How to pay for it all

Oldguy · Post by **Oldguy** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 5:06 pm

Like many Burners, I have found it harder and harder to come up with the scratch nessesary to attend Burningman. We can all use some advice on how to make it happen. Most people work for a living. I hope this thread will provide some guidance on how to find and get that job. I have filled out hundreds of applications and have gone to a very few interveiws. I'm probably doing something wrong or else I'd be working now. What is your advice for me and other needy Burners.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 5:20 pm

Oldguy, If you start looking for the larger art projects that get BM Grants, they can and do look for people to earn free tickets and sometime food vouchers as part of the project. I was offered such last year but I didn't have the time. You just might be what they are looking for. I do hope it all works out for you.

Dustdevil · Post by **Dustdevil** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:16 pm

Perhaps posting your skills and experience would be helpful.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:39 pm

He posted elsewhere he's unfit & on heart meds. I suggest you people either find him a job, buy him a fucking ticket, or not, but don't try to palm him off on DPW or the art department.

Fucking hippies.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:50 pm

Did we/I say DPW?? Or did we/I say Art Dept?? No, we/I didn't. Gave Oldguy a few Idea's outside the BMORG. Things change in 300 days.

You might change also. Wilder things have happened.

Post by **Sham** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 3:09 am

Oldguy wrote:Like many Burners, I have found it harder and harder to come up with the scratch nessesary to attend Burningman. We can all use some advice on how to make it happen. Most people work for a living. I hope this thread will provide some guidance on how to find and get that job. I have filled out hundreds of applications and have gone to a very few interveiws. I'm probably doing something wrong or else I'd be working now. What is your advice for me and other needy Burners.

I interview and hire people for a living. I also speak to high school students about "how to get the job you want". I have found over the years that most people go about applying and finding a job, the wrong way. Without getting into too much detail, here are some pointers. What most teens have found by my advice, is that they get a job nearly 100% of the time.

Apply for jobs that have at least some interest to you and make it a point to reasearch the company and the business that they're in before you go on you interview. The internet is a perfect tool for this. Learn all you can about the industry and asked appropriate questions. This will really impress the interviewer and will save you the embaressment of asking the basic questions of, "what are your benefits?, how much vacation do I get?, how much sick time do you offer?, what do you people do here?, how much do you pay? You must show interest in the company and give the interviewer the feeling that you are willing to offer something to that company and not just interested in what you can get out of it. There is plenty of time on your second interview to ask the above questions.

Most burners are free spirits and often dress like they are heading to the playa. When going for a job interview, you MUST dress appropriately for the occassion. Stand in front of a mirror and make sure that you are neat, clean and have nice clothes on. Overdress only slightly for the postion you are looking for. Ladies---pants suits, guys--- button down shirts, clean dress type pants, nicer shined shoes. AVOID heavy cologne and perfume. A lasting impression is important, but don't stink the place up. Clean shaven, brush your teeth, freshly showered and get a good night sleep-- no partying the night before. You must be bright eyed and sharp.

The receptionist in most companies is the real person you have to impress. I have found that most people approach the receptionist slumped over and disinterested when asking for the person that they wish to see. If you do this, you wil not get the job and you won't even know why. Your interview starts in the parking lot before you get into the building, where you must SHUT YOUR FUCKING CELL PHONE OFF! Arrive a few minutes early and wait quietly for your interviewer to greet you. You can make minor small talk, but don't jibber-jabber trying to make a new friend in hopes of getting a job that way. Wait to be offered a seat before sitting down, don't just plop into a chair. Answer questions directly and in detail, but don't run on at the mouth. JUST ANSWER THE QUESTIONS AND THEN SHUT UP! Sometimes being nervous causes people to just babble on. Be careful of that please.

When asked why you left your last job, DO NOT answer, "because your boss was an asshole" or, "I did a great job for them and they paid shit for wages" or "that company was really fucked up"! Positive answers only, even though you really want to vent to someone who might listen.

It will be your turn to ask questions about the job and the company. This is where your internet research comes in. Well thought out questions about the company and the position will go a long way at this point. Let the interviewer know that you are interested in working in that company, and in that industry and that you are very interested in that job. DON'T say that you have been filling out every application that you can and you just need a job--any job. Let them know that this company is where your interests are and you really would like to work there.

