Any problems obtaining Employment?

[Cassie 8]

Cassie, if I remember correctly, you worked in the Heritage field in Canada, right? I did too - and it is specialized field with not a great number of openings to begin with in either country, and unless you're the director of the Smithsonian, you are not likely to get rich at it either (VBG). I am again working part time (very part time) in the heritage field - but the part time is by choice - I don't want to deal with the 1 to 2 hour Atlanta commute twice a day which is where any good heritage sector jobs are located. Before I was married I could relocate to be close to where there were jobs in my field. Now, I have to try and find jobs that are close to where we live. That is the biggest challenge in finding good paying appropriate employment. Fortunately, my husband is the main breadwinner in our family; he does the daily commutes to Atlanta.

Indeed, you and I are an awful lot alike. I worked in all sorts of situations, from a small community museum to a National Historic Site. I never did make a ton of money, but I loved it and was good at it (if I can pat myself on the back for a second ) Tulsa has a few museums, but it's been a struggle trying to break in. The bulk of heritage jobs are a nice long commute away (from 1 to 2 hours drive one way). It's been hard letting that go, but I am now starting to look at finding a way to meld my two passions (history and crafty things/photography) into something that I can do at home and be satisfied.

[anxiouslywaiting 0]

I will be living in Connecticut. I guess my concern is that I know I won't be able to work right away as I have to wait for my SSN and what not so I was wondering if I should still start applying before I get the authorization to work? (sorry I don't know all the names and what not for that stuff).

YEAHHHHH Another Nutmegger!!!! You do realize that CT is where Insurance started in the US right? the heads of many Insurance co's are in Hartford So if you are moving close to Hartford then you are all set!!!

If you are moving near New Haven.. the word on the street is to get on with temp agencies that place people into Yale - it's employees get AMAZING benefits (try 1 month off vacation a YEAR), etc.. so it's the most desired place to work and they have all KINDS of different jobs to do over there..

I had no problems finding work in CT.. seems like a dedicated, hardworking and intelligent worker is difficult to find in these parts (who knew).. the hardest thing in CT is to actually find a job that pays well... that's the trick.. it's an expensive state so you need to make 15$-20$ an hour to even think about it being worth it!!

http://www.ctjobs.com/

http://www.kaiserwhitney.com/

thank you so much, finally another person in CT!!! I know that Hartford is the Insurance Capital of North America but for me to drive into Hartford from where I will be is aroundan hour or more! We are in Redding, CT! I don't know how far away we are from New Haven (not too familiar with CT). But I definitely like the idea of 1 month vacation!!!

I know that CT is expensive, gosh just by looking at the prices of houses I almost had a heart attack! How do people afford to live there! That is good to know about the hourly wage, thank you!

Thanks for the websites, I will keep them handy when I start to look for work. Still waiting on my interview! Just a quick question is the second website you gave me a temp agency??? Thanks again.

Yep the second is a temp agency that fills positions at Yale.. but yep.. New Haven will be further for you than Hartford.. and from where you'll be geographically the traffic to Hartford would be attrocious!! Danbury will be your closest "big" city.. haven't tried a job search there, but CT jobs might be a place to start! People here find it pretty hard to make ends meet here.. We struggle, but make ends meet by getting stuff for free or almost free with CVS (drugstore) and shopping at Aldi's (super discount food place), and just watching the gas we use (it's 4.14 a gallon here tonite) UGH>. anyway, I'll help ya out as much as I can with the "do's and don'ts"!! I'm just thrilled there's another CDN out there in CT!! YEAH!!!

Yeah I talked to my fiance tonight and he said that New Haven is a bit of a hike and so is Hartford where we are right now. I don't anticipate we will stay in Redding forever, since my fiance has to be within so many miles from work that will limit me as to where I can work but if I do end up working in Hartford our plan would be to move somewhere that is between Hartford and Newtown. I have heard that CT is very expensive and it does worry me especially since I am moving there without a job. I would absolutely love to know the dos and donts especially when it comes to saving money! I am totally thrilled that there is another CDN down in CT!

