Those companies that keep adding H-1B workers are not going to stay in the top 50 for long.
But Man that could drive anybody bonkers putting your fate in the hands of borks and HR.
We all know how borks create fake job ads for the purpose of getting leads from Resumes and HR isn't that much better their job is primarily to screen people out, to act as a safety release for the pressure of people always coming in looking for jobs, kind of like those fake buttons on traffic poles that try to make you think that pressing them will actually turn the walk light on for you instantly. And they also create fake job ads just to create activity to justify their own job.
Its a lot better to take control of the situation and make things happen.
For instance you can get a daily list of new business licenses here.
http://chicago.everyblock.com/business-licenses/Just make it a point to go to all the ones near you and just welcome them, congratulate them for their new business and ask them how are they set up with their computers. Remember don't get technical just plain simple English. Just make them aware that you can set up their computer system which will simplify things for them because the computer can do accounting, book keeping, keep track of inventory and whatever else is appropriate for the location. Also you can set up a web site for them that will be like a 24 hour a day switchboard to let people know where they are located I would also mention that from time to time you do an Internet radio show and that for very little cost you can create a video of them and their business to put on the internet that will be free advertising.
You can get a lot of free programs from sourceforge.net that you can put into your inventory of listings and if you check freshmeat.net every day you will continually find new useful ones from time to time.
I would also let them know that you provide a service that you will go with them to computer stores and advise them on where to get the best deals for the best equipment that they need. Many times all they need to know that CAT6 Cable is better than CAT5 and CAT6A is even better.
In just an hour or two you can make more money than you could if you did something like day labor all day long.
The important thing is to "plant a seed" leave something with your contact information like a card.
If you visit enough businesses and keep at it more and more opportunities will start coming your way.
Another place to make things happen is to hang out whenever you can at Chicago Jelly.
Chicago Jelly now meets every Monday and Wednesday!
Anyone is welcome to come, bring a laptop, and work alongside other creative, fun people.
http://wiki.workatjelly.com/ChicagoOne of the things these get togethers need is greeters.
Just people who sit at the first table and welcome people and can introduce everybody to everybody else. You can also let them know that you are working on a list of the best and worst companies to work for and ask them if they have any opinions about that. You will end up getting all kinds of inside information.
You can also volunteer to take care of the equipment, make sure the wireless signal is strong everywhere.
I would also have a lot of programs on my laptop like netstumbler especially the type that show things graphically like signal strength. You will find that many nontechnical people would be glad to pay you 5 or 10 bucks to set up programs on their computer and for a few minutes of work this is worth your time.
I think gathering places like this should be in every neighborhood which might be another source of income setting up wireless systems, maintaining the equipment and bringing people in for these kind of get togethers.
The best advice I ever heard was:
"If you can't find a job Make one"