End the interview with a firm handshake and a request that you hope to hear from him/her soon and thank them for their time. If you make the right impression at the interview, the interviewer will ask the receptionist what they think. If you get the "thumbs up", you will most likely get a call within a day for your second interview.

The above information is mostly basic information that most everyone misses. The stories go on forever, but I have had qualified people dress sloppy or wearing sandels and didn't get the job. I have had people come in with several relatives including little kids, on the interview. One guy put his feet on my desk and started rocking in the chair while I looked at the bottom of his shoes. Just keep in mind how you are perceived and good luck getting a job.

.

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:56 am

i got two words for you "Old Guy" if you want to make some chedder.

Meth Lab.

cullen · Post by **cullen** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:15 am

ibdave wrote:Oldguy, If you start looking for the larger art projects that get BM Grants, they can and do look for people to earn free tickets and sometime food vouchers as part of the project. I was offered such last year but I didn't have the time. You just might be what they are looking for. I do hope it all works out for you.

has anyone ever done this? i wonder what it would be like to help on one of the larger projects it sounds rather interesting.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:16 am

Burning Man is reserved for the upper class.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:35 am

Shambala wrote: One guy put his feet on my desk and started rocking in the chair while I looked at the bottom of his shoes.

So, that's what happened to my shoo-in job last month.

Dr. Pyro · Post by **Dr. Pyro** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 1:10 pm

What a damn crybaby. I'm with Bob on this one. If you can't afford to go, quit your complaining, STFU, and stay home. Jesus, not everyone should be at Burning Man. Sort of like the Darwinian Theory meets the Playa.

Oldguy · Post by **Oldguy** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:14 pm

No whining or crying intended, I'm just trying to find my way. I thought I might ask for some ideas for myself and others. I'm willing to change and evolve. I have found that some are drawn to the negative and are judgemental. My intent is to be positive and nonjudgemental. I know I'm not perfect and seem to make more mistakes lately. I have senior moments.

Yes Pyro, if I can't afford it I won't go. I'm sure the same reason for early ticket sales is like the boxstore early Christmas sales. Decommodification my ass. Capitalism and the greed of the corporate structure is the real evolution of America.

I predict a low of7200 after the holiday high and the retailers start to go under, due to a bad season. Black friday this week will be pink.

Yes Simon, I agree the sin economy is depression proof: Booze, broads, and drugs. Locally, some cook replaced phosphorus with phosfate in the process; the skinpoppers looked like they were hit with napalm. My cousin killed a guy with a rifle was was robbing his potfarm near Bangor...Too rough a trade for me. Quick cash yes, but risky...

Post by **mdmf007** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:25 pm

Sounds rough - if your applying for hundreds of positions and only getting a couple interviews - you are making the same mistakes on applications obviously.

We look for applications that stick out to start with. Application is a formality, just to gather all of hte basic information. The interview is where we make our decisions - either on the phone or in person. Word of mouth is where we get 90% of our new hires.

I would love to see one of your applications, PM me and I will send you an application for our company (as practice and for feedback) no position will come from this excercise.

There are thousands of professionals on eplaya, many of them hire and fire - while I doubt they offer many positions off the cuff based on a post to Eplaya - i bet you can get advice like Shambala dropped.

later -

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:23 pm

Dr. Pyro wrote:What a damn crybaby. I'm with Bob on this one. If you can't afford to go, quit your complaining, STFU, and stay home. Jesus, not everyone should be at Burning Man. Sort of like the Darwinian Theory meets the Playa.

What the fuck is up with you anyway?
You don't seem to mind seeing the art put up by people without money.
Or the great ideas that so many younger artists with more creativity than cash come up with.
And it didn't seem you objected to those cute girls from Brokistan attending.

I wonder what a ticket would cost if it was all pay as you go?
I doubt most of those volunteer and low paying jobs that make it all happen are filled with people from the country club.

I also wonder just how fucking boring it would be the people that enjoy it the most quit going?
Is that really what you want?

