january filers!

[Liam and Sam 2]

I've noticed many of you guys talking about traveling a lot for work, working from home, having very flexible jobs, being able to take your job to any state/country, etc - my dream job essentially. I was just curious what you do and what company?? I don't mean to pry - I'm an international business major and I've landed in Houston and temporarily working in HealthCare. I lived overseas throughout all of high school so I definitely have the international background too.

Throughout the past couple of years I've posted my resume on all the job sites and even looked at USAjobs.gov but haven't found anything quite right. I'd love to do something relating to international business or international relations but can't seem to get my foot in the door. I previously worked for a non-profit (a whole whopping 2 employees - me and the director) that was in the international field but it happened to be in Utah and I really needed a change of scenery/pace after a couple of years.

Any insight or input is extremely appreciated! You all have been the best regarding the k1 visa portion of my life and so I figured you may be able to provide expertise on the occupational side as well since you all seem to be doing very interesting things. Today is my birthday and it's always then I feel like I haven't accomplished what I want career wise.

Thanks in advance!!

Edited May 6, 2008 by Liam and Sam

[Amanda+Stephen 0]

Well firstly, Happy Birthday!!!!!

I know that feeling, the once a year, haven't accomplished what I want, I think we all do that, meaning reflect back on what are goals were/are and figure out what we hit and what we missed!!!

As for the job ... I've been in advertising research for almost 13 years now. I spent a few years as an analyst, and then moved into research operations, where I've now been stuck for 10+ years. I kind of just fell into it. I do currently telecommute -- I spent a little over one year in the corporate offices back in 1999 and I didn't like the location, and I was searching for a new job, and my boss was onto me, so he worked with department heads to allow me to work from home. I left that company a few years later to work for another advertising research company, and worked in management with them (while telecommuting). Then the fatal turn, 5 years later, the company I first worked for, acquired the company I left them for!!! Anyhow, long and short of it, I do statistical & data programming for clients, to help them determine target markets. And I'm very fortunate that my company believes in telecommuting, and that it doesn't matter where you do it from, as long as you get your work done!

I don't hate it, but don't love, love, love it anymore. I know it like the back of my hand, and it still has exciting moments, but I don't see myself in it for the next 30 years!!!! I'm contemplating a career change, however, that has been put on hold while we go through the immigration process.

Do you have your resume posted online? A lot of recruiters surf monster.com and other career sites looking at resumes. I've always left mine up there and still get hits from time to time. Or have you thought about working with a recruiting agency? I'm sure the job market is tight right now, because of the economic situation, but I would think a government job would be a good match, not that those are always easy to come by. Have you thought about starting in state level government, or even local to get your feet in?

[Liam and Sam 2]

Well firstly, Happy Birthday!!!!!

I know that feeling, the once a year, haven't accomplished what I want, I think we all do that, meaning reflect back on what are goals were/are and figure out what we hit and what we missed!!!

As for the job ... I've been in advertising research for almost 13 years now. I spent a few years as an analyst, and then moved into research operations, where I've now been stuck for 10+ years. I kind of just fell into it. I do currently telecommute -- I spent a little over one year in the corporate offices back in 1999 and I didn't like the location, and I was searching for a new job, and my boss was onto me, so he worked with department heads to allow me to work from home. I left that company a few years later to work for another advertising research company, and worked in management with them (while telecommuting). Then the fatal turn, 5 years later, the company I first worked for, acquired the company I left them for!!! Anyhow, long and short of it, I do statistical & data programming for clients, to help them determine target markets. And I'm very fortunate that my company believes in telecommuting, and that it doesn't matter where you do it from, as long as you get your work done!

I don't hate it, but don't love, love, love it anymore. I know it like the back of my hand, and it still has exciting moments, but I don't see myself in it for the next 30 years!!!! I'm contemplating a career change, however, that has been put on hold while we go through the immigration process.

Do you have your resume posted online? A lot of recruiters surf monster.com and other career sites looking at resumes. I've always left mine up there and still get hits from time to time. Or have you thought about working with a recruiting agency? I'm sure the job market is tight right now, because of the economic situation, but I would think a government job would be a good match, not that those are always easy to come by. Have you thought about starting in state level government, or even local to get your feet in?

Thank you for the info/tips! The hardest part of posting my resume on monster is figuring out what to name it. Haha. The economic situation also gives me anxiety - I have a habit of becoming restless very quick it seems. Or maybe it's due to the Houston weather right now...

[Amanda+Stephen 0]

Thank you for the info/tips! The hardest part of posting my resume on monster is figuring out what to name it. Haha. The economic situation also gives me anxiety - I have a habit of becoming restless very quick it seems. Or maybe it's due to the Houston weather right now...

Oh, I feel the same way bout the "title" of the online posting. One time, years ago, I changed the heading to say "Look At Me, Look At Me" Got all kinds of crazy hits that didn't apply to me at all!!! You are not alone in the restlessness, I hate when the economy is like this. I'm even heartfelt about Stephen coming here, knowing the job market is tight right now. He keeps telling me he doesn't care what job he gets at first, but that it will be easier to get another one having one to start with!