[cmartyn 0]

I live on the redding line in Danbury. I commute into Norwalk. Jobs are here but competition is fierce.

[Mephys 2]

It also depends on which area you specialize in. Some professions (i.e. ALL medical/health care, engineers, social workers, teachers...) need to be certified in their state; which means a loooooooooong process of credential validation and in some cases, back to school times.

With other areas it is not as b1tchy. Also, check out how much in demand your area is in Connecticut.

Yeah just to add to this. I am a Vet technician and in Illinois, applied for jobs in the laboratory field ( got 5+ years of experience) and never got anything because it requires a license, which I can't get because of all the Canadian colleges, only the ones in Quebec aren't accredited with the Canadian Veterinary Medicine association (because of the government), which made me unable to take my license in Illinois because Illinois's laws are very strict about accredited programs... So my degree and experience didn't really matter here

So yes, it will depend what profession /state you are in. Some states you can find jobs very easily while in others it's gonna get complicated even for the slightless detail.

[Carlawarla 1]

Just to clear up this EI thing....

You must apply within a month of quitting your job whether you're still in Canada or in the US. Don't wait for your ROE, you just send it in when you get it. You can apply on-line.

Other than the 2 week waiting period, you'll get monies from then until your I-94 expires. Then the benefits are suspended until you get your EAD. Then they resume. You can't report on-line...they'll send you cards.

The Belleville office processes out of country claims and they're helpful if you run into questions that you can't find answers for.

I'm just clarifying the "until I move to the US.." which might be longer than 30 days since you've been unemployed. You'll run the risk of not being eligible if you wait too long.

[anxiouslywaiting 0]

Just to clear up this EI thing....

You must apply within a month of quitting your job whether you're still in Canada or in the US. Don't wait for your ROE, you just send it in when you get it. You can apply on-line.

Other than the 2 week waiting period, you'll get monies from then until your I-94 expires. Then the benefits are suspended until you get your EAD. Then they resume. You can't report on-line...they'll send you cards.

The Belleville office processes out of country claims and they're helpful if you run into questions that you can't find answers for.

I'm just clarifying the "until I move to the US.." which might be longer than 30 days since you've been unemployed. You'll run the risk of not being eligible if you wait too long.

Thank you for the clarification. My plan was to work up to a couple of days before I was to leave and then apply as soon as I get down to our place in CT so probably apply within a week or two of quitting.

I live on the redding line in Danbury. I commute into Norwalk. Jobs are here but competition is fierce.

Yeah another Canadian in CT! How far is the commute into Norwalk?

[Caladan 19]

No advice, but the insurance industry is HUGE in Connecticut, so your current employer might be able to help you out w.r.t. connections.

[Caladan 19]

Oh, and I'm in New Haven. It's an expensive state, but if we made it on a grad student's income for the first six months, you can, too. Let me know if you have any questions about the New Haven area.

[anxiouslywaiting 0]

No advice, but the insurance industry is HUGE in Connecticut, so your current employer might be able to help you out w.r.t. connections.

Unfortunately I work for a purely Canadian company who only have offices in Canada! I am hoping I won't have any problems finding employment, it is just the anxiety I guess of having to leave an amazing company/job and the thought of not being able to work for at least 3 months scares me to! What am I going to do with my time!

[trailmix 77]

No advice, but the insurance industry is HUGE in Connecticut, so your current employer might be able to help you out w.r.t. connections.

Unfortunately I work for a purely Canadian company who only have offices in Canada! I am hoping I won't have any problems finding employment, it is just the anxiety I guess of having to leave an amazing company/job and the thought of not being able to work for at least 3 months scares me to! What am I going to do with my time!

Post on VJ, go and look at all the stores that are new to you in the area, eat fast food you haven't tried before, post on VJ some more.

Oh and - if you like people - you can always volunteer.

Edited May 23, 2008 by trailmix

[anxiouslywaiting 0]

No advice, but the insurance industry is HUGE in Connecticut, so your current employer might be able to help you out w.r.t. connections.