Could you afford to go if everyone got paid for what they do?
If you could, why would you still want to go?

There are better concierged events elsewhere in the world.
Kind of artificial for some tastes though.

Toolmaker · Post by **Toolmaker** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:40 am

I find prostitution is a good way to make extra cash when you're broke. Check the yellow pages, the PC term is escort service. I also have an ad on Craigslist and in the local city paper offering my services. By offering up the kinky stuff you can charge extra.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 8:52 am

You're supposed to be competent & self-sufficient *before* you go wandering in the desert. Wheedling your hippie ass onto some crew, expecting free food & a ticket, is the opposite of competence.

I'm all in favor of people selling Indian Tacos on the road to Burning Man, tho -- assuming you can catch enough Indians to get a few pounds of meat.

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:38 am

Go to the parking lot at Home Depot and hang out with the Hispanic individuals there. Don't refuse any work offered. You'll be fine.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:42 pm

Bob wrote:You're supposed to be competent & self-sufficient *before* you go wandering in the desert. Wheedling your hippie ass onto some crew, expecting free food & a ticket, is the opposite of competence.

I'm all in favor of people selling Indian Tacos on the road to Burning Man, tho -- assuming you can catch enough Indians to get a few pounds of meat.

You sound like he's coming up with this on the ride in!
He's trying to get prepared way ahead of time.
What's wrong with that?
Some crews might be quite happy with a volunteer that's a bit slower than average, but actually shows up.

These suggestions came from burners anyway, not him.

I saw someone homeless enter with a ticket and their backpack and nothing else.
I believe they worked their way through the event.
I suspect they joined the dpw eventually.

As the week proceeds, it seems more and more people fail to show up for work.
Much of this is due to exhaustion, of course, but many just want to party.

I have been offered pretty decent pay for work, especially after the event, though I've never taken it.

I bet a lot of people would pay to have their gear cleaned after the event.
I would if I could.
You'll find there's a reason no one enjoys that part of it.
I spent a day just pre-cleaning stuff after the event before repacking to travel.

Oldguy · Post by **Oldguy** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 3:56 pm

I have rediscovered pawnshops and thrift stores. Today I sold a Mossberg 12 guage shotgun for $80.00 and a 6 in. reflector telescope for $20.00. I have a 45 cal. blackpowder pistol I'll put up on consignment tomorrow. I am thinking about selling my new bike and just use my old one. I'm thinking of selling my '98 softtail harley to a customizing shop.

i've decided to sell all my unused stuff. I've accumulated a lot of crap over my 57 years. I'll not only raise some cash, I'll cleanup my house at the same time. Maybe have a yardsale when the rain stops this weekend.

My cabin has only 5 rooms, so I've decided not to rent out my spare bedroom. But for others, that may be an option.

I was wrong to beg for a ticket... I can make it on my own, like the last 5 years.
I must have had the holiday blues and wanted to give up. But that moment has passed.

I went back to Perko's but the manager was out, I left a nice followup thankyou note for the interview, and smiled at all the staff. you know, make nice with potential workmates...

A tip on pawnshops: items must be in prestine condition. There are crowds lined up these days in front of the counters. Clean, polish, lube items so that they appear brand new. Some shops don't take firearms. Some only handle jewlery and highend items. Some only make loans and don't buy stuff outright. Thrift stores will take stuff the pawnshops won't handle but the prices are lower.

Toolmaker · Post by **Toolmaker** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 9:28 pm

PM me if you want to unload the blackpowder and can provide a few decent pics. Its legal to xfer them and mail em since they aren't federally regulated like guns. If its a decent brand and in good shape I'll give a better price than a pawnbroker and give ya first crack at a buyback if I get bored with it. I have a couple of the blackpowder rifles and always have a good time with all the mess, both bought mailorder with no paperwork. I wonder if Obama is planning on changing that with his gun legislation thats upcoming.

I would avoid pawnshops at all costs.. you'll get the WORST possible price on anything as a seller.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 9:33 pm

Toolmaker wrote:I wonder if Obama is planning on changing that with his gun legislation thats upcoming.

\.

jee, ya think?
They'll be after anything we can shoot, I'd say........

gotta keep "us" "safe".........or, themselves..........

