I'm having trouble finding work in the NYC area. What are some jobs that are pretty easy to land regardless of background? Preferably above minimum wage. I don't have a criminal history (hooray) ...or a car (not hooray). Any suggestions and/or thoughts are appreciated.

A little background:
I'd been working as a software engineer (from home) for the last few years and came to the conclusion that the field wasn't for me. I was pretty burnt out and had money in savings so I quit. A little bit of time has passed and the dust has settled a bit. Looking for a job to keep some money coming in, get out of the apartment, be useful, and keep busy while I figure out my next move. I have little bit of service industry experience so I've applied to a ton of service industry jobs but haven't had much luck yet. I get the sense people are put off given I'm coming off a job with great pay in a completely different field.

Thanks.

P.S. I was considering food delivery with an e-bike but there's not really a good place to keep a bike at my place.

P.P.S. If you have tips on how to get your foot in the door as server or barback I'm very curious.

Plenty of customer facing experience, including several years in grocery stores, as well as some sales and product support experience. But haven’t worked in a restaurant since high school, and I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to get a reference from them, as that was over ten years ago.

Definitely not interested in hearing “it’s impossible” or anything like that, but would be grateful for any helpful input. 🙏 💕

I live in NYC and I am struggling to find a real job. I have an updated resume and I have applied for all types of jobs out there, retail, restaurants, fast food, warehouse, security and other stuff but I literally can't find anything at all. I have been looking for so many jobs but I don't get callbacks and I don't get responses anymore. I keep getting rejected and I try to fix my resume and everything available. I am open for anything at the moment except driving because I don't have my driver's license and I can't walk dogs because I am allergic to them. I am applying to other jobs and nobody is really hiring out here and I have bills and credit cards to pay back. I also don't have a college degree at all but I am working on it. What types of companies are hiring really quick and need people a lot? Can someone please help!?

I'm looking for a part-time job but nobody seems to hire anywhere in NYC. Do you know what websites or places can help with that?

i just started college and its hell.

Im 22f, looking for a part time job while finishing up college, brooklyn or manhattan. There's so many cool scenes, events, and innovators in the city, any recs for how to get in on that classic nyc world through work? Maybe an assistant or receptionist position.. service jobs, nightlife, ect? Any advice or experiences welcome:)

Pretty much the title, underrated as far as it can guarantee a living in a neighborhood that’s not too bad

Hi, not sure if this is the right place to post this but figured it was worth a shot. i (21f) moved to nyc about 2 months ago and haven’t been able to find work. i’ve been mostly applying to restaurant/cafes because that’s what i have experience doing, but ive not been hearing back from anywhere, even if they seem interested when i drop off my resume. i also include a glowing letter of recommendation from my most recent job at a bakery back home. i just don’t know what else to do; i am completely broke and im scared i wont be able to afford rent- i can hardly afford groceries. i was just wondering if anybody has tips on how to make money fast/get jobs quickly in nyc- im truly desperate. I’m truly such a hard worker and fast learner. i feel anxious all of the time-i had no idea it would be THIS difficult to find a job here (which ik, was probably incredibly naive of me). any tips at all would be hugely appreciated, thanks so much. editing to add my skills! i’ve worked as a hostess and foodrunner at a semi nice restaurant where i also did all sorts of other stuff like picked up orders from local stores for the kitchen and make deliveries, as well as things like bus tables and make menus (it was a pretty disorganized place lol) and for the past couple years ive worked at a bakery on and off where i would pack food, take orders, was trained as a barista, and help out in the back when needed with things like chopping and whipping frosting as well as prepping ‘kits’ (basically just putting together large batches of dry ingredients for cake and stuff). both of my jobs included a lot of being flexible and just hopping in wherever i was needed.

i’m honestly tearing up with all of the sweet responses. i’ve been so so anxious and having so many people offer suggestions just means a lot, even if they’re just comments. thanks guys

I took the liberty to get a skill but its nothing without experience (Im 19) . So id there any place hiring? I dont even care wether its retail or fast food.

I’m a college student with no prior experience and am currently looking for an entry level job. I’ve applied to many job listings on indeed.com and called up stores but I haven’t been able to find a job. Are there any jobs that are always hiring or anywhere I should go to look for a job?

I recently graduated from college and want to get my feet in the corporate world with no real work experience aside from a couple retail stints and amazon warehousing that I did to pay for things while in school. I've been trying to find a "normal" 9-5 M-F office job anywhere in the city and all the job postings I see are either looking for really specific group of individuals with experience in the field or I am highly under qualified for. There's thousands and thousands of working individuals in Manhattan daily, they can't ALL be highly credentialed and have higher education... right? How do these people get jobs!

I'm a 20-year-old college student living in New York City, currently in my second year pursuing an English major. I'm also considering a shift toward Human Biology or Nursing, as I explore my interests and long-term career options.

Over the past few months, I’ve applied to hundreds of jobs but haven’t had much luck hearing back. When I follow up, I’m often told I don’t have enough experience, or I simply don’t get a response. That said, I do have a range of experiences that show I'm responsible, adaptable, and eager to work.

I’ve volunteered at a hospital through the SYEP program, tutored students, and worked in a management office for nearly six months before it shut down. There, I handled document filing, data entry, check processing, customer service, and receptionist duties. I’ve also worked as a babysitter, which has strengthened my patience, communication skills, and ability to handle responsibility with care.

I'm currently looking for part-time or entry-level positions in areas like office support, tutoring, customer service, or anything related to healthcare or education. I’m dependable, quick to learn, and ready to contribute while continuing my studies.

I moved to NY 6 months ago and still can't find a job. I have applied everywhere, even to McDonald's, but I keep getting rejected due to a lack of work experience in the U.S. In my home country, I worked as a medical doctor, but here they don’t even want to hire me as a waiter or a cashier in a store. What am I doing wrong or is work experience in the U.S. really that important to employers?

UPD: Thank you for your help, support, and great advice! Today, I had an interview for a medical assistant position that I applied for a month ago. They called me, and I passed the interview. They weren’t too concerned about my experience as a doctor, but rather that I speak four languages—that played a key role.

Hello, I'm desperate for work and am having a hard time finding anything. I'm in danger of becoming homeless. Does anyone know of any immediate hire jobs or have any leads. I live in Brooklyn, but am willing to travel. I'm praying for something. Thank you.

Update: Thank you very much to everyone for their help and information. It really means a lot to me, and I truly appreciate it and will use your advice and suggestions. Wish me luck.