Unfortunately I work for a purely Canadian company who only have offices in Canada! I am hoping I won't have any problems finding employment, it is just the anxiety I guess of having to leave an amazing company/job and the thought of not being able to work for at least 3 months scares me to! What am I going to do with my time!

Post on VJ, go and look at all the stores that are new to you in the area, eat fast food you haven't tried before, post on VJ some more.

Oh and - if you like people - you can always volunteer.

I am definitely going to volunteer and most definitely post on VJ .. it has become my new obsession!

[Emancipation 2]

Oh, and I'm in New Haven. It's an expensive state, but if we made it on a grad student's income for the first six months, you can, too. Let me know if you have any questions about the New Haven area.

We are going to be neighbors Caladan.. hubby & I are moving to East Rock next week!! We are THRILLED and scored a beautiful new place which fit our budget amazingly enough!!

[Emancipation 2]

Yeah I talked to my fiance tonight and he said that New Haven is a bit of a hike and so is Hartford where we are right now. I don't anticipate we will stay in Redding forever, since my fiance has to be within so many miles from work that will limit me as to where I can work but if I do end up working in Hartford our plan would be to move somewhere that is between Hartford and Newtown. I have heard that CT is very expensive and it does worry me especially since I am moving there without a job. I would absolutely love to know the dos and donts especially when it comes to saving money! I am totally thrilled that there is another CDN down in CT!

If you purchase 50$ at Stop & Shop they give you a 10 cent off/gallon coupon off the gas at their gas pumps.. their gas is often the cheapest around (get their stop & Shop loyalty card (free) for additional discounts and double couponing.... I've heard BJ's and Costco is cheap as well..

, but we can't handle large quantities of food.. but they do send out free BJ trial membership coupons (3 months or so) quite regularly!!

I shop at Christmas Tree shops for things like curtains, and house goods.. they have UNBELIEVABLE prices.. Oh and Ikea is in New Haven.. be sure to go there and check out the scratch & dent room!!

Freecycle in the area is AMAZING.. i'm constantly amazed at what you find around these parts!! http://www.freecycle.org/

Shop at Aldi's if you have one close by (there is one here in Waterbury), if not Stop & Shop is good with the bargains when they have a sale (today for example chicken was 1.99 a lb...

Get a CVS card and use it!! Check out the fliers every week and there are often Free when you use Extra Bucks and coupons from the Sunday papers, so we never pay at all for toiletries etc. at all... Walgreens often has things near free or with the rebate program you can get things pretty cheap..

Let's see the "Goodwill" stores here in CT are often great places to find good used things.. and I know ours has a "color" tag that changes every week that is 50% off.. that's a good deal.

Watch for coupons for JC Penny's and Macy's they are plentiful and often get you a pretty good price!!

Let's see... if you join up for TGIF's "card" (it's like a reward program), which is free they give you 8$ off coupons All THE TIME - so hubby & I have enjoyed quite a few cheaper meals that way..

Hmmm... I know there are often great "free" events and things to do that are advertised on the http://www.ctvisit.com/ website.. plus there are TONNES of parks that you can hike in for free.. Haven't managed to figure out how to go to the beach for free yet at the State parks, but I suppose there is a pass you can buy (but you still have to pay for parking grrr).

Anyway, I'll post more things as I think of it!!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Yeah I talked to my fiance tonight and he said that New Haven is a bit of a hike and so is Hartford where we are right now. I don't anticipate we will stay in Redding forever, since my fiance has to be within so many miles from work that will limit me as to where I can work but if I do end up working in Hartford our plan would be to move somewhere that is between Hartford and Newtown. I have heard that CT is very expensive and it does worry me especially since I am moving there without a job. I would absolutely love to know the dos and donts especially when it comes to saving money! I am totally thrilled that there is another CDN down in CT!

If you purchase 50$ at Stop & Shop they give you a 10 cent off/gallon coupon off the gas at their gas pumps.. their gas is often the cheapest around (get their stop & Shop loyalty card (free) for additional discounts and double couponing.... I've heard BJ's and Costco is cheap as well..