Houston weather??? I miss Houston weather ... I must be crazy!!!! After living there 6 years, I just got used to the heat & humidity!!!

[SusieLuvsPaul 0]

I'm going back to college in the fall, I went before for medical assisting got nationally certified and could never find a job for it :S It got so popular and then there were no jobs available for it so 'm changing my major to nursing. I will be cutting my hours in sept for my pharmacy job and I was wondering if that would affect the AOS? We would be filing in July. I would be a full time college student and working about 30 hrs a week, maybe less. Any insight would be greatly appreciated !

[dbears 1]

Today is my birthday and it's always then I feel like I haven't accomplished what I want career wise.

Thanks in advance!!

I know I am late but as the cliche goes, better late than never.

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

[dbears 1]

I am also interested in what others could share about jobs in the US.

I have worked in field sales most of my life and then went into retail business in the past few years. I still want to go into small business when I get to the US but as of now I still don't have any idea what business to start there yet... and of course start up capital will also be a factor coz our savings has been eaten by this immigration process already (the cost is times 3 for us).

As of now, I just want to find a job that will be able to let me work from home. Even simple data encoding will do as a start.

[Liam and Sam 2]

Today is my birthday and it's always then I feel like I haven't accomplished what I want career wise.

Thanks in advance!!

I know I am late but as the cliche goes, better late than never.

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Awww you are so sweet. Thank you!!

When you get to the states definitely post a resume on Monster.com. Also, I worked for a staffing agency a couple of years ago as a data entry specialist - if I had proper connections at home then I could have done it from home too. So see what temp agencies have to say to start off with.

I went on to USAjobs.gov yesterday and found a bunch of positions that seemed to be right up my alley. Only problem is they are in different states and not many are as willing to offer relocation help - we too are now dirt poor because of immigration and this last trip (I couldn't have waited any longer to see him again it was too too hard - I admire you all for how much patience you have).

[Alex & Rachel 78]

Oh, I feel the same way bout the "title" of the online posting. One time, years ago, I changed the heading to say "Look At Me, Look At Me" Got all kinds of crazy hits that didn't apply to me at all!!! You are not alone in the restlessness, I hate when the economy is like this. I'm even heartfelt about Stephen coming here, knowing the job market is tight right now. He keeps telling me he doesn't care what job he gets at first, but that it will be easier to get another one having one to start with!

Houston weather??? I miss Houston weather ... I must be crazy!!!! After living there 6 years, I just got used to the heat & humidity!!!

I love this idea!

I know that in the UK temp staffing agencies can be very useful; although timing is also key. I try not to think about how I'll have to job hunt in the US because I'm really dreading it. I'm hoping to not only find a job, but to find a job that'll support both Alex and myself in California. Ouch!

[Amanda+Stephen 0]

I was just frustrated at the job system here when I did that with my resume!!! But it got me lots of hits!!!

I can only imagine the stresses in moving to a new country, and looking for a job, etc. I worry about my job being enough salarywise until Stephen can find a job. Especially with the other immigration expenses and upcoming wedding expenses too! But I've got faith in myself, and him, that we will find our way through (or live like hobbits!!!)

And yes, US staffing agencies were very helpful to me when I packed up my life, without a job, and moved to Houston the first time. There are a lot of different resources to help you find jobs, it's just knowing about them, or taking the time to find them!!!

[greeneyedgirlfl 0]

Darren is getting so nervous about finding a job here in FL...available jobs are mostly outside jobs or service jobs, neither pay much (which worries him).

[Sal and Jay 2]

Darren is getting so nervous about finding a job here in FL...available jobs are mostly outside jobs or service jobs, neither pay much (which worries him).

I can understand that, i have the same worries its gonna be a huge culture shock for us both.

[Liam and Sam 2]

I have started to read up on AOS and also of what to do when Liam first arrives in the US. A driver's license won't be issued unless the I-94 won't expire for 6 months. What determines the I-94 expiration date?? The date of entry?? Figured we'd all be in the same boat soon and so it might be beneficial to post it here. Thanks!

[Amanda+Stephen 0]

Different states have different rules regarding drivers license. NC will issue one, but it will expire when the K-1/I-94 expires ....

I tell ya, the process afterwards doesn't seem to get much better! Other than you can deal with it together

[Damian&Kelly 16]

Different states have different rules regarding drivers license. NC will issue one, but it will expire when the K-1/I-94 expires ....

I tell ya, the process afterwards doesn't seem to get much better! Other than you can deal with it together

I totally agree!!

I just found out yesterday that Damian isn't suppose to be driving with his international drivers license.. because PA is so strict! and he's been driving every visit haha. the only reason we thought he could drive was because the insurance company said he could. but I think hes going to continue to drive anyways and he says he will plead ignorance if he does get pulled over. I am soo worried that he won't be able to get a drivers license right away. He already bought a car here a few months ago. i should do more research about drivers licenses....