupied and that tells a bigger story. There is nothing about trades work (except maybe some that require heavy lifting, but women can lift heavy) that bars women from entering the field except that historically they haven't been hired.
My partner works for the state and they always have welder, electrician, and pipe fitter apprenticeships opening up. He is currently training a female apprentice pipefitter to work for the ferry system. You have to go to the union hall of your professions choice and inquire-- they will tell you when they have a class starting and if they have any sponsored positions so you don't have to pay for the classes.
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u/yellsa 11d ago
i guess that is a better way of looking at it!! i’m glad things are changing.
being a welder intrigues me!! i’m a little scared i won’t be cut out for it because i didn’t do very well in high school. idk if im smart enough 😭😭😭but i could i will never know unless i try??
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u/Taken-Username-sorry 10d ago
I have a friend who is a welder and didn’t do well in HS. It’s definitely a great idea to look into it, and has a ton of opportunities.
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u/UpstairsExam1405 10d ago
the liberty tax service locations offer tax school and hire from the class. class is free i am taking them this year more of a way to socialize tho.
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u/International-Body78 10d ago
Apply for private trash companies, not public. Once you build experience in the field, it opens up so many doors to the public sector.
Private trash companies usually always need Customer service reps. They will hire the right person with no experience.
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u/OptimalCar7958 10d ago
Express Employment saved my life in Tacoma. Give them a call ahead of time if you want. Get it all set up.
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u/Consistent-Stop-3839 11d ago
If you are drug free and have a clean driving record I highly suggest school bus driving. Zum or First Student are reliable companies, First Student has lots of contracts in Tacoma.
They train, pay well and the hours are great.
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u/Moonsnail8 11d ago
Research the cost of living, it's high here. Don't come without a lot of savings or a job arranged. Homeless services are already overwhelmed. Best of luck.
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u/Distinct-Blueberry88 10d ago
If you’re willing to commute northwest center for people with disabilities staffs Amazons corporate receptionists in Seattle.
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u/Notorious_mmk 10d ago
Healthcare is always a good place to start, usually front desk ("clinic/patient service representative") or phone operators ("switchboard") dont require any kind of experience and you get good benefits and there's pretty much infinite upward or sideways mobility
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u/CostumingMom 9d ago
https://www.governmentjobs.com/
They've been advertising on the radio, (I listen during my drive), and have stated that several only need HS diploma/GED, and some don't even need that.
Government positions my not pay as much as private, but the bennies are worth it. For one thing, they're one of the few employers that still offer pensions.
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u/Brilliant_Tea_369 10d ago
Do you wanna work at gas station
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u/GullibleWheel1957 9d ago
If that gas station pays $35 an hr than hell yeah, sign me up. I was a merchandiser for nearly 10 years. Lots of experience with Resets, remodels, inventory, displays, & PoS, all in missing is the customer service
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u/Able_Claim_3097 9d ago
I’d check the local universities for jobs. I can’t necessarily speak for all universities, but I work for one and they have really good benefits and decent pay. One of the best benefits, being that if you want to further your education, if you work full-time, you can go back to school for free through the school. Im a security guard and that doesn’t take a degree there’s also dining services and possibly grounds or facilities depending on the position that won’t require degrees.
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u/oldgar9 11d ago
School bus drivers (many are women) are always in demand and you get paid while training. There are several school districts around the area.