How much do those guys on the street corners make?

I feel for those trapped, by various means in homelessness. Being from what we used to call the home of the homeless, I've moderately savvy to scams.
the scammers are just one facet of people labeled homeless. But being homeless and vulnerable isn't a kind of fantasy for me, I can see it happening.. People have various vulnerabilities and many of the righteous who were previously condescending are now faced with foreclosure, et al. Not all of them will have back up. So, the cocksure us becomes them.

Rap, tell us more if you want to.

Last sunday in an hour I made about $5, but I think the Reds hat discouraged those going tothe Colorado Rockies game.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to get back down there because of a bicycle crash on Monday---broke my nose (again) stitches in my forehead and some road rash on the face and nose.

I think it also scared the interviewers, especially the guy who though I was 'overqualified." Scared some small children in Krogers too when I went to get Polysporing, milk,ice cream and eggs too.

The other job interviewers ; however were impressed by a guy who could get back on the horse as fast as I have at my age (I'm 60). Necks still score and the scab on the nose attracts stares from strangers.

Mondays interview looks exciting to me because it is looking for someone who is mentally quick and has various skills, who isn't scared of doing anything to get the job dome and can work with their hands as well as their mind.

As for juggling I think in a day or too I'll work my face into a Juggling is dangerous sthick "The result of a Traumatic Juggling Accident" sounds better than hitting a pothole at 23 mph and going asshole over teacups on a bicycle.

Rsp

But we know Rap, he's one of the longtime smart a2k posters (and what does that matter, it shouldn't, but I've always listened to him when I've seen he has posted).

I don't know his story, and don't want to embarrass him. I can't guess any of us will have bright ideas, but y'never know.

Well, that post was a little late, but I meant for you to talk if you wanted.

Hey Rap - how'd it go?

Hope the face is feeling better. Wishing you well.

I used to drive past a lady in the Bronx on my way home.

Sometimes I gave her a $20.





David

Going back tomorrow (Wednesday) to meet the other partner in the company--it's a really small technical construction company, actually companies, that caters to biotechnologies manufacturing small scale batch operations and cleanrooms. It seems I'll be a subcontractor (working under a 10-99) that at times will be used as a engineer, sometimes as a project manager, and sometimes as start labor. Definitely a open shop--I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.

The interview was unlike anything I had before--it was more of a minor technical HVAC problem, Working up a heat balabce now.

The guy was impressed by my "Jack of many trades, master of some" cover letter

Rap

very cool, rap.

good luck.

(keep your nose out of trouble...)

wishing you the best. poivibes from the uk mate - stay strong, confident, you will be an asset. go for it. take care . fingers and toots crossed . x

Driving to the store the other day, there was a dude walking up and down the verge with a sign.

After walking up and down the line of waiting cars, he pauses near his bag, pulls out his smartphone, and checks his E-mail.

hi
Could you actually see it was a smart phone?

I have a prepaid phone, but it looks like any other cell.

not saying it wasn't, just asking.

He could have been getting a text, email or call about work.
That's all of the calls, except from my husband, that I get.

It was right outside my window. He had it sitting on the post for the guardrail.

Pretty sure it was a smartphone.

Now, I'm not saying they're all scammers. I'm just saying I don't have a reliable way to know.

I think it all depends on several factors.
Your appearance, your location, and your manners.
I've done this a few times and those are key factors.
Appearance: Try not to look to trashy or you will scare people away.
Don't dress in Calvin Kleins either or people will think
yer faking it.

Location: Find a high traffic area with lots of shoppers.
High end shopping malls, grocery stores, etc.
Position yerself on a corner at a stop sign or a red light
on the property.
Make a short and quickly readable sign asking for help.
Islands are not a good spot. They are dangerous and
cops will run you off for being a distraction.

Be prepared for management to run you off at any time.

Manners: This is very important. Don't walk up to cars and hustle people.
This will only drive them away. Let yer sign and bucket do the
talking. Yer just a visitor.

Stories about people making $200 and $300 a day are a lot of hype.
I've never seen or heard of anyone making that.
Don't expect the moon!
If yer lucky (and the cops don't run you off) you might make
$60 to $80 for the day.
Remember, we're in a depression
and most people don't have a lot of money to throw around.

I saw a couple yesterday. People were giving them money. When I returned from the opposite direction, I was able to read their cardboard sign. "Will eat for food". What the hell is that supposed to mean.

I've seen some creative and funny signs.
This balding guy I saw had a sign that read "need a hair weave - please help".
That same guy also has a sign that says "need to feed my ex-wife".
I saw another guy with a sign that read "need money for lotto tickets".
If you can soften people up by making them laugh (and laugh at yerself)
you probably have a better chance of catching a few bucks than you
would if you run a sob story of some kind.

I mean honestly,,do you really think those high dollar stories are true??
If these folks were getting $300 for standing on a corner all day then
everybody would be doing it.
A fiver?...a ten spot?...a 20?...really?...in this trashed economy we have now?
I don't think the average Joe can throw that around for a total stranger.

Oddly enough rich folks are the least likely to give even a thin dime.
I watched a panner as I was having lunch one day.
He stationed himself outside a busy mini-mart/taco stand/gas station.
Maybe one guy in 50 tossed a coupla bucks his way.
And this was a high traffic spot too.

So in an hour he mighta got six or eight bucks tops.
In 8 hours of panning that's $50 or $60...if he was lucky.
Not bad if he's on the street or couch surfing with a friend.
But to make rent, groceries, and keep a family happy??
Nowhere near enough.
$300 a day??...I think not.

Then he violated the three basic rules of business. Location, location, and location.

In exchange for FOOD,
thay will eat.

Aha! Just as I suspected.

But, how is that supposed to be a motivator to me?

Well, if u DON T give them food,
then thay will not eat and presumably, lose wate. That 's healthy.
It appeals to your humanitarianism.