, but we can't handle large quantities of food.. but they do send out free BJ trial membership coupons (3 months or so) quite regularly!!

I shop at Christmas Tree shops for things like curtains, and house goods.. they have UNBELIEVABLE prices.. Oh and Ikea is in New Haven.. be sure to go there and check out the scratch & dent room!!

Freecycle in the area is AMAZING.. i'm constantly amazed at what you find around these parts!! <a href="http://http:/

/www.freecycle.org/" target="_blank">http://www.freecycle.org/</a>

Shop at Aldi's if you have one close by (there is one here in Waterbury), if not Stop & Shop is good with the bargains when they have a sale (today for example chicken was 1.99 a lb...

Get a CVS card and use it!! Check out the fliers every week and there are often Free when you use Extra Bucks and coupons from the Sunday papers, so we never pay at all for toiletries etc. at all... Walgreens often has things near free or with the rebate program you can get things pretty cheap..

Let's see the "Goodwill" stores here in CT are often great places to find good used things.. and I know ours has a "color" tag that changes every week that is 50% off.. that's a good deal.

Watch for coupons for JC Penny's and Macy's they are plentiful and often get you a pretty good price!!

Let's see... if you join up for TGIF's "card" (it's like a reward program), which is free they give you 8$ off coupons All THE TIME - so hubby & I have enjoyed quite a few cheaper meals that way..

Hmmm... I know there are often great "free" events and things to do that are advertised on the http://www.ctvisit.com/ website.. plus there are TONNES of parks that you can hike in for free.. Haven't managed to figure out how to go to the beach for free yet at the State parks, but I suppose there is a pass you can buy (but you still have to pay for parking grrr).

Anyway, I'll post more things as I think of it!!

Hehehe, this is me in Georgia! Ok - get a Kroeger's discount card - you get to take advantage of in store specials which can be substantial. Some places also offer gas points and you get discounted gas (ours doesn't have a gas station so I have points but no place to redeem them). They will also send you coupons in the mail for $$ off of total orders.

If you have pets get at PetSMart Pet Perks card - you can save substantial bucks with these and every now and then they will als send you coupons in the mail. PetCo also has a discount card but I find PetSmart gives you a better price and then a better discount overaall.

Costco is often a good buy as well - cheap gas, plus there are discounts on all sorts of home, garden, electronics, clothing, etc. as well as food. Heheh, often on Saturdays we will go over to costco and just browse the 'free samples'- it is like getting free lunch!

We have 2 GoodWills in the area, plus a number of other thrift stores, all of which I shop regularly - plus we enjoy doing the garage sale/yard sale routes on Saturdays. Even if we don't find anything we have fun and there are usually lots in the relatively close neighbourhood so we don't spend a lot on gas.

We regularly shop at Big Lots as well - never know when they have just purchased the stock of a business going out of business and you get all sorts of things from food to health and beauty to home care, etc. for really reasonable prices. We also have a Fred's here where you can get a lot of home care stuff for really cheap prices - cleaners, storage containers, basic health and personal care stuff, etc.

We purchase a Georgia State Park pass every year - it is around $30 and is good for the whole state. Parking without the pass is $3 a day which is really cheap but we more than make up for its purchase price throughout the year with visits to local state parks. In fact, on Memorial Day we are going to High Falls State Park about 45 minutes south of us, bringing a picnic lunch, some lounge chairs and books, and just sitting by the River having a lazy day. We did this a few years ago and had a wonderful time!

(I know you were mainly talking about the Hartford area, but some things are universal in the US!)

Edited May 24, 2008 by Kathryn41

[Caladan 19]

Oh, and I'm in New Haven. It's an expensive state, but if we made it on a grad student's income for the first six months, you can, too. Let me know if you have any questions about the New Haven area.

We are going to be neighbors Caladan.. hubby & I are moving to East Rock next week!! We are THRILLED and scored a beautiful new place which fit our budget amazingly enough!!

Oh, awesome! It's such a beautiful neighborhood, especially this time of year.