you need to read the newspaper. it will give you options, (read, recycle, find a job) look through the listings until you find what you want. i have heard the military career path is a lower paying one so, choose wisely...

The millatory Path pays the most at the beginning of the game, A good place to start off, with fast cash. Later on in the game you can still change jobs when you feel like it. (warning: If you want to come back to the job before. You will start off as rank 1 again.) Upside to changing jobs though. is you get the promotions advancement quick, with cash.

a good way to get money from mom is to press start and sell the bed, the fishtank, the tv,... and any thing els untill you get the money you need from mom.