I’m 23 years old and honestly I don’t really know where to turn anymore. I’m posting this because I’m hoping somebody in Delaware might know about resources, jobs, programs, or anything else that could actually help me get back on my feet.
I’ve been unemployed and trying really hard to find work. I’ve been applying to warehouse, production, cleaning, courier, machine operator, hands-on, and entry-level IT jobs around Dover, Camden, Smyrna, and Milford. I’ve called places, applied online, contacted companies, and I keep getting either no response or rejection.
I have a learning disability, and traditional school/testing has always been difficult for me. I recently tried getting into IT because I genuinely like computers, technology, and working with equipment. I actually liked the subject itself, but the studying and certification exams became a huge problem for me. I tried CompTIA Tech+ twice and failed, with scores of 581 and 621 out of 900. At this point I don’t want my entire future to depend on passing certification exams.
I learn much better by actually doing something hands-on and being shown how to do it, rather than sitting down and memorizing a bunch of information for a test.
I’ve worked before. I worked at Amazon for about three years, as well as UPS, Coca-Cola merchandising, and other jobs. I know how to work and I’m not afraid of working hard. I just don’t want to spend the rest of my life bouncing between low-paying jobs where I can’t afford to live or build a future.
What I’m looking for right now is pretty simple:
A full-time job I can realistically get into
Ideally $20+/hour, with the possibility of eventually making $50k+
Something hands-on where I can learn while working
No certification exam just to get started
Training provided would be a huge help
Something around Dover/Camden/Smyrna/Milford or reasonably close
I’m open to warehouse, manufacturing, production, machine operation, maintenance, IT/equipment repair, courier work, or other hands-on jobs
I’m also open to legitimate programs that help people with disabilities/learning disabilities get into employment
I’ve been working with Delaware DVR, but honestly I feel like I’m not getting enough help finding something that actually fits me. What I really need is somebody who can sit down with me, help me find realistic jobs, help me apply, help me prepare for interviews, and help me actually get established at work.
I’m not looking for someone to give me money for nothing. I want to work. I want to make my own money. I want to be independent. I want to be able to afford my own life, have a future, and eventually be in a position where I can support myself and the people I care about.
I’m just completely overwhelmed right now. I’m 23 and it feels like I’m already falling behind everyone else. Every day I’m looking for jobs and trying to figure out what I’m supposed to do next, and it’s exhausting.
So I’m asking Delaware Reddit specifically:
Are there any Delaware programs, organizations, employment services, disability services, job coaches, workforce programs, or lesser-known resources that could actually help someone in my situation?
And if you know of an employer around Kent County that is genuinely willing to train someone and doesn’t require a bunch of certifications or testing beforehand, I’d really appreciate hearing about it.
I don’t need someone to tell me to “just apply everywhere.” I’ve been doing that. I’m looking for someone who actually knows the Delaware resources and can point me toward something I may not have found yet.
I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this.
