Low pay civil service jobs can offer stability.

I see comments about people not making enough money, and I make them too, but let me tell you.... There is something to be said about consistency and stability. If you're looking for a job, it's OK to take the lower paying job. It's OK to get a steady paycheck vs a big paycheck.

Government jobs begin as low as minimum wage. Apply anyway. Customer service clerks, parking deck attendants, trash collectors - they start low, but offer a wealth of benefits. Some even give you extra points for living within the city or county limits.

Cons (off the top of my head): potential layoffs when poor leadership is elected, no guaranteed annual raises (dependent upon union negotiations), automatic retirement deductions (ours are 10%), usually in-office M-F (but it's usually easy work).

If you're struggling and haven't tried yet, sign up for notifications to take civil service tests. What do you have to lose?