What are some good ideas for jobs with benefits?

In the first place, I have only "some" college, meaning I didn't graduate. I'm not planning on going back any time soon, because I can't afford it, and right now I really don't WANT to (I loathed college even more than high school).

Right now I have a crummy job that I like well enough, but just isn't meeting my needs. I make less than $8/hour, have no benefits and a really crappy schedule. I have plenty of work experience, such as cashiering, assistant managing at a retail store, working for a newspaper, and office/secretarial work.

I'm 24 and still live at home, and I REALLY want to change that. The only real reason I still do is because of money, and health insurance. (I can stay on my father's policy as long as they provide half my living expenses.) Because of a heart condition I've had since birth, I CANNOT go without medical - my daily meds would cost $150/month, and my twice-annual cardio check-ups would cost $400/visit - no way I can afford that!

So I'm trying to find some suitable jobs that offer good pay (better than my lousy $7.50/hour) and benefits. I've enlisted nearly everyone I know to help me brainstorm, but I still need ideas. Banks? The Postal service? (Already checked there - no openings, but they have me on file.) Even Lowe's & Home Depot - just SOMETHING.

Can anyone help me come up with some other places or types of places to look?

Oh, and the Military is out for obvious reasons - I'd never pass a physical with my heart. Besides, it's DEFINITELY not for me.

I understand that you don't want to go back to school right now, but let me just put this out there in case you change your mind.

Most colleges will happily hire a person with "some college" to do office work. Amongst the benefits most colleges and universities offer their employees is free or reduced cost tuition. That means you could work full time and go to school at night, one class at a time. That is how I got through my degree, and doing one or two classes a semester seems slow at first, but I think I got a lot more out of my classes, I certainly enjoyed them more, and a college degree provides you with a much higher income than not having that degree.

One of the other fantastic things about working for a college or university is that they tend to have fantastic health care, usually at a reduced cost. That would be good for you because a better health plan will mean that insurance covers a higher percentage of your costs.

Also, the vacation is pretty terrific.

The pay isn't fantastic when you work at a College or University, but it is better than what you are getting.

Check out the local College and see if they are hiring, what they pay, what health insurance they provide and if they offer tuition remission!

Look for jobs at an eduacational institute (e.g. colleges, high school)

join the air force. =D

She can't join the military...heart condition would disqualify her

I'm really sorry to say this, but going back to college is pretty much your only way out of 7.50$ jobs.... Even with college getting decent wage jobs is hard, let alone one with benefits. And given your heart condition you're better off with a desk job.
It's a rough job market right now, its college, minimum wage, or military and military isn't really an option for you.

sorry