A little nepotism doenst hurt either. graemlins/thumb.gif
I busted my ass in manual labor from highschool graduation up until about 3 months ago. Some places, like republican owned Worthington Cylinders, exploits hard workers, and manages to convince the workers that they have a good job. You'll find your fair share of these jobs, don't stay long. Once you detect a "glass ceiling", move on. Don try to break through because, no matter how good it turns out, you'll still be working for the same Nazis. I got lucky and found a place that noticed hard work and compitence, and I'm currently doing work that would normaly require an acredited education in, at the very least, basic engineering. Went from a forklift to an office, got a 20% raise, and I'm getting free school. Why? Cuz I worked hard, not because I bitched or threatened, or kissed ass. In fact, I refer to many higher ups in my company as flaming homo's to their faces, and warn them to stop sexualy harassing me. tongue.gif Work hard, find oportunities to show what smarts you may have, but dont come on too strong, and dont ask for anything, dont demand anything, not for at least a year (unless you're realy getting screwed). I had the opportunity to bitch a fit about some seriously fucked up shit last summer, but i shut my mouth. Had I bitched, I would have gotten an order pickers position and 50 cents an hour for a raise...and I'd still be doing that.
A word to the wise, find small, local companies. Places with under 30 people are generaly better, its nice to be able to interact with the owners on a daily basis.