The Depression had begun in October 1929 but lasted for around ten years so in 1934 jobs were still hard to find. McAfee was only 19 years old so did not worry too much when he did not quickly find a teaching job. he took on a number of temporary jobs such as farm labouring, working as a carpenter's assistant, temporary teaching posts, and working as a door-to-door salesman.
McAfee ay lamang ng 19 years old kaya hindi masyadong marami ang mag-alala kapag siya ay hindi madaling makahanap ng trabaho sa pagtuturo. siya kinuha sa isang bilang ng mga pansamantalang trabaho tulad ng mga sakahan nakakapagod, nagtatrabaho bilang isang karpintero's assistant, pansamantalang pagtuturo posts, at nagtatrabaho bilang isang door-to-door tindero.