Bounce530 · Post by **Bounce530** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:18 pm

PM me with the soft tail info, don't take it to a pawn shop...

cullen · Post by **cullen** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 11:28 pm

selling on ebay or craiglist is better then pawn shops.

**burn** · Post by **burn** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 11:34 pm

I agree with Toolmaker. I work at a gunshop here in Reno and we buy used guns for $1 and sell them for $2. That kind of markup is our bread and butter, as new guns typically only get 6-25%. If you have the time, carry your items with 'for sale' signs at gun shows. We can't keep these in stock: ARs, Mini14s, SOCOMs, M1As, even FN 5.7s. Ammo and hi-cap mags are also selling crazy - and expensive.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 7:29 am

**burn** wrote:I agree with Toolmaker. I work at a gunshop here in Reno and we buy used guns for $1 and sell them for $2. That kind of markup is our bread and butter, as new guns typically only get 6-25%. If you have the time, carry your items with 'for sale' signs at gun shows. We can't keep these in stock: ARs, Mini14s, SOCOMs, M1As, even FN 5.7s. Ammo and hi-cap mags are also selling crazy - and expensive.

except,
you're in NV and he's in CA.
Here, in the peoples republic, we can't just walk around a gun show and sell stuff..........guns anyway.....or high cap mags.......

how ya doin **burn**?

**burn** · Post by **burn** » Thu Nov 27, 2008 9:41 am

I know many that think it very worth it to visit Reno for one of the huge gun shows for the weekend.

Also, online gun sales sites (ebay-like) www.gunsamerica.com and www.subguns.com often charge only $5 per listing; very affordable.

See ya in the bar later for a drinkie-poo, ygmir.

klondike_bar · Post by **klondike_bar** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 10:01 am

[quote]What a damn crybaby. I'm with Bob on this one. If you can't afford to go, quit your complaining, STFU, and stay home. Jesus, not everyone should be at Burning Man. Sort of like the Darwinian Theory meets the Playa.[/quote]

thats where the "evolution" theme comes from then? leave the poor saps behind for the vultures...

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 11:12 am

I like what's going on here. Oldguy is finding a way to get things done with his own resources and suggestions from friends. I admire that.

Post by **Elderberry** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 12:22 pm

Oldguy wrote:I have rediscovered pawnshops and thrift stores. Today I sold a Mossberg 12 guage shotgun for $80.00 and a 6 in. reflector telescope for $20.00. I have a 45 cal. blackpowder pistol I'll put up on consignment tomorrow. I am thinking about selling my new bike and just use my old one. I'm thinking of selling my '98 softtail harley to a customizing shop.

i've decided to sell all my unused stuff. I've accumulated a lot of crap over my 57 years. I'll not only raise some cash, I'll cleanup my house at the same time. Maybe have a yardsale when the rain stops this weekend.

My cabin has only 5 rooms, so I've decided not to rent out my spare bedroom. But for others, that may be an option.

I was wrong to beg for a ticket... I can make it on my own, like the last 5 years.
I must have had the holiday blues and wanted to give up. But that moment has passed.

I went back to Perko's but the manager was out, I left a nice followup thankyou note for the interview, and smiled at all the staff. you know, make nice with potential workmates...

A tip on pawnshops: items must be in prestine condition. There are crowds lined up these days in front of the counters. Clean, polish, lube items so that they appear brand new. Some shops don't take firearms. Some only handle jewlery and highend items. Some only make loans and don't buy stuff outright. Thrift stores will take stuff the pawnshops won't handle but the prices are lower.

Good for you!

JK

Post by **mdmf007** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 8:47 pm

ygmir wrote:
Toolmaker wrote:I wonder if Obama is planning on changing that with his gun legislation thats upcoming.

\.

President obama cant simply :"change" the gun laws, they have been before the Supreme Court and tested, a case would have to go before them, or new legislation that doesnt infringe on established rulings passed.

you work at the gun shop over by the airport in Reno?
cant remember the name, but bought three pistols there in 2003.

How to pay for it all

How to pay for it all

Re: How to pay for it all

Re: How to pay